87 Chevy Truck For Sale Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Classic Squarebody pickup.truckstrend.com
The roar of a V8 engine, the unmistakable lines of a classic American pickup, and the promise of a timeless project or reliable daily driver – these are just some of the reasons why the 1987 Chevrolet C/K series truck holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Often referred to as the final iteration of the beloved "Squarebody" generation, the ’87 Chevy truck combines vintage charm with practical durability, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. For many, the hunt for this iconic pickup begins and ends on Craigslist, a digital classifieds platform renowned for its local listings and direct-seller interactions. This comprehensive guide will navigate the exciting, yet sometimes challenging, journey of finding and acquiring your dream 1987 Chevy truck on Craigslist.
Why the 1987 Chevy Truck? A Timeless Classic
87 Chevy Truck For Sale Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Classic Squarebody
The 1987 Chevrolet C/K series represents a significant point in truck history. As the last model year for the third-generation "Squarebody" design (1973-1987), it inherited all the refinements and improvements made over its long production run. This included the introduction of Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for some V8 engines, offering better fuel efficiency and reliability compared to earlier carbureted models, while still retaining the classic, robust architecture.
These trucks are cherished for several reasons:
- Iconic Design: The clean, angular lines of the Squarebody are instantly recognizable and have stood the test of time, appealing to both classic truck enthusiasts and those seeking a unique aesthetic.
- Durability and Simplicity: Built with heavy-duty components and relatively straightforward mechanical systems, these trucks are known for their longevity and ease of maintenance.
- Parts Availability: Due to their popularity and long production run, aftermarket and OEM parts are incredibly abundant and affordable, making restoration and repairs less daunting.
- Customization Potential: From mild restorations to wild custom builds, the ’87 Chevy truck serves as an ideal canvas for personalization, allowing owners to create a vehicle that truly reflects their style.
- Nostalgia: For many, owning an ’87 Chevy truck is a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of simpler times or family vehicles.
Whether you’re looking for a dependable workhorse, a weekend cruiser, or a full-blown show truck, the 1987 Chevy truck offers a versatile and rewarding ownership experience.
Navigating Craigslist for Your Dream Truck
Craigslist is a double-edged sword when it comes to buying vehicles. Its local, direct-to-consumer model often translates to better deals and a wide variety of listings, but it also comes with inherent risks. Understanding how to effectively use the platform is crucial.
Advantages of Craigslist:
- Local Focus: Find trucks in your immediate area, reducing travel costs and enabling easier pre-purchase inspections.
- Direct Seller Interaction: Communicate directly with the owner, allowing you to ask detailed questions and gauge their honesty.
- Often Better Prices: Without dealership overhead, private sellers can often offer more competitive prices.
- Variety: From rust buckets to fully restored gems, you’ll find a vast range of conditions and prices.
Disadvantages and Risks:
- "As-Is" Sales: Most private sales are "as-is," meaning no warranty or recourse if issues arise post-purchase.
- Scams: Be vigilant for phishing attempts, fake listings, or sellers pressuring for upfront payments without seeing the vehicle.
- Lack of Buyer Protection: Unlike platforms with escrow services or buyer guarantees, Craigslist offers no inherent protection.
- Misleading Information: Photos can be deceiving, and descriptions may omit critical flaws.
Effective Search Strategies:
- Keywords: Don’t just search "87 Chevy Truck." Use variations like "1987 Chevrolet Pickup," "Chevy C10," "Chevy K10," "Squarebody," "Silverado," "Custom Deluxe," or specific engine types (e.g., "350 V8").
- Location Filters: Start broad and then narrow down your search radius as needed.
- Price Range: Set a realistic price range to filter out listings that are either too cheap (potential issues) or too expensive.
- Regular Checks: New listings appear daily, so check frequently. Set up alerts if your local Craigslist allows.
- Analyze Ads: Look for detailed descriptions, multiple clear photos (especially of common problem areas like rust), and consistent information. Be wary of generic ads with stock photos or vague details.
What to Look For: Inspection Checklist for an ’87 Chevy Truck
Once you’ve found a promising listing, it’s time for a thorough inspection. Bring a knowledgeable friend, a flashlight, a magnet (to detect body filler), and a notebook.
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Body and Frame:
- Rust: The biggest enemy. Check cab corners, rocker panels, fender wells, floor pans, bed sides (especially around wheel wells and bed floor), door bottoms, and the frame rails. Surface rust is manageable, but extensive rot is costly.
- Panel Alignment: Uneven gaps or misaligned panels can indicate past accidents or poor bodywork.
- Bondo/Filler: Use a magnet on suspicious areas. If it doesn’t stick, there’s filler.
- Glass and Seals: Check for cracks, chips, and dried-out weatherstripping.
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Engine and Drivetrain:
- Engine Type: Confirm the engine (305, 350, diesel). Ask if it’s original or a swap.
- Leaks: Look under the truck for oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks.
- Starting: Does it start easily? Listen for unusual noises (knocks, ticks, squeals).
- Exhaust: Check for excessive smoke (blue for oil, white for coolant, black for rich fuel).
- Transmission: Manual or automatic (TH350, TH400, 700R4). Check fluid level and color. Test all gears, listen for clunks, grinding, or slipping.
- 4×4 (if applicable): Engage 4-wheel drive, ensure it shifts smoothly into high and low range.
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Interior:
- Dashboard: Look for cracks, common on these models.
- Seats: Tears, worn upholstery, collapsed foam.
- Headliner and Carpet: Stains, tears, mold, water damage.
- Gauges and Lights: Ensure all gauges (oil pressure, temp, fuel, speedometer) work. Check all interior lights.
- HVAC: Test heater and AC (if equipped).
- Power Accessories: Test power windows, locks, radio, wipers.
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Suspension, Steering, and Brakes:
- Suspension: Look for worn bushings, shocks, or sagging leaf springs. Bounce each corner of the truck.
- Steering: Check for excessive play in the steering wheel. Listen for groans from the power steering pump.
- Brakes: Check fluid level, look for leaks. Test pedal feel – it should be firm, not spongy. Listen for squealing or grinding during a test drive.
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Documentation:
- Crucial. Ensure it’s a clean title (not salvage, rebuilt, or flood) and matches the seller’s ID. Verify the VIN on the title matches the truck’s VIN plate.
- Service Records: Any maintenance history is a bonus.
The Negotiation Process and Closing the Deal
Armed with your inspection findings, you’re ready to negotiate.
- Research Comparables: Before you go, know what similar trucks in similar condition are selling for in your area.
- Be Prepared to Walk Away: This is your strongest negotiating tool. Don’t fall in love with the first truck you see.
- Use Findings: Point out any defects or necessary repairs discovered during your inspection to justify a lower offer.
- Start Lower Than You Expect to Pay: Give yourself room to negotiate upwards.
- Payment: For private sales, cash is king. For larger sums, a cashier’s check from a reputable bank is safest. Never wire money or use gift cards.
- Bill of Sale: Always get a written bill of sale, even if not required by your state, detailing the vehicle, price, date, and buyer/seller information.
- Title Transfer: Immediately after purchase, transfer the title into your name at the DMV.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Buying a vintage truck on Craigslist comes with its own set of hurdles.
- Challenge: Extensive Rust:
- Solution: For project trucks, be prepared for extensive welding and bodywork. For drivers, prioritize structural integrity over cosmetic perfection. Factor in the cost of professional repair or DIY effort.
- Challenge: Undisclosed Mechanical Issues:
- Solution: A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic (if the seller allows) is invaluable. If not, budget for unexpected repairs.
- Challenge: Craigslist Scams:
- Solution: Always meet in a public, safe location during daylight hours. Bring a friend. Never pay anything before seeing the vehicle and verifying the title. Be suspicious of deals that seem "too good to be true."
- Challenge: Overpriced Listings:
- Solution: Patience is key. Expand your search radius or wait for new listings. Don’t be afraid to make a fair offer based on your research, even if it’s significantly lower than the asking price.
- Challenge: Lack of Maintenance Records:
- Solution: Assume the truck hasn’t been meticulously maintained. This should influence your offer and prompt you to perform basic maintenance (fluids, filters, plugs) immediately after purchase.
Estimated Price Ranges for 1987 Chevy Trucks on Craigslist
The price of a 1987 Chevy truck on Craigslist varies dramatically based on its condition, engine, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), trim level, and geographic location. This table provides a general guideline:
| Condition Category | Description | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Parts/Project | Non-running, extensive rust, significant mechanical issues, missing components. Suitable only for parts or a complete frame-off restoration by an experienced individual. Often sold with a "Bill of Sale only" or "Salvage Title." | $500 – $3,000 |
| Driver Quality | Runs and drives, but needs significant mechanical attention, bodywork, or cosmetic restoration. May have visible rust, dents, worn interior. Could be a daily driver with ongoing work, or a solid foundation for a gradual restoration. | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Good Condition | Mechanically sound, minimal to no major rust, presentable paint and interior, all systems generally functional. May have minor cosmetic flaws or require small repairs. Suitable for a reliable daily driver or a well-maintained cruiser. | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Restored/Show | Professionally restored or meticulously maintained. Excellent paint, pristine interior, rebuilt engine/drivetrain, minimal wear. May feature upgrades like custom suspension, modern conveniences, or rare options. Ready for car shows or discerning collectors. | $18,000 – $40,000+ |
Note: These are estimates. Prices can fluctuate significantly based on market demand, specific features (e.g., big block engine, rare trim package), and seller urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is an ’87 Chevy a good first classic truck?
A: Absolutely! Their mechanical simplicity, robust build, and excellent parts availability make them ideal for first-time classic vehicle owners or those new to wrenching.
Q: What’s the difference between C10 and K10?
A: C10 denotes a 2-wheel-drive (2WD) truck, while K10 signifies a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) truck. The "10" typically refers to a half-ton capacity.
Q: Are parts readily available for these trucks?
A: Yes, parts availability is one of their biggest advantages. Due to their popularity and long production run, you can find almost any part, new or used, from major retailers, online forums, and junkyards.
Q: Should I get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a mechanic?
A: Highly recommended, especially for higher-priced trucks. If the seller agrees, it’s a small investment that can save you thousands in unexpected repairs.
Q: How do I avoid scams on Craigslist?
A: Never pay sight unseen. Always meet in person, preferably in a well-lit, public place. Bring a friend. Verify the title matches the seller’s ID and the vehicle’s VIN. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or sellers pressuring you for quick decisions.
Q: What’s the average mileage for an ’87? Does it matter?
A: Mileage can vary wildly, from under 100,000 to well over 300,000. For a vehicle this old, condition is far more important than mileage. A well-maintained truck with high mileage can be a better buy than a low-mileage truck that has been neglected.
Q: TBI vs. Carburetor – which is better?
A: The ’87 model introduced TBI (Throttle Body Injection) for some engines, offering better cold starts, fuel economy, and reliability compared to older carbureted systems. However, both are relatively simple to maintain. TBI is generally preferred for ease of use, while carburetors offer a more "traditional" classic feel and can be easier to diagnose with basic tools.
Conclusion
The pursuit of an 87 Chevy truck for sale on Craigslist is more than just a transaction; it’s the beginning of an adventure. These Squarebody pickups are more than just vehicles; they are cultural icons, blank canvases for creativity, and reliable workhorses that embody a bygone era of American automotive craftsmanship. While the Craigslist platform demands caution and due diligence, the rewards of finding that perfect classic truck directly from a private seller can be immense. With patience, thorough inspection, and smart negotiation, you can transform a simple online listing into the tangible realization of your automotive dreams. Embrace the journey, and soon you’ll be cruising in your very own piece of Chevrolet history.
