locally there is an 85 xtra cab for sale for 500 bucks....it needs a new head gasket (it comes with the kit to do it) and it needs a bed (it also comes with a bed to put on). would this be a good deal? this truck has a solid front axle doesn't it?

 

check the frame by the tank

 

Yes, check the frame, as well as the floor.

IMHO, 85 extra cabs are THE BEST project platform you can get.

However, this one sounds like a big headache. Up to you, but there are likely other problems besides just a HG. You might need to resurface the head, or rust on the pistons, etc...

 

i just went and looked at it...most of the lug nuts are missing and a lot of the interior is missing. frame is actually in good shape but the body is a bucket of rust. i think i'll save the 500 bucks toward my SAS for my 94

 

buy it and save the parts you need for your sas, axle, ds etc, then part the rest out and get soem money back.