Please help me decide between these two trucks...

[danheit]

OK, so I have been scouring Craigslist, bugging everyone I know, using all my back alley contacts, and have come up with two decent "projects". Both trucks have rust. Neither has a motor or trans. Red one is in better shape (has a little less rust) and I have been talking to this guy about it for several weeks now. It's 4.5 hrs away. Black one I just got a line on yesterday, came from VA, has more rust, especially in the windshield area on the inside than the red one, has rust at the bottom of the front fenders, some in the bed, needs floor pans and rockers. As you see though, a lot more is there with the black one than the red one. Both are the same price, Black one is 3 hrs away. What are the opinions here? Red truck is a 68, black is a 69. Both have clear titles.

Both Trucks are $500

Black one has rust in firewall, guy said that the lip is pretty well missing on pass side and he can move the firewall by pushing on it.

Sorry for lots of red pics and only one black pic, but that's what I've got.























Now, the 69

[dfwright]

Where's the "BOTH" option?

[GASoline71]

I'd pass on both, unless I needed a parts truck.

There are many trucks available in running condition for $1,000 bucks. Patience grasshopper... one will come your way.

Gary

[LakeAnna]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I'd pass on both, unless I needed a parts truck.

There are many trucks available in running condition for $1,000 bucks. Patience grasshopper... one will come your way.

Gary

I wish I could find one here in Virginia for a grand (that would drive away..)

[danheit]

GAS, while I'm all for patience, I can say that around here they don't come running for 1000. Also, if the $$ sits in the bank, it will end up getting absorbed into the family budget. Gotta get spent now, or p'd away later.

[original-71]

Originally Posted by danheit

GAS, while I'm all for patience, I can say that around here they don't come running for 1000. Also, if the $$ sits in the bank, it will end up getting absorbed into the family budget. Gotta get spent now, or p'd away later.

give the money to someone you trust to hold it for you kinda like a savings that you dont see burning a hole in your pocket itching to spend.

[67ChevyRedneck]

That's why you put it in a seperate account, like a savings account. My dad and I recently had this conversation, he's bought so many $500-1000 pos project vehicles that if he had just saved up and held out, he could have had a COUPLE super nice running toys (he's bought a lot of crap projects...) Those $500 trucks are going to cost you thousands each to get safe and road worthy...

I really wish I could buy this one, but with 3 classics, 2 dailys, and a work truck... I have too many now as it is. It's down in Greenwood, well, I guess "up" for you.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3556797204.html

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Those $500 trucks are going to cost you thousands each to get safe and road worthy...

This man speaks the truth. You will have way more into them in the long run. I know money might be tight, and you're chomping at the bit. But personally... I'd wait. But that's me...

Gary

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

That's why you put it in a seperate account, like a savings account. My dad and I recently had this conversation, he's bought so many $500-1000 pos project vehicles that if he had just saved up and held out, he could have had a COUPLE super nice running toys (he's bought a lot of crap projects...) Those $500 trucks are going to cost you thousands each to get safe and road worthy...

I really wish I could buy this one, but with 3 classics, 2 dailys, and a work truck... I have too many now as it is. It's down in Greenwood, well, I guess "up" for you.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3556797204.html

So true. I know a LOT of cats who have a half dozen piles of junk that have been "waiting" to get restored for years. All that money spent on wishful thinking could have easily been used to buy one NICE running truck that can be tinkered with as it is driven.

I too would pass on both of those trucks and wait for something better to come along. You could save up some cash, fly out to the west coast and drive a nice truck back (if you are up for an adventure and a road trip) or as someone suggested, have a local boardmember check it out for you and get it shipped.

[danheit]

Well, I have a budget of 2500 and already have a drivetrain, so if you know of a better one, please pass it on!

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by danheit

Well, I have a budget of 2500 and already have a drivetrain, so if you know of a better one, please pass it on!

There are nice trucks around here for less than 2k. You could have one of us check it out in person, and if it pans out, you'd have some money left to have it shipped
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[cubber]

Wait on something worth buying. I don't think either one of those trucks has $500 worth of useable parts. I would put the money in my sock drawer or something if I had to. If you buy one of those, you will most likely end up with a stripped frame in your garage, and a pile of rusty panels you can't use. You would be better off to find just a frame for a couple hundred bucks, and get your suspension built and drivetrain in while you put together some good quality sheet metal. Just my opinion, don't mean to be negative.

[70c10stepside]

Buy something you can actually drive, or you'll get sick of it in no time lol And, it'll just sit. If I were you, I'd look a little harder and get something better. Those are not $500 trucks. Thats 500 dollar scrap metal Just to get them to see the road, will be a lot. Even if you have a drivetrain.

[SS Tim]

Keep looking and find something a lot better. If your 'driveline" is turn key you should have no problem finding a good roller. To buy a stripped down truck and put parts back on it is not going to save you money. Buy the best most complete truck you can afford even if it means holding off on mods and wheels you "want" to have.

[danheit]

Guys, this is all sound advice. My biggest issue here is that everyone suggest I hold off and save up for a nicer truck. There is no saving up. My truck money is what it is, nothing gets added to it. Only when I sell a toy and make a profit do I end up with more than I started with. I'm a single income household (police officer so I don't make much) with 2 kids in private school, mortgage, car payment, and more. All of my bills get paid, but I am essentially a paycheck to paycheck guy, like so many others out there. Saving is not an option, especially saving for hobbies and toys. Anything saved would go towards our actual "savings". That being said, I am leaning more towards the black truck, DEPENDING on the amt. of rust. For me, rust around the drip rail and the windshield frame is a deal breaker. Anything else I can fix. I am not looking for a show truck, just a driver. I have a JY across the hwy from me that has 5 72's, all with rust around the drip rails and windshield frame, but good firewalls, so that's an easy cut and replace. Rockers floors and corners I expect. It all depends on how it looks as a whole, but I'm feeling better about the 69 after sleeping a little on it. Today, we shall see!

[SS Tim]

I can understand wanting to have a truck in hand but those two are just this side of junkyard refugees. It is going to take a lot of money that is not in your budget to bring them up to a driver level. If your powertrain is a drop in and drive that is a small consideration and one better reserved for an intact but engineless/dying engine project.

We are not exactly saying wait until the money is gone on other expenses, but to to make a smart informed purchase that gives you the best return on your money. Most of us have purchased projects with great intentions that are un or underfunded.

Now here are three quick pick trucks from the board classifieds that represent possible paths and likely reasonable purchases to consider. As you can see they all need a little and the cheapest needs a fair amount of rust repair, but it is a running driving truck!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...b-a-2ft&cat=12

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...968-c10&cat=12

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...2-owner&cat=12

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by danheit

Guys, this is all sound advice. My biggest issue here is that everyone suggest I hold off and save up for a nicer truck. There is no saving up. My truck money is what it is, nothing gets added to it. Only when I sell a toy and make a profit do I end up with more than I started with. I'm a single income household (police officer so I don't make much) with 2 kids in private school, mortgage, car payment, and more. All of my bills get paid, but I am essentially a paycheck to paycheck guy, like so many others out there. Saving is not an option, especially saving for hobbies and toys. Anything saved would go towards our actual "savings". That being said, I am leaning more towards the black truck, DEPENDING on the amt. of rust. For me, rust around the drip rail and the windshield frame is a deal breaker. Anything else I can fix. I am not looking for a show truck, just a driver. I have a JY across the hwy from me that has 5 72's, all with rust around the drip rails and windshield frame, but good firewalls, so that's an easy cut and replace. Rockers floors and corners I expect. It all depends on how it looks as a whole, but I'm feeling better about the 69 after sleeping a little on it. Today, we shall see!

I didn't suggest you hold off and save up. It sounded like your budget is $2,500. I suggested you find one for under $2,000 and then have one of us look at it and if it pans out, you can spend the rest of your budget (up to $2,500) on shipping. I wouldn't drive it back, if it is over 500 miles away. You could have some surprise repairs that could cost you money to fix right then so you can make it home

A few I found after a quick search

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/345824?ad_cid=9

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/250996?ad_cid=8

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/83321?ad_cid=11


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[steelhorse]

Bud hit craigslist for all the surrounding counties and NC. I have been looking and have seen some decent vehicles in the $2000 dollar range that will save you money in the long run. Hell the scrapyard I just left had better trucks(no jokeing).

[CC69Rat]

I know where a really SOLID 71 GMC Sierra / CST is right now for $2200 (if he still has it) It is a LWB, BUT .. the cab and mounts etc are prestine. You could always cab swap it, or cut it down if you wanted a SWB, etc. Dark green, Green custom int. 350 3OTT.

I'll check with him if you're interested. You could drive this one home.

[leddzepp]

If there isn't goin to be any more money coming in, I wouldn't buy a toy (truck in this case) cause they take money to maintain. What will you do when something breaks or needs fixing or replacing?
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[Longhorn 70]

Take that $1000 to Vegas.

[Zoomin]

If that's all there is, where's the money for patch panels, engine, trans going to come from? Unless you've got cinder blocks and a love for yard art, I don't see the point.

[danheit]

Ok, so screw you guys and all of your infinite wisdom about waiting and looking for something better! (I found one so much better). I dug a little harder on CL and found a great long bed driver about an hour and twenty from my house. Sitting at the bank waiting on him to show up with a title. 71 original A/C cab 350/350 VERY minor rust! Pics to follow shortly! Thanks for talking some sense into me!!
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[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by danheit

Ok, so screw you guys and all of your infinite wisdom ...

Would you like you crow grilled or southern fried? :-)
Pictures are of course required at this point.

[Zoomin]

Glad to hear. Of course pix will be required ASAP.