mdnky
DOH!
Been looking for (i.e. wanting) a light-use daily driver for those times I don't feel like (or can't) drive my Jeep JK. While something that gets good gas mileage would be the wise move, for some reason I just wanted another late 90s GM truck. The ability to convert it to a light-duty overloading truck is also nice, since I definitely want to do some camping trips out west. I was hoping to find a 6.5TD 1500, or possibly a CC shortbed SRW 2500/3500. However, I'm not willing to pay the prices some people think they can command for trucks in horrible shape.
I came very close to buying a 04 2500 6l Suburban, but held off due to high mileage and the overall appearance of lack of basic maintenance/care. Also found a 96 K1500 in Hammond, LA (life-long southern truck, little to no rust), but the seller was too shady and I decided to pass. Passed on another 2500 Suburban with the 8.1l...that was hard to do, until I reminded myself of the gallons per mile it would get. Although it would be nice to have something to safely tow my Jeep on my trailer and not worry about the weight (~ 7.5K to 8K loaded). I guess I can always rent one if I'm going far, or maybe sell the PJ B5 buggy hauler and buy a smaller/lighter aluminum car hauler.
I was really hoping to find something from an area that didn't salt the roads, but then I came up to Northern Kentucky for the holidays and stumbled upon a 1997 K1500 3-door Z71 with just 71K miles on the odometer for $5K. Unfortunately, it's spent most of its life in souther Indiana and definitely suffers from rust. As usual for trucks in the rust belt, the rockers and cab corners are in need of attention. The bed also has a few small spots near the wheel arches and the bed support rail. The frame definitely needed attention as well, with a lot of scale being noticed. The drivers seat bottom will need replaced, but overall the interior is in very good condition.
Mechanically the truck looked to be in good shape with no major leaks. Mileage was verified using public records (also looks correct as well). No reported wrecks or signs of any. The PO recently replaced the AC system (compressor, receiver/drier), water pump, heater hoses, and radiator recently with AC Delco parts. Transmission fluid was clean, red and didn't smell burnt. The tires are fairly new (>2yrs old) with almost full tread, albeit a bit bland (Firestone Destination LE2s). Also came with a fairly well-built Rural-King branded toolbox.
The only real issues (besides rust) was a broken flange bolt on passengers side header/downpipe, a brake/abs light, and that darn roller door pin. It did drive decent and the 4wd even worked when I tried it.
I was very close to walking away from it, but in the end I just wanted it too much and (against my better judgement) I bought it for $3700. Gave the State of Indiana another $18.78 for a 30day tag.
So this will chronicle the building, or rebuilding, of the truck. Bonus: Found the original Owners Manual, Warranty Booklet, and window sticker in the glovebox.
01.11.2023
RUNNING TOTAL: $3718.78
I came very close to buying a 04 2500 6l Suburban, but held off due to high mileage and the overall appearance of lack of basic maintenance/care. Also found a 96 K1500 in Hammond, LA (life-long southern truck, little to no rust), but the seller was too shady and I decided to pass. Passed on another 2500 Suburban with the 8.1l...that was hard to do, until I reminded myself of the gallons per mile it would get. Although it would be nice to have something to safely tow my Jeep on my trailer and not worry about the weight (~ 7.5K to 8K loaded). I guess I can always rent one if I'm going far, or maybe sell the PJ B5 buggy hauler and buy a smaller/lighter aluminum car hauler.
I was really hoping to find something from an area that didn't salt the roads, but then I came up to Northern Kentucky for the holidays and stumbled upon a 1997 K1500 3-door Z71 with just 71K miles on the odometer for $5K. Unfortunately, it's spent most of its life in souther Indiana and definitely suffers from rust. As usual for trucks in the rust belt, the rockers and cab corners are in need of attention. The bed also has a few small spots near the wheel arches and the bed support rail. The frame definitely needed attention as well, with a lot of scale being noticed. The drivers seat bottom will need replaced, but overall the interior is in very good condition.
Mechanically the truck looked to be in good shape with no major leaks. Mileage was verified using public records (also looks correct as well). No reported wrecks or signs of any. The PO recently replaced the AC system (compressor, receiver/drier), water pump, heater hoses, and radiator recently with AC Delco parts. Transmission fluid was clean, red and didn't smell burnt. The tires are fairly new (>2yrs old) with almost full tread, albeit a bit bland (Firestone Destination LE2s). Also came with a fairly well-built Rural-King branded toolbox.
The only real issues (besides rust) was a broken flange bolt on passengers side header/downpipe, a brake/abs light, and that darn roller door pin. It did drive decent and the 4wd even worked when I tried it.
I was very close to walking away from it, but in the end I just wanted it too much and (against my better judgement) I bought it for $3700. Gave the State of Indiana another $18.78 for a 30day tag.
So this will chronicle the building, or rebuilding, of the truck. Bonus: Found the original Owners Manual, Warranty Booklet, and window sticker in the glovebox.
01.11.2023
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RUNNING TOTAL: $3718.78
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