What’s it worth, 1978 Chevy Stepside 4x4

[grandall1972]

I’ve been passing by this truck for 10 years, and unfortunately it hasn’t moved for at least the last 7-8 years. Last year I talked to the owner and asked if he was interested in selling it. He said he’s owned it for 25 years and had gone through everything to give it to his son. Son didn’t want it so he left it parked and eventually filled it with crap. Also, said he wasn’t interested in selling it, but took my number. Well another year passed and to my surprise he called today saying he was interested in selling it. Price is high, but they are going up $6000.

1978 k10 stepside 4x4
Bed is clean with no rust through, but guessing under the pile of junk the wood is shot.
Body is mostly good with some rust around top of trucks use of door frame and underneath the rocker. Floors look solid.
Overall I would say it’s a nice stepside. If I knew it could run and drive I would be close on $6k. Tires are still brand new but dry rotted.

What value would you put on it?
Planning to look at it more, but really don’t want to turn the engine over much with out prep. Would you try to spin the engine over?

 

[buddy.jenkins]

IMO if it has oil try it. I would and do. If I buy an old truck that's been setting first thing I do it check fluid and try to fire it up

 

[Kman]

Well, If you don’t mind dumping 6-12k in it after buying it for 6k, then it’s priced right.

 

[Tony2X]

Is that a 350 or a 305?

 

[Klif]

Got to buy new tires, that's close to $1,000. I'd offer 5K if it cranks and runs and the brakes aren't locked up and the transmission shifts. May be a lot more rust under the paint so be prepared for that. If it won't crank and you have to drag it home then it's worth about 4K.

Good luck

 

[Cadcom]

I’d go $2500 max. You will spend a small fortune getting it “right”. Brakes, maybe tranny, rear end, electrical. To many unknowns without it running and driveable.

*and what the heck is wrong with his son! A truck like that 10 years ago would have been an excellent ride. Even more so nowadays.

 

[GAGunguy]

Check the oil and see if its milky. Check the radiator and see if that's brownish. If either of those are true, the motor is likely trashed.

Check to see if the engine turns by trying to move the fan pully. Does it turn even a little?

Then check the plugs..are they oily? or do any water? If the plugs look good try and start it.

See if it will crank with a new battery or jump it, spray some ether in the carb, see if it runs. If its got old gas in it, syphon out the old gas and put new fresh gas in, crank it and run it on ether until the engine runs on whats in the tank. Once it starts, does it smoke? Does it idle smoothly?

Next see if it goes it to gear, and then check the brakes.

After the motor, rust is the next thing I would be concerned with.

If it runs and drives, and stops and wasn't too rusty, I would think $6k is fair.

 

[chazehen]

3,000

 

[shootin4fun]

2-3k tops.

Everything is available for old Squares. I own one now and have had several over the years. Easy to get running and restore.

 

[BillsCamino]

I've rescued worse ...