1980 4x4

[DrumBum]

hey...
i found a '80 shortbed 4x4 pickup, and just wanted to get some opinions on it. it's got a new(ly rebuilt) 20r engine, but the carb is leaking gas out the back, and water from somewhere around there. it's a weber carb, not sure what model, but they advertise that they're really easy to rebuild, anyone have any experience? also, the engine's only running on i think 3 cylinders, thinking maybe a spark plug is the problem there, since the guy says (and i don't have any reason not to believe him) it holds up to compression testing fine, so it's not a head gasket.
overall, the truck is in really good shape. a little body rust on the bed, as typical, but very minimal. i got underneath and checked the whole frame and underside of the body out real good, and it's solid, with only minor surface rust on the driver's side front of the bottom of the bed. the only problem is what i described with the engine, and the seat needs reupholstering.
so, anyone have any comments/experience with weber or anything else this truck is suffering from? i haven't bought it yet, but it looks like i might, as long as i figure out what's wrong and the guy and me can work out a good price.
thanks! -DrumBum

[snorkleman]

Hey man, could be a good truck to pick up. If the price is low enough. How is the tranny and tranfer case. If I got one of those older trucks I would offer lets say $800 due to engine problems. Then go look for a 22re out of a truck. Swap that one in and you have a good daily driver. Probably pick up a used engine not too expensive around $500. Your out $1300 total plus some parts and labor and you have a kickin little toy. You can rebuild the 22r and keep her carbed. The weber is a good carb probably needs rebuilding. Could be a good truck for all that. I wouldn't give over $1000 for it though.

[DrumBum]

hey thanks
i ended up buying the truck, paid $900 for it, and it's lookin like the only problem is the carb, all the spark plugs and everything look good, no gunk on em, and they're black, so i know the carb is doing an ok job dumpin fuel into the cylinders. so i'm picking up a rebuild kit tomorrow and i'll redo the carb, and probly replace some hoses and stuff, and hope it'll work. transmission seems smooth (4spd.) and the guy i bought it from says the t-case and 4 wheel drive works great.
i think i'm gonna keep the 20r for now. i guess some guy built it all up, put it in his car, then wrecked the car. so the person i got the truck from bought the engine and had it put into the truck something like 10k ago.
so anyway, i think i got a good deal, especially for the condition it's in, and the area i'm in. and as long as the carb is the biggest of my problems, i should be in good shape.
thanks for your help!
-DrumBum

[DeadlyPeace]

Hey DrumBum*

If you feel like ever getting a little more kick out of that 20R www.lcengineering.com makes a really nice 45mm dual sidedraft carb set up that can throw in a few horses....or more....as you kick up some pavement at the people behind you.