1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

I'm considering this 73 3/4 ton pickup. The current owner bought it in 1975 and used it to tow his boat now and then. It has 62k miles on the original big block. The owner told me his son ran the motor without oil and it seized up.

The truck has been parked indoors for 15 years. It has no rust except for surface rust in the bed and some scratches. The interior is pretty clean also.

The owner wants $500 for it, but I checked with the DMV and it has back fees. The DMV told me that it would cost $1,000 to pay the fees and get it registered current in my name.

I can go through the gas lines and brakes and replace the tires which wouldn't be a huge cost, but the motor seems to be the big expense besides the DMV stuff. I can pull the motor and have it rebuilt. I'm just wondering if it is worth the cost for this truck.

I spoke to a man that quoted me $1,100 to rebuild the motor. I pull the motor and take it to him. Maybe there are some Southern California members that know the business called Hal John in Long Beach. It's been around for awhile.

Would this be more trouble than what it's worth for what I'd end up with? Thanks guys. Vinnie

**moderator please remove if this can't be listed in this forum**

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Photos...couch not included!

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

looks like a great truck for $2600

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

a truck in that condition and that price around here wouldn't last long enough to think twice about.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

A few more photos. I was t able to get these pictures up yesterday

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Thanks to you guys for responding. Helps me make a better decision

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

The owner also has this 1985 dodge conversion van 6cyl with standard trans. I don’t know much about vans but I bought it was pretty cool.

He said he drove to San Francisco on one tank of gas from Long Beach Ca. Engine needs rebuild and he wants $500 for that one. No dmv fees!!

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Looks to me like the dash pad, doors, and hubcaps by themselves are worth most of the $500. Am I wrong?

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

I should also note that I'm not looking to flip this pickup. I'd like to keep it. I don't know if that changes if you think it's worth the added expenses. Thanks

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

You aint bought it yet ? I would jump on it .

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

It is worth it since it's pre smog, and it still has a decent paint job.

I would buy it if I was in the market. I could drop in a used motor cheap enough to start enjoying the truck.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Do it Vince!

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Agree with the others. The truck is easily worth that. A good cleaning and waxing, and I bet the paint would shine. Keep in mind though, that the price of an engine rebuild will be a thousand higher than you're figuring. Plug wires, hoses, fluids, water pump, starter, etc, etc. all add up to a good chunk.

Now for that van-- If that was on the east coast, I'd be thrilled to get a hold of it. I like the older dodge vans, and a manual would be a real bonus. I would be skeptical of the conversion aspect, though, since quality of that can vary widely. To me, it would be portable protected tool storage.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Hurry before you miss out. I would have paid him already and got the bill of sale.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Thanks fellas! I appreciate the help. Money paid, in my name and now have to go-jack it sideways and out of the garage when I get a day off work.

A couple more questions...

The truck is missing two hubcaps and I want to keep the truck looking stock. So is the hubcap in the picture the correct style for a 1973? If so, I'll need to source two more.

Next question. It has 16.5 wheels. There seems to be a lack of tire options for that size wheel, which i get with all the 20,22,24 inch wheels coming out.... So is there a 16" or 17" 8 lug wheel that I can use the stock hubcaps with? Thanks again -Vinnie

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Wheel Vintiques sells a factory looking 'HD truck' steel wheel (Series 82 I believe) that excepts the larger 3/4 ton 12" caps. You can order them through Summit Racing & get them in wider sizes w/different back spacing as well.

Good score on the purchase.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Thanks for the info on the wheels. I looked at a picture of them and looks like they'd work with the hubcaps

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Congratulations! No brainer, all parts are still intact, just engine work, no smog hassles. Blue bowtie on cap ( 69-72). Gold bowtie ('73-75) 235-75-16 radials with mid 80's GM bump style wheels ( accept 70's hubcaps) are a popular upgrade from 16.5" bias ply tires shown in photo.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Thank you sir. Great info. I'll be on the lookout for those!

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

Sweet find ...and what a price..!!

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

It looks like a pretty nice truck, congratulations! Be sure and take picture when you dig it out.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

It looks like a pretty nice truck, you know we will want to see picture of when you dig it out 😉

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

A truck in that shape and for that price here in Canada would have already been bought up and gone.

Re: 1973 Cheyenne 20 454 value question
 

You got that right, hard to find one like that anymore👍