Purchase Opinion

[scregan]

I need to tap the vast knowledge of this forum.

This is a 56 big window pickup.

Rust free, complete, stock, but taken apart.

Asking $6,500. What is it worth?

I know it is worth what someone will pay, but what would you pay for it?




Thanks much,



Scott

[72BlckButy]

Well, I would take a few things into consideration...

Your location
Rust free
Complete

For our area, and a stripped/gutted truck, and depending on how bad I wanted it, I would pay up to $4000. That's just my opinion and $.02. Since the body work is complete and you're a little farther north where they use/used a lot more salt, I might go up $500-$1000.

Since all the parts are there it helps, but due to being apart, IMO the price is a little high.

[mobileortho]

I don't think I'd pay that much for it.

[samcrf450]

I would say too much also. It looks like the fender corner is rotted out and unless the cab corners have been replaced there is most likely some sort of rust in there.

[Houston54]

Does not look rust free to me. How about a title? For that price it better come with the glass, instruments, bed boards, interior to finish it up.

The suspension looks stock. If you are planning to hot rod this then you are into another 3,200 just for a good front & rear suspension and installation.

I would say $3,500 max. Deduct $1k for no title unless your state does not require them.

[Atomsplitter]

Here's a '59 near me up from the US. I've seen this up close and it's in nice condition but no motor, or interior:

1959 Chev short step from California (no engine & trans) very clean southern truck w/ original cab corners, rocker steps, floor pans, fenders etc recent new paint and wood bed floor - $6900.00
Web site: http://www.billstruckshop.com/spv.htm

[guy51usa]

That is too much, I'm currently in kansas but from mn spent many years in ND $2500 is the going rate there. In fact my son is flying to fargo on saturday to bring some trucks and parts back here. One of the trucks is a 55 bbw truck that is ready for paint and if this wasn't already set up I would sell it rather than haul it. guy

[Atomsplitter]

I guess it's like others have said, it depends on where you live. Up here in Canada it rare to find trucks of our vintage in good shape so we either pay a high price to have one or buy one blind from the US on e-Bay. If only we had someone in the Southern US to sell us trucks without trying to make big money we would only have to pay the shipping (up to $2000 with fuel surcharges).

[OrrieG]

Too much. Looks like rust in the front fender and fresh primer on the quarters. I'd crawl under it and check the corners, hinge pockets, door bottoms, etc. When I see fresh primer I start looking for rust. For 6500 you should get a pretty nice running truck. Watch closely, there are going to be lots of projects showing up on craigslist, thrifty nickel, etc.

[1956cameo]

Definately not worth that much; no matter what part of the country you are in. Cant say anything for where you are but here in my neck of the woods that is a 800-1200 dollar truck max. I bought my cameo in the same shape as that two years ago for 3,000 and it runs and yard drives! For 6500 dollars you should be able to get something that doesnt have a speck of rust or something decent body wise but running and driving. In the houston/ dallas area for 6500 bucks you can get something that runs and drives and has zero rust.

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

I would be afraid with so many parts removed I would be spending a ton in buying misc parts to rebuilt it.
I would want a complete truck and would pay no more than 2500/3500 unless, of course it has had a bunch of work done on it.

[mr48chev]

I realize that just like in real estate, Location, location, Location has quite a bit to do with the selling/buying price of a vintage truck.
Everyone who has posted advice or opinions above is pretty close to on the money and close to what I was thinking.

1. If it doesn't have a clear title that matches the serial numbers on the cab and frame it is just parts. Too many hassles to deal with on a truck that is that price.

2. the rust issue, the lower corners of the fenders are rusted out and that means there may be rust out in the cab behind them. As mentioned above the fresh primer is a bit spooky as you don't know what it is hiding unless the seller has photos of the work he did in that area.
3. As with the rust in the lower corners of the front fenders, rust out in the cab corners is pretty standard on those trucks.
Also check the floorboards because if it was a farm truck the owner may have hosed out the inside on a regular basis and the floor may have rust out under the carpet. Yes I have known more than one guy who wanted rubber floor mats so he could hose out the inside of the truck with the garden hose and did it on a regular basis.
4. How many parts and pieces go with it? Do you get all of the sheet metal in good enough shape that it can be slicked out without much trouble. Is the back window with the truck? Those are expensive, I just sold a 57 GMC rust bucket because the buyer wanted the tinted big back window.
5. If you don't want to hang the spare on the side you will have to spend a couple hundred to replace the left rear fender.

6. I think if I really wanted the truck I would take about 4K cash in hand ($100.00 Bills speak loudly) and make an offer on the truck. Personally, I don't do be backs and don't try to deal on anything if I don't have the cash in my pocket or hand. Note, that is still quite a bit more than I would pay but I don't live in Minnesota and that truck looks pretty good compared to what I have seen other guys show photos of from that area.

[sgtusmc]

If he's willing to throw in the convertible in the back ground. I would say you are getting a really good deal. Sorry man, I'd pass if he wasn't willing to drop the price in half or knock off a couple grand.

[scregan]

Thanks everyone.
Just the kind of answers and observations I was looking for.
I'll pass on this one and continue the hunt.

Thanks again,

Scott

[solidaxel]

............ Good Decision.

[sgtusmc]

I did a craigslist search in my area- no reaults
I found these on ebay-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

Hope you find a truck man.

[scregan]

I'm not in a panic to find something.
47-59, no rust, in upper midwest.

I'm checking e-bay & craigslist daily.
I'll find something that is right.

[55dude]

here is a thought: put a wanted ad on craigslist i seem to gets tons of response and its free.found the running gear for my 54' coe. that way, coupple of junk gmc fwd motorhomes!

[scregan]

Thanks 55dude.
I have a wanted ad on Craigslist. Not as much responce as I would have thought, but like I said, I'm not in a hurry.

[WIDESIDE72]

YOu would be better off tobuy a southern truck and pay shipping. I have a 55 3100 BBW w/ a later 6 cyl and 3 spd OD in the same shape as the truck in this post. I have contemplated selling it several times for around $3500-$4000. I have a line on a 57 BBW and 57 SBW $500 each no motor or trans in either one. No major rust, but both need to be completely disassembled and soda blasted and built back up.

[scregan]

Found a 51 5W short box Deluxe from New Mexico. It's complete & rust free. The guy is bringing some stuf down to New Mexico and will bring the truck back back & deliver it for $2,300.

Seriously considering it.

[56chevy1300]

I'd pass on the 56 BW. The 51 5W sounds better.