2wd K5 newbie-- what's a fair price

[jcramsey]

Found a 81 2wd k5 w/ an inline 250 and auto trans that a guy is asking $1,300 for. Said had front end fire so who knows what all is messed up. Lets just assume it needs a motor, new wiring and the front end painted. What's a realistic price on this?


Thanks!
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[POS1]

Jeez, who'd care? A $4000 k5 with needs would be cheaper. A motor, wiring, front end paint, steering, front end suspension, cooling system? Plus how many hours fixing fire damage? And once its all done, it still won't be right. Pass.

[jcramsey]

So you're saying it would have to be real cheap to be worth it? . Not really interested if the front end looks like a bomb went off either.
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[POS1]

For me, I wouldn't take it if it was free - way, way too much time would be required to bring it to working condition, much less great condition. And I can always find another one with less time required to make it working condition - it'd be cheaper in the long run too. Fire repairs are nightmares.

[jcramsey]

That's good insight. Thanks! Never dealt with fire repairs. I'm sure there are lots of hidden headaches once you get into it.
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[79 silverado]

I would take a different approach, depending on why you were interested in it.

A front end fire can be anything from melt down to a top end carb mess...

Do you have pictures/have you seen it yet?

Here is my thinking: If you want it because it is 2wd then it may still be worth while. Lets assume for a minute that the fire didnt get to the steering/bushings/suspension bit.

You pay... $900 for it as-is.

Then you strip off the body to the bare frame, scrap the driveline and everything else off it. Might salvage some rear body parts and misc things. At that point you have some spare parts and a good 2wd frame for under $500. If a 2wd truck was what you wanted, youre already ahead of converting a 4x4 to a 2wd....

[jcramsey]

Thanks for bringing in the other side if the argument 79. Mostly interested in it because it is a 2wd. Just don't see many of those...at least I haven't anyway. Haven't seen pics yet, so like you said it could've been a small carb fire or side of the highway meltdown!
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[lolife99]

Get it for the 2wd drivetrain and find a good running/looking 4x4.
Then do a body swap.
It's all about your budget and your abilities.

If no abilities,... buy a NICE 2wd.

[motornut]

The Jimmys and Blazer are rare to start with
4X2 is even harder to find
front end fire?
wire harness and front end on an 81,most trucks would work
might just be a bunch of melted plastic /rubber,that looks worse then it is
I'd go look for sure,if you hem and haw,and add up the cost,heck some people will drop the price a lot before you leave ,
...maybe the body is still great