What would you do?

[1970 CST]

Looking for some opinions here. I currently have a 1970 CST with a 3 OTT that had an engine swap by the PO. It is supposed to be a 327 but the ID on the block indicates it is a 307. In the beginning I thought the 3 OTT was pretty cool but now not so much. While looking for some tractor parts on an old farm I came across this 1970 that is in rough shape but appears to have the original 350 with an Auto trans and A/C (my current truck has A/C). I can pick up the truck for around $1,000 or less. I will at least be able to verify that the motor isns't seized but I would have no way to verify the engine is sound before buying it. So the question is what should I do? What would you do?
Terry

[Louisvillekytruck]

Does it have a title

[1970 CST]

Yes it would have a title.

[Mickeymotormount]

Tell the seller you are interested only if you hear the engine run. Bring a battery, some fresh gas, hoses, some wire to hot wire it and start it up.

[Louisvillekytruck]

Originally Posted by 1970 CST

Yes it would have a title.

The title helps. u can turn the motor over by hand

[67C10Step]

With title and if the engine isn't locked up I'd say it's a good buy. If you could spend a bit of time like Mickey said and at least get it to sputter a bit, even better.

[special-K]

Find a Saginaw car 4spd. It will slip right into the place of the 3spd. or are you wanting to drive with one foot?

[palallin]

Are you sure the '70 shoudl have a 327? I would think a 307 is far more likely.

[truckster]

A 70 with all the parts and a title is worth $1000 easily, even if it doesn't run. You can buy it, check it out, and if you decide not to use it, clean it up a bit and sell it for a profit.

[1970 CST]

The PO installed a "327" that is not a real 327. The numbers on the block indicate it is a 307. According to the SPID my truck came with a 350. My thoughts were that the donor truck I found could be a perfect way to get an original 1970 350 for my truck. And while I'm at it I could upgrade to an automatic trans as well.

[Accelo]

If a stock truck is what you want it would be difficult to gather all the parts without paying more. You should be able to recoup much of your investment on the other truck parts.
Confirm the numbers on the replacement block before purchasing.
Down side would be if the block is cracked. I would check for antifreeze. I had a block crack, in my shop. It had only water in it. Didn't even have a water pump on it.
The transmission conversion parts are also expensive. You will get the transmission, linkage, driveline, cross-member and steering column. Nice haul in my book.
Interesting someone liked the 72 door panels enough to retrofit them. Too bad the seats are not originals!

[Canadian694x4]

I’d drag that home. $1000 bucks or less, otherwise complete truck with a title. That’s a score (around here definitely) regardless of running/driving these days. Provided you have the room for it of course.
Posted via Mobile Device

[special-K]

Originally Posted by palallin

Are you sure the '70 shoudl have a 327? I would think a 307 is far more likely.

Did you read his first post??

Originally Posted by 1970 CST

Looking for some opinions here. I currently have a 1970 CST with a 3 OTT that had an engine swap by the PO. It is supposed to be a 327 but the ID on the block indicates it is a 307.

[Redneck Rydes]

For a $1000 I would buy it for all the parts plus ownership!!

[Warrens69GMC]

I would have it home the same day.

[palallin]

Originally Posted by special-K

Did you read his first post??

Nope, I missed that phrase. Apologies to the OP and, apparently, you. . . .

[special-K]

No need to apologize to me since I have no reason to be offended. I didn't mean to offend you then, nor do I now when I say I don't always read through the entire thread but I at least read the first post before questioning or correcting the OP.

[truckster]

I'm just waiting for him to come back on here and tell us he's dragged it home...

[BigBird05]

There's enough parts there for me to drive up to NY and bring it home for $1000.

[Mickeymotormount]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

There's enough parts there for me to drive up to NY and bring it home for $1000.

Agreed. Nice find either way.

[1970 CST]

Big Bird, No need for you to drive up to NY, I'd rather keep it for myself.

[1970 CST]

Very disappointed today. I went to look over the truck and found out that the engine, according to the numbers, was out of a 1974 camaro or nova. I was really hoping for an original 1970 Chevy P/U motor. Oh well. Also there wasn't one good panel on the truck and the interior wasn't much better. Hardly anything that could be sold for parts. Still trying to decide if it is worth buying it for the motor, trans and steering column. My truck doesn't have an original motor now so it really doesn't matter if it's out of a 1974. And I think it would be nice to have an auto trans instead of the 3 OTT.

[BigBird05]

If you do end up buying it and are selling parts I will send you my list.

[1970 CST]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

If you do end up buying it and are selling parts I will send you my list.

If you let me know what you are looking for I could let you know if any of what you need is there or in decent shape.
Posted via Mobile Device

[1970 CST]

Final update on the donor truck. Talked to the yard owner today and he was unwilling to budge on the price. Told me that he could get $800 for scrap? Seemed pretty high for scrap but it's his truck. Oh well, they say have the fun is looking for parts.