Summoning all gurus
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 3,122
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Mike Wolf from American Pickers. I can only imagine how many old farmer out that just hate those guys. Every week someone is banging on their door trying to into their out building. Funny this woman talked to them and still expects to get a high price,for this " well used" vehicle. The few times I've watched their show and they came upon an old car or truck they first start out whining about the time they paid a sum for a car only to not get their money out of it. Then they'll turn around and beat the heck down on price on a decent car some hoarder has had for 30 years. I doubt they even look at that truck and if they did they might offer them $250 at most because the seller is supposed understand they need some meat left on the bone.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
That price is not too bad if the engine runs and the vehicle stops. If it is frozen or has no drivetrain then $500 - 1000 would IMHO be more reasonable.
A $20K budget is reasonable if you were doing it yourself but not if you are paying for someone to do it.
Here is a thought for you though, these old trucks are great for guys with that passion. But since this is for your wife you have to ask yourself what is she driving now and are you going to keep it. These old trucks have "armstrong" steering and brakes that require a strong right leg to stop, particularly in the rain. And if it has a 4 speed transmission does she know how to double clutch? I don't know where you live but there are members on here from all over the world. Several of them have kept their trucks pure stock. Maybe you canfind somebody near you who can give her a test drive?
If she isn't happy with any of these then your $20K budget will need to be increased significantly.
Maybe just offer $500 for it and then keep it at your place as yard art for her.
A $20K budget is reasonable if you were doing it yourself but not if you are paying for someone to do it.
Here is a thought for you though, these old trucks are great for guys with that passion. But since this is for your wife you have to ask yourself what is she driving now and are you going to keep it. These old trucks have "armstrong" steering and brakes that require a strong right leg to stop, particularly in the rain. And if it has a 4 speed transmission does she know how to double clutch? I don't know where you live but there are members on here from all over the world. Several of them have kept their trucks pure stock. Maybe you canfind somebody near you who can give her a test drive?
If she isn't happy with any of these then your $20K budget will need to be increased significantly.
Maybe just offer $500 for it and then keep it at your place as yard art for her.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hi Loud & Fast,
You don't say where you are from in Tennessee and it's a long
state from end to end... There is a guy outside of Chattanooga who is
selling his F1 Project. He's got a very nice cab & chassis with title for around $3K.
He's asking a lot for the cab but it's nice... You can spend a year getting a cab into shape.
My experience is that the Cab is the hardest part - start with the best one you can find.
You can buy fiberglass fenders for under $300 ea., new bed for $1800 and you have a great starting point
and you can concentrate on getting the drive line sorted.
Good luck over there in Tennessee!
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
https://auburn.craigslist.org/pts/d/...003102351.html
You don't say where you are from in Tennessee and it's a long
state from end to end... There is a guy outside of Chattanooga who is
selling his F1 Project. He's got a very nice cab & chassis with title for around $3K.
He's asking a lot for the cab but it's nice... You can spend a year getting a cab into shape.
My experience is that the Cab is the hardest part - start with the best one you can find.
You can buy fiberglass fenders for under $300 ea., new bed for $1800 and you have a great starting point
and you can concentrate on getting the drive line sorted.
Good luck over there in Tennessee!
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
https://auburn.craigslist.org/pts/d/...003102351.html
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 365
Likes: 67
Good Luck with it , it looks like a big project. Here is what I am learning so far as I just started my own project. POUR money on it , and lots of it. I have gathered up 5 trucks as donors ,or projects . Prices from 100.00 to 1200. 00 max for a truck with very little rust . The instant you start buying parts its thousands. THE TRUCK IS JUST THE STARTER KIT Remember its FUN not a JOB.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 358
Likes: 32
From: washington
And once you do get into a truck, take photos and more photos during teardown. along with the bag and tag of parts its the best reference when it comes time to put it back together. my 48 looked pretty good on the surface, for a rust bucket, but the layers of bondo and rust and a seized engine were big surprises. Im pushing 4 years into it. but Im doing it for the fun and education for welding, turning wrenches and painting too. Helps to have a weekend buddy that likes to play. Make lists of what to do next and parts needed for the next wave. Ill be 10-12k into but the education if priceless to me. The guys on the forum are your best source of info and sometimes motivation!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 816
From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
The best deals are quite often someone else's unfinished projects . That being said if you are unfamiliar with these trucks starting with a fully or partially dismantled truck can really be daunting . And the quality of already done work is unknown . As was mentioned there are still quite a few decent projects out there and as you have already found some sellers that have very unreal expectations . IMHO don't get in a hurry as was mentioned it seems when you start looking they seem to pop up more than expected .
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks everyone this is great stuff. Little update, I decided to buy it. May have been foolish, may be the best decision I ever made. Time will tell, but either way my wife and I will enjoy playing around with ideas for it. She knows I love building whether that's furniture, cars, kitchens, whatever, and I enjoy watching her design because that's a gift I was not blessed with. I'm simply the unpaid labor!
I live in Columbia, TN and if any of ya'll are passing through feel free to stop by for a drink.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas
I live in Columbia, TN and if any of ya'll are passing through feel free to stop by for a drink.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas
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