Check out this sweet 1980 K30 I might have to bid.

[jbailly]

Hi guys,
I found this one on my local craigslist, but not sure what a high limit should be. I understand the low mileage and probably great maintenance, but I would imagine the hours would be high on the engine from all the idling. If I bid and get it I would most likely remove the box and put a flat bed on it for around the farm. I've been looking for the right K30 for a while and this may be it.

Thanks,
Jon

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/5410041793.html

[MTCK]

That's a pretty cool truck. 350 or 454 I wonder? Kind of looks like a C&C but can't tell for sure from the one pic. He doesn't say when his "auction" ends.

[80SPORT]

It would be a cab and chassis...has the narrow rear end.Would be a 350....first year for 454 in 4x4 was 1981.If it was closer (and priced in Canadian dollars) I would buy it.Even has the V22 chrome grille/square headlite package.Good opportunity for someone to get a low mileage unit.

[Firebirdjones]

350 kills it for me, but it sure is neat to see these low mile fire vehicles come up for sale. I've seen some pretty nice CJ Jeeps like this that sell reasonable with low miles. One thing you can usually bet on with these which makes buying them an added bonus.....they are always garaged, they wash and keep them clean, and they are well taken care of, they almost always stay on top of all the maintenance. So you can be pretty certain you're getting a good vehicle.

(There's those bug eye parking lights again, lol)

[jbailly]

I actually contacted him about it already. The auction ends March 21, 2016 by 6 pm. Its a sealed bid thing where you send in your max amount and on the 22nd they open the envelopes and whoever bid the most wins. Could this be a 400 small block as well? I didn't ask any questions about the truck, just when the auction ends and the address. I'm still not sure what the top end on something like this should be? Is $10k too much or is this more of a $15k unit? Opinions please.

[Firebirdjones]

In my opinion Jbailly, $10-$15k is a good buy. I'd pay that much for these late 70's rust free original trucks all day long. 1980 would be as new as I'd be willing to go. Beyond that, when they get into the 80's with more computer control, computer Qjets and more garbage under the hood I tend to lose interest.

[MTCK]

I guess it comes down to what an around the farm truck is worth to you. You would beat me in the 10-15k range. Price is really objective in these not quite collectible rigs. Reserve at 4K tells me something. If I was going to spend more than 4-5 I'd want to crawl all over it first. Then again I bought my K30 sight unseen at auction (live).

[jbailly]

Thanks for the input so far guys. I'm not really sure what it is worth. I may go look at it to decide if I want to bid and how much. It won't be a beat on and abused truck, but I could use a good truck with this hauling/towing capabilities so I definitely don't want to spend $15, but not sure what I should bid I was actually thinking in the $8k range.

[Firebirdjones]

Just caught that, when you say farm truck I'm thinking a beat up leaking pile of metal that we used to drive through the fields picking pumpkins. That's what a farm truck was to me growing up

In that case I wouldn't be looking at this one, I'd be looking at a $2000 pile of rust.

[jbailly]

I understand that definition of farm truck and have seen plenty in my life time too, but that is not this trucks intention. Yes it will be used, yes it will be used in and on the farm, but it will be taken care of and for. One thing I can't stand is a leaky beat up barely running pile of crap. We have several older tractors and equipment that are as good now as new mechanically and cosmetically not quite so much, but as much as can be. Just good old well maintained and cared for equipment with some scars here and there, but for the most part really nice stuff. Heck I still have the 1951 Oliver 77 my Dad and Uncle bought new.

[MTCK]

I think a look at it would be wise. Yes it's shiny, but it'd be a shame to pay good money and find a lot of work needed on all the seals, hoses, gaskets etc. Hopefully it was in service until recently - then it has a good shot at being turn key.

[bhc41051]

X2 on the Oliver 77

Usually those trucks look like Swiss cheese after you take off all the lights and fire fighting extras.

[80SPORT]

Originally Posted by jbailly

I actually contacted him about it already. The auction ends March 21, 2016 by 6 pm. Its a sealed bid thing where you send in your max amount and on the 22nd they open the envelopes and whoever bid the most wins. Could this be a 400 small block as well? I didn't ask any questions about the truck, just when the auction ends and the address. I'm still not sure what the top end on something like this should be? Is $10k too much or is this more of a $15k unit? Opinions please.

400 was available with auto trans only....

[80SPORT]

Most of these sell between 5-10 k.I picked one up a while ago for 8000.00 cdn;original paint/aluminum fire body ; 20000 kilometers on truck.A few holes where lights etc were mounted but NO rust.

[jbailly]

Originally Posted by bhc41051

X2 on the Oliver 77

Usually those trucks look like Swiss cheese after you take off all the lights and fire fighting extras.

Nice tractor. Looks like a '49 as far as I know.

[jbailly]

Originally Posted by 80SPORT

Most of these sell between 5-10 k.I picked one up a while ago for 8000.00 cdn;original paint/aluminum fire body ; 20000 kilometers on truck.A few holes where lights etc were mounted but NO rust.

Cool thanks. Real world knowledge is the best. I'll definitely check it out before I bid and make sure it isn't Swiss cheese or rusty.