My A833 truck didn’t work out - what about a Saginaw Three?

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

1971 GMC C1500 LWB Fenderside 250 I6/Saginaw Three - $800 bottom $

Tailgate, battery tray, and DS rocker are Swiss cheese. One cab corner and two symmetric fender spots have serious rust but no holes. Very simple truck. Guy says the 250 needs a new coil, battery, and fresh gas to run. I like it a lot. I’d try the 250 out, and potentially wake it up with my 305. What do y’all think? Seems like a cheap way to get into an Action Line truck. Spare is in the bed, which was converted from wood to steel.

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[1987 GMC Jimmy]

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[1987 GMC Jimmy]

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[bucket]

I only ask, why is it not in your driveway yet?!!!

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Unless something major comes up, my garage will be its next stop tomorrow. The rust isn’t a dealbreaker? I know it gets bad up there, but this is more rust than I’ve seen on a truck that’s been in Mississippi for almost fifty years.

 

[bucket]

I can't say about the rust, other than that's solid as can be compared to what I'm used to.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

How well would that three on the tree survive behind a 305? I know it’s not the toughest, but that’s probably a 200 hp motor so not much going on there. The bumper also appears to be a dealer engraved type thing? At least it’s done in the same font as the other ones I’ve seen on here.

 

[idahovette]

I'd bet the 3 spd would hold up fine. Basically the same Saginaw as the 4 spd version and they were fairly stout. Had one behind a 275 horse 327 in 68 Nova and it did pretty good for a couple of HARD years. YMMV

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Interesting. I hope more people chime in on general thoughts. I know most people like the Action Line, and it seems stupid to pass on it because of how much they’re worth now, but if anyone wants to try and talk me out of it, I’m all ears.

 

[legopnuematic]

If I lived closer I'd try to talk you out of it so I could buy it I like that its a long bed stepper.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

It’s surprising to me. The guy said he’s had a few bites on the listing that never came into fruition, and he has one guy that just wants the truck to yank the engine and tranny out of it. I think it’s great. A lot of people must not like the LWB steppers because I don’t see how people aren’t crawling all over that for three figures.

 

[Daveo91Burb]

Get it and put a 292 in it! I’ve always wanted to build one of those. And of course keep the Saginaw!

 

[Shorty81]

Get it and put a 292 in it! I’ve always wanted to build one of those. And of course keep the Saginaw!

Dave's right, a 292 would be a awesome mill for that truck. My first truck was a 70 c 10 with I6 and 3 on tree. Loved it !!!

 

[CSFJ]

Buy it. Now. Mar-k makes repop tailgates in Oklahoma.

 

[bucket]

I'd be torn on what to do with the engine. I'd say to keep the inline 6 and skip the V8, but I don't know if I could stick with that plan myself. Maybe for a couple years. I wouldn't put in a 305 though. Maybe a nice little 283 or 327 and leave it as a 3 on the tree.