Opinions Please

[steve23116]

I have a chance to buy a 1949 long bed 5 window on a 1969 1/2 ton frame, 350 motor (just rebuilt) 400 turbo. the interior's not much just bucket seats no carpet etc. The body is perfect, no rust just faded paint no dents or dings that I could see. I've got it bought for $4000. Sound like a fair price? Not sure how the prices run on a long bed. Thanks

[dwcsr]

Pictures would help alot. Look under it. I've seen some very scary frame swaps and some very nice ones.

[50adrod]

need pics, but seems a little high for a project truck

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by 50adrod

need pics, but seems a little high for a project truck

Yea, maybe just a little high. But, it does have a rebuilt engine and no rust. I guess one important question; are you gonna be happy with a longbed? Unlike the newer trucks, the AD's lose a lot of value when they're longbeds.

[steve23116]

I'll have some pics if it ever stops snowing. I haven't bought it yet. They did do a nice job on the frame. And it has new wheels and tires. I knew the long beds weren't quite as popular, but with most of the work being done and me being short on tools and ability I figured it was an even trade off lol. Thanks for the answers. I'll get some pics up when I can get some.

[av8tr33337]

The track width on that truck is going to be about 4 inches wider than the 49 stock track width. And it probably sits way higher. It's all about what you want. If the drive train and body are really good, that price isn't so bad. You might buy it and consider puting all that onto an s10 chassis down the road. It's not too hard to shorten that bed. Just food for thought! Good luck and remember, don't worry about what anyone else here thinks, if you like it that's all that matters.

[Kim57]

I always thought the track width was narrower on the 55 and older trucks.
Kim

[steve23116]

I'm still waiting for more pics. This is the only one I've got so far.

[Dan Bowles]

Looks OK but you won't get it any lower. Is it a 3/4 ton? (3600) or a real long bed (3800). The 1 ton long bed is 9' long! I want one of THOSE!! 137" wheelbase...

[steve23116]

3600. How come it can't be lowered anymore than it is?

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by steve23116

3600. How come it can't be lowered anymore than it is?

Because as av8tr33337 said previously the track on the later chassis is about four inches wider than the stock AD chassis and when you put wheels with some offset on them on top of that it tends to look and fit like a Hotwheels car. The tires stick outside the fenders eliminating lowering it without hacking up the very nice fenders.


If you like the look that is fine but it's as low as it will go right now without changes. With a cab and sheetmetal that nice and the engine and trans I don't think it is that bad of a deal. As someone said earler. You can always swap frames and shorten the bed later if you decide that is what you want.

[Gene Sharp]

After having built a coupleof trucks
I will give my opinion
At that price if far cheaper than you can build it
If you like the way it looks a and drives leave it alone
spend your money on interior and other goodies
and just enjoy driving it around
with this setup you cna haul or pulla trailer
I like this look
from a distance sits and looks about normal but
with a newer drive train and good brakes etc
In my opinion a winner

Gene Sharp

[steve23116]

that's the way I was thinking. I'm not looking to make a profit, just something to work on and drive around.

[poncho_villa]

$4000 sounds like a good deal to me, as long as you can't find rust. Might just need a cut polish to get it shiny again. Fresh engine, good tranny and new shoes. I like it!

[Dan Bowles]

You can try Eldorado/Toronado wheels from 66-77. That's what I'm looking for now. You'll still be close but not as bad for the offset.

But the way it sits, buy it and drive it!

[av8tr33337]

After seeing that pic I can see why you like it. If you like the way it looks, I would feel good about paying 4k. Drive the hell out of it and enjoy. If you aren't planning on making it a low rider then go for it. Looks like you would get years of enjoyment out of it.

[steve23116]

Here's a few more pics.

[Gene Sharp]

I f I were you I would grab it up ,,,,,,if you have not already
it looks even better in these pix just enough different to stand out
and looks like it would be good for lots of things

Gene Sharp

[steve23116]

Called the guy back today, going to pick it up in a couple of weeks. Finally getting dug out of the snow so I can get there to pick it up.

[dwcsr]

I'd do 4 for that. Looks good.

[Dan Bowles]

I don't get the mirror finished bedsides but other than that, I'd drive it like it was stolen! I'd put bumpers on it, though. Too many idiots out there that'll figure out how to mess up your ride.