Newbie Question: Good deal or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Billmont · 04-22-2005, 01:23 PM

Hi Gang,

I am new to this board but have learned a lot in the last few days.

I need your opinions on a truck. I found a 1969 GMC 1/2 ton with 130,000 miles, rust on rockers, and some on cab. The owner has replaced the lifters and cams an installed an electronic ignition. Apparently runs really well but has not been started for 2 years. It has a Powerglide tranny. Here is a picture. Sorry about having to turn it on the side.

The guy is asking $2500 Cdn, about $2000 US. Since I have little experience with what a vehicle like this might be worth, I thought I might ask the experts, any thoughts?

Thanks.

Bill.

toddtheodd · 04-22-2005, 01:26 PM

Why hasn't it been started in 2 years if it allegedly runs fine? Did he say?

Todd

ChevyDude · 04-22-2005, 01:27 PM

She looks better not standing on her nose!

uncle_handsome · 04-22-2005, 01:28 PM

Why not? If everything else works well (ie. steering, breaks, radio etc.) that seems like a decent price.

Billmont · 04-22-2005, 01:30 PM

Good question, something I will confirm with next time I talk to him.

It sounds like he used to use it to commute to work, but found it hard on gas. Last time he used it was to do some landscaping and since then it has been parked in his back yard.

Bill

papawswrench · 04-22-2005, 01:54 PM

Have you heard it start and run? Will he take you for a ride in it ?
Price sounds good if it is as he says .
Papao55

lukecp · 04-22-2005, 02:10 PM

If it runs well, $2000 sounds plenty reasonable. But before buying it demand a test drive.

Hoods69BadBowTie · 04-22-2005, 02:31 PM

Yeah, I would want to hear that engine run first or find out why it does not run. Could be something very simple or very hard. Other then that it seems like a pretty fair price to me.
-Later

LUV2XCLR8 · 04-22-2005, 04:44 PM

2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C

Billmont · 04-22-2005, 04:45 PM

I would love to hear it run and take it for a test drive. Unfortunately, it is over 6 hours away. I guess that is part of the problem. I don't really want to make the trip unless I am bringing her home and yet I don't want to make that trip and find it is a piece of you know what. Kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Am I being naive in even looking at a vehicle like this that is so far away?

cableguy0 · 04-22-2005, 04:46 PM

around here it would be at least a 1500 dollar truck even if it didnt have an engine or a blown engine, the body looks to be in great shape

junkyardjohn · 04-22-2005, 05:07 PM

I Agree... If You Trade Those White Wagon Wheels For Some Good Looking Wheels & Trade In Those Ford Mirrors For Some Stock Looking Chevy Mirrors, You'll Increase The Value By $1000.00 .

John

**Green Machine** · 04-23-2005, 12:09 AM

To me, a solid body (expect some rust) would be key. Good motor would be a plus, but not being much of a bodyman myself, parts that bolt on, even motor and tranny, are easier to fix. my 2 cents. Borrow something that runs cheap and go have a look at it.

Castiron9 · 04-23-2005, 01:01 AM

Man that first picture was making me DIZZZZZZZZZZZY.............Go for it....

Looks like it has potential................Heck it's even painted all one color...............

69 Short Fleet · 04-23-2005, 10:04 AM

I'd say it's in the ballpark for sure, here are some options that make it even more interesting.
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Air
Bucket seats
Factory Tach
Factory Tilt
AM/FM Radio
(these are some of the main ones to look for)

Nice color combo, I like it. Welcome to the board by the way. Doug

JerseyGirl · 04-23-2005, 11:38 AM

Buying a vehicle online is hard to do..although I have done it before..you never get what you see int he pics when it comes to cars/trucks. Just becareful.
Here is some more advice,we run a wrecker service & buy junk cars/trucks, running or not. We get people ALL the time who call & say they have a car..whatever it is...its in really nice condition, everything is perfect, but oh..it needs an exhaust..or battery...or something small....if thats all it needs..why not get it fixed & drive it?? Its always something...if it has been sitting for 2 years...something aint right. Looks good though....but pics are deceiving.
If I were you..I would see if maybe a board member lived close to where it was at...and pay him a few bucks to check it out for ya...it would be worth it! Just my 2 cents

Billmont · 04-23-2005, 02:41 PM

Great ideas everyone. Thanks.

Next time I talk to him I will have to ask him Why he hasn't driven it if it still runs well?

The owner was going to see if he could get it running in the next week or two. He said "it has always ran well and anticipates only needing to charge the battery". We will see.

I think I will plan a little road trip to have a look in a few weeks. With all your input, I will have a list of questions for the owner and perhaps even know what to look for when I get there.

Keep you comments coming. I'm soaking em up like a sponge.

Cheers,

Bill

04-22-2005, 01:23 PM	#1
Billmont Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 5	Newbie Question: Good deal or not? Hi Gang, I am new to this board but have learned a lot in the last few days. I need your opinions on a truck. I found a 1969 GMC 1/2 ton with 130,000 miles, rust on rockers, and some on cab. The owner has replaced the lifters and cams an installed an electronic ignition. Apparently runs really well but has not been started for 2 years. It has a Powerglide tranny. Here is a picture. Sorry about having to turn it on the side. The guy is asking $2500 Cdn, about $2000 US. Since I have little experience with what a vehicle like this might be worth, I thought I might ask the experts, any thoughts? Thanks. Bill. Attached Images

04-22-2005, 01:26 PM	#2
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	Why hasn't it been started in 2 years if it allegedly runs fine? Did he say? Todd __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY??? Last edited by toddtheodd; 04-22-2005 at 01:27 PM.

04-22-2005, 01:27 PM	#3
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	She looks better not standing on her nose! Attached Images __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

04-22-2005, 01:54 PM	#6
papawswrench Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alvin ,TX Posts: 2,172	Have you heard it start and run? Will he take you for a ride in it ? Price sounds good if it is as he says . Papao55 __________________ papawswrench Certified wrench hound ! Tool Talk Randomview PapawsImages https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhankamer/

04-22-2005, 02:10 PM	#7
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	If it runs well, $2000 sounds plenty reasonable. But before buying it demand a test drive. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

04-22-2005, 01:28 PM	#4
uncle_handsome Uncle H. is this cartoon Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mississauga, SC (I wish! lol!) Ontario Posts: 797	Why not? If everything else works well (ie. steering, breaks, radio etc.) that seems like a decent price.

04-22-2005, 01:30 PM	#5
Billmont Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 5	Good question, something I will confirm with next time I talk to him. It sounds like he used to use it to commute to work, but found it hard on gas. Last time he used it was to do some landscaping and since then it has been parked in his back yard. Bill

04-22-2005, 02:31 PM	#8
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Yeah, I would want to hear that engine run first or find out why it does not run. Could be something very simple or very hard. Other then that it seems like a pretty fair price to me. -Later __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

04-22-2005, 04:44 PM	#9
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,476	2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

04-22-2005, 04:45 PM	#10
Billmont Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 5	I would love to hear it run and take it for a test drive. Unfortunately, it is over 6 hours away. I guess that is part of the problem. I don't really want to make the trip unless I am bringing her home and yet I don't want to make that trip and find it is a piece of you know what. Kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. Am I being naive in even looking at a vehicle like this that is so far away?

04-22-2005, 04:46 PM	#11
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	around here it would be at least a 1500 dollar truck even if it didnt have an engine or a blown engine, the body looks to be in great shape __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

04-22-2005, 05:07 PM	#12
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	I Agree... If You Trade Those White Wagon Wheels For Some Good Looking Wheels & Trade In Those Ford Mirrors For Some Stock Looking Chevy Mirrors, You'll Increase The Value By $1000.00 . John __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

04-23-2005, 12:09 AM	#13
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	To me, a solid body (expect some rust) would be key. Good motor would be a plus, but not being much of a bodyman myself, parts that bolt on, even motor and tranny, are easier to fix. my 2 cents. Borrow something that runs cheap and go have a look at it. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

04-23-2005, 01:01 AM	#14
Castiron9 72 LONGHORN OWNER Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Wash. Posts: 963	Man that first picture was making me DIZZZZZZZZZZZY.............Go for it.... Looks like it has potential................Heck it's even painted all one color............... __________________ 72-SUPER CHEYENNE/20 LONGHORN 70-C/30 DUALLY

04-23-2005, 10:04 AM	#15
69 Short Fleet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 1,086	I'd say it's in the ballpark for sure, here are some options that make it even more interesting. Power Steering Power Brakes Air Bucket seats Factory Tach Factory Tilt AM/FM Radio (these are some of the main ones to look for) Nice color combo, I like it. Welcome to the board by the way. Doug



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04-23-2005, 11:38 AM	#16
JerseyGirl American Woman! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: TN Posts: 1,046	Buying a vehicle online is hard to do..although I have done it before..you never get what you see int he pics when it comes to cars/trucks. Just becareful. Here is some more advice,we run a wrecker service & buy junk cars/trucks, running or not. We get people ALL the time who call & say they have a car..whatever it is...its in really nice condition, everything is perfect, but oh..it needs an exhaust..or battery...or something small....if thats all it needs..why not get it fixed & drive it?? Its always something...if it has been sitting for 2 years...something aint right. Looks good though....but pics are deceiving. If I were you..I would see if maybe a board member lived close to where it was at...and pay him a few bucks to check it out for ya...it would be worth it! Just my 2 cents __________________ Tree Was Here! Click here to see pics of my new rig!

04-23-2005, 02:41 PM	#17
Billmont Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 5	Great ideas everyone. Thanks. Next time I talk to him I will have to ask him Why he hasn't driven it if it still runs well? The owner was going to see if he could get it running in the next week or two. He said "it has always ran well and anticipates only needing to charge the battery". We will see. I think I will plan a little road trip to have a look in a few weeks. With all your input, I will have a list of questions for the owner and perhaps even know what to look for when I get there. Keep you comments coming. I'm soaking em up like a sponge. Cheers, Bill

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