Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Alright, I've searched, I've read, I've done everything I should do. But I have a couple of other questions...

In a couple of days I'm taking a look at an 85 Sierra ute, with intentions of it becoming my first project rig (Fightara doesn't really count). It's unregistered, and has been used as a farm hack for most of its life. It's on its second (1.3) engine, which is apparently in pretty reasonable condition.

From what I can gather from the seller, the tray is quite rusty (used to carry/spread fertiliser), however there's (according to him) no rust in the body.

My questions are:
i) What's a price I should be bargaining around (this guy doesn't have the vehicle on the market - it's only because I've mentioned to a few people I'm looking for a Sierra that I've found this).
ii) From what I can gather door sills, roof sills and around the rubbers are the main problem areas for rust. What about around the firewall? Ever any issues there?
iii) Aside from the usual engine checks, is there anything else I should look out for with the 1.3?
iv) The vehicle has been run into some farm equipment at around 40k/hr. A home repair job was done Pitfalls that could exist as a result?

Thanks in advance. Fingers crossed that this will come off, then I'll introduce what I'm thinking

i'd be only be paying no more than $1000

man stockmans are cool but not like that one!!

85zook wrote:man stockmans are cool but not like that one!!

Why do you say that?

flyinwall wrote:i'd be only be paying no more than $1000

Thanks dude, that's what I'm thinking.

flyinwall wrote:i'd be only be paying no more than $1000

I'd be checking the chassis before paying $1 40k's into solid object is a fair shunt

-Mick- wrote:

flyinwall wrote:i'd be only be paying no more than $1000

I'd be checking the chassis before paying $1 40k's into solid object is a fair shunt

I have to say this is my biggest fear. According to the description of the accident, his young block clipped the corner, pushing the radiator back into the engine bay, and mangling the FL quarter. The front clip and quarter were replaced, as was the radiator. However the chassis was not touched.

How does the radiator mount on a Sierra? Just single bolts to chassis?

Yeah I would probably be keeping away from that one aswell, they are cheap as chips in good nick, so why take the risk of buying something like that, which still "may" need repairs (from accident) needs rust repairs and isn't registered. Unless its really cheap.

As its been said $1000 if the chassis is straight.

rust is also found on the floor pans where they join the sills...under the roof(not painted from factory very good..........on the rear firewall where it joins to the floor.......where the handbrake bolts to the floor(lift the mat)..

chassis not hit but rad pushed back?id be checking that seriously....


would not pay more then a grand depending on cond....

mud4b wrote:rust is also found on the floor pans where they join the sills...under the roof(not painted from factory very good..........on the rear firewall where it joins to the floor.......where the handbrake bolts to the floor(lift the mat)..

chassis not hit but rad pushed back?id be checking that seriously....


would not pay more then a grand depending on cond....

Hey thanks man, that's exactly the sort of info I was after.

cool....

another place is under the guards but you usually cant find it untill you pull em off....