New and need advice on a 71 SWB

[Nachos82]

Hi all, finally got around to looking for one of my favorite Chevy trucks ever made. I have always loved the 67-72's, but was unable to get a good one till now. I have the opportunity to buy a 71 SWB with a 3 on the tree. I believe the motor is original and maybe a 350, but what ever it is does not bother me to much. I am wondering, how much should I pay for this truck? It has always been a Texas truck and the body is real good and straight. The problem I saw after a quick look is the driver side (didn’t look at passenger side yet) rocker panel is rotted right along the door weather strip. Overall the truck is in good condition, it has a new paint job, but who ever did it should not be painting (it is that bad). What should I look for that will lower the price other then rusted out panels. I see these go for all different prices and don’t want to pay to much now and later find one exactly the same condition for a lot less. Any help would be appreciated and I am glad I found this good site. He wants $3500, but I think it is worth more like $2800-$3000. It runs, but he said shifting is tuchy, bad clutch, loose linkage. Either way thanks for any help.