Looking at a '79 - issues?

[phils]

Hi group:

Please forgive my ignorance - I'm an International Scout guy but have always wanted something lighter and smaller - and today I happened to have spotted a very nice '79 pickup on a farm near me. It's been in a barn since new, and is totally original with 120,000 miles on it. It appears to have a factory winch bumper w/warn winch and roll bar installed (but I'm not sure if these were factory options). Anyway, it's in great shape, no rush, shiny paint, and the running gear appears to have been very well maintained.

Are there any issues I should check that are specific to this make/model? I don't know much about Toy's, but I've always wanted one because I see them out on the trails and they seem to be a perfect combination of size and strength. The Scout is just too darn heavy.

He wants $2500 for it - does that sound right?

thanks-
PJS

[iluvdrt]

holy crap i would buy that in a heart beat. man why cant i find any deals like that.where at are you. any way as far as issues go as far as the truck goes the major thing was rust on the bed and behind the rear spring hangers(as in completely rusting out surface rust is no biggy as long as it gets treated.). the engine having 120k will need a new timing chain/guide set(no biggy) but thats about it.

[fourwd1]

Even with only 120K on it, it's still 24 yrs old, and $2500 sounds like way too much (heck, it was only around $5k when new!!). Around the mid-atlantic area where I am, it would go for $300-400 in real good shape. Last year I picked up an 84 SR5 4Runner for $900 and a friend got an 84 SR5 p/u for $600. Both had minimal rust.

Don't know where you're located, but unless it's the southwest, it's gotta have some rust. Toyota trucks were infamous for rust untill 88 or 89. Check the frame real good with a small hammer, especially the inside rail behind the gas tank, and anywhere it transitions upwards from horizontal.
Cabs usually have come rust at the frame mounting points.

[dman33733]

Depending on a few things, I'd jump on that truck and run. First thing to check is that paint job. A little trick that some people use is to put a fresh coat of paint ona truck so you don't see the problems. Depending on where you are, rust may or may not be an isuue. Out here in Colorado, rust isn't a big thing, but I don't know where you're from.

I'd also check all of the frame, running gear, etc for breakage. I don't think that there was a factory option of a brush guard and winch, but don't quote me on it. My guess is that it is a Smittybilt made about the same time.

My vote, if the above weren't problems, would be to buy it right away!!!

[DesertRat]

I had a '79 truck. A great truck that I sold a while ago. It had a custom paint job, lift, tires, aftermarket gauges, sound system, and other goodies. Sold it for $1900. I think I got a great deal!!! ;D I would have taken much less. Of course, I'm in Southern California, depends on your area. The truck was pretty much bullet-proof. Rust was the main problem. It was starting to need a valve job. I had to sell it for money reasons. I really wanted to keep it for my project truck, though. Man I miss that truck.

[fourwd1]

dman33733 said:

I don't think that there was a factory option of a brush guard and winch, but don't quote me on it. My guess is that it is a Smittybilt made about the same time.

The owners manuals for my 83 and 84 show how to maintain the factory installed winch. Around 84 or so there was an aluminum rollbar/bumper package that was popular, but I don't think it was around in 79.