Found the one i want now what?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kylecoyote · 04-03-2005, 02:19 AM

Ok so i've found a truck i want to buy and restore. Its either a 71 or 72 short box fleetside. Haven't got to take a close look at it to get any other info. I'ts been sitting for at least 5 years. I can't figure out how to approach the owner to see if he or she wants to get rid of it. I go by it every day to try and catch the owner outside to just pull up and strike up a conversation and ask. I need to know what u guys think on how to get ahold of the owner. I've thought about leaving a note in the mailbox would leave it on the door but they've got a big German Shepard that is mean (don't laugh), others are finding their phone number and calling them but I thought that would be really wierd and they might just hang up or something of that nature. What do u guys think i should do i need help?? GOT TWO PICTURES TODAY!!!

1STtimePRo'71 · 04-03-2005, 02:46 AM

Elderly couple? Most vehicles that I've asked about in the same situation always come out like this, "I bought the thing a few years ago and was gonna restore it, but now I've got no time". Honestly I think that just waiting for the time when you spot someone is the best time to ask. I always say approach someone the same way that you would expect to be approached.
Just My .02

bigvinnie · 04-03-2005, 03:12 AM

yeah best policy is to speak to the owner... direct approach has always worked best for me..

*dtlilly* · 04-03-2005, 03:40 AM

Don't be shy, knock on their door if you see that they are around. If the Shepard bits you, you can sue, and end up witha fully restored one.

shifty · 04-03-2005, 07:41 AM

Knock on the door and ask the owner. I can't tell you how many 50's and 60's cars and trucks I asked about before I found mine. I typically would call a business the truck or car was near or stop at the house it was sitting by and tell the person, "Look, I'm sorry if you've been asked a dozen times before, but ... is that vehicle for sale? I'd really love to take it off your hands if it is."

Most people are friendly and understanding. If they get angry, I just tell them that I'm sorry for bringing it up, but I just really love that kind of vehicle and have always wanted one.

I personally think it's important to ask a person what they think it's worth BEFORE you make an offer. Most people either think their car is totally worthless or they think it's worth too much. If they want too much, ask to take some pictures and show the truck to the members here so you can get some good feedback - if they want to know why you're taking pictures, tell them you need to try and line up financing through "mom and dad" or "the wife" (depending on how old you are) and would need to show pictures in order to OK spending the money. After you know what it's worth, go back and tell them you can spend 25% less than what everyone tells you it's wroth - they will usually counter-offer and you can usually meet in the middle or somewhere close to the actual value.

LUV2XCLR8 · 04-03-2005, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtlilly

Don't be shy, knock on their door if you see that they are around. If the Shepard bits you, you can sue, and end up witha fully restored one.

cdowns · 04-03-2005, 09:42 AM

i'd say the best is knockin on the door.
you could always tell them your from the vatican and thier truck has been selected to be the next popemobile they might give it to you

purple gas · 04-03-2005, 10:44 AM

Bad timing on the Popemobile pitch, I think. Especially if there Catholic! Knock on the door, or wait by the curb if the puppy goes Kujo with the barkin & foaming at the mouth till they come out to see what the fuss is. Just like askin a girl to dance. Take a deep breath and go do it. You might get the old "Not for sale I'm gonna restore it line" then you can watch it slowly rot for the next 20 yrs like all those other vehichles owned by dreamers. But every now & then the stars line up and the guy that asks gets lucky. Better to ask & get turned down than to drive by next tuesday and see a bare patch where the truck used to be becasue some other guy asked first & got it. Even If they say no, be polite & respectful. Ask them about the truck, what it's story is. If there not freaks try to build a bit of a relationship. They might change there mind some day, and if they like you you might be the lucky guy.

Swbman · 04-03-2005, 12:32 PM

But don't do like the Idiot that rang the door bell at my house on Friday at 7:15 am asking do I want to sell the truck in the driveway,I have knocked on many doors but never before while people in the house may still be asleep or eating breakfast.

*screamin_c102* · 04-03-2005, 12:59 PM

I say kidnap the dog and ask the truck for ransom.

*dtlilly* · 04-03-2005, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamin_c10

I say kidnap the dog and ask the truck for ransom.

LMAO

kylecoyote · 04-03-2005, 01:36 PM

OK guys thanks I'm going to go by there today and find out what the dog is like.

724wdcopper · 04-03-2005, 02:43 PM

i'd avoid the note in the mailbox, since it's against the law. unless it has a stamp.

Dean23 · 04-03-2005, 02:53 PM

take a chunk of raw meat with ya through it for the dog and walk up to the house and knock on the door.

kylecoyote · 04-03-2005, 06:47 PM

I got a couple of pictures today.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 04-03-2005, 08:04 PM

Knock on the door!!!!! It looks like it has been sitting for quite some time??

SuperCheyanne72 · 04-06-2005, 02:59 AM

i would just go up to the door and ask if it is for sale. I am tempted to ask this person who has a 56-57 Chevy Belair sitting behind a fence in a neighborhood i drove through the other day. Have to pass it by the wife first!

nathank · 04-06-2005, 10:11 AM

I'm in suspense, just go ask already!!

**raggedjim** · 04-06-2005, 10:42 AM

When you ask be very attentive. If he or she wants to tell you how the truck used to be ...yada, yada, yada, listen and smile alot. If they say it isn't for sale leave your name and number in case they change their mind. Casually mention that the truck is exactly like the one your grandfather used to own before he lost the farm and how he cried when it was sold at auction...

Wait 2 weeks and they will call, I have done it three times and it worked all three times...

phlegm · 04-06-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 724wdcopper

i'd avoid the note in the mailbox, since it's against the law. unless it has a stamp.

You can pin a note to the post, or tape it, it just cant be in the box without a stamp. I used to annoy people at home for a living, I know!

shortymac83 · 04-06-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperCheyanne72

i would just go up to the door and ask if it is for sale. I am tempted to ask this person who has a 56-57 Chevy Belair sitting behind a fence in a neighborhood i drove through the other day. Have to pass it by the wife first!

there's a 57 station wagon about an hour from my house...it's pretty rusty, but it looks solid. best of all...it's BLACK on BLACK! woah!

sixty8c10 · 04-06-2005, 12:27 PM

hey kylecoyote where are you taking those pics at....looks like my backyard....get away from my truck........just kidding, nice find and good luck in your venture

seriously where are you located....that area does look familiar

busterwivell · 04-06-2005, 12:41 PM

JUST DO IT! I have a friend who has business cards made up, he's a MOPAR guy. He gives the cards to people with cars he wants, and tells them to call him first if they want to sell their car, don't trade it in, etc......etc......he makes a living doing this. They keep his card in the glove box. I drive by his house every day on my way to work......There has to be 20 cars in his side yard right now.

When I was building a car some years back, I wanted an 8 inch F%$d rear end. Every weekend I would drive down the alley from my friend's shop, and see the same old Comet sitting on 4 flats for years. I finally decided to knock on the door. I was going to say, do you want to sell that Comet, but what came out was "do you want to get rid of it?", and they told me "Get it out of here!". Their son unlocked the back gate, we dragged it down the alley, and I got the rear end. My friend got the disc brake setup, another friend got the gas tank, and a fourth guy hauled it away for the price of scrap metal.
It can't happen until you ask.

bouncytruck · 04-06-2005, 02:31 PM

If you have their street address, you might be able to find their phone number using an internet reverse-lookup.

http://www.infospace.com/home/white-...reverse-lookup

Huskerboy2 · 04-06-2005, 03:01 PM

The direct, honest approach is best. I always appreciate it when people walk up and say what they have to say. The worst thing they can do is tell you thanks but I'm not interested in selling right now.

When the same car/person repeatedly drives by my place slowly and then maybe starts taking pictures a time or two, that's usually when I reach for my .357.

04-03-2005, 02:19 AM	#1
kylecoyote Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Southwest Washington State Posts: 28	Found the one i want now what?? Ok so i've found a truck i want to buy and restore. Its either a 71 or 72 short box fleetside. Haven't got to take a close look at it to get any other info. I'ts been sitting for at least 5 years. I can't figure out how to approach the owner to see if he or she wants to get rid of it. I go by it every day to try and catch the owner outside to just pull up and strike up a conversation and ask. I need to know what u guys think on how to get ahold of the owner. I've thought about leaving a note in the mailbox would leave it on the door but they've got a big German Shepard that is mean (don't laugh), others are finding their phone number and calling them but I thought that would be really wierd and they might just hang up or something of that nature. What do u guys think i should do i need help?? GOT TWO PICTURES TODAY!!! Last edited by kylecoyote; 04-03-2005 at 06:48 PM.

04-03-2005, 02:46 AM	#2
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	Elderly couple? Most vehicles that I've asked about in the same situation always come out like this, "I bought the thing a few years ago and was gonna restore it, but now I've got no time". Honestly I think that just waiting for the time when you spot someone is the best time to ask. I always say approach someone the same way that you would expect to be approached. Just My .02 __________________ -Cory 1967 2 Wheel Chevy

04-03-2005, 03:12 AM	#3
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	yeah best policy is to speak to the owner... direct approach has always worked best for me.. __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

04-03-2005, 07:41 AM	#5
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Knock on the door and ask the owner. I can't tell you how many 50's and 60's cars and trucks I asked about before I found mine. I typically would call a business the truck or car was near or stop at the house it was sitting by and tell the person, "Look, I'm sorry if you've been asked a dozen times before, but ... is that vehicle for sale? I'd really love to take it off your hands if it is." Most people are friendly and understanding. If they get angry, I just tell them that I'm sorry for bringing it up, but I just really love that kind of vehicle and have always wanted one. I personally think it's important to ask a person what they think it's worth BEFORE you make an offer. Most people either think their car is totally worthless or they think it's worth too much. If they want too much, ask to take some pictures and show the truck to the members here so you can get some good feedback - if they want to know why you're taking pictures, tell them you need to try and line up financing through "mom and dad" or "the wife" (depending on how old you are) and would need to show pictures in order to OK spending the money. After you know what it's worth, go back and tell them you can spend 25% less than what everyone tells you it's wroth - they will usually counter-offer and you can usually meet in the middle or somewhere close to the actual value. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

04-03-2005, 09:42 AM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i'd say the best is knockin on the door. you could always tell them your from the vatican and thier truck has been selected to be the next popemobile they might give it to you __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-03-2005, 03:40 AM	#4
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Don't be shy, knock on their door if you see that they are around. If the Shepard bits you, you can sue, and end up witha fully restored one.

04-03-2005, 10:44 AM	#8
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 694	Bad timing on the Popemobile pitch, I think. Especially if there Catholic! Knock on the door, or wait by the curb if the puppy goes Kujo with the barkin & foaming at the mouth till they come out to see what the fuss is. Just like askin a girl to dance. Take a deep breath and go do it. You might get the old "Not for sale I'm gonna restore it line" then you can watch it slowly rot for the next 20 yrs like all those other vehichles owned by dreamers. But every now & then the stars line up and the guy that asks gets lucky. Better to ask & get turned down than to drive by next tuesday and see a bare patch where the truck used to be becasue some other guy asked first & got it. Even If they say no, be polite & respectful. Ask them about the truck, what it's story is. If there not freaks try to build a bit of a relationship. They might change there mind some day, and if they like you you might be the lucky guy. __________________ I got a bench seat baby, you don't have to sit over there.

04-03-2005, 12:32 PM	#9
Swbman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tulsa,Oklahoma Posts: 606	But don't do like the Idiot that rang the door bell at my house on Friday at 7:15 am asking do I want to sell the truck in the driveway,I have knocked on many doors but never before while people in the house may still be asleep or eating breakfast. __________________ 1961 BUICK LESABRE 1968 CHEVELLE SS 396 1969 BUICK RIVIERA GS 1971 2 WHEEL DRIVE BLAZER 1971 4X4 BLAZER 1971 SHORTBED CHEYENNE FLEETSIDE 1971 SHORTBED 4X4 FLEETSIDE ** ...My Ebay

04-03-2005, 12:59 PM	#10
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	I say kidnap the dog and ask the truck for ransom.

04-03-2005, 01:36 PM	#12
kylecoyote Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Southwest Washington State Posts: 28	OK guys thanks I'm going to go by there today and find out what the dog is like.

04-03-2005, 02:43 PM	#13
724wdcopper graphic designer Join Date: May 2004 Location: Spokane, Washington Posts: 841	i'd avoid the note in the mailbox, since it's against the law. unless it has a stamp.

04-03-2005, 02:53 PM	#14
Dean23 68cst_ss490 Join Date: May 2001 Location: edmonton,canada Posts: 1,363	take a chunk of raw meat with ya through it for the dog and walk up to the house and knock on the door. __________________ Dean edmonton,canada a winter wonderland 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche LT cold air intake, performance exhaust, Comp cams cam, jba shorty ceramic headers. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3090973

04-03-2005, 06:47 PM	#15
kylecoyote Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Southwest Washington State Posts: 28	I got a couple of pictures today. Attached Images

04-03-2005, 08:04 PM	#16
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Knock on the door!!!!! It looks like it has been sitting for quite some time?? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

04-06-2005, 02:59 AM	#17
SuperCheyanne72 #1 OU Soonerfan Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 85	i would just go up to the door and ask if it is for sale. I am tempted to ask this person who has a 56-57 Chevy Belair sitting behind a fence in a neighborhood i drove through the other day. Have to pass it by the wife first!



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04-06-2005, 10:11 AM	#18
nathank resident geek Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dusty West Texas Posts: 77	I'm in suspense, just go ask already!! __________________ 71 C-10 stepper 88 Moostang T-Top w/ lots of goodies

04-06-2005, 10:42 AM	#19
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,590	When you ask be very attentive. If he or she wants to tell you how the truck used to be ...yada, yada, yada, listen and smile alot. If they say it isn't for sale leave your name and number in case they change their mind. Casually mention that the truck is exactly like the one your grandfather used to own before he lost the farm and how he cried when it was sold at auction... Wait 2 weeks and they will call, I have done it three times and it worked all three times... __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

04-06-2005, 12:27 PM	#22
sixty8c10 MY EX DRIVES A BROOM Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Herington, KS Posts: 869	hey kylecoyote where are you taking those pics at....looks like my backyard....get away from my truck........just kidding, nice find and good luck in your venture seriously where are you located....that area does look familiar __________________ They say nobody's perfect. I'm a nobody, so I must be perfect. Building Nemo -1968 C10 Long Bed FRED -1947 KB-2 International

04-06-2005, 12:41 PM	#23
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	JUST DO IT! I have a friend who has business cards made up, he's a MOPAR guy. He gives the cards to people with cars he wants, and tells them to call him first if they want to sell their car, don't trade it in, etc......etc......he makes a living doing this. They keep his card in the glove box. I drive by his house every day on my way to work......There has to be 20 cars in his side yard right now. When I was building a car some years back, I wanted an 8 inch F%$d rear end. Every weekend I would drive down the alley from my friend's shop, and see the same old Comet sitting on 4 flats for years. I finally decided to knock on the door. I was going to say, do you want to sell that Comet, but what came out was "do you want to get rid of it?", and they told me "Get it out of here!". Their son unlocked the back gate, we dragged it down the alley, and I got the rear end. My friend got the disc brake setup, another friend got the gas tank, and a fourth guy hauled it away for the price of scrap metal. It can't happen until you ask. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

04-06-2005, 02:31 PM	#24
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	If you have their street address, you might be able to find their phone number using an internet reverse-lookup. http://www.infospace.com/home/white-...reverse-lookup __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

04-06-2005, 03:01 PM	#25
Huskerboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Austin, Texas, USA Posts: 1,628	The direct, honest approach is best. I always appreciate it when people walk up and say what they have to say. The worst thing they can do is tell you thanks but I'm not interested in selling right now. When the same car/person repeatedly drives by my place slowly and then maybe starts taking pictures a time or two, that's usually when I reach for my .357. __________________ '72 Chevy Blazer

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