Buying question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kballan · 08-03-2005, 02:07 AM

Hey guys. Got a question for you all. I talked to a guy today about a '49 3 window for sale. It's all original, but in pretty rough shape. I'm looking to find out a rough value as to what it's worth and what to offer him.

Here's the skinny on the truck. I don't have any pics of it, but the whole thing is full of surface rust, it needs all new glass as every window is broken, huge holes where the cab corners used to be, needs new running boards, new cab fronts where the side vent is (both sides), needs new bed floor, needs rear fenders, and lots of body work. Interior is pretty trashed, but all there. Will need a new seat, kick panels, dash components. Has original 6 cylinder, along with factory 4-speed tranny (says it's pretty rare) I will be putting in a 350 and switching to an automatic. I know it's hard to judge without pics, but I think you'll have an idea, lol.

The guy said he bought the truck for $500 about 15 years ago. I was thinking about offering him the same for the truck. What do you all think? Nothing else around here for the same years and I'm really itching to do it. I'll be out of town until Sunday night, so I will check as I can and look at all the replies. Thanks in advance for any help!

Brainchild · 08-03-2005, 04:12 AM

Without pics it's hard to say.Around here a truck in that kind of shape is about half that.There are quite a few of these trucks in this area though.I have no idea what it would be worth in Canada

kballan · 08-10-2005, 01:23 AM

Thanks - sorry though - I forgot to mention that the truck is in Minnesota, so it would be US prices. Anyone else have any clue as to a rough value? I'm thinking about offering $500 bucks.

jmelenko · 08-10-2005, 02:10 AM

i just picked up a 52 five window in better shape than that in BC Canada for $100 with papers. If your really set on it i would not go over 250.

Fred T · 08-11-2005, 12:40 AM

I will advise you to look for a better truck. It will cost you a lot less in the long run, and you'll be able to enjoy the truck a lot sooner. Nothing like getting down in the dumps and wondering why you ever spent your money when you realize how much time and money it's going to take.

The bit about the 4 speed being rare is BS. Granted, there aren't as many as the 3 speed, but it was what almost every farmer got. Also, I have yet to see a 3/4 ton that didn't have the 4 speed. One thing you really need to figure out is which model the truck is. 1/2 or 3/4 ton? The half has 6 bolt wheels and a 6.5' bed with 2 stake pockets. The 3/4 has 8 bolt wheels and a 7.5' bed with 3 stake pockets. Value of the 3/4 is lower, mainly due to the difficulty in regearing the rear end. I can't help on the actual value, it varies a lot by where you are.

Brainchild · 08-11-2005, 07:19 PM

I got this one for 400 last year,and it runs and drives.I wish I had the bed for it.The flatbed is supposed to be dealer installed

It is really solid straight,and nowhere can I find a place that is rusted through.It does depend on where you live,and how bad you want it

Mine is a 3/4 ton with a 4 speed

kballan · 08-12-2005, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the notes guys! It's really appreciated! As for the truck itself, it won't take my life savings to redo. Matter of welding on a few new panels and some TLC. I'm not planning to have it done in just a few months, so I don't mind taking my time. I will go lower on the offer based on what I've read here though. Thanks fellas!

08-03-2005, 02:07 AM	#1
kballan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada Posts: 373	Buying question. Hey guys. Got a question for you all. I talked to a guy today about a '49 3 window for sale. It's all original, but in pretty rough shape. I'm looking to find out a rough value as to what it's worth and what to offer him. Here's the skinny on the truck. I don't have any pics of it, but the whole thing is full of surface rust, it needs all new glass as every window is broken, huge holes where the cab corners used to be, needs new running boards, new cab fronts where the side vent is (both sides), needs new bed floor, needs rear fenders, and lots of body work. Interior is pretty trashed, but all there. Will need a new seat, kick panels, dash components. Has original 6 cylinder, along with factory 4-speed tranny (says it's pretty rare) I will be putting in a 350 and switching to an automatic. I know it's hard to judge without pics, but I think you'll have an idea, lol. The guy said he bought the truck for $500 about 15 years ago. I was thinking about offering him the same for the truck. What do you all think? Nothing else around here for the same years and I'm really itching to do it. I'll be out of town until Sunday night, so I will check as I can and look at all the replies. Thanks in advance for any help! __________________ Kent Ballan ANY MAN CAN BUILD A TRUCK, BUT IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!

08-03-2005, 04:12 AM	#2
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	Without pics it's hard to say.Around here a truck in that kind of shape is about half that.There are quite a few of these trucks in this area though.I have no idea what it would be worth in Canada __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

08-10-2005, 01:23 AM	#3
kballan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada Posts: 373	Thanks - sorry though - I forgot to mention that the truck is in Minnesota, so it would be US prices. Anyone else have any clue as to a rough value? I'm thinking about offering $500 bucks. __________________ Kent Ballan ANY MAN CAN BUILD A TRUCK, BUT IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!

08-10-2005, 02:10 AM	#4
jmelenko Knuckle basher Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 148	i just picked up a 52 five window in better shape than that in BC Canada for $100 with papers. If your really set on it i would not go over 250. __________________ Only the good die young; I'll live forever. 2002 chevy venture 1952 chevy 5 window pickup 1983 v65 magna

08-11-2005, 12:40 AM	#5
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I will advise you to look for a better truck. It will cost you a lot less in the long run, and you'll be able to enjoy the truck a lot sooner. Nothing like getting down in the dumps and wondering why you ever spent your money when you realize how much time and money it's going to take. The bit about the 4 speed being rare is BS. Granted, there aren't as many as the 3 speed, but it was what almost every farmer got. Also, I have yet to see a 3/4 ton that didn't have the 4 speed. One thing you really need to figure out is which model the truck is. 1/2 or 3/4 ton? The half has 6 bolt wheels and a 6.5' bed with 2 stake pockets. The 3/4 has 8 bolt wheels and a 7.5' bed with 3 stake pockets. Value of the 3/4 is lower, mainly due to the difficulty in regearing the rear end. I can't help on the actual value, it varies a lot by where you are. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

08-11-2005, 07:19 PM	#6
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I got this one for 400 last year,and it runs and drives.I wish I had the bed for it.The flatbed is supposed to be dealer installed It is really solid straight,and nowhere can I find a place that is rusted through.It does depend on where you live,and how bad you want it Mine is a 3/4 ton with a 4 speed __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

08-12-2005, 08:51 PM	#7
kballan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada Posts: 373	Thanks for the notes guys! It's really appreciated! As for the truck itself, it won't take my life savings to redo. Matter of welding on a few new panels and some TLC. I'm not planning to have it done in just a few months, so I don't mind taking my time. I will go lower on the offer based on what I've read here though. Thanks fellas! __________________ Kent Ballan ANY MAN CAN BUILD A TRUCK, BUT IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.