Considering buying a 95.5 sc with a blown head gasket

So My dad is going today to look at a 95.5 sc 4cyl 5speed 4x4 with a 179k miles for $1800, has a little bit of front end damage, looks pretty clean otherwise, it needs a grill, bumper and maybe radiator.

If it’s rust free I’m seriously considering buying it for myself as a project just not sure what all is involved with a blown head gasket and was thinking worst case scenario it would need a motor? I would be doing the work myself with the help of my dad and step dad.

Any input on things to look for and check would be appreciated!

 

These vehicles are easy and cheap to fix, but if the vehicle in question is a 5 lug, I'm sure you can find a better example for $2.5k that won't need anything other than maintenance.

Just my .02

 

No it’s a 4x4 and I’m pretty clean condition with a high line camper shell

 

Damn, why can't these cars show up where I live?

I'd buy it to rip out the 4x4 parts for a swap and part out the rest; I see manual hubs

 

This is rare lol they said they would take 1800. I want a 4x4 I can take off road and not worry about.

I’ve just never dealt with a blown head gasket

 

sure hope my HG dont blow at 179k
how do i prevent this

 

Apparently the guys sister was driving it and didn’t notice it over heating and it shut off. Motor is probably toast and it needs a paint job but no rust and body is straight

 

i don't even know if these old trucks would have a warning indicator light for overheating such as a low fuel indicator light

 

They don't, just the basic temp gauge