The 1979 GMC pickup has done well since 2001. But, recently it developed some mystery problems - the engine and transmission are still fine - but, the truck is making some very mysterious pounding noises while driving, sounds like the fan is hitting the radiator, but it's not. Can't see anything loose, or that looks like it is getting beaten on. So, started checking one of the local bargain papers. And, hit paydirt.
Found, and bought, a nice 1978 Chevrolet El Camino. I've long wanted one, not that particular year, I'd have preferred a 1972-73, but any year would have done. It desperately needs a paint job, but ony surface rust, no rust holes - the prior owner had left it sitting outdoors, not running, for 10 years, and didn't touch it. The headliner is out. The dash is seriously cracked. I had to replace the mast4er cylinder, and have the brakes bled. It has IROC wheels, which I think pretty much suck, but the older kid suggested we paint them white, and I think that will look OK. The rear gears are only 2:43-1.
The good part is: Everything works - even the clock. Only one dent, in the front of the passenger front fender. The guy has all the missing trim, and the kid is supposed to pick it up for me.
The great part is: A rebuilt engine (someone swapped out the original 350, and replaced it with a 307), new Vortec heads and intake manifold, new Edelbrock 650 carburetor, new alternator, new air conditioning compressor, mild Crane cam, new radiator, new hoses, new belts, new shocks, new tires, new tie rods, and the list goes on, and the guy supplied receipts for everything. All the chrome is great. The body is absolutely straight. The guy says it knocks down 18-20 MPG. It handles absolutely great. It has true duals, and the sound is really great.
The guy was ssking $1500, and I kinda screwed up in letting the son do the bargaining, instead of me. He got it knocked down to $1300 - I think I coulda got it down to $1200. But, the $1300 would have been without the new Sony radio-CD player, with two speakers behind the seat. It would have cost me at least $100 for another radio, plus the hassle of installing it. So, thre final price was $1400. If I'd gotten a vehiicle, and had all that done to it, the cost would probably cost at least twice the $1400 I paid, not including whatever it would cost for just the vehicle. The guy is single, and has too many toys takng money, that he had to get rid of this one - he only used it as a parts hauler. His loss, my gain. I'm still not sure if I'd cound this as a gloat, warm fuzzy, or a neener. Whatever it is, it is definitely making me happy. The guy said I was the third guy that called about it, and the only one that looked at it. I saw another, in the same bargain paper, listed at $3500.
Remember, check your local bargain papers. And, anyone in central NC, wanting a 1979 GMC pickup, let me know - I'm ready to sell mine.
JOAT You'll never get anywhere if you believe what you "hear". What do you "know"?.
- Granny Weatherwax