What he said... ^^^^

My truck sat for a couple years with a new engine, then had the body restored. It's got some minor leaks at valve covers, rear main, oil pan, transmission... nothing too major but still annoying.

 

I'd have to say pass on it. A high quality paint job is going to cost you a fortune unless you have the tools, talent and space to do it yourself. For the price it sounds like there's too many things about the truck you're not a fan of already. I'd say hold on to your money and be patient until one you like better comes along.

If you're considering paying around that much for a truck, for just a little more money in this area I've seen very nice original condition trucks that have not sat for years. For the money I'd rather have something that's been driven and also not been modified to the previous owner's tastes. You just can't beat a nice original truck with paint that just needs a little polish and touch up, with patience they can be found.

 

I build high end street rods for a living so I can handle whatever work needs to be done myself. Eventhough I can do the work myself, doesn't mean it will be cheap. I'm figuring $1500-$2000 in materials to paint it. I wouldn't paint it without pulling all the glass, weather striping, and trim and most of the rubber and trim clips would probably have to be replaced also. It would be a really cool truck to have but I'm afraid it would snowball into a money pit. That being said, if I didn't already have two projects going right now, I would have already bought it.

 

Wish I had that talent! Unfortunately my current skillset puts me at the mercy of a shop for a paintjob. I know what you mean about it turning into a money pit, I bought mine knowing it would need work but as time went on and I got deeper into it it seems like everything needs replaced, it just never ends! Keeps me busy and out of trouble I guess though.

 

I don't see an issue. Make an offer and see if they bite. Original paint is not hiding any previous work. You can not buy these trucks to make your money back. Buy it to make it what you want and like. If you found one for five hundred needing quarters or floors etc... what would you have money and labor wise to start where this truck begins?

 

Just my two cents... Newer rigs with over 100k go for that price or more. This one will be dirt cheap to repair by comparison to the newer rigs. I would offer $3500 -$4000. Its a nice truck you'll be happy with.

 

A good deal is what you are willing to pay for it.

My truck belonged to my late father in-law. He was my best friend so I do not care how long or how much money it will take to re-do it the way I want it done. I have memories in mine, to me that is priceless.

crazy96863 is right and they do not make trucks like this anymore. They are easy to work on, no major electronic stuff and will turn a head faster than a new truck.

Rellim51- I would love to do that after I retire from the military, that is so cool.

 

People don't understand that low miles isn't always a good thing. If the truck has been sitting, there are going to be oil leaks because gaskets are rotted and dried out and the brake system could need an overhaul. Trucks that sit usually need a carb rebuild too. There is going to be some money tied up into the truck right away. I think around the 3K mark is fair, but like others said, it's what you think it's worth.

 

Amen brother. My "74" sat for almost 22 years under a barn shelter. All Gaskets have turned to fine powder so I am yanking the 360 and putting a fresh 390 in it. It only had 101000 miles on it. My daily driver "Tundra" has 259000 and running strong. All you rice burner haters can come out of the dark now, and yell at me

 

3x on an offer! 300 $100 dollar bills in hand makes an acceptable stack! Have another 5 of them as a second offer.

I personally like gasket leaks! As long as their not mine!! The previous owner got tired of adding trans fluid and one day it stopped moving. Sat for a couple years so I gave him $450 for it, tightened the trans to transfer case adapter bolts, topped off the fluid, drive her home!!! 14 years later and the trans is still a strong workhorse. '78 F250 Yea!!!
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Yep the leaks have an upside. I call it my Undercarriage Anti Rust Device. These American Classics deserve to stay on the road!

 

Does that offer include the autobody shop that's going to paint it?

 

Yes, $30,000 would probably buy that truck .

When I was in the market for a dent, this is the kind I was wanting; unmolested and not hiding a bunch of bodywork. Its a little bit of a catch 22, you either find beaters for cheap that need a ton of work and have been hacked together by numerous POs over the years or one that someone did a really good job with and want a corresponding price tag, then theres everything in between. This one falls somewhere in the middle, both in condition and price IMO

 

Laughing as I type!!! So I never said I could count! Edit: "30" Revised...
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