Frustration...

[au03z71]

OK, I don't post much because I enjoy the wealth of knowledge that I get from this website and I don't feel the need to dilute the pot with pointless meanderings, but I just had to get this off my chest.

To add a little background: I first saw one of these trucks when I was 14. I was playing baseball and saw it drive by; it was a 69 short-step, black... I couldn't keep my eyes off it. The first one I drove was a 1972 short fleet with a 400 small block (I was going to get a 67-72 when I was 16 but I couldn't find one they were willing to buy). From that point on, I've been in love with these trucks.

I'm now 26, I have a good job (mechanical engineer), and I'm looking for one of these trucks again (nothing special, just an old swb beater that I can tear to the frame and build to my liking), however, I have run into quite a quandry. I live in southeast Alabama and I see these trucks sitting on farms, lots, and back yards just wasting away. Their owners no more willing to sell them than they are willing to restore them. Although, you wouldn't know it by talking to them. I've heard lines like "Yeah, I was going to restore it but I haven't had the time so I'm going to hold onto it" or "I'm holding onto it for my kids"... you get the picture.

This frustrates me to no end. Even if these people had the slightest clue on how to rebuild a truck, the amount of work and money that would have to go into it would be so daunting due to the amount of degradation that has accumulated over the years that it would probably stop them dead in their tracks.

Why don't these people pass on the torch and give someone else a chance?

Sorry if this turned into a rant, I'm just wondering if anyone else has had the same luck (or lack thereof) as me.

[thirdstreettito]

Welcome form NC!

67_C-30 lives in Alabama. He might be able to help you out finding a truck there. Also, how far are you willing to travel to get one?

[Bowtied2]

I hear you. It's not just the 67-72 trucks though. I think this attitude spans the breadth of all old trucks and cars. Most of these will sit behind the barn or out in the field until they reach the point of no return...while the owner "plans" to "restore" it. Money talks though. You'd be surprised how pulling out a wad of cash will change some peoples mind!

[hensonjd]

I have had this problem with a certain 68 swb truck, 67 chevelle, and countless first gen camaros. It seems that every one has an emotional atatchment to their vehicles and it really sucks.

[67ChevyRedneck]

There's people on this board with the same problem, yeah, I'm one of em, so what? Find one that's actually for sale and move on. It sucks, but it's still their property. I'll get around to the '58... someday... maybe...

[sameyrasmea72]

Keep trying!! eventually you will get a yes from sombody. About the worst they can do is tell you no, and maybe get the heck out of here. I've bought four trucks in the last month and not a one of them was for sale at the time.

[jorgensensc]

Is it frustrating, yes. Is it worth loosing sleep over it, no. You have no control over it. Keep the numbers handy, check in every year or so (I start calling about a month before my birthday, that way if I can get a good deal, it's my B-day gift).
I agree, it is their property. Sometimes people run into hard times, they get tired of people arguing over the value of their truck, and sometimes they are just crazy. but at the end of the day, don't burn your bridges, and stay in touch. Offer your phone number if they need any help or advice, and you will see that they may eventually call you up. i have seen members here swear they would never sell, only to have to sell later. I was one of them. So keep your chin up. Remember, you have a circle of concern, then you have a circle of control. the circle of concern is huge, but your circle of control is very small. Learn to live in it and you will be much happier.
Shawn

[steelhorse]

There is a 67 chevelle that has been sitting down the road from me for at least 10 years.I stop by once a year and ask about it every time the same thing.What can you do?

[au03z71]

I never said I was losing sleep over the issue or undergoing some type of mental anguish. I'll get one someday, but until then it's not like the world is going to end. I was just attempting to figure out what is going through people's heads. I understand the attachment but I, personally would rather see a vehicle in better hands if I hadn't the ability to properly take care of it.

[Already Gone]

I've been messing with old cars and trucks for 35 years and have ran into the same scenario as you many times on many different types cars and trucks..
Keep looking and educating yourself with this site and one day when you least expect it, your deal will come together.

[au03z71]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I've been messing with old cars and trucks for 35 years and have ran into the same scenario as you many times on many different types cars and trucks..
Keep looking and educating yourself with this site and one day when you least expect it, your deal will come together.

I suppose the concensus is that this is happening / has happened to quite a few people. I'm keeping my eye out and being patient. Right now, I'm juggling my 1 year anniversary, home remodeling, and my own pipe dreams; all the while paying the bills every month. So, even if I did stumble upon a truck, it would be a long, drawn out restoration... but that's fine by me.

[70rs/ss]

Find one on the net, fly out drive home. It is way easier to buy something that is for sale, besides, most of the ones wasting away are too far gone to save and really aren't worth trying (I know I drag home everything I can to "fix" up and have owned somewhere around 20-30 of the 67-72 trucks, Blazers, Burbs, etc) some good some bad, if it is the thrill of the hunt (part of it for me) then keep at it, but if the goal is a decent truck, look where folks list them for sale and go from there. Cali, AZ, NM, UT, NV are great states to look in for rust free or nearly rust free trucks and that alone will save you a lot of heart ache and time, money, frustration, etc! Good Luck

[ChevLoRay]

This is a universal problem. It matters not where you are, who you are or what time it is....when you see some vehicle that piques your interest and you risk getting shot or bitten (dog/rattler) just to ask the presumed owner if it may be for sale and then hear, "It just needs a bat-ry", or "It was running when I parked it (many years ago)" or like you said, "I'm gonna restore it one of these days" or any number of words to dissuade you from asking any further, it is disheartening. We've all seen many "nice" vehicles that have become part of the ground that they are sitting on, which many time is paved with the same material from which the "road of good intentions" is paved.

Just keep asking. In some cases you may end up making a pest of yourself if you find a particularly desirable vehicle that is owned by an elderly person.

But, for what it's worth, there is a '69 SWB Fleetside in my town that the owner is asking $4k for. I offered $3200 cash and walked away. He chased me to get my name/number. Two hours later I put the money back in the bank. A week later he called and left me a message. My plans had already changed.

This truck has a built 305,350TH, 3.73 Posi, body-off-frame redux with Por-15 (3 coats) on the frame. Disc conversion using stock '71 components. Lowered via heated coils....not my cup of tea. The bed needs some TLC, but the truck looks good. Clean firewall, etc.

So, they're out there if you just keep looking. There are members who have vehicles for sale on this site, but you may have to ante up the $25 for a membership to access the info. Even if you do, if you are serious about these '67-72's, it will be money well spent.

I've been here since 2000 (I think) and I have never been mislead. I may have been misleading from time to time, but not on purpose. There are folks on here who will let you know if you are incorrect about something and they will courteously extend the correct info.

Just don't quit looking....

[Hutch]

au03z71
Try this approach
Get a lot of small bills from the bank
Place them inside your checkbook where they are easily viewable.
Carry it either in your front pocket or back pants pocket where the owner can catch a decent view

Now when you approach the owner make sure that they catch a view of the cash.
This sends the signal that you have cash and ready to make a deal now.

It might be worth a try
Like everbody say's Cash talks

[big_al_71]

I understand your frustation, but there are plenty of trucks to go around....I know of at least two here in miami that are being sold very inexpensive.

[cdowns]

i've been dealing with those type of people for close to half a century// now i just try to be friendly with them let them get to know me and try to leave a good impression and most importantly a way to contact me if they have a change of heart// it is after all thier property and they're entitled to do whatever they want with it

[69TowRig]

Lucky for me the guy that I bought my Blazer from figured out that he wanted to fix it up but was never going to have the time to do it. Just keep talking to people, going to car shows and swap meets. Eventually something will pop up.

[PanelDeland]

I still haven't heard from the guy with the 47 Hudson Hearse but I keep asking him every time I go to OK.He moved it once but that was at least 15 years ago.I've given up on him selling it and it's mostly part of "Dog Creek" now anyway.I made my first offer with cash in hand over 40 years ago.

[EdB]

I live in S. Mississippi. If you find a vehicle, here,that has been sitting over
dirt for 10 years, there is not going to enough left to restore. There may be
many usable parts but the rest will be rusted beyond hope.

I took a 70 chevy short fleet and a 68 GMC cab to the scrapper today. I had hoped
to save some suspension parts but they were too far gone. I can assure you
that they had been picked over by several members around here. I did get
a good z-bar and two throttle linkages that were missed. I did keep the 70 front
grill but it will need some work. The rest was toast. These trucks had been sitting
over dirt for about 10 years behind my shop.

This was my first trip to the scrap yard. I also took a lot of non pickup stuff.
It was sure sad looking at that mountain of vehicles. I saw a lot of good
stuff for 75 and earlier trucks peeking out. I am sorry to see a lot of parts
headed to China.

EdB

[Brock]

Here's how my story played out...I saw a early 80's utility truck setting in a guys backyard, perfect for pulling the racecar to and from the track...So I stopped and asked
me--I see you have an old utility truck back there
guy--yup
me--are you gonna do anything with it?
guy--nah (said in a VERY definative tone)
me--does it still run?
guy--yeah but its 4-wheel drive and only get 7 or 8 miles to the gallon
me--well i'm looking for something to haul a racecar to and from the track and that would be perfect would you want to sell it?
guy--nah
me-- Well alright then, if you decide you want to get rid of it just let me know. (he's my brother-in-law's neighbor in a town of ~300 people so everyone knows everyone)

So this guy isn't going to do anything with the truck, he has two other newer utility trucks but he won't sell it!!!! I guess he's just gonna let it sit there and rot

[au03z71]

This gives me an idea. I think I'm going to go to a couple of these folk's house next week and ask them if they'll sell their trucks... Snap a shot or 2 of them and post them up...

[Jack_71C10]

You think thats bad. There is a towing company that has
about 200 cars and trucks from the 60s & 70s. They won't sell them
because it's to late to get a mechanics' lein on them. that's what they
tell anybody who asks about them. theres about 20 60's mustangs,
several 67-72 trucks, several camaros & firebirds even an old baracuda.
I'm putting a camera in my work truck so I can take pics next time i'm
out there.

[sleepertruck72]

I had good luck with my 67 Swb. I was driving to check on my guys at work and I noticed in the weeds that a light blue 67 was lonely. I drove by once and figured nah... I aint gonna bother them it doesnt have a for sale sign, the next day I stopped and knocked on the door and asked about the truck. The lady politely told me her son wanted to restore it but probly never would and never would sell it either. I gave her my business card and all the phone numbers I could give her.I told her I wanted to buy it just gimme a price. I didnt think they would call me, but out of the blue about 2 weeks later I get a phone call from the guy and on that rainy day I got a friend and pushed it onto a trailer with all but one tires flat and on a downhill. The guy thought we were crazy but I got my truck. Dont give up ! If anything be prepared to travel somewhere and drive one back or tow one back. I almost went to Tennessee a while back for a 67 Swb but someone beat me to it. Dont give up !!!

[heyjoe]

In some cases it seems like the owner is thumbing their nose at ya!
The thought process is along the lines of "Well I can't or won't do anything with it so neither can you - nyah nyah na nyah nyah ".

[Premium72]

its thier junk and they wana keep it. on to the next. dont take it to heart. just be ready to get shot down, i mean if they wasnted to sell it , it would have a for sale sign on it..country folks like to hang on to thier $h!t, just know that goin in. dont get your hopes up. good luck.