Does this seem like a good idea for a build? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jbailly · 01-08-2018, 10:53 AM

Hi guys,
As you may or may not know I've been looking for a K30 for some time now and haven't found quite exactly what I want, so my neighbor has this '87 K20 which he converted to dually cab and chassis rear and dually front. Truck has a 350, 700R4, kingpin Dana 60 front, 14 bolt full float rear, 4.56 gears disc brakes all around. It needs a bed, but not much else, she wants $5000 so what I'm considering is offering around $3000 maybe settle for $4000, put an aluminum flatbed on it (approximately $2000), buy and install an 8.1 liter big block with a NV4500 behind it (approximately ($5000) and drive it/haul stuff. I guess my main question is does this sound remotely reasonable, I mean around $11k for a truck that I know the ins and outs of completely and is done the way I want. Here's the craigslist ad if interested.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...430002876.html

Tiger Joe · 01-08-2018, 11:26 AM

doable? yes
for your price point? no.

if you are going out and buying every part, I don't think you will get a 496 and nv4500 in the truck running for $5k.

I don't think you can use the stock nv4500 bell housing because of it being 4x4.

we just did an bbc/nv4500 swap into a 79 C30, we bought a used trans that we thought was good, and now we have to have it rebuild. so we have $2k in just the trans, that's a 2wd. add in the advanced adaptors bell housing, clutch, driveshaft mod, etc we have easily over $3k in just the trans setup.

I don't see a 8.1 for sale for under $2k, plus all the extras it will take to get it in the truck, easily another $1k i bet. I'd say plan for closer to $7k to get everything done right motor wise.

Dead Parrot · 01-08-2018, 11:35 AM

Sounds like you would be buying to keep: a frame, cab, front clip, drive train - trans and engine. What is the estimated resale/reuse value of the 350/700r4 + bed? From the pic, it needs a front bumper(negotiating point?).

Is the inside of the cab in good enough shape(all those little parts add up in time and money)?

Being able to buy something local and starting your project is worth something. Travel expenses and time looking for a truck add up.

Based on prices around here, that one is in the ball park of reasonableness.

sweetk30 · 01-08-2018, 11:53 AM

even your 3k price point is to rich for that mutt truck .

and its still just a 3/4 ton frame . it will never be a k30 frame .

if you want to know everything on 8.1 swaps go to ck5.com and the engine section and find larry he is the info MEGA GOD on 8.1 stuff with a MASSIVE thread on every point of them motors .

jbailly · 01-08-2018, 11:55 AM

I have yet to call on it or look at it in person, but it is literally 2 houses away, so I can walk down and talk it over all most any time. Also thanks for the info on the prices, so adjust engine trans budget to $7000 should cover me, I'll have to look up the Advance Adapters bell housing as to why exactly that is needed, but I'm thinking it has to do with the location of the slave cylinder for hydraulic clutch.

jbailly · 01-08-2018, 12:59 PM

Yeah I read both of DirtyLarry's posts in this forum as well as that forum, that is where I got the idea of that engine in the first place. I agree that truck is a MUTT, but I don't know what the parts would be piece by piece if I tried to build a K30 and since I can't seem to find even a nice roller that isn't extremely high, I figured what the heck. What would you offer if $3000 is high or should I keep looking? Feels as if I've been looking forever.

daddyjeep · 01-08-2018, 01:36 PM

She aint no beauty queen, but again that should help with the price. It sure doesn't look like $5K to me. Since you are looking for something to haul stuff with, does a 3/4 ton handle the expected demand? You have been looking for a while. If this is truly a rust free southern truck it might be "the one".

RotaryRocketeer · 01-08-2018, 02:05 PM

I'd keep looking. That seems like an awful lot of money for what looks kinda like a turd... Not to mention the hack-ery you're most likely going to find under everything you remove.

jbailly · 01-08-2018, 02:46 PM

Well there's always ones like this that while not 4wd is a true 1 ton.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...442904675.html
Or this one that all it would need would be a flat bed.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...396989789.html

RotaryRocketeer · 01-08-2018, 02:52 PM

There you go. That '85 seems like a much more solid base to start from. Just goes to show that the one in the original post is waaayy overpriced.

**mongocanfly** · 01-08-2018, 02:59 PM

I'd have to agree...I'd stay away from that for the price...underneath all that "mutt" there's no telling what's been done....if you've been looking for a long time anyway why not wait for a good one...expand your search...even if you have to travel acroos several states....use searctempest to do a massive craigslist search...

Flatpat · 01-08-2018, 06:20 PM

The old fire truck looks like a nice start especially since it is a K30. Might could get them down on price some and could offset costs for a flatbed by selling the utility bed.

**mongocanfly** · 01-08-2018, 08:03 PM

even though its high.. (for my area)...the firetruck would be my choice by a long ways over the other two...its already got most of what your looking for...

**57NAPCO** · 01-08-2018, 08:19 PM

Be patient and wait for a decent 80’s single cab dually 4X4 with an auto and 454. Have Mark over at Vortech Pro build you a 496/550 hp and enjoy.

Just a thought

jbailly · 01-09-2018, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57NAPCO

Be patient and wait for a decent 80’s single cab dually 4X4 with an auto and 454. Have Mark over at Vortech Pro build you a 496/550 hp and enjoy.

Just a thought

Well I have been waiting for a while, any thing decent is always either high priced or clear across the country it seems. I guess I should have bought the dually that you now have off of board member Dooley, oh well live and learn. If you see anything decent let me know please, I appreciate it.

sweetk30 · 01-09-2018, 09:00 AM

of the 2 links . go grab that ex fire truck crew cab .

jbailly · 01-09-2018, 09:51 AM

That former fire truck is 6 hrs away one way, while the 2wd is about 1.5 hrs. So I need to factor in my time and gas as well which is where all these distance ones hurt me. Anyone live near Munnsville, NY want to check it out for me?

**57NAPCO** · 01-09-2018, 10:44 AM

Probally not what your looking for but ya never know...

https://roanoke.craigslist.org/cto/d...420301165.html

jbailly · 01-09-2018, 10:59 AM

Non-dually front rims make it look like a conversion. Maybe not, other than that not too bad, wish it had an interior and engine picture.

sweetk30 · 01-09-2018, 12:19 PM

also has a funky gas tank .

and the doors are not orignal . has reg pickup mirror mounts . then painted over and west coast mirrors bolted on over it .

i beet its hidding a lot . in the lack of real pics .

**mongocanfly** · 01-09-2018, 12:26 PM

if its a truck I want I don't worry about the drive....I drove 11 1/2 hrs one way to buy my IH project....it was worth the drive for the right truck..
the "right truck" isn't always sitting next door....

jbailly · 01-09-2018, 12:40 PM

mongo, I understand that aspect I just have to factor in the time and gas into the equation, so I end up adding quite a bit especially if you fly in and drive home, I know 57NAPCO does it all the time, guess I need to follow his example.

**mongocanfly** · 01-09-2018, 12:51 PM

well your area (Pa) isn't known for rust free trucks....I'm just saying you may need to expand your search...there's other options though...say if you found one in Tx...you could have a inspector check the truck out for you and you could have a truck shipped....or you might get a board member to check it out for you...all while you stay at home..yeah..that's not a cheap option...but...a rust free truck makes life so much easier..and is cheaper in the long run...

that's another reason that of your 3 choices above I'd go with the firetruck...my c30 started life as a firetruck...its nice to work on one that's been stored inside most all its life and is low mileage. ..

**57NAPCO** · 01-09-2018, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbailly

, I know 57NAPCO does it all the time, guess I need to follow his example.

Its always an adventure

Dead Parrot · 01-09-2018, 02:08 PM

If it was me, I would go look at the truck you first posted. It is close. You can always walk away. Be very prepared to do so. Use the 'mutt' aspect to try to get a lower price. You know what parts are important to your build plans, the seller probably doesn't. Even if you can't get your price on the first visit, they may get tired of it sitting in the driveway. If it gets sold in a couple of days, you have an idea of truck prices in your area.

Most trucks by now are mutts to some degree. Some of them just have better paint jobs.

There is some mental value to being able to start your project today rather then some undefined future day when the better truck shows up.

01-08-2018, 10:53 AM	#1
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Hi guys, As you may or may not know I've been looking for a K30 for some time now and haven't found quite exactly what I want, so my neighbor has this '87 K20 which he converted to dually cab and chassis rear and dually front. Truck has a 350, 700R4, kingpin Dana 60 front, 14 bolt full float rear, 4.56 gears disc brakes all around. It needs a bed, but not much else, she wants $5000 so what I'm considering is offering around $3000 maybe settle for $4000, put an aluminum flatbed on it (approximately $2000), buy and install an 8.1 liter big block with a NV4500 behind it (approximately ($5000) and drive it/haul stuff. I guess my main question is does this sound remotely reasonable, I mean around $11k for a truck that I know the ins and outs of completely and is done the way I want. Here's the craigslist ad if interested. https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...430002876.html __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-08-2018, 11:26 AM	#2
Tiger Joe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: South of Pittsburgh Posts: 425	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? doable? yes for your price point? no. if you are going out and buying every part, I don't think you will get a 496 and nv4500 in the truck running for $5k. I don't think you can use the stock nv4500 bell housing because of it being 4x4. we just did an bbc/nv4500 swap into a 79 C30, we bought a used trans that we thought was good, and now we have to have it rebuild. so we have $2k in just the trans, that's a 2wd. add in the advanced adaptors bell housing, clutch, driveshaft mod, etc we have easily over $3k in just the trans setup. I don't see a 8.1 for sale for under $2k, plus all the extras it will take to get it in the truck, easily another $1k i bet. I'd say plan for closer to $7k to get everything done right motor wise.

01-08-2018, 11:35 AM	#3
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,473	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Sounds like you would be buying to keep: a frame, cab, front clip, drive train - trans and engine. What is the estimated resale/reuse value of the 350/700r4 + bed? From the pic, it needs a front bumper(negotiating point?). Is the inside of the cab in good enough shape(all those little parts add up in time and money)? Being able to buy something local and starting your project is worth something. Travel expenses and time looking for a truck add up. Based on prices around here, that one is in the ball park of reasonableness.

01-08-2018, 11:53 AM	#4
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? even your 3k price point is to rich for that mutt truck . and its still just a 3/4 ton frame . it will never be a k30 frame . if you want to know everything on 8.1 swaps go to ck5.com and the engine section and find larry he is the info MEGA GOD on 8.1 stuff with a MASSIVE thread on every point of them motors . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

01-08-2018, 11:55 AM	#5
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? I have yet to call on it or look at it in person, but it is literally 2 houses away, so I can walk down and talk it over all most any time. Also thanks for the info on the prices, so adjust engine trans budget to $7000 should cover me, I'll have to look up the Advance Adapters bell housing as to why exactly that is needed, but I'm thinking it has to do with the location of the slave cylinder for hydraulic clutch. __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-08-2018, 12:59 PM	#6
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Yeah I read both of DirtyLarry's posts in this forum as well as that forum, that is where I got the idea of that engine in the first place. I agree that truck is a MUTT, but I don't know what the parts would be piece by piece if I tried to build a K30 and since I can't seem to find even a nice roller that isn't extremely high, I figured what the heck. What would you offer if $3000 is high or should I keep looking? Feels as if I've been looking forever. __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-08-2018, 01:36 PM	#7
daddyjeep Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Smethport, PA Posts: 1,213	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? She aint no beauty queen, but again that should help with the price. It sure doesn't look like $5K to me. Since you are looking for something to haul stuff with, does a 3/4 ton handle the expected demand? You have been looking for a while. If this is truly a rust free southern truck it might be "the one". __________________ 85 K30 crew cab dually - Project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=694939 87 Wrangler Rock Crawler - Reason for the project http://www.wranglerforum.com/f330/da...ld-122601.html 04 1500 crew cab http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=786514

01-08-2018, 02:05 PM	#8
RotaryRocketeer Registered User Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 247	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? I'd keep looking. That seems like an awful lot of money for what looks kinda like a turd... Not to mention the hack-ery you're most likely going to find under everything you remove.

01-08-2018, 02:46 PM	#9
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Well there's always ones like this that while not 4wd is a true 1 ton. https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...442904675.html Or this one that all it would need would be a flat bed. https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...396989789.html __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-08-2018, 02:52 PM	#10
RotaryRocketeer Registered User Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 247	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? There you go. That '85 seems like a much more solid base to start from. Just goes to show that the one in the original post is waaayy overpriced.

01-08-2018, 02:59 PM	#11
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,582	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? I'd have to agree...I'd stay away from that for the price...underneath all that "mutt" there's no telling what's been done....if you've been looking for a long time anyway why not wait for a good one...expand your search...even if you have to travel acroos several states....use searctempest to do a massive craigslist search... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

01-08-2018, 06:20 PM	#12
Flatpat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Elgin, TX Posts: 114	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? The old fire truck looks like a nice start especially since it is a K30. Might could get them down on price some and could offset costs for a flatbed by selling the utility bed. __________________ I may have a problem.. 1976 K20 Crew, 1978 K30 Crew, 1981 K30 Crew, 1985 C30 Crew, 1987 C30 Dually Crew, 1988 R3500 Crew, 1990 R2500 Crew, 1991 V3500 Crew, 1991 V3500 Dually Crew.

01-08-2018, 08:03 PM	#13
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,582	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? even though its high.. (for my area)...the firetruck would be my choice by a long ways over the other two...its already got most of what your looking for... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

01-08-2018, 08:19 PM	#14
57NAPCO F’B’D guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas/Maine Posts: 2,208	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Be patient and wait for a decent 80’s single cab dually 4X4 with an auto and 454. Have Mark over at Vortech Pro build you a 496/550 hp and enjoy. Just a thought

01-09-2018, 09:00 AM	#16
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? of the 2 links . go grab that ex fire truck crew cab . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.



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01-09-2018, 09:51 AM	#17
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? That former fire truck is 6 hrs away one way, while the 2wd is about 1.5 hrs. So I need to factor in my time and gas as well which is where all these distance ones hurt me. Anyone live near Munnsville, NY want to check it out for me? __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-09-2018, 10:44 AM	#18
57NAPCO F’B’D guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas/Maine Posts: 2,208	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Probally not what your looking for but ya never know... https://roanoke.craigslist.org/cto/d...420301165.html

01-09-2018, 10:59 AM	#19
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? Non-dually front rims make it look like a conversion. Maybe not, other than that not too bad, wish it had an interior and engine picture. __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-09-2018, 12:19 PM	#20
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? also has a funky gas tank . and the doors are not orignal . has reg pickup mirror mounts . then painted over and west coast mirrors bolted on over it . i beet its hidding a lot . in the lack of real pics . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

01-09-2018, 12:26 PM	#21
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,582	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? if its a truck I want I don't worry about the drive....I drove 11 1/2 hrs one way to buy my IH project....it was worth the drive for the right truck.. the "right truck" isn't always sitting next door.... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver Last edited by mongocanfly; 01-09-2018 at 12:37 PM.

01-09-2018, 12:40 PM	#22
jbailly Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Creekside, PA Posts: 240	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? mongo, I understand that aspect I just have to factor in the time and gas into the equation, so I end up adding quite a bit especially if you fly in and drive home, I know 57NAPCO does it all the time, guess I need to follow his example. __________________ 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan Royal Plum Metallic (1967) My Dad ordered it. 33,xxx miles, parked since 1977.

01-09-2018, 12:51 PM	#23
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,582	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? well your area (Pa) isn't known for rust free trucks....I'm just saying you may need to expand your search...there's other options though...say if you found one in Tx...you could have a inspector check the truck out for you and you could have a truck shipped....or you might get a board member to check it out for you...all while you stay at home..yeah..that's not a cheap option...but...a rust free truck makes life so much easier..and is cheaper in the long run... that's another reason that of your 3 choices above I'd go with the firetruck...my c30 started life as a firetruck...its nice to work on one that's been stored inside most all its life and is low mileage. .. __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver Last edited by mongocanfly; 01-09-2018 at 12:59 PM.

01-09-2018, 02:08 PM	#25
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,473	Re: Does this seem like a good idea for a build? If it was me, I would go look at the truck you first posted. It is close. You can always walk away. Be very prepared to do so. Use the 'mutt' aspect to try to get a lower price. You know what parts are important to your build plans, the seller probably doesn't. Even if you can't get your price on the first visit, they may get tired of it sitting in the driveway. If it gets sold in a couple of days, you have an idea of truck prices in your area. Most trucks by now are mutts to some degree. Some of them just have better paint jobs. There is some mental value to being able to start your project today rather then some undefined future day when the better truck shows up.

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