Craigslist truck- I don't know if I can see past those tail lights!

[SCHRUMGMC]

Oh alright, I am not familiar with a Nova

[wgr2112]

'78 Nova? That's like one step above a Pinto!

[Bow Commander]

Originally Posted by wgr2112

'78 Nova? That's like one step above a Pinto!

That was my thought! So many great tail lights to choose from, he chose that? Beauty is in the eye... and all that.

He emailed back asking what pictures I would like. I responded with interior, engine bay, and a few full side shots in decent light.

Looking forward to getting better pictures.

[westbrookw]

The bed liner on the tops of the rails and steps bothers me a little more than the tail lights. What is that for? The fake dog scratching the tops when it climbs out?

[Bow Commander]

Ok he sent me some more pics..
Tell me your thoughts guys.. Anything good or bad that you see? He said the only quirk is that the carb doesn't have a choke so it takes a bit to warm up. He says it's too nice to haul garbage or debris so he does think highly of its condition. Don't worry, I'd use it as a truck is intended.








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[rcrahn]

Many of the comments here are focused just on cosmetic things. I'd insist on a top to bottom mechanical inspection by a certified mechanic. I mean everything brakes, tires, steering, suspension, drive line, and motor including compression and leak down tests. Ask to review any receipts or paperwork for mechanical service. Try to establish a history. Do that and you will have something solid to work with. To determine a fair price and if you even want to buy it or keep looking. At first glance, for $12.5 I'd keep looking

PS: One thing I don't like is manual brakes.....they are easy enough to upgrade but then you are talking money......

[bobs409]

Originally Posted by wgr2112

'78 Nova? That's like one step above a Pinto!

[sstone69]

If it were me I would keep looking. You asked so here are my observations:
Paint looks good, but several things that would cause me to re-think it. From the pictures it is hard to tell what stage this truck is in. No windshield wipers, throttle linkage spring looks like it has been rigged, seat mounting looks questionable, in one picture the seat slider knob is on and then the next it is off, rubber gas line - just need a glass filter in there.

[wgr2112]

It's a nice looking truck.

For that price, I would want:

Power Brakes
A/C
Recovered Seat in the factory style
Power Steering
Choke

[Rufton]

I like manual brakes/steering and no AC; less to maintain.
Choke small potatoes.
I would focus on rust, panel alignment, test drive, basic DIY inspection and price.

[Bow Commander]

Originally Posted by rcrahn

Many of the comments here are focused just on cosmetic things. I'd insist on a top to bottom mechanical inspection by a certified mechanic. I mean everything brakes, tires, steering, suspension, drive line, and motor including compression and leak down tests. Ask to review any receipts or paperwork for mechanical service. Try to establish a history. Do that and you will have something solid to work with. To determine a fair price and if you even want to buy it or keep looking. At first glance, for $12.5 I'd keep looking

PS: One thing I don't like is manual brakes.....they are easy enough to upgrade but then you are talking money......

Originally Posted by sstone69

If it were me I would keep looking. You asked so here are my observations:
Paint looks good, but several things that would cause me to re-think it. From the pictures it is hard to tell what stage this truck is in. No windshield wipers, throttle linkage spring looks like it has been rigged, seat mounting looks questionable, in one picture the seat slider knob is on and then the next it is off, rubber gas line - just need a glass filter in there.

Originally Posted by wgr2112

It's a nice looking truck.

For that price, I would want:

Power Brakes
A/C
Recovered Seat in the factory style
Power Steering
Choke

Originally Posted by Rufton

I like manual brakes/steering and no AC; less to maintain.
Choke small potatoes.
I would focus on rust, panel alignment, test drive, basic DIY inspection and price.

You guys are awesome. Thank you for all your input. I'm going to go ahead and walk away from this one. There's just too many questionable things about it, AND ideally I am looking for a slant nose non-stepper. So with that said, I will wait for the right one to come along.

My friends aren't car guys, so I really appreciate the input of the members here. I'm soaking everything in that you post. Thanks again.

[Rufton]

Originally Posted by Bow Commander

You guys are awesome. Thank you for all your input. I'm going to go ahead and walk away from this one. There's just too many questionable things about it, AND ideally I am looking for a slant nose non-stepper. So with that said, I will wait for the right one to come along.

My friends aren't car guys, so I really appreciate the input of the members here. I'm soaking everything in that you post. Thanks again.

Your welcome.
Not easy to find a nice truck around here; I've been waiting for a while

[ole dollor]

Originally Posted by Gene

I guess i'm the only one who thinks the lights are not that bad.

i am with you on this. i kinda like them myself...

[54belair]

Ive been wanting to do something different with the tail lights on my project, but-----I absolutely refuse to ruin two perfect fenders!!!!

Body and paint look good-----but look very carefully under the paint--do the magnet test and do it in places you wouldnt normally look.
Mine looked like a very solid project when I bought it-----I didnt do the magnet test----found alot of places smoothed over with seam sealer and painted. The cab ended up costing as much nearly as I paid for the truck to get rid of all rust. Im thinking 12.5 is a little high---maybe 8 to 9.5 .
Our trucks are great and fun, but as classics go, they arent worth a lot of money--yet! I know, you can find expensive ones on barrett-jackson and even on craigslist----but are they really worth the asking price?? Only your wallet knows!!

[domeier]

Battery held down with baling wire is not quite indicative of a patient, conscientious mechanic. I'd say $3.5 - 4k, or better yet, hold on to your money and wait for the next one. But what do I know?