Newbie Question: Good deal or not?
 

Hi Gang,

I am new to this board but have learned a lot in the last few days.

I need your opinions on a truck. I found a 1969 GMC 1/2 ton with 130,000 miles, rust on rockers, and some on cab. The owner has replaced the lifters and cams an installed an electronic ignition. Apparently runs really well but has not been started for 2 years. It has a Powerglide tranny. Here is a picture. Sorry about having to turn it on the side.

The guy is asking $2500 Cdn, about $2000 US. Since I have little experience with what a vehicle like this might be worth, I thought I might ask the experts, any thoughts? :fb:

Thanks.

Bill.

Why hasn't it been started in 2 years if it allegedly runs fine? Did he say?

Todd

She looks better not standing on her nose!

Why not? If everything else works well (ie. steering, breaks, radio etc.) that seems like a decent price.

Good question, something I will confirm with next time I talk to him.

It sounds like he used to use it to commute to work, but found it hard on gas. Last time he used it was to do some landscaping and since then it has been parked in his back yard.

Bill

Have you heard it start and run? Will he take you for a ride in it ?
Price sounds good if it is as he says .
Papao55

If it runs well, $2000 sounds plenty reasonable. But before buying it demand a test drive.

Yeah, I would want to hear that engine run first or find out why it does not run. Could be something very simple or very hard. Other then that it seems like a pretty fair price to me.
-Later

:welcome2: 2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C :hi2:

I would love to hear it run and take it for a test drive. Unfortunately, it is over 6 hours away. I guess that is part of the problem. I don't really want to make the trip unless I am bringing her home and yet I don't want to make that trip and find it is a piece of you know what. Kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Am I being naive in even looking at a vehicle like this that is so far away?

:dum:

around here it would be at least a 1500 dollar truck even if it didnt have an engine or a blown engine, the body looks to be in great shape

;) I Agree... If You Trade Those White Wagon Wheels For Some Good Looking Wheels & Trade In Those Ford Mirrors For Some Stock Looking Chevy Mirrors, You'll Increase The Value By $1000.00 . ;) John

To me, a solid body (expect some rust) would be key. Good motor would be a plus, but not being much of a bodyman myself, parts that bolt on, even motor and tranny, are easier to fix. my 2 cents. Borrow something that runs cheap and go have a look at it.

Man that first picture was making me DIZZZZZZZZZZZY.............Go for it.... :metal: :metal: Looks like it has potential................Heck it's even painted all one color............... :) :)

I'd say it's in the ballpark for sure, here are some options that make it even more interesting.
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Air
Bucket seats
Factory Tach
Factory Tilt
AM/FM Radio
(these are some of the main ones to look for)

Nice color combo, I like it. Welcome to the board by the way. Doug

Buying a vehicle online is hard to do..although I have done it before..you never get what you see int he pics when it comes to cars/trucks. Just becareful.
Here is some more advice,we run a wrecker service & buy junk cars/trucks, running or not. We get people ALL the time who call & say they have a car..whatever it is...its in really nice condition, everything is perfect, but oh..it needs an exhaust..or battery...or something small....if thats all it needs..why not get it fixed & drive it?? Its always something...if it has been sitting for 2 years...something aint right. Looks good though....but pics are deceiving.
If I were you..I would see if maybe a board member lived close to where it was at...and pay him a few bucks to check it out for ya...it would be worth it! Just my 2 cents

Great ideas everyone. Thanks.

Next time I talk to him I will have to ask him Why he hasn't driven it if it still runs well?

The owner was going to see if he could get it running in the next week or two. He said "it has always ran well and anticipates only needing to charge the battery". We will see.

I think I will plan a little road trip to have a look in a few weeks. With all your input, I will have a list of questions for the owner and perhaps even know what to look for when I get there.

Keep you comments coming. I'm soaking em up like a sponge.

Cheers, :metal:

Bill