Buying question.

[kballan]

Hey guys. Got a question for you all. I talked to a guy today about a '49 3 window for sale. It's all original, but in pretty rough shape. I'm looking to find out a rough value as to what it's worth and what to offer him.

Here's the skinny on the truck. I don't have any pics of it, but the whole thing is full of surface rust, it needs all new glass as every window is broken, huge holes where the cab corners used to be, needs new running boards, new cab fronts where the side vent is (both sides), needs new bed floor, needs rear fenders, and lots of body work. Interior is pretty trashed, but all there. Will need a new seat, kick panels, dash components. Has original 6 cylinder, along with factory 4-speed tranny (says it's pretty rare) I will be putting in a 350 and switching to an automatic. I know it's hard to judge without pics, but I think you'll have an idea, lol.

The guy said he bought the truck for $500 about 15 years ago. I was thinking about offering him the same for the truck. What do you all think? Nothing else around here for the same years and I'm really itching to do it. I'll be out of town until Sunday night, so I will check as I can and look at all the replies. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Brainchild]

Without pics it's hard to say.Around here a truck in that kind of shape is about half that.There are quite a few of these trucks in this area though.I have no idea what it would be worth in Canada

[kballan]

Thanks - sorry though - I forgot to mention that the truck is in Minnesota, so it would be US prices. Anyone else have any clue as to a rough value? I'm thinking about offering $500 bucks.

[jmelenko]

i just picked up a 52 five window in better shape than that in BC Canada for $100 with papers. If your really set on it i would not go over 250.

[Fred T]

I will advise you to look for a better truck. It will cost you a lot less in the long run, and you'll be able to enjoy the truck a lot sooner. Nothing like getting down in the dumps and wondering why you ever spent your money when you realize how much time and money it's going to take.

The bit about the 4 speed being rare is BS. Granted, there aren't as many as the 3 speed, but it was what almost every farmer got. Also, I have yet to see a 3/4 ton that didn't have the 4 speed. One thing you really need to figure out is which model the truck is. 1/2 or 3/4 ton? The half has 6 bolt wheels and a 6.5' bed with 2 stake pockets. The 3/4 has 8 bolt wheels and a 7.5' bed with 3 stake pockets. Value of the 3/4 is lower, mainly due to the difficulty in regearing the rear end. I can't help on the actual value, it varies a lot by where you are.

[Brainchild]

I got this one for 400 last year,and it runs and drives.I wish I had the bed for it.The flatbed is supposed to be dealer installed
It is really solid straight,and nowhere can I find a place that is rusted through.It does depend on where you live,and how bad you want it

Mine is a 3/4 ton with a 4 speed

[kballan]

Thanks for the notes guys! It's really appreciated! As for the truck itself, it won't take my life savings to redo. Matter of welding on a few new panels and some TLC. I'm not planning to have it done in just a few months, so I don't mind taking my time. I will go lower on the offer based on what I've read here though. Thanks fellas!