Looking to start a sty

[archie73]

Ok I’ve been keeping an eye out for a 55 to make my own now for while. I found one a days drive away. It’s a 1970 that the owner claims it hasn’t run since 1987. At least needs a starter...
I had a non-car guy friend take a look at it. He sent me some and so did owner:

 

[archie73]

A few more

 

[archie73]

And more

 

[archie73]

Oh sorry the new setup only allows 5 pics at a time:

 

[archie73]

Ok last couple:

 

[archie73]

So I know this is an incomplete picture of what the sum of the whole is, but what stands out you guys? Like I said it’s a full day there and back so I need some advice.
I’m a 40 guy, but don’t have any real experience with the swine variety. Mechanically I’m not to worried about- if it can resurrected to OG status so it will be. If not, I have not done an ls swap yet. Right now I just have a burning itch for it... what other specific pictures should I ask for?

 

[PabloCruise]

I think you have all you need...
Mechanically, you will be fine, just like a 40.
The body and the interior is where it will get interesting.
Are you mentally sound?

 

[scrapdaddy]

Are you mentally sound?

Because you won't be when it's done. Do your homework on the body. Get detailed pictures of all sides of the body and ask yourself if you can do the repairs at home or pay someone else in their shop (it do get expensive).

 

[RocketCityCrzrs]

Yep what these guys said. The piggy is a stretched out 40, so if you're comfortable under the hood on an f.5 then you'll be fine here too.
I did lots of body work at home and what I couldn't do, I found a reputable fab shop to do for me. Dash parts and body parts are hard(er) to find. Fenders are a bastard to find if yours have rust on them. Lower rockers will be rusted if it is from the rust belt, so pretty well plan on that.

 

[bobm]

Are you mentally sound?

None of us are . So answer better be NO

 

[wngrog]

But it. Don’t pay a lot.

Clean clean clean it.

Soak it in fluid film.

Fix the mechanicals.

Pig out.

 

[PabloCruise]

None of us are . So answer better be NO

Correct - you need mental toughness, mixed with being completely irrational. Hard to describe - either you are, or you aren’t...

 

[Big Sexy]

Mechanicals will steal your wallet.
Rust will steal your soul...

I looked at 4 piggies before I bought mine and I'd recommend you do the same. I chose the one with the least rust (they all have it) and I'm so very happy I did. Rust is ALWAYS far worse than it appears and cost FAR more than you hope...
Best thing I ever did for mine was to park it in the garage when working on it and/or not driving it.

I'd walk away from that one unless you have a lot of time, money and talent.

 

[onemanarmy]

can we get a pic of the whole truck?

Engine is probably toast with the air cleaner being off for 20+ years

Shame the owner let it rot.

 

[archie73]

Mechanicals will steal your wallet.
Rust will steal your soul...

I'd walk away from that one unless you have a lot of time, money and talent.

Engine is probably toast with the air cleaner being off for 20+ years

Shame the owner let it rot.

Jeesh guys, I was hoping you would talk me out of the rational thought process. There’s a lot of unknowns, it’s twelve hours away, it’s a pig so it’s rusty, heart wants what the heart wants.... Finally got on the horn with the buddy that looked at it. He said the doors are hard to open, some windows are stuck up, back window is smashed, big dent in the roof. The interior is shot. So maybe a resto mod...
12 hours each way, ugh.

Here’s the CL ad

 

[abqcruiser]

The price is right. It's a 2 month old listing, so if he wants it gone, you might get an even better deal. I'd say if the roofs in decent shape, go for it.

 

[Eovdubs]

Been looking at this one myself, get it before I loose my mind and do something stupid.

 

[onemanarmy]

Heck yea. Do it.

get it running and sorted, glass and doors working, fresh suspension, some 31 or 33*10.5 on stock steel wheels and roll out

patina is hip these days

 

[Big Sexy]

Heck no, don't do it... That rig is trashed - a parts pig.
Like I said, go look at a few more - you'll be glad you did.
Yes, I know, I know... not that many pigs out there to compare but it beats putting your ladder up against the wrong wall.

 

[archie73]

We’ll see, seller claims to have it sold. If so I’ll leep hunting the javelina...