Selling Advice Needed

[herb101]

I will defer to the mods if they feel this is a WIW post, but it's not directly intended to be.

Would it be worth performing some mods on a Blazer before selling it? Imay or may not be selling my truck, but I have sevel things lined up that I planned on installing. Would it be worth installing these to command a hight asking price or would it be wasted?

Items are:
1) 700R4 install to replace TH350 (already have trans & conv.)
2) TPI injection conversion (already have all but EPROM & a couple of sensors)
3) electric fan installation
4) rocker and floor metal repair - both sides & front pans
5) grill replacement

I guess the thought is this - would each (any) of these add enough 'value' to the truck to be able to command a higher asking price (enough to offset the install parts cost - my labor is free)?

Is that confusing enough?

Thanks,
Herb

After readig this - it is a WIW thread. Please ignore until I get Blue....

[herb101]

OK - I'm blue. Proceed to pay attention....

Herb

[Long Roof]

Whats the blazer look like overall? Post some pics. I would think that if the labor is 'free' then 3, 4, 5 you might be able to get your money back out of but 1 & 2 are iffy. What kind of money do you already have wrapped up in 1 & 2?

My point I guess is if its a 1k truck with 1k of adds then I don't think it would make it a 2k truck and you probably not get your money back. Now if its a 5k truck with 1k of adds then maybe not so hard to get that.

All this being said, if you do all this work then you might be more inclined to just keep it. Its easier for me to drive a vehicle that I know every nut & bolt of than to go buy something I have know idea will get me from A to B.

jmo.

Aaron

[bouncytruck]

Repairing the rust is probably going to bring you the greatest return. There are a lot of people (me included) that can wrench to a degree, but don't know how to weld or have access to the equipment.

[herb101]

I'd like to think it's a $4.5k to $5k truck now, but I'm not sure. The top is nearly new (put on in April) but it's the only top. The things that are done, but not easily visible are:

1) new window regulators, felts, and run channels.
2) Sony Xplode stero and Polk speakers
3) Aftermarket racing reats (sill have the yucky non-buddy buckets too - utility)
4) custom vinyl door panel covers to match the seats.
5) late model Blazer console
6) new fuel tank with all new hoses
7) 1-ton booster and master cylinder, new rotor, pads, caliper and SS hoses, new wheel cylinders, shoes and SS hose in the rear
8) internally regulated 140A F-body alternator
9 Edlebrock intack and 600 CFM carb
10) headers (as much a minus as a plus) and dual exhaust
10) remote starter solenoid (hot-start fix)
11) fully rebuilt front-end (ball joints, tie rods, steering link & rods, new axle u-joints, new spindle seals and bearings and all new drive shaft joints.
12) Halogen bulb headlights (not the sealed beam, but the H4 type)
There is probably more I'm not remebering right now.

Here are two side shots that show the rust fairly well.

[herb101]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

Repairing the rust is probably going to bring you the greatest return. There are a lot of people (me included) that can wrench to a degree, but don't know how to weld or have access to the equipment.

I kinda figured the same, but the issue with thr rust repair is that the paint is decent, but older. I may be tough to repair the rust without requiring more repaint than would be worth it. I'm still juggling with this one, as it is the cheaper of the items for parts cost (before paint).

Herb

[bouncytruck]

Looks like a $3000-4000 truck to me. The rust would be a huge red flag to me. I'd usually prefer a more stock truck than modified because I'd know things weren't micky-moused together.

[krue]

I've always heard that it's better to fix appearance than mechanics for the best bang for the buck.

[herb101]

I probably should just do the rust repair either way. That way it's done right if I keep it or worth more if I sell it. Should be good experience too and I have a new Hobart 187 that need a project to be broken-in on.

Worst case, I could panel match the paint with a detail gun until it's ready for a full respray. I guess a slight tone mismatch or gloss diffence on the rockers beats the hell out of gaping rust holes, right?

Maybe I could ask $10K for it and tell my wife "I'm trying, but I just can't seem to sell it" - Then I'd have to keep it.

Herb

[bouncytruck]

Originally Posted by herb101

Maybe I could ask $10K for it and tell my wife "I'm trying, but I just can't seem to sell it" - Then I'd have to keep it.

Herb

Been done plenty of times before... Just don't let her know about this board.

[LUV2XCLR8]

[k-nuts]

What shape are the utility buckets in? I'd be interested in them if they are in good shape (meaning complete and straight, don't care about cosmetics.)

[herb101]

Originally Posted by k-nuts

What shape are the utility buckets in? I'd be interested in them if they are in good shape (meaning complete and straight, don't care about cosmetics.)

I'll take some pics and PM you tomorrow. They are UGLY,and need recovered but all the parts are there (minus the strips of upholstery that have flown off).

Herb

[Yukon Jack]

I would also say do the rust repairs and stop there if your gonna sell it. Do too much to the K5 and your gonna have to find the right buyer to pay for a higher priced K5. Lots more people can afford a $5k Blazer rather than a $10k Blazer.

[herb101]

Good point on the 'target market' thing.

I REALLY don't want to sell any of my projects, but reality has different plans.

I used the K5 for a bit of utility this weekend and hauled a load to storage, so it's pulling it's weight better in Momma's eyes. I should plan to keep it and off-load the Willys. The Willys will command a better price (much rarer) and it's more complete with regard to project plan. The Willys is also a bit less "streetable" due to the gearing.

The K5 is complete, but not the way I want it. Getiing it the way I want it may make it then than what someone else wants.

Thanks for the advice guys!

Herb

[herb101]

Originally Posted by k-nuts

What shape are the utility buckets in? I'd be interested in them if they are in good shape (meaning complete and straight, don't care about cosmetics.)

New PM sent....

[special-K]

I like that Blazer just the way it is.