Posted by Brian in Oregon on July 27, 2000 at 14:08:05:
In Reply to: M43 posted by Ken on July 27, 2000 at 13:30:00:
M43's are very dependant on good condition sheetmetal for price, since you can't merely unbolt the body and swap out sections like you can with the M37 bed and cab.
If the body is truly rust free and straight, then yes, it is probably worth it.
However...
You will need to decide whether to restore it with an original engine and all the plumbing, or do an upgrade to a V-8. Going original is the only way to go for a true restoration. Going with a V-8 and perhaps an automatic is far cheaper, easier, increases drivability and reliability (the V-8 will go much further before an overhaul is needed). A flathead will require about $1800 to $2000 to rebuild, including balancing. They are not cheap. You can get a decent wrecking yard 318 for $300 or so, and a good short tailshaft 727 for that or less. Add a disc brake conversion (you'll need it if you go over 45 mph) for another $800 (www.helitool.com kit & the additional GM rotors/calipers/mc) and you'll be into it like $1400 or so, vs $1800-$2000 for the flathead rebuild plus $200 or more for the original brakes and don't forget you have to find a flathead in the first place, which can range from $200 to $500 and up, depending on condition and how complete it is.
Now add those prices to your base price of $1900. And you haven't even touched the transfer case seals, the hub seals, etc. You are fast approaching the $3500 to $4000 range.
I'm not urging anyone to go with a V-8, and I am well aware of the purist angle. I just wanted to point out some costs, since you need to compare an engineless M43 to a complete one to base you decision on. It is my opinion that cheap incomplete or cheap thrashed M37's & M43's eventually wind up costing just as much as saving up for a better rig. The only real plus to these beaters are the fun(?) of chasing down parts, rebuilding everything yourself, and, for some folks, nickel-diming one together is the only option from an economic standpoint.