[mr48chev]

How it was shortened and how well the work was done is more important than if it was shortened. The shortened frame wouldn't knock the value down as much as the frame not having the same serial numbers as the cab and having the truck be a "reconstructed" truck.

If you decide to buy it have him write you out a bill of sale for the "bare frame" separate from the rest of the truck. I'd even have him note that the frame was modified. That way if you decide to or need to have the truck inspected you have the paperwork to go along with the frame.

Without a title that truck is just a pile of parts waiting to be sorted out for most of us unless it is so nice it's worth the effort to jump through the flaming hoops to title it.

All that said I don't get too hung up on modificatons vs "value" all of my rigs are modified and the truck in my avatar is obviously modified to a high degree.

If you are anal about "value" or loosing "value" don't build a custom truck because few if any ever recover the expenses they put in building a custom truck and most don't build a custom truck worrying about resale value. We build them for ourselves and if we get tired of them or move onto another project we sell them and move on.