Finding stuff on Craigslist

[chevyman95]

Ok so I understand you may not want to give up any secrets or anything but how do you guys navigate craigslist? Do you search multiple cities? I always see people mention driving 2-4+ hours for parts. I only search local Atlanta listings but haven't found much that isn't rusted to death or priced too high. I don't really look at ebay because stuff seems to go for top dollar. Is there an easier way or do you just go from city to city on the site looking for things? Thanks

[geezer#99]

No secrets here!
http://www.searchtempest.com/

[jocko]

I use this place:
http://www.zoomthelist.com/index.php...te-range=LAST7 and, you can search for multiple items (or'ed) together, like years, by the vertical line key or and'ed together by separating them by a space. So this one below will search for the following 12 variations of the way folks list years and the ads it finds would also include the words "chevy" and "truck."

1967|1968|1969|1970|1971|1972|67|68|69|70|71|72 chevy truck

If you want to look for a 60-63 C20, I'd do this: 1960|1961|1962|1963|60|61|62|63 C20|3/4 (or something like that) - realize that folks list stuff in many ways (i.e. K10 vs "4x4"), etc - so you can use this method to cover all your bases.

[donthekawguy]

I have friends and family all over the country so I always search around where they live. For big stuff I have a friend who owns his own rig and works almost non stop so if he is close enough he will pick it up and bring it to my door for free.

[cortcomp]

go to google, type this:

site:craigslist.org thentermyouarelookingforhere

Most results after first page are expired. Quick and dirty way to find exactly something. Works here too if you can't find a thread or person you know you read:

site:67-72chevytrucks.com finding stuff on craigslist

[joedoh]

if you use searchtempest make sure to use the direct results mode. most everything in the combined results mode view is expired, and doesnt show the latest listings.

[66Submarine]

I just use search strings in the local craigslist. If you want, if you tell me what you're looking for I'll send a link your way when I see something. Here's one on there now that looks kind of interesting. LWB fleetside 1/2 ton, custom cab & trim, aluminum grill, 350/3speed $1500.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/3981792141.html

[Budman56]

I use craigslist pro for android it will auto find the nearest city for you and its easy to use on any mobile device. and they have a free version that works great! https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...slistpro&hl=en

[1963c-10]

Or do like I do and wait for someone to post it here.....

[spacedebris]

I'm lucky in that regard. being in S. CA it only takes 4 searches on regular craigslist to cover most of S. Ca. Everything within a 5 hr drive anyway.

But when I really want to get serious, searchtempest is what I use as well.

[oem4me]

This is a really interesting thread. However, the most successful internet hunters are most likely not going to reveal the secrets of their success, because many rely on their searching savvy to put food on the table. Whatever the method, the frequency of the search is key. Tricks like utilizing automatic notices when keywords pop up might help to keep the screen time down a bit, but DILIGENCE is the major ingredient. If you just pop-in every so often and look in your local area for that rare part or survivor truck, it's a little like hitting the lotto on a single ticket.
By the way, I'm definitely not one who knows these secrets, but I've seen enough to understand that others who do have an absolute advantage. It's not just luck!

[66Submarine]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Whatever the method, the frequency of the search is key. Tricks like utilizing automatic notices when keywords pop up might help to keep the screen time down a bit, but DILIGENCE is the major ingredient. If you just pop-in every so often and look in your local area for that rare part or survivor truck, it's a little like hitting the lotto on a single ticket.
By the way, I'm definitely not one who knows these secrets, but I've seen enough to understand that others who do have an absolute advantage. It's not just luck!

X2, I'll normally go through my searches at least every day. When you do it every day, you also usually only have a few new listings, so it just takes a few seconds to do. Most of the really good deals get sold the same day they are listed. Also, another thing, sometimes someone will start out with some insane price, then a few months later you can get it for a deal. My 65 C-30 I bought for $600 was listed for $2400 when I first saw it. My '63 C-30 was listed for $1500 IIRC, I bought it for $400. The last thing, I always show up with money and a trailer, ready to go. That seems to help, too.