$75 on a truck that lasted 38 years

$1k per repair would make more sense. It also makes it a pretty meaningless stat.

I had a 1974 Dodge 3/4 ton Camper Special, 440 V8. It was one heavy hunk of iron. Put over 500K miles on it, much of that towing. Did the heads once, the trans twice, the carb several times, and lots of radiator "patches". Body was still straight, and it ran strong. Sold it last year for $1300 (1974 is the last year that is smog exempt in CA). Got my $$ out of that truck for sure. Guess that's why I love these "old truck" stories.

I too enjoyed the old truck story. :B

Thanks OP.

A guy on another board I frequent boasted almost a half-million miles on his '86 Honda Accord Wagon. And it was "completely reliable". After I started quizzing him he admitted went in to the motor a couple of times to replace rings and pistons. He said since he used OEM parts that the car was the same. I told him that since he went in to the motor it is not the same car that left the factory. I expect if I started to question the gentleman about his truck I would come across repairs that were made as well.BTW-the last overhaul was done because it wouldn't meet California's smog requirements.

valhalla360 wrote:
I'm calling bull on the maintenance cost also.

A set of tires is going to run $4-500. Assuming a new set every 10yrs (even if they don't wear out they will rot away after long enough), that is already $1600-2000.

Some buy used tires for a lot less. Given the type of back yard repairs that have been done on the old Chevy, it wouldn't be surprising to me if the tires used...are used.

If he is going only 1.5 miles to work and I bet a lot of that travel is about 30 mph or so, tires will last a long time.

For those of you who believe this story contact me for some beautiful ocean front property in Iowa!

Lessmore wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
I'm calling bull on the maintenance cost also.

A set of tires is going to run $4-500. Assuming a new set every 10yrs (even if they don't wear out they will rot away after long enough), that is already $1600-2000.

Some buy used tires for a lot less. Given the type of back yard repairs that have been done on the old Chevy, it wouldn't be surprising to me if the tires used...are used.

If he is going only 1.5 miles to work and I bet a lot of that travel is about 30 mph or so, tires will last a long time.

A friend of mine has a old 97 Dodge truck. I give him the tires off my tow vehicle and they still have a third of the tread remaining. I do the same with batteries giving him one of my old one's when I get a new pair. Only cost him for gas and oil for several years. In fact I'm going to give him the tires off my X as soon as it warms up and I get the new tires put on.

I could see people giving him old parts they no longer needed.

Harsh group........Just because that truck may be ratty on the outside doesnt mean it isnt mechanically sound. I am not sure about the $1000 maintenance claim, but keeping a simple truck like that on the road isnt that hard. I have driven beaters most of my life doing all my own maintenance...Some of us enjoy that sort of thing.

poncho62 wrote:
Harsh group........Just because that truck may be ratty on the outside doesnt mean it isnt mechanically sound. I am not sure about the $1000 maintenance claim, but keeping a simple truck like that on the road isnt that hard. I have driven beaters most of my life doing all my own maintenance...Some
of us enjoy that sort of thing.

Maybe not applicable to you but most people drive beaters because they have to.

poncho62 wrote:
Harsh group........Just because that truck may be ratty on the outside doesnt mean it isnt mechanically sound. I am not sure about the $1000 maintenance claim, but keeping a simple truck like that on the road isnt that hard. I have driven beaters most of my life doing all my own maintenance...Some of us enjoy that sort of thing.

I have to laugh. I don't doubt that all he has had to put in is 1k in parts. Has one fan belt to pwr waterpump and generator 2 radiator hoses maybe a couple of u-joints. Maybe some front end parts and brakes. Maybe some plugs points/ condenser plug wires. Nothing there very high dollar. I doubt the old six had much more then 100 HP, not to hard on running gear.