how does one go about putting a reasonable value on a truck when you want to sell . I know you can't expect to get paid for your time , and total parts investment . It is also hard to compare with asking prices of other trucks as most are priced way to high . So what is a good formula for determining value ? I have a 53 with rebuilt running gear , 350 chevy , auto , disk brake , gm rear , it has a solid body . opinions on ball park asking price would be helpful .

 

Need allot more info and pics to be even in the ballpark and the location and quality of work is also relevent .

 

A '53 truck with a good body and usable running gear (including Chevy engine) and working disk brakes would fetch a minimum of $4,000 in northern New England. Like EBEAR said, the quality of work is a factor that could take the value higher.
Pictures and more details would help.
Tom

 

The formula for determining value is "place it up for sale and see what buyers are willing to pay". What you may think is "way too high" may be a steal for a perspective buyer.

 

Take it to a local car show or gathering with a For Sale sign in the window. Sell local, no shipping, cash in hand.

 

 

Now that I have seen the photos I will tell you how I determine what I would pay for a truck. If the truck is finished I compare the price to other finished trucks and deduct off anything that I may have to redo...upholstery, paint, wheels, etc. If the truck is more a collection of parts then I calculate what I would keep/use and how much needs to be bought to finish the truck. If I were interested in buying your truck I would start with the chassis and driveline. Let's say for sake of argument that the chassis and driveline were worth $2,000...I would then add in the value of the sheetmetal. Cab, doors, hood, running boards, bed, etc....assuming these parts are in good shape then I would total up their value as if I were buying them as parts rather than a running truck. Once I have a number I will use that number as a baseline and then start adding in all the work/parts that need to be added to make the truck whole. Most of the time that final number is just too big to justify buying the project truck in the first place. Not everyone sees a project in the same light, a buyer may have a really nice truck already but wants a chassis with an IFS and later model driveline. This person may be willing to spend more $$$ on this truck because he would be saving money over doing the work to his truck. I had a 1935 Chevy coupe some time ago that a guy bought for my asking price but he only took the doors and deck lid...those were hard to find parts and the price was worth it to him. It's hard to say who will be interested in your truck and how much they will be willing to spend on it. Whatever happens, good luck with your sale.