I give up

Torque Junkie · January 17, 2003

I've finally figured out that the timing chain was the ignition problem all along. I fixed that and it runs great now. Leaks oil horribly but thats to be expected when I reseat the oil pan when it's 15 degrees and windy and snowing and I'm not in a garage but in a gravel parking lot. I'm gonna take that in and have a new oil pan gasket installed profeessionally before I sell it

My wife and I sat down and had a discussion. All that I want to do to that truck will cost me another roughly 4,000. Of that $4000, none of it 'needs' to be done as far as repairs go, but it's stuff I want to do to make the truck what I want to drive daily, which goes to show me that that truck isn't what I want, and that $4000 could be spent wisely elsewhere, or saved, or invested.

Even if I were to complete everything I want to do there's still a bunch of 24 year old parts in there that are worn and will break. I stupidly payed $4500 for the truck in 6/01 and have put roughly $4000 into it since I bought it. I just cant justify another penny into that truck.

I'm asking $6850 OBO for it.

Major repairs completed which should help me recover some of the money I've put into it:

Rebuilt Transmission 2/15/02

New Rear End 10/20/02

Mods that should help me recover some of the money too:

Rollbar & 4 KC lights

Edelbrock Performer intake, cam, timing chain & 600cfm carb on the engine

3" Lift & 33"x12.5" tires with 50% rubber

Towing package

Only minor surface rust in just a couple locations.

I'm looking into an 88-94 K5 Blazer to replace it with. I like those things alot! I also may consider going the Jeep route. I really don't need a pickup. We have the 96 if we need to haul or pull anything. And of the few times I've used my pickup as a pickup in the last 18 months half of those times I could and would have benefitted from having some sort of weather protection - like what I'd get if I had a K5. I know I want something with overdrive, and something thats smooth on the highway as well as the trail. When I bought the truck I thought I wanted a project, but I've learned I'm not ready financially for one yet.

At any rate, if you're interested in a mostly-completed project truck, make me an offer!

I'll keep everyone updated on what I end up getting.

-Mike

TDS 854X4 · January 17, 2003

Wow Mike, that is some news. I can't say that I haven't given the same thing some thought on my end about my truck (and the rest of the dang fleet as well, really).

I certainly understand about not being financially ready for a project vehicle. I think that all of our vehicles probably would qualify as "projects", I've struggled to make any progress one one of them. I have 2 that are important to me, the other 3 are more daily-driver type things, but need plenty of attention themselves.

A Blazer is a nice choice though. Sort of similar, yet can offer some things that the truck cannot. I also like the Jeeps. Good luck in your sale, and search for something to replace the 'ol truck with.

January 17, 2003

That's a bummer. I understand, though. I'm sure most of us have bitten off more than we could chew once or twice. I've done it a few times.

Just remember all that you HAVE accomplished on this rig and use that knowledge on your next project. Even though this one didn't get completed, you gained an awful lot of experience. Next time you'll be that much further ahead at the start of your new "Baby".

ClipperSkipper · January 20, 2003

I've finally figured out that the timing chain was the ignition problem all along. I fixed that and it runs great now. Leaks oil horribly but thats to be expected when I reseat the oil pan when it's 15 degrees and windy and snowing and I'm not in a garage but in a gravel parking lot. I'm gonna take that in and have a new oil pan gasket installed profeessionally before I sell it.

You gotta get a shop!

For the big stuff, that's what Carhartt suits and mechanix gloves are for. I've got a starter change in bus (Cummins) tomorrow) guess where I'll be when the high temp is 11.

Have a great one!

I've finally figured out that the timing chain was the ignition problem all along. I fixed that and it runs great now. Leaks oil horribly but thats to be expected when I reseat the oil pan when it's 15 degrees and windy and snowing and I'm not in a garage but in a gravel parking lot. I'm gonna take that in and have a new oil pan gasket installed profeessionally before I sell it.

You gotta get a shop!

For the big stuff, that's what Carhartt suits and mechanix gloves are for. I've got a starter change in bus (Cummins) tomorrow) guess where I'll be when the high temp is 11.

Have a great one!