First Classic Purchase: Seeking Guidance and Trustworthy Shop in Houston

[nv6425]

Hey Fellas, it's been some time since I've been active on the forums, but my desire to be part of the club hasn't faded. I got busy with kids and work, and I'm ready to take the plunge. I'm in Houston and am looking for a truck I can jump in and enjoy; unlike most of you guys I'm not very mechanically inclined and will need a trustworthy shop I can rely on to take care of my truck.

I'm in a bit of a conundrum, I have seen a couple of trucks I really like, but they are well overpriced so I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to achieve this? Do I find a shop and tell them what I'm looking for and they can custom build it for me? Do I buy something close to done and have it finished the way I want, restomod with classic looks but modern underpinnings? Or do I bite the bullet and buy something done already?

Any guidance on who to use in Houston and where to take this search?

Thanks in advance!!

[nv6425]

Any fellow Houstonians interested in helping me out?

[BrianG]

Welcome (back) to the fun! I can't help you on any shops in Texas, as I'm up in Michigan. I can tell you though, that you'll have a lot more into building, or rebuilding a truck than you will into buying one already done. Sure you may not find exactly what you're looking for, but I'd buy something generally close, and already done or mostly done, and then just make it your own.

[terry b]

If you can not build yourself then buy it done. If you have to pay someone to do all your work it would take all the fun out of owning it. If you buy it done or close to it i think you would enjoy having a few things changed to make it your own. I hope you find what you are looking for.

[nv6425]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Welcome (back) to the fun! I can't help you on any shops in Texas, as I'm up in Michigan. I can tell you though, that you'll have a lot more into building, or rebuilding a truck than you will into buying one already done. Sure you may not find exactly what you're looking for, but I'd buy something generally close, and already done or mostly done, and then just make it your own.

Brian, thanks for the insight, that's exactly the kind of advice I'm seeking.

[nv6425]

Originally Posted by terry b

If you can not build yourself then buy it done. If you have to pay someone to do all your work it would take all the fun out of owning it. If you buy it done or close to it i think you would enjoy having a few things changed to make it your own. I hope you find what you are looking for.

Thanks terry, that's helpful. Any ideas on good places to find "finished" trucks? Ebay and Auto Trader Classic seem to be fraught with overpriced dealers - or I am just out of touch on what the market is?

[flashed]

Look on the classifieds here . Good luck .

[terry b]

It is a slow process to be in the right place at the right time. When you do find a truck you like go slow. Take someone with you to look at it. Do not belive what you can not see. I like restomods. I think there is good and bad with all stock if you are going to drive it alot. I find the hunt is some of the best part of the hobby. Go to car shows and talk to people. Once bought a 1966 vet from a older man at a show that needed the cash. That is the only reason he went to the show. We both got a good deal. Good luck my friend.

[JointTech]

the market for these trucks has spiked in the last couple years. You should still be able to find a nice driver for under 15k that you really dont have to do anything to. takes some searching. kind of goes from folks with their corvette special edition $5k rust buckets and a lot of full restomod barret jackson types for $30k+.
Good luck in your search.

[70cst]

Agree with the previous posts...

You will find it more economical to buy a finished truck that to pay to have one built. If you look you will be able to find a fairly priced truck but the key word is to be patient.

[LSUMurse]

I agree with what the others have to say as well. What I would add is to make sure it has the options you're looking for, i.e. A/C, power steering, power brakes, trim packages, etc. If you're not mechanically inclined, then you'll be paying a lot more later to have someone else modify your truck for the big options.

[nv6425]

Excellent dialogue guys, I really appreciate the advice. If anyone is aware of a good shop in Houston, I would be appreciative of a recommendation. Thanks!

[Grumpy old man]

Become a subscribing member and post a Want To Buy ad in the trucks for sale and parts section ,Post your approximate budget and what your looking for and watch the e-mails flow to your door ! Once your a member you can also post a What's It Worth ? ad and include detailed pictures to let other members who are very truck savy give you a heads up on things to look for and avoid ...Saves making a huge mistake on the wrong truck for low cost of a membership ???

[70cst]

I might add ...

You can post a WIW (What’s its worth) if you are posting for the purpose of buying. If you find a truck you like and want opinions feel free to post a picture of the truck and price and I am sure you will get feedback to "High-Low" opinions. Good Luck.

Also as a member you could post a WTB (Want to buy) and let the potential sellers come to your doorsteps sort of speak.

Good Luck.

[nv6425]

Great advice, I will do that today!

I participate heavily on a few other online forums (M5post, bimmerfest, houstontexans) and none of them are as helpful and cordial as this forum and you guys, genuinely appreciate your help!