I Need a little help

[Lockedup]

Hey guys, I am new to the classic truck scene and am looking for a good project to start out with. I have been building things that go fast across the desert and have decided that i needed something nice to hotrod around town in. I have always loved the body style of the 47-53 chevy 3100's and have decided that that is what i am going to build. I have been looking for the past few months with little luck but i came across one today that i am interested in but want to make sure i am right on the price. I would have to make about a 12 hour round trip to pick this up so figure that into the price.

Its a 1950 3100, chevelle front end, 4 link rear, 350 short block for mock up only and a TH350 tranny. I am getting more pics tomorrow but from what i have is the interior is complete and boxed up, the upholstery is non existent but the seat frame is there. It has very very little rust and all the trim and body parts are accounted for. The seller is asking $1500 but i think i may be able to get it for around $1000-$1200.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Welcome! Not a bed price IF the clip installtion was done right and it truly has little rust. Why are the 350/350 for "mock up only"? Can't be rebuilt? Or don't come with the sale?

[solidaxel]

Welcome from So Az.

I don't know what your budget is but if you keep looking there are better ones in the Valley and Tucson

You have a LARGE project with that one, keep looking.
Raise your sights, there are better ones to start with, but be comitted to spend a lot of money for a finished pick up!
Better yet find one that is driving and make foundation changes, but has paint & body work comp.
Find another bare chassis build it, and swap everything over

Just sold my house on Old Linden Rd, 4 mo. ago, been up in that area since 1959

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Welcome! Not a bed price IF the clip installtion was done right and it truly has little rust. Why are the 350/350 for "mock up only"? Can't be rebuilt? Or don't come with the sale?

I'd agree with Dan, That isn't a bad price if the clip install is done right.
Check how well the work that has been done has been done. It always seems to help to take an experienced pair of eyes along who knows what to look for if you aren't sure about what to look for. Take the guy who is a bit critical and not the one who thinks everything looks great all the time though. This the time when your buddy who is a bit of a nitpicker comes in real handy.

Also check closely to see if the rust you see is only surface rust and the truck isn't rusted out in so many places that you will have to replace half of the cab to have it usable. I think that may be what Solidaxle is referring to. Sometimes the cheapest deal isn't the best deal.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

...Sometimes the cheapest deal isn't the best deal.

x1000. Uless you're really NOT picky, I'd never buy a "done" truck because the seller would want top dollar, and why not? It's "perfect" to him. It's "done!" But it won't be to you, it'll be the starting point so why pay for someone else's dream? Pay for your own!

[99 to Life]

I'd get it out of the grass there, inflate all the tires and see where she stands, get under there and def check the front clip installation. I personally like doing everything I can and wouldn't want a pre clipped frame but if you want to get this on the road in a hurry and it is done right, that is one less thing you gotta do. See if they boxed the frame as well, cause you will want to do that.

At any rate, to me here in PA that is a good deal even at 1500, you guys don't even understand the rusted pieces we have out here. Yes def check the cab floors, they will be dirty and misleading. If you can get him under 1500 with title and all the metal parts, go for it.

If the glass aint smoked or grimmy that is a plus, if you got the gauges that is a plus, original steering column (can't stand modern columns) OG steering wheel, all door accessories, speaker cover, glove box, heater etc all great. Those things add up.

I think the truck looks great and would make a great patina shop truck or something, I'm big on that. But if you are gonna paint it than the amount of detail to look for increases ten fold IMO.

I'd buy it, rebuild or throw a new engine and trans in, get a new wiring harness and start fresh there.

[Lockedup]

Here's some more pics.

[99 to Life]

Here in PA 1500 would be ok, but it just depends. Some guys want 2k and others will take 1 grand. I think the more you talk that guy down the better.
You have some floor board work on the pass side. There is always more to it than appears. Again I like the patina, I think it would look great with some white walls and lowered a little. It would be a very unique truck.

If it has a title in his name that would be ideal.

that engine is pretty much going to need all tore down and gone over, I'd do the same with the trans. I always assume those are a whole separate project, so if he would take less off so he can keep them, I'd do that.

keep us posted, but I'm definitely digging it. My truck was in about the same shape. all your interior stuff will need some work, but its all manageable.

Still can't tell what is up with that IFS though, I'd pop a tire off and get under there and check the welds out.

[solidaxel]

Look up a guy on here that goes by the name of "Centerline" he lives out by Linden and has built a few of these trucks from the ground up, I am sure he will help you decide.
I also see him post on Hotrodders Bulliten Board
Did you say it had a Az title?

[Lockedup]

Thanks guys, The truck is actually in colorado so i am unsure of the title issue i havnt gotten that far. I think I am going to pass on it I think its missing a few more parts than i want to deal with. I found a few more locally here in AZ that are complete and the same money or less so i think i will just wait. I have no problem welding and replacing sheet metal but i just finished a 1969 Bronco that was in about the same shape as this and I am still having nightmares about it If anyone is interested in the info on this truck just shoot me a message or i can post the link to it.

[99 to Life]

yeah if you are not sure on the title yet an it isn't even in your state,
I'd pass. These are probably a dime a dozen over there. I want to make a trip out there sometime and swoop some of these up. I need to get a better hauler though and some money. Its the little things that add up and make you drop 10k in a hurry. the big things do too, but darn those little things.

It is still a nice truck though. Hope you find something and get posting on here.