Is it worth it?

[Tele Yota]

OK, I know it is worth what ever it is to the buyer...

I haven't see it in person and maybe that is what I am holding back on but here is what I have been told.

1977 2F, 4spd. He has owned it since the eighties, painted about ten years ago, use to be red. about seven years ago he blew the head gasket and had the top end rebuilt. Put it back together and the bottom end went on him. So he took the drive train (eng, tranny, tcase) out and was going to do "body work" while he did the engine. And six years later sitting in the garage he is deciding to sell it. He says it is complete. He says the frame is good but I have no way of proving it until I show up. Don't think this guy is computer savy enough to up load any new pictures of the frame.

So it is going to cost me about $1k to get it home for gas and trailer rental along with a 16 hr drive. The guy wants $2k. Is it worth it or continue the wait?

Thanks ~J

 

[Combat Chuck]

for what it is, 2K is the high side of realistic, but I'm sure you could haggle it down to about 1500.
Considering it's on the threshold of needing a donor truck body-wise, barter away.
Fenders are crap, needs rockers, rust on the bib, nonstock hubs. The motor has sat for 6 years, may even be without a bottom-end, driveline is in unknown condition, I'm willing to bet the electrical is beyond hacked up.

When you show up, just say "I only have 1000 cash on me right now" and start from there, make sure to hit on all the reasons it shouldn't cost more than 15, and point out everything you see that can add to it.

 

[wob]

If you show up after a 16 hour drive with a trailer, he knows he's got you for the 2K.

 

[whitey45]

From past experience, it is a late model canadien spec rig,stay away,the frame is probably toast,if the body is that bad! Better to start with something solid!

 

[Tele Yota]

Thanks guys, I think that solidified it for me. I am going to pass unless he wants to let it go for $1k. He tells me that he has a local guy that is willing to give him $1800. I am sure if I call him Jan 1 he will still have it and I can get it for a grand.

I just love/hate the hunt.....

 

[dieseldude]

If the 45 is located in southern Ontario, I'll take a look at it if you want. I won't scoop it on ya - my yard is full & I already have too much stuff kicking around.

 

[Tele Yota]

Truck was in Saskatoon and it has sold. I am not hurt as I want a better base to start a project from. But thanks for the offer. ~J

 

[Combat Chuck]

I think you did the right thing.
That poor truck was riding the fence between project or parts truck.

 

[dieseldude]

FWIW - if that truck was raised in Saskatchewan all it's life, the rust and rot would be a lot less than in most other parts of Canada. The winter weather there is so cold that the roads department does not use salt - it just doesn't work. They use a coarse sand with gravel bits, so there are a lot of broken windshields.

I lived in Saskatchewan for awhile & when I moved there I found it amusing that that grocery store parking lots had electrical plug ins for their customers. I soon found out why. . .

It's also common for every vehicle to have:

1) a block heater (or two)
2) a heated battery blanket

And the optional inline antifreeze heater.

Yup - you easily could have three electrical cords peeking out through the front grill. The locals stated that the cold isn't too bad since it was a dry cold.

IMO, -50 is -50.