I have a 1995 Chevy Z71 that I believe needs a new flywheel to get running. I don't have the time or ability to fix this at home by myself. What does this repair cost at a shop in in B/CS?

Also, it needs a few other things that aren't important in its current use (farm truck):

1. AC doesn't work
2. Radio doesn't work
3. Rear window gone
4. Driver door needs to be opened from the outside
5. Power seats don't work
6. Taillights, headlights, mirrors need to be replaced/fixed
7. Tailgate dented and probably needs to be replaced
8. Seal around door disintegrated and water got in and now smells pretty musty inside
9. Sure I'm missing a few but think that is most major ones outside of paint job


I started to order parts to fix many of these things but I'm not sure it's worth it. I've thought about selling it as-is but it does have sentimental value as my first truck. I'd be willing to spend $15 or $20k to fix it up if I then had a truck worth $15 or $20k, but I don't want to spend that money to end up with a $5,000 truck. (Autotrader classic has some good prices for 1995 Chevys but not sure if they are realistic).

Any thoughts on what it would cost to get everything fixed and in good shape and then what it could be worth after?

Note that I already have another truck I can use on the farm but I'm trying to keep that one in a little nicer condition.

I would try to sell that to someone who can fix all that stuff themselves. Spending more than very low 4 figures on that truck just won't be worth it.

If you're willing to spend up to $20K, you can get a decent mid-to-late 2010s Tundra or F150.

I'd be interested if you sell it.

Why do you think the flywheel has an issue? Starter won't engage?

That's right magnum. I replaced the starter and still no luck. Then I turned the shaft with a ratchet and got it to engage. Worked for a while but even that doesn't seem to work now. Guessing the flywheel but could be wrong (I'm decent at fixing stuff just suck at diagnosing).

RMC91 said:

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That's right magnum. I replaced the starter and still no luck. Then I turned the shaft with a ratchet and got it to engage. Worked for a while but even that doesn't seem to work now. Guessing the flywheel but could be wrong (I'm decent at fixing stuff just suck at diagnosing).

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Do you hear a clunk when it tries to engage (the bendix hitting the side of the flywheel), or does it sound stripped out (this would be a really bad gringing sound)?

It could just need a few shims if the bendix is not engaging. Did you inspect the gear teeth in the flywheel when you had the starter out? It would be pretty worn looking if it was stripped out.

Video for starter shim installation.

I've heard the clunk and the grinding. I'm going to try it again this afternoon. I think I replaced the starter for no reason and did not inspect the flywheel (and to be clear when I say "I" replaced the starter, I really meant my buddy did most of the work while I stood there).

RMC91 said:

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I've heard the clunk and the grinding. I'm going to try it again this afternoon. I think I replaced the starter for no reason and did not inspect the flywheel (and to be clear when I say "I" replaced the starter, I really meant my buddy did most of the work while I stood there).

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I gotcha. Shims would likely get you going. Unless the starter has been grinding for a long time, I bet the flywheel is fine.

If you do sell it, post it here. I don't need one, but it would be a good project for my boys.

Or drop a new crate motor in it.

Either fix it and keep it as "your first truck" or sell it to somebody who'll fix it.

Either way don't obsess over the money. Vehicles are not investments. Well, most aren't. Look at it this way. What would it cost you to buy a new truck? 750 a month? More? You can put 2-300 bucks a month towards this thing for a long, LONG time vs buying new or even used. And the bonus is that you'll have a nice truck to drive where you know every nut and bolt on it eventually.

I'd sell. 95's are less desirable than 96-98 trucks IMO.

95 has the less desirable TBI engine and several one year only parts like the transmission and ac controls.

You're looking at $3-5k for paint at MAACO. I think the truck in "good" shape is worth $5-7k.

If you were to keep, I'd want to put a modern engine/transmission combo in it.

The value of these trucks is down currently but won't be forever. Id keep at least for right now for the sentimental reason you listed. The value isn't going down.

Hopefully the flywheel is fine like Magnum mentioned.
If you don't need ac the rest of those items are pretty cheap.
Even the rear glass and radio are probably a few hundred dollars.

I've been driving a 96 daily for 5 years after giving up a company truck. These things are pretty damn good trucks. Rock auto is your friend.

Even if the motor does turn out to need a flywheel just sit on it if the body is ok. You'll eventually want it back.

For fun go to bring a trailer and look at the GMT400 and the sale results

I'd get a back window, fix the water leak, get it running and keep it as a farm truck

Centerpole90 said:

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If you do sell it, post it here. I don't need one, but it would be a good project for my boys.

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We just gonna act like you didn't have a perfectly awesome third-gen for them at one time? Bumping them down to OBS; they should run away from home.

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My 16 year old has a 91 Toyota pickup, 4x4 that you couldn't pry from his cold dead hands, and my 14 year old has a single cab 88 c1500 that is getting LS and NV3500 swapped right now. If either complain, it won't because I bought them another project truck to hopefully make a little money on!

My 16 year old was offered the Cummins, he has told me several times that he regrets passing on it.

We're getting old man, that was 10+ years ago

Dayum...... I am getting old...

The costs to repair exceed the value..

I would get the rear window fixed, wash it. Maybe replace the head lights and try to sell for $7500

I've messed with these old Z71's before, the market is super soft.

This thread:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSEAy56kajW/?igsh=MXg2YXl1M3kwMjR3Ng==

Thanks for all the input. I was keeping for sentimental reasons but just doesn't make sense anymore since I have another truck. May have a buyer for it.