So yesterday was the first time I was able to get underneath this truck and truly get a good look at what I purchased. To set the stage, B2000's around this age with over 150K miles in worse outward condition are running about $4k + in and around central Florida. So when I found this one for $1000, I thought I'd jump on it expecting the worst.
Well I got what I paid for and that is a good thing. The engine seems to run strong when its running. No odd sounds and no leaks, but it wont stay running. I am not asking why, I'm about to tell you a long story .. lol
The title is: This Has Gone From Repair to Restoration by anyone's greatest nightmare.
I am no stranger to projects and in fact expected it with this one, the body it solid, sort of. It is rust free except for a three inch section of the floor that needs to be replaced right where the pan curves (near the pedals) on the drivers side.
I'll turn this novel into a short story .. lol Everything that you need to replace on a 40yr old truck needs to be replaced, everything the previous owner touched has to be redone.
- There isn't a single panel on this truck that isn't missing bolts
- The entire steering system is loose, as in the bolts are loose
- The cross member that goes under the oil pan connecting the suspension arms is help together is missing a bolt on both sides and the bolt it has on either side are both loose and of the wrong grade. I also believe that bare is bent, Ill verify when I remove it
- Every ball joint is shot
- The brake and clutch fluid look like oil
- The radiator is filled with water and there is no overflow tank. Looks like the thermostat has not been changed as it is the only component under the hood not coated in orange form a gasket.
- None of the block sensors are connected
Like I said this is the short story. Because of how this forum is organized, I will link my threads through here as I create them, but post individual threads in their respective sections, otherwise this will be one massive thread.
So for those of you who like these trucks or want to buy one, walk into this expecting to restore them, they are trucks, they have been abused their entire lives. I wouldn't even buy a show truck, because you never know what the individuals build quality is or what shortcuts had been taken along the way.
I am certainly going to enjoy rebuilding this truck with my daughter, she will certainly touch and wrench every inch of her daily driver.
Here is the underside brace and steering components
