What's it worth: 71 Cheyenne

[sodly]

Hello. I'm a regular on the 60-66 board but have a question for you 67-72 guys. I have an opportunity to buy a '71 Cheyenne that's all-original (as far as I know) including paint, interior, drivetrain, etc. It has 41,xxx miles and has been sitting in the original owner's garage on jack stands for at least 10 years, untouched. Sort of a barn find, I suppose. The original owner died probably 15 years ago and his son basically parked it in the garage ever since.

It's a 402, auto, A/C truck. There is one rust-through spot on the rocker area immediately under the bed-side tool box door that would have to be repaired. Otherwise, I believe it's basically rust-free. I took some snapshots of it about 10 years ago when it was last outside. It's just been sitting since these photos were taken.

I'm not very up on 67-72 prices. What do you think it's worth? If I decide not to pursue it myself I will help the owner sell it. Do you think there would be strong demand for it (considering the color... which I like but I know is a little polarizing.... and the fact that it's a long bed)? I know this generation of Chevy truck is pretty popular these days but I'm not sure HOW popular. So, what do you guys feel would be a fair offer for an original 71 Cheyenne such as this one?

Also, how hard is it to get this truck riding a little lower without making any mods that aren't 100% reversible? How low can you get with just a spring swap? Could someone with Photoshop skills give me an idea? It is a bit of a high-rider currently.

Thanks for your input!

[sodly]

Also, can anyone explain why the tail gate lettering is not painted white? Or why there is not a wood grain trim piece across it? I'm a little unclear on that detail. Thanks.

[sduckworth13]

That's a great looking truck. It would be cool just to drive it the way it is. Maybe put a sway bar on the front, other than that I'd drive it the way it is. I'm going to say $5500.00-$7500.00

[68350]

It should have a woodgrain tailgate band. And its about as desirable as a long box can be. Cheyenne big block with tilt and ac. I'm gonna say 7-10k

[FirstOwner69]

I'd probably go as high as $8500-$9500 if it's still as nice as the pictures look and an original big block truck. Is that a Wisconsin collector plate on it? If it's that nice and in Wisconsin or other rust belt state, I'd think it would demand a premium price. Of course, less money would be nice! Can you post a picture of the SPID?

[ho70]

I bought a 72 big block, ac/tilt highlander package lwb wood box for 4k a year ago. It needed rockers and cab corners. Yours is in better shape. 6500-8500. Depends where you are located, as no rust could add huge dollars as opposed to a desert truck where no rust is the norm

[sodly]

Thanks guys. Are the prices you're quoting for a running, driving truck.... or the truck that's been sitting (and still is) in the garage for a decade? I'm sure I'd have to throw some cash at it to get it roadworthy again.

I will try to get more pics in the coming days (including the SPID). Right now it's kinda hard to access.

[Striker169]

Shoot I would give you $7500 for it!

[68350]

I quoted for a running driving truck with no major mechanical issues

[FirstOwner69]

My assumption is that, if the truck was running when stored and if it was stored properly, then it's probably OK and won't be too difficult to get it running again. If it's been on jack stands all this time, I'd bet it was properly stored.

By the way, I like the color combo.

[dubds10]

There was a sister to that truck local to me for around $6500 but it was a mint low mileage driver. My old '71 was that colour & it is a nice green. As is after sitting 10 years it'd be around $4gs max. Can't imagine paying more when you need to go through everything just to be safe & make it road worthy. After that in the rust belt you may get $8-10gs for it. I've passed up drivers like that for less just because they were long beds lol But I think your area may have a better market where people don't care if it's lwb or swb.

[Bladeboy1998]

In my area that truck is 15-17 all day, there are none of them around here (ohio)

[leddzepp]

You will get numbers all over the place here, as you can see. What are you willing to pay for it? That is what it is worth.

[SS Tim]

The 557 paint code is hard to find. Med Olive roof and a Dark Olive body.

A woodgrained tailgate band is correct for a Cheyenne.

[cooperhw]

I am going to throw out $5000. Could be higher some areas, some lower. Remember you are talking about a truck that "you cannot hear run or drive down the road". I would not worry too much, but you always have to ask yourself "how much could I sell it for tomorrow if I needed/wanted to"? don't pay more than that #.
Hard to find anyone who has not see a Barrett Jackson auction and think Dad's truck is a gold mine. Hopefully you can get er bought and brought back into the fold.

[Bladeboy1998]

I'll give you 5 grand right now! I'll be out tomorrow ��

[1972BlueC20]

Yeah I get a little discouraged every time I see what people on this board value these trucks at. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anyone is wrong and if they were worth less then I could afford more of them LOL.....but usually when I see a truck online, I price it in my head based off what i'd pay for it and also based off what similar trucks in my area are going for and usually I value them around double what the consensus on the board would value them at.

I know NADA is wayyy off, so I don't even bring that into my mind. I look at these trucks online everyday and I look at what they are selling for in and around my region.

[sodly]

Reviewing my pics again I see there is a little dent in the passenger rear corner. Looks like a parking lot bump. Bumper's got a little bend in it and the side molding is slightly crunched at the very end.

Should this Cheyenne have the wood grain trim on the tailgate? Does that explain the un-painted letters? If so, how did it attach?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by sodly

Reviewing my pics again I see there is a little dent in the passenger rear corner. Looks like a parking lot bump. Bumper's got a little bend in it and the side molding is slightly crunched at the very end.

Should this Cheyenne have the wood grain trim on the tailgate? Does that explain the un-painted letters? If so, how did it attach?

As stated in post #4 AND post #14, yes it should have the woodgrain tailgate band....

I have a friend that purchased it's twin a couple of years ago for $8200 and sold it a year later for $12,500.

LockDoc

[Vintage Windmills]

The only thing that would make this longbed significantly more valuable as a longbed would be 4x4. Id say around 10k running but try to buy lower.

Yes on the tailgate band as SStim said. It attached with screws. probably damged back in the day and rreplaced.
Very nice truck!!!

[Coley]

There are a lot of knowledgeable and wiley guys here on the board regarding pricing....and I'm one of them...lol.
It should also be well noted that we are all interested in finding the very best truck deals out there...so I don't think any of us ever guess the upper market very well.
I would put the value on that truck between $6500-$8500 all day long if you are able to get it running in tune and driving well. I would also expect the brakes and tires to be in reasonable, driveable condition. The interior appears to be in nice complete, original condition and I always take that as an 'early' sign of a well maintained truck....high points with me.
I wouldn't be surprised to see this truck listed in some areas near $10 and at a dealers lot for possibly a bit more.
Regardless, I stand by my numbers and it looks to be a very well optioned, original truck in what appears to be good condition.
If you are considering getting this series of truck....you've chosen what appears to be a nice one. These don't appear to be going down in value as of late so give it some consideration.
(also...my take on the tailgate letters question is that the tailgate was replaced or repaired at one point...not too uncommon and which is also why, as SS Tim pointed out, the woodgrain tailgate band is missing).
My two bits.
all good
Coley

[simplepeddler]

at the end of the day.....it's worth what a person will pay for it.....here.......that is 12K truck all day long.......

[C/10 King]

Here in my neck of the woods in Ca. I would have to say 5K-6K ish, but if it was mine to sell I'd be asking 8K-9K ish.

[sodly]

Got a few add'l details today. It is dark olive! The original owner died in 1996 so it's seen little use since then. It's been up on blocks for about 5 years due to a broken timing chain (I didn't think those things ever broke!) and a bent valve. Timing chain is supposedly fixed but not the valve. Any red flags there?

Also, the tailgate shows no evidence that the wood grain was ever there. Hmm.

There are a few tiny dings in the side moldings. Are those hard to source NOS?

Thanks!

[70cst]

A factory 402BB, 400 Turbo Automatic plus AC is a great to have and very desirable.