I've been in the market for a truck, just something I can make Home Depot trips or pick up parts in. I already have a project car in the garage but I also don't want something boring. I was originally looking at an FJ45 pick-up but they are just too rare and too much $$$ for what I need. Starting looking at 60-66 Chevy C10's, which I'm still looking at.

Yesterday, I noticed a little Hilux with a for sale sign. I stopped by this morning and looked at it. Going back tomorrow for a test drive. It was a 1972 shortbed, 1st gen bodystyle. 8R-C motor. CA desert truck so no structural rust that I could find. Plenty of patina and paint chips. No major T/C damage. Odometer is stopped at 71k, unknown actual mileage. The original wheels are long gone for some ugly white steelies but the tires are new.

It is very much stock and original otherwise. The engine and trans have not been out of the car to the current owner's knowledge. He's put new brakes, new brake master cylinder, new starter, and rebuilt the carb. It ran like a top. The trans made some grinding going into reverse, is this an issue or normal for this truck?

Any common probs I should look for? Hidden rust areas? He's asking $3k and firm....but we'll see if that changes if I start showing him cash. Thanks!

 

It's a bit high priced but they are pretty hard to find in usable shape these days. Toyota transmissions are a bit noisy into R when the fluid is low and they sat for a while. Especially if the clutch pedal doesn't go down all the way. Get some pics up. And welcome to the site.

 

Darn, went back this morning and it was sold. Oh well. I think I may hold out for a Stout...