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Hi guys, I'm looking at buying this truck but don't have a clue as to it's value. A brief description would be that it's been sitting in a field in Montana for at least 20+ years. I would say it's overall condition is fair, not a parts truck but not a runner either. It appears to be complete except for a missing wheel. This description is based on a 20 year old snapshot, my memory and a recent conversation with the owner assuring me that the truck hasn't moved and the only thing would have changed since I last saw it would be due to weather and time. Any information about the value of these trucks would be very much appreciated, thank you.
Last edited by glruff; 10-13-2015 at 05:32 PM.
Reason: User request
Hi guys, I'm looking at buying this truck but don't have a clue as to it's value. A brief description would be that it's been sitting in a field in Montana for at least 20+ years. I would say it's overall condition is fair, not a parts truck but not a runner either. It appears to be complete except for a missing wheel. This description is based on a 20 year old snapshot, my memory and a recent conversation with the owner assuring me that the truck hasn't moved and the only thing would have changed since I last saw it would be due to weather and time. Any information about the value of these trucks would be very much appreciated, thank you.
Picture? I paid 300 for mine, had original express box replaced with flatbed, but was one family. Non runner due to sitting for awhile. Check the front axle for signs of breakage where long tube goes into differential housing.
Wow, I for one am eager to know more about this truck, and see that picture. There are four of us active members here who have F-2 and F-3 M-Hs. Your thread title will I'm sure draw replies from all of us. My trucks are listed in my signature block.
The others can speak for themselves, but I believe my experience is similar to theirs. My first truck came from ND, a 1952 R32-4, was bought off eBay based on pictures alone, and bid was "won" at around $2000. The truck was a true p.o.s. having frame and other key fractured components. (Edit - it had a welded axle as Owen describes above and pictured below). It has proven to be very valuable none-the-less as a parts donor.
My second truck was a bare frame 1953 F-250 M-H/6M254 that I paid $500 for. Cheap to buy and today lives on in mine and the other guys' trucks.
The third truck, the 1952 6R32-4, came from AZ and is today about half way restored. Paid $1200 for it.
My fourth truck, the 1951 R3-4, came from OR and was rough but otherwise sound. It today has started its rebirth. Paid $750 for it.
The fifth is the 1950 R3-4 that will be a donor truck for the 1951. Paid $1000 even for it.
Whether you buy the truck or not I would still appreciate having information about it for my archive. Information such as VIN, M-H serial number, and front axle number will help us compile a record of surviving trucks. There are only two or three dozen that have survived as complete trucks or parts donors. Stu
Nice shape. It's a '51 V8 based on the trim. Post the numbers and we can help you sort it out. In my axle picture you will see the axle number. The axles were used in number order over '51 through '53. Yours should be R32-xxx, probably in the 100s or low 200s. Stu
Edit - since it's a '51 it raises a few other questions. I can't see well in the picture whether the front differential is offset left or right. If offset left it's an R32-4 having two speed transfer case. If offset right it's a single speed transfer case model R3-4. It would also be good to know whether the parking brake handle is in the left footwell (early truck) or to the right of the gear shift (late truck). Stu
Nice shape. It's a '51 V8 based on the trim. Post the numbers and we can help you sort it out. In my axle picture you will see the axle number. The axles were used in number order over '51 through '53. Yours should be R32-xxx, probably in the 100s or low 200s. Stu
Edit - since it's a '51 it raises a few other questions. I can't see well in the picture whether the front differential is offset left or right. If offset left it's an R32-4 having two speed transfer case. If offset right it's a single speed transfer case model R3-4. It would also be good to know whether the parking brake handle is in the left footwell (early truck) or to the right of the gear shift (late truck). Stu
When you look at it again you'll have to see what's parked in front of it. Rear wheel looks to be power wagon or perhaps IHC M-1-4 or M-2-4.
When you look at it again you'll have to see what's parked in front of it. Rear wheel looks to be power wagon or perhaps IHC M-1-4 or M-2-4.
Thanks for the responces. What's parked in front of it is an old hay bailer so who knows what parts and pieces went into that!.The owner called the truck a '52 so maybe it's a "late" '51. As far as what levers are located where, the only thing I can remember is that there is a forest of levers sticking up thru the floorboard! The truck is miles and miles away at th moment so details will have to come from memory.I don't want to nake a lowball offer and offend the owner into never selling this truck ever so a good faith ballpark value is what I need , any ideas? Thanks
Welcome to FTE,
That's a nice looking truck and deserves to be rescued and preserved/restored. keep us posted on how you come out on the deal.
My 51 F3 Marmon Herrington came out of Montana as well (Big Timber and Gallatin Gateway) area. Thanks to Stu who had known about it for years. and kept track of it.
my 51 F2 Marmon Herrington came out of South Dakota but I unfortunatly don't know any history of them past that.
my 51 F2 was $1500 body in great shape but didn't have box or rear fenders etc. (some work already done to it)
and my 51 F3 I honestly can't remember what I paid for it, maybe $1500 or 2k ? I'll have to go back through my records to jog my memory
in your picture am I seeing a wheel on the Left rear but missing the tire? or is half the wheel missing?
my f-3 was missing the rear wheel adapters, at least yours looks complete.
here are pictures for reference.
the f3 is the complete one. the f2 has a 48 front clip just sitting on the chassis and an extra cab sitting on back, that was a packlage deal and all the body parts were included just loaded up
If there are multiple levers in the middle (gear shift, hi/lo range, and brake) it's no doubt a late '51 R32-4. I texted the other two guys and am sure they will report in. Since it's a complete truck I'd not be afraid to make him a good offer. But would ask for more pictures to let you know what you're up against. Stu
Hey hey......another MH shows up. The other guys have hit on most of the things to look for. I would add look over the frame. My F2 MH had 6 fractures that had been fixed with a coat hanger, jumper cables and a car battery. It had 2 fractures that were not fixed. 8 in total. I am currently re-framing that truck. If you need to re-frame figure in the cost of a donor. I paid 800 bucks for the F2, after I watched it sell for much less at auction. Its a long story that doesn't need repeating. The body was shot, frame was shot, missing the rear adapters. Well worth 800. My F3 was purchased 16 years ago. It had been taken apart for a frame-off and sold as is. I didn't get it all. No bed, no rear adapters, no short shaft. On the upside the cab is cherry, the frame is cherry etc. The F3 lived a pampered life compared to most F2 and F3 MHs. As far as price goes you need to ask what the guy will "take". If it doesn't scare the $&@* out of you I would pull the trigger. It's hard to be the buyer and seller at the same time. It looks better than both I have bought. Maybe Stu can post of a pic of my F2 on auction day. Left for dead is an understatement. Good luck!
Josh, I still cant get my mind wrapped around those 16 inch radial tires on lockring wheels that your F2 was sporting on the trip home. Raised white letter to boot!
Last edited by thundersnow70; 10-01-2015 at 08:02 PM.
Reason: Add
These M-H trucks are always interesting to learn about.
Your original post said the pictures were 20 years old. A lot can happen in 20 years.
More pictures would be necessary for our experts to say anything more. Of course giving the prices they paid is very helpful.
Don't we have some Montana members? It's such a small state, I'm sure they are just a few miles away from it. They could buzz over and set some eyes on it.
10-01-2015, 12:35 PM
They could buzz over and set some eyes on it.