What should I do?...need advice

[manimal]

I am at a point where I need to have a reliable vehicle for me,my KIDS and my BBQ business. I currently have a 1972 Longhorn 20,402 edelbrock intake and carb,hooker hearders,mallory HEI coil,taylor wires,dual flowmaster40s, ps,pdb,ac,th400,D60 3.54's,new tires with '05 2500 silverado wheels,new fr/rr chrome sport bumpers,hidden hitch,and very nice interior.
Now the BAD. The A/C doesn't work(need it for the kids) has a BBC(gas guzzler) VERY rough ride(again KIDS),needs paint inside and out,bed floor,weatherstipping.
My wife hates this truck. I am thinking about taking it to POmona swap meet this weekien and putting it up for $4850 or best offer. Then if I sell it, I would buy a '91 Chevy 1500,V6,ps,pb,ac that works for $2700.
Does this sound lika a smart move? Or am I screwing up. I need HONEST advice. Yes I would like to keep the truck and dont have the extra money to put out for the other truck right now. What to do?
Thank You
-Lance

[Billla]

I don't know what a good answer would be - that balance between great toy and family needs is really hard to find. I guess you have to do the right thing for the fam and business...and figure that you'll need find another beast at some point. I was there with my 'Vette - I had to sell my first one for family reasons...but 4 years later I had another one.

I had a friend that showed up one day at work with a new Dodge Caravan...not really his type of ride. I said "Um...that's nice. What did it cost you?"?

He said: "My Miata and my b*lls."

[IvelDesigns]

family comes first. sell it off and get a new family friendly ride.

however, make sure the wife knows how much of a "sacrifice" you're making and how you really don't want to sell the truck, but that you will because you want the family to be happy.

That way when you find a new toy a few years down the road, you have a little firepower in your back pocket when you go for purchasing approval

[killer71]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

family comes first. sell it off and get a new family friendly ride.

however, make sure the wife knows how much of a "sacrifice" you're making and how you really don't want to sell the truck, but that you will because you want the family to be happy.

That way when you find a new toy a few years down the road, you have a little firepower in your back pocket when you go for purchasing approval

I agree!

[WorkinLonghorn]

If it was me I'd fix the AC and those other things. Maybe de-tune it some.But if it really is drinking you out of house and home then lose it,but yeah,make her feel your pain.

[cruiserman]

Family comes first.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I have a couple takes on this...

Does your wife have a vehicle, if so, what is it?

I've been strapped for cash before, but a truck for $2700 is pretty darn cheap. Unless your having some pretty severe financial troubles and have horrible credit, take a loan out for the newer truck (and a little extra to fix the longhorn ) and payments should be a couple hundred a month for 2 years? Be something to look into and you can keep both trucks

If the above is the issue, family comes first, sell the longhorn. Also remember though, a 91 chevy, while a good truck, will most likely eventuelly have problems too.

[SacramentoJoe]

Whatcha been smokin there?

Serously, If you can't find a way to keep it and get another ride, then you are in a tough situtation. You said that your wife hates the truck, but you didn't say you loved it. If it isn't exactly what you would like to have in a vehicle, then sell it and buy something now that meets your (and your family's) needs. Then in a few years you can go after the exact ride that you want.

If you do love this truck, then........show you family how much you love them, sell it anyway.

[FleetsidePaul]

I'd see about financing a cheap transportation family car or minivan.

The 91 chevy might nickel and dime you as much as a small payment.

Plus smogging a 91 every other year will most likely cost you even if it's running good. (ask me how I know)

[manimal]

Yes, I love my truck. My ONLY concern is the safety of my kids. I have an 18 month old and on Christmas Eve we are due another boy. My wife has an '05 Expedition(family vehicle), and she is tring to trade/sell her '97 Ranger splash for a Honda Accord 4dr for herself. I guess if you get right down to it, I can always put the kids in the Expy and tow the BBQ with it. The thing I was worried about is having to go get steel, or things that wont fit in the back of the Expy. But maybe I'll just get a utility trailer!
-Lance

[Brock]

A utiliity trailer will cost ya as much as a "cheap" ride.

I would sell the truck ($4800)...Buy the truck ($2700). $2100 left over plenty to buy a replacement (even if its a slight project).

[AC72]

Your wife is driving an expidition and you are worried about gas milage in the longhorn? Sell the ford and buy the chevy and use it as a tax right off for your business. Keep the longhorn if it's what you really want. But, family does come first, no room for wife and two little ones in the front of a truck, I know, we have 5! Good luck with this, it is no doubt a similar problem most of us face on a daily basis. does any one have a wife that actually likes the trucks as much as we do? I am getting to do my project because it will be the vehicle for my oldest stepson. Best of luck, you will find a way. The trailer is a good idea, then everyone can be safe in the expedition and you can keep the truck. Sell the ford anyway!

[manimal]

I would sell that damn thing in a heartbeat! If someone would take the loan then they can have it-NO MONEY DOWN!
Any how back to the subject at hand. I am torn. But as far as the truck for 2700 that is probably the way I should go. Decisions decisions........
-Lance

[cruiserman]

There are 2 other vehicles in the picture? Keep your longhorn.

[texanidiot25]

Maybe sell the truck to a friend or family, so it stays close, and with-in reach when you have the time and money for it again?

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by cruiserman

There are 2 other vehicles in the picture? Keep your longhorn.

That is exactly what I was gonna say.

[bad_turbo]

another option: you could sell the Longhorn and buy a 67-72 burb to pull the BBQ and carry the family at the same time. You could even throw a rack on top to carry steel or lumber.

[manimal]

Hey Tyler! Howz it goin? I have thought about that, but I absolutely LOVE my Longhorn. But as most of can admit, the WIFEY HATEs it!
-Lance

[corn]

All I can say is I have an 89 pickup & my 69 is 10 times the truck the 89 is. I dont think the late 80's/early 90's trucks are very well built. Wouldnt take me long to decide which one to choose. JMO...

[PanelDeland]

My wife hates my truck but is becoming more tolerant.Every time she mentions something negative about my truck i mention her spending habits.She quits speaking to me and that means she can't complain about my truck.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Jena is OK with my truck. She understands it somehow makes me "happy." Although, in light of all the $$$ I've spent on it, mentioning buying "another" truck gets me the rolled eyes.

In light of the new information (that you have a couple other decent rides.)

I say talk the fella with the '91 down, take out a small loan, buy it and keep the Longhorn.

OR,

Buy a good trailer

Either way, both are a little over 2K (a good 24' car trailer.)

[manimal]

The only thing I need a trailer for is to get firewood for the BBQ, and maybe some steel. That's if the kids are with me.......Thats it! I am not going to be able to roll up to an event and start cooking/setting up with 2 very small kids.
And corn, I agree with you whole heartedly about the 88-up trucks. I prefer my Longhorn. Just didnt know if it were cheaper to fix it or sell and get something newer.
-Lance

[paaw]

you never said what is wrong with the ac in the truck what is missing, just got mine vaccum pumped and working man it feel great paid $30 for compressor (pull a part) $20 for dryer and freon 3.97 at walmart a can 3 cans. just a thought

chico

[72armyswbtruck]

I totally disagree, if you are looking for a newer truck, just cause it is a 91 doesn't mean that it will run any better or save you money in the long run.
Save a few dollars and flip thru the local thrifty nickel and buy a local family car. Or another truck/burb for the business. Remember once it is gone it will never come back..

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

family comes first. sell it off and get a new family friendly ride.

however, make sure the wife knows how much of a "sacrifice" you're making and how you really don't want to sell the truck, but that you will because you want the family to be happy.

That way when you find a new toy a few years down the road, you have a little firepower in your back pocket when you go for purchasing approval

Guess that I am just lucky, no matter what truck it is that I buy 67-72 that is she is OK with it, at one time I had over 6 of these with no garage. I love my wife because she knows that these trucks are a part of me, of all the ones that I have sold she has never made me get rid of them.

[GREASEMONKEY72]

Originally Posted by cruiserman

There are 2 other vehicles in the picture? Keep your longhorn.

i second this

kinda sounds to me that maybe shes useing the family deal to get you to get rid of the truck she hates more than anything, youve got the ford if you take the kids anywhere and if you go to get steel or wood youve got the longhorn, and if shes trying to trade in the ranger for an accord it sounds like youre set and have no reason to get rid of the longhorn, IMO

and yea just because its a 91 one doesnt really mean anything as far as fixing or any of that, mines a 72 and its more reliable than my friends newer cars or even my other families newer cars