Should I get it running before selling? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jfalesi · 12-06-2017, 02:34 PM

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** · 12-06-2017, 02:49 PM

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 · 12-06-2017, 03:00 PM

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

**leddzepp** · 12-06-2017, 04:12 PM

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

jfalesi · 12-06-2017, 04:26 PM

Cool, thanks for the input.

**truckster** · 12-06-2017, 04:38 PM

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 · 12-06-2017, 05:25 PM

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 · 12-06-2017, 05:30 PM

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** · 12-06-2017, 06:34 PM

A non-running truck is a parts truck.

GASoline71 · 12-07-2017, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

A non-running truck is a parts truck.

Agreed!

Gary

**special-K** · 12-06-2017, 09:20 PM

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 · 12-07-2017, 09:57 AM

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 · 12-07-2017, 11:42 AM

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 · 12-07-2017, 12:47 PM

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** · 12-07-2017, 08:53 PM

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

12-06-2017, 02:34 PM	#1
jfalesi Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Delran, NJ Posts: 458	Should I get it running before selling? 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 Attached Images

12-06-2017, 02:49 PM	#2
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,988	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

12-06-2017, 03:00 PM	#3
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Should I get it running before selling? I think most people (yourself included) would be more inclined to buy a running truck over a non-running truck.

12-06-2017, 04:12 PM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: Should I get it running before selling? Running vs. non running will make a huge difference in how much you will sell it for. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

12-06-2017, 04:26 PM	#5
jfalesi Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Delran, NJ Posts: 458	Re: Should I get it running before selling? Cool, thanks for the input.

12-06-2017, 04:38 PM	#6
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,976	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

12-06-2017, 05:25 PM	#7
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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 __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

12-06-2017, 05:30 PM	#8
slikside Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego Co. Posts: 1,179	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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. __________________ 1972 Chevy C-10, SWB, Fleet, 350/350, PS, PB, HEI, mostly stock, Survivor.

12-06-2017, 06:34 PM	#9
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,504	Re: Should I get it running before selling? A non-running truck is a parts truck. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

12-06-2017, 09:20 PM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-07-2017, 09:57 AM	#12
hewittca Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mocksville, NC Posts: 1,765	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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! __________________ Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 \| Bluey the 72 1500 \| Lowly the 70 C10 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread

12-07-2017, 11:42 AM	#13
wilkin250r Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada Posts: 755	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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. __________________ I know a little about cars, but if you have a question about electricity or sport quads, I'm your man!!!

12-07-2017, 12:47 PM	#14
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Should I get it running before selling? 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. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

12-07-2017, 08:53 PM	#15
ho70 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Winnipeg, Mb Posts: 1,115	Re: Should I get it running before selling? get it running and leave the rockers alone if your not going to fix them



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