Advice needed on 86 step side short box

[Tilt]

New to the site and needing some advice. I'm looking at buying an 86 stepside short box. It is an all original V6 Custom Deluxe w/ 3 on the tree. It is suppose to have just under 70,000 miles. Just a little surface rust on the roof and tops of the fenders. Bench seat, dash, and door panels look great, no cracks or fading. Truck looks used but taken care of. All the glass looks good except one ding in the top of the windshield. The steering column has a problem, and is being pull out. I have not been able to talk to the actual owner yet to find out exactly what is wrong, only talked to the in laws, but got to go check it out yesterday. I looked it over pretty good and nothing jumped out at me as far as problems, except the back bumper. I was told that it runs. What would be a fair price for something like this? I am Texas, a little east of Houston. Is there anything I should be looking for when I go back to talk to the owner? My plans for the near future would be just to clean it up, make sure it runs good and is safe to drive, get it down low, and throw some wheels on it. Just something to run around town and have fun in, not a daily driver. Sorry for the long post. Here are a few pics of it.

[bob_o]

If it runs and the rust on the roof is as superficial as it looks, I'd say somewhere in the neighborhood of $3000 is fair.

The 4.3/Saginaw is a pretty rare combo, but I don't think it adds to the value much. Though I think it makes the truck that much cooler Gotta love a 3-in-the-knee!

[Keith Seymore]

1986 model year built in Flint - if it came through on second shift then my guys probably put the fenders on it!

Looks like a good start; should dress up real nice.

A Saginaw four speed will slip right in place of that three speed...

K

[Keith Seymore]

Here's my '80 stepper, for a little inspiration -

[Tuff 1986]

Nice truck..

[Tilt]

Thanks guys. the owner is asking $3500 as is or $4500 he fixes the column.

[lilspike]

All in what you think it is worth...1,000 bux says I fix the column! Wow!
Matthew

[jpnh]

nice/stock stepper to start with.minimal rust. hows it run/stop? -jeff

[Tilt]

The owner is still out of town untill this weekend. I'm going to try to get overthere Saturday. It is supposed to run, but you know how that goes. I plan on fixing the column myself. I want to change it to a floor shift anyway. I figure I can find a column and floor shifter alot cheaper than what he wants to fix it. I figured I start by offering $2500 and see how he reacts.

[Tuff 1986]

Originally Posted by Tilt

The owner is still out of town untill this weekend. I'm going to try to get overthere Saturday. It is supposed to run, but you know how that goes. I plan on fixing the column myself. I want to change it to a floor shift anyway. I figure I can find a column and floor shifter alot cheaper than what he wants to fix it. I figured I start by offering $2500 and see how he reacts.

This sounds like a good plan to me... ^^^^ The guy I bought my 1986 stepper wanted $2,500.. I offered him $1,000.. Not to low ball him but that's all I had.. He gave in a week later.. And now I love my truck.

[50seven]

That truck is awesome.

I wouldn't low ball him to much looks like a nice driver just the way it is. Don't know the prices in your area but I would probably lay down the $4500 for that if it is as clean as it looks.

I think it's a steal of a deal $2500 even if needs a little work?

[esbstuff]

I would ask him to price it first... 2 schools of thought, either he tired of it and it will be cheap or its on the 'i'm going to fix someday, its not for sale' game. I think anything under $2500 would be a good deal, up to $3500 if you want it.

[Tilt]

I'll let him price it first. I plan on bringing it home with me. I don't have a problem paying the $3500 as it sits, but I'd like to try to get it a little cheaper. I am planing on a flip in back and spindels up front. I may cut the stock front springs for now to figure out just how low I want to take it. Also need to figure out what size wheels will fit and what backspacing I need. Trying to decide between 18 in front and 20 in rear or 20 in front and 22 in rear.

[50seven]

This truck looks nice to me. Starting off with a truck that has never been messed with has its advantages. If you plan on keeping a vehicle it is my opinion that the nicer the starting point regardless of a few bucks here or there is the way to go.

Just add up the price of the truck and compare it to the price of drop spindles and tires your are talking. The truck sounds cheap compared to all the add-ons doesn't it? What is the sticker price on them?

[t_graham11]

Nice looking truck

Silly question are the gas tanks the same as a fleet side? They must be, they are side saddle as you can see in the picture