Need some fast purchase advice!!

[danheit]

So I was supposed to be going tomorrow to purchase a 68 short box step side with a 350 and 3 on the floor (previously a 6cyl base model trk). Guy says there is bondo in the rear fender and some rot in the corner of the door jamb and hood. He was asking 2200, which for a running driving truck was a no brainer. Then he comes at me with it having a brake issue, all the brake fluid has leaked from the system. Still not that bad. Then today he tells me he thinks it spun a bearing and he understands if I'm no longer interested. He says that as is, the lowest he will go is 2k. My entire budget is 2400. Should I do it or hold out?? I have another motor in the garage I can drop in, but I'm afraid I'm going to overspend just to have a truck.

It needs a motor, paint, body work, rear end or regeared, brake system, and power steering conversion. Still sound worth it for 2k?
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[Splash4195]

If it's a shortbed it sounds like they are becoming harder to find. In MN all there is long beds for sale and very few shortbeds.

[WadmalawJoe]

I would try to get him down more or pass on it. If its a long drive I would pass, otherwise bring some cash and you know when people see the cash and smell it they come down more .....usually

[70cst]

Personally I would hold off. Being in SC there should be better trucks for the money I would think. My concern is all the sudden issues that start popping up. Best of luck. I'll let others chime it

[69GWC]

Look at it like,

Needs a motor
Needs a full brake job
Needs lots of body work
And how much else is it going to need before you can even drive it.?? Sounds more like a $1000 truck unless you just cant wait and you have to have it. Guess this way you know it needs everything and can see how much money your going to have to drop in it to get it so you can drive it.
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[TBONE1964]

My question is, what is your plan? Do you want a driver that you can tinker with or are you going to bring it home and tear it down to the frame rails for a full blown restoration.

For a driver, I would pass in a minute. For another $1,000 - $1,500, you could by a nice driver that needs a little work but nothing major.

For a restoration, offer $1,000 for it or pass.

Besides, you live in SC and if it is anything like NC, there are plenty of short beds.

Be patient, it will come to you.

[CC69Rat]

I think you answered your own question. For me, if I just don't feel it in my gut, it just wasn't mean to be. I walk away and just consider it a lesson learned.

There are a bunch of these trucks out there. I agree, this one sounds a bit on the 'expensive' side when you add up where you'll be into it just to get it drivable.

I think I'd pass..

I'll be glad to help you find one too.. I'm semi-close to you.

[CC69Rat]

I gave $2500 for this one..

[cliff67]

No way I would pass on this one Sounds like a scam to me I'm sure you'll find a better one

[67swb72klb]

imo it realy depends how much rust is in the truck if it is close to you it cant hurt to go and wheel and deal if it is not a badly rusted truck

[69GWC]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I gave $2500 for this one..

LOL your just trying to rub it in.. . $2500 for that was a steal..
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[danheit]

Thanks for all the good advice. To answer a few questions, the truck is about 2 and some change hours from me (about 110 miles). Not that big of a deal if I am definitely going there to purchase it. My plans are to have a driver and tinker on the side. I am selling both of my other truck projects combined for 2650 tomorrow (already have the cashier's check), and that in a nutshell is all I have to spend on and towards a truck. I know if I hang on to it too long, it will get absorbed into our budget and frittered away, so I am pretty hard at finding a truck sooner than later. I will gladly take any advice and help you guys can offer with finding a truck. The biggest issue I find around here is the body rot. For some reason, every C10 I have found has had the upper seams on the windshield near the corners looking pretty rough, and that is one spot I don't want to try to tackle a repair on. Anywhere else doesn't bother me too much. That and rockers are bad here. Although I am in SC, keep in mind I am on the coast, and salt air and sandy soil destroys these trucks. I have contemplated getting one from out West, but by the time I have it shipped, I don't have any $$ left over to actually BUY the truck. I think I have myself pretty well talked out of this 68, more because of the principle of it. I initially had plans of going in and offering 1800 on the truck, with it running. Once he said the motor spun a bearing, my # went to 1200. We are 800 apart, so that settles it for me. I have been searching for weeks (and most likely just need to search for a few more) for a decent short box for a cheap price, and I just can't find one. I believe I can locate a 68 on a rolling chassis with just the cab and title for around 4 or 500, but then I am looking for an interior, bed, front clip, drivetrain, etc. I have seen 2 ads on CL within about 2.5 hrs of my house for decent beds for around 500. So then I have 1000 in a cab and bed, and at least another 200 in gas. Ad front sheet metal and I am getting awful close to my budget, and don't have near a complete and drivable truck. HELP ME FIND A GOOD TRUCK!!!!

[BHyatt]

Walk!

[AirSpeed]

I wouldn't touch it! 2 grand is way to much IMHO, I paid 2 grand for my 72 4X4, running with only minor issues and zero rust. Who knows what else he hasn't told you!
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[CC69Rat]

Originally Posted by 69GWC

LOL your just trying to rub it in.. . $2500 for that was a steal..
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Me? Rub it in? .. well..
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[chopnchaneled]

Walk away, Walk away,,,,,,,,,,,,,


Look on tempest search and you will find a lot of them not too far from you,, that you can drive home.
Good Luck!