Newbie Question

[crazychimpjimbo]

Firstly a big hello to you all!! I've spent the last couple of days browsing this site drooling over photos trucks!! haha!!

I'm from the UK and looking for a truck to buy and import. As you can imagine the uk has limited number of these beauties and all the owners won't part with them!!

Could anyone offer some advice on where to look for them? maybe on importing from the states??

I'm after a 57'ish style chevy truck, with the intention of installing a corvette engine.... is this a good plan?? do many people choose this option??

Any info/help would be great

Cheers
Jimbo

[OrrieG]

there are two regular members here, one fron the uk, one in germany. the one from germany just purchased and is shipping a truck from Idaho. if they don't chime in you can pm them and get their input. btw welcome. I don't think it is complicated if you use a US frright forwarding company familar with the process.
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[RootBeer 6117]

Jimbo
welcome aboard, I don't know a thing about importing to the UK, but I will say craigslist is a good place to look for old trucks, Here is an example from mid Missouri.
http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/cto/2089742627.html

http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/cto/2080617086.html

http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/cto/2053783321.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2090407217.html

Check this one out!
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2083346438.html

this is just the last few weeks, THESE ARE NOT MY TRUCKS!
There are a lot of old farm trucks around here Good luck.
Joe

[mr48chev]

Well, it doesn't look like one of those that he posted would be what you are looking for but some guys don't read the original question very well.
I would imagine that you are looking for a Tri-5 = 55,56,57 1/2 ton short bed pickup.
As you are over there where parts will be a bit difficult to get or at least get shipped I'd say that I'd suggest buying the most complete truck you can find and for the ease of getting it shipped buy a running truck even if it doesn't have the engine you want as long as you aren't paying extra for an engine that the seller thinks is somewhat special. Meaning that there isn't much paying XXX pounds extra for fully rebuilt engine that you will most likely end up pulling out and selling.

www.hotrodhotline.com usually has some trucks listed although they can be high end trucks.I just looked and the listed trucks are very high end in price at the moment.
You might check on www.classicheartbeat.com where one of our members from Ireland imported a truck to there a couple of years ago.
You might also post what you are looking for in a truck here. As someone may have one that will fit your criteria and be willing to sell it and ship it.

Here is one in Washington state
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2090380588.html

[RootBeer 6117]

[QUOTE=mr48chev;4327365]Well, it doesn't look like one of those that he posted would be what you are looking for but some guys don't read the original question very well.


No Sir I read the original question I was giving examples of what was posted lately sorry I will do better.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2084292490.html
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/pts/2076395614.html
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2084074340.html
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2071379665.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/2022527709.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/2025467579.html

http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/2077606290.html
http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/2067629327.html
http://springfield.craigslist.org/bar/2038168224.html

http://joplin.craigslist.org/cto/2018382397.html
http://joplin.craigslist.org/cto/2087231614.html

[crazychimpjimbo]

HI Guys

I really do appreciate the replies!! Thought maybe you Americans would see me as a British theive stealing your Heritage!

One of those links involving a 1959 has definately caught my interest!! It could join my 1959 VW Beetle.... My Wife will not be impressed but she will change her mind!! haha!

Great idea about posting a photo of one I like so thanks to a member on this site Im looking to create a little beauty like this:



A great example of one I like!! I also do appreciate the Rat look, being a vw owner I open to many styles however like a nice paint finish at the end of the day!! A project doesn't put me off but the more parts I have / source from the states and ship over at the same time the cheaper the cost is for me and more Monies I have to spend on the Paint and Engine!!

Is a Corvette engine a good idea?

Any idea's of frieght companies who maybe experienced at shipping??

[RootBeer 6117]

<<HI Guys

I really do appreciate the replies!! Thought maybe you Americans would see me as a British theive stealing your Heritage!>>.

Naa we bloody your nose and sent you home it's all good,and Tony Blair was George W's only friend during his presidency.
I always thought the 55- early 60s chevy were ugly but since I have joined here I am starting to like them more. I have always wanted to build a roll back transporter out of an old truck, I am always hauling something around with my 1/2 ton and 18ft trailer. I Am going to have to wait till Uncle Bill Gates finally figures out I am his long lost nephew and leaves me a few million. The 59 is local and he said free delivery maybe you could get him to deliver it to you;-). If you need me to look at it let me know.
Joe

[crazychimpjimbo]

Originally Posted by RootBeer 6117

If you need me to look at it let me know.
Joe

Cheers buddy!! Once I hear back from the seller I may tap you up for that

[solidaxel]

Welcome from Southern Arizona USA !!!!!, not northern mexico!!

YES any Corvette will work even the 53 and 54 !!
I especially like the ZZ-4

[crazychimpjimbo]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Welcome from Southern Arizona USA !!!!!, not northern mexico!!

YES any Corvette will work even the 53 and 54 !!
I especially like the ZZ-4

How many rides do you own

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by crazychimpjimbo

How many rides do you own

All the ones listed in my sig, and a 1835 dual Weber sand rail for the beach in mexico!
I started collecting in 1967 and havent stopped !!

[LEEVON]

Hey Jimbo,

If you want to deal with responsible enthusiasts you will have better luck sticking to the classifieds here, www.stovebolt.com and www.jalopyjournal.com (AKA The HAMB). I highly recommend The HAMB it has a great classified section and lots of old hot rod pros.

Craigslist is a wealth of old trucks but the folks you find on there are all over the place in terms of intelligence (or lack thereof) and ability to communicate. I bet you could search for months before you find somebody motivated enough to arrange shipping. Not to mention trustworthy. 8 times of 10 when you advertise or call on a vehicle on Craigslist the folks you come in contact with are nut jobs.

My advice would be to make a WTB ad the other forums I mentioned. You will get a good selection of trucks from more trustworthy individuals. Another approach would be to make friends here and have one of us do the brokering for you (as in scout and purchase craigslist finds, then ship to you).

Welcome! and happy hunting!

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Hey Jimbo,
My advice would be to make a WTB ad the other forums I mentioned. You will get a good selection of trucks from more trustworthy individuals. Another approach would be to make friends here and have one of us do the brokering for you (as in scout and purchase craigslist finds, then ship to you).

Welcome! and happy hunting!

X 2
Or just pick the area of the USA you want to see and after you have one of us do all the leg work, you can come over and pick up the truck and arrange the shipping

[crazychimpjimbo]

Another thanks for your replies. Over the next week I'm going to start hunting on the suggested sites to see what I can find!!