Trying to buy a '72 Short Bed

[erjudy]

So for a few years I have been looking for a '72 Short Bed. I don't mind doing some work to it, but not something that needs everything. Here is my problem, I don't want to give a fortune for a truck that needs everything done to it. So I thought I would ask the guys that are doing this and have done it. What is a good price for a truck that isn't completely shot, that I can enjoy working on and maybe even drive to a local show? Again I don't mind doing some work or even having some done for me. I was looking at a few on auction sites. Some of the prices aren't bad, but to add $1500 for shipping just doesn't make them worth it to me. I know I am going to hear a lot of, if you are worried about the money don't start. I am ready for that. So let me have it guys. What is a good starting price for a project truck?

Thanks guys and God Bless!
Ed

[leftybass209]

Welcome!!!!!!! You won't be hearing any of that garbage about finances here! You need to decide what work you don't mind doing. I'd say anything in the 8 -10k range should be a strong driver. 12+k should have some significant amount of work done to it. 6k and below probably would need maintenance to be reliable. (This is all based on my experience in Northern California, or El Paso). The more info you provide on what things you're looking for, the more we can help. There's options for these trucks that can walk the price up slightly.

[erjudy]

I would like to be able to drive it while working on it. I don't mind doing some body work. I will admit that I am not up to cutting out pieces and putting in new metal. So that work will have to be done by someone else. I'm in West Virginia so it seems like everything I find here is already done, or rusted out completely. I have found a few things that are 4-5k but they need motors and trans or new floors and beds, or both. I guess what I am looking for is decent starter.

[ksshane]

I picked my 71 swb up for 3500 and it sounds about what your looking for. It is a driver, but needs a lot of work. But its all there and I can enjoy it while Im working on it.

From everything Ive read you can find drivers for around 3500, but expect to do just about everything to them... eventually. Of course if you can spend the 8-10k.. You have quite a bit more breathing room, and you will probably be money ahead as long as all the previous work was done right.

[boraxman]

Not much here on pricing other than you should expect to pay more for a true shortbed vs. a cut down long bed...Also make sure any sellers arent trying to pass off a cut long bed as a true shortbed.

Some will say it doesnt matter if its done good or right...I say BS its like buyin a Chevelle SS clone instead of a true SS...Happy hunting!

[davepl]

Originally Posted by boraxman

Some will say it doesnt matter if its done good or right...I say BS its like buyin a Chevelle SS clone instead of a true SS...Happy hunting!

By this time, unless you're buying a survivor, the only thing a true SS has over a clone is pedigree. They're all restored using the same catalogs, the same repro emblems, the same everything.

In fact, often the clone guys hunt down NOS pieces more aggressively than original guys because they're "trying harder".

I've never built a clone. But I also wouldn't pay factory short box or true SS prices, even if they're equivalent.

[boraxman]

Ok maybe a bad example on the SS comparison...Lets put it another way....and I know opinions differ but would you rather have a real shortbed or a cut down long bed...Me I will pay the premium for the real deal.

[leddzepp]

I'd rather have a frame swapped to a SWB

[leddzepp]

Spend what you are comfortable with, that's what it boils down to.

[erjudy]

Thanks guys. I would like to have a true short bed. I looked at one a few weeks ago that was cut down. Price was ok, but I just didn't like the idea of a cut up frame and bed. So I will keep looking and keep all this in mind. I have looked a few years so whats a little more time.

[Already Gone]

I'd say buy something you can poke and putterer with and enjoy driving at the same time and that should be a 12ish truck. Buy whatever works for you and its guaranteed no matter how much you love the truck when you find one, if you buy it you will be changing things to suit you , mechanical and cosmetic. One last piece of advice be patient in your search and know there is help from the members here if you need it.

If you notice there are no bids on this 7500.00 truck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/361270915073...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


This one is a GMC listed as a Chevy.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281665955093...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[TrkEnvy]

I'm gonna say with Virginia and it's notoriety for rusting vehicles away with all that salt in the winter that importing a truck from a dry non salt state would probably be the best bang for your buck even with the shipping cost. More truck for less money out here in Vegas and Cali where it's dry and rust is less common

[erjudy]

I am looking at this one and wondering why it isn't up higher.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331531957223...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by erjudy

I am looking at this one and wondering why it isn't up higher.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331531957223...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The person selling the truck is an experienced seller on EBay ,1100 feedbacks show that. I am sure that a day or so before the auction if the seller isn't getting close to what he wants he'll cancel the auction.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by erjudy

I am looking at this one and wondering why it isn't up higher.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331531957223...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The paint job as a lot to do with that IMO.

[erjudy]

I figure your right. I think it is to nice to let go to cheap. I do like it though!

[Already Gone]

Here is one that another member posted the link and I thought this maybe what you are looking for.

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/4986849661.html

[erjudy]

Nice looking truck. It is a little more than I want to go right now. I guess I need to start saving a little more money to get started on truck. That is the problem I am running into. The trucks I like are that much or more. The ones that are where I thought I could start are in pretty bad shape. I will start saving more and sit back and wait to find what I am looking for and can afford.
Thanks for the link I did like the truck and the price wasn't bad.

[erjudy]

He pulled the listing last night. The truck was supposed to end today!

[leftybass209]

It was probably for the best. There will always be another one, with these trucks you can be sure of it.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by erjudy

Nice looking truck. It is a little more than I want to go right now. I guess I need to start saving a little more money to get started on truck. That is the problem I am running into. The trucks I like are that much or more. The ones that are where I thought I could start are in pretty bad shape. I will start saving more and sit back and wait to find what I am looking for and can afford.
Thanks for the link I did like the truck and the price wasn't bad.

I looked for 5 years before I bought my first truck. I wasn't actively searching to have one asap but I knew I wanted one and had my money ready when the time came. Over the 5 years I looked at many trucks and the ones I liked the prices on were usually lumps and the ones I really liked were more than I wanted to spend. I found my first truck at a local cruise weekend show and it was the right truck at the right price and I kept it for 13 years and sold it last summer. Bottom line here and its been said by more than one of us , be patient and the right truck at the right price will come along for you.

[erjudy]

Yeah that is where I am now. I am willing to wait. I will be hitting the shows around here in a month or so. Plus planning a trip south to visit family and will look around his area while we are there........
Thanks for advice!