Should I get it running before selling?

[jfalesi]

Hi guys. I have a 1971 Suburban that I will be selling in the near future. It hasn't run since 2008 because of a gas tank leak which I recently fixed (replaced the tank and all the rubber lines), but it needs new plug wires and needs to be re-timed because I pulled the distributor to prime the oil pump. Do you guys think it's worth trying to get it running before selling, or selling it as-is? It's pretty mechanically sound - it has a GM Goodwrench 350 and a rebuilt TH350, both with only about 35k on them. Will probably need brake work, which I wouldn't do myself. It does need some body work (passenger rockers, front of passenger quarter panel). I have the patch panels but I'm not going to patch the metal myself. I could cut the old metal out and coat the inside rockers with POR-15, but that's as far as I see myself going. Thanks for your thoughts! -Jamie

[clay68c10]

Sounds like it would be well worth getting it running. A couple hours of work will definitely help sell it. I personally wouldn’t pay as much for a non runner.
Also makes it easier for the buyer to get it on a trailer if needed due to the brakes.

[In The Ten Ring]

I think most people (yourself included) would be more inclined to buy a running truck over a non-running truck.

[leddzepp]

Running vs. non running will make a huge difference in how much you will sell it for.

[jfalesi]

Cool, thanks for the input.

[truckster]

Just getting the engine running would make a difference of at least a thousand bucks, in my estimation. It would be worth the effort. The other stuff, not so much.

[Coley]

Definitely get it running.
Look at it this way, you will easily lose $500 or more off the sell price...perhaps a $1000 if it can't be proven that it runs and runs well.
So if you invest 2-3 hours to get it running or 4-5 hrs for that matter and pay yourself....say $25/hr for your time and effort....you will be paid that back 10 fold....or more.
Same goes with cleaning the interior.....1-2 hrs worth of cleaning, vacuuming and washing often brings 100's of bucks vs. a 'mcdonalds wrapper and cigarette butt' interior.
Just my two bits.

All good
Coley

[slikside]

A running vehicle will ALWAYS bring more dollars than one that isn't.

It sounds like you can get it running with minimal effort too. Well worth it for you to do so IMO.

['68OrangeSunshine]

A non-running truck is a parts truck.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

A non-running truck is a parts truck.

Agreed!

Gary

[special-K]

Sell it as is to me! Or, get it running and get twice as much

These things are so easy and cheap to get right there is no reason to off as is. That thing is nice. You'll get much better coin.

[hewittca]

As a buyer, sure sell it to me nonrunning as I can get a better deal. As a seller, get it running if you know that it only needs a few small things to run!

[wilkin250r]

That same logic would not apply if it needed a complete transmission, or major engine overhaul. It wouldn't make sense to spend $1500 in order to increase the sell price by $1000. That's just bad math.

But in your situation, it sounds relatively simple, and will have a huge impact in price.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Absolutely make it run. When I look at something to buy if it's not running, I assume it won't run. If it's as easy as you say get it running, get the brakes working, being able to go for a drive can sometimes close the deal as well.

Don't bother with the rockers, you won't get your money back on that, just throw the new parts in the back.

And if you have it put the lower trim back on, it will make it look more complete and ready to drive. CLEAN it really good inside and out.

Given your location, it looks SUPER clean, I'd start high on price and see what the market says.

[ho70]

get it running and leave the rockers alone if your not going to fix them