|
|
Posted by Eric B. [99.100.189.119] on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 23:20:56 :
In Reply to: new and looking for advice posted by Daniel Schachner [99.152.34.46] on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 22:59:38 :
While anything can be restored, and some members of this forum have done AMAZING things with what others would have considered scrap, in my opinion starting with the best base you can afford will save you a lot of money in the long run.
The best thing would be to buy something that currently runs, or can be made to run with moderate effort. That way you can experience the truck as a useable item before you tear it apart and it spends 6 years in pieces in your garage.
Completeness is important, but almost equal to that is the condition of the frame, and sheet metal. Spend more up front to get a solid frame and as straight a body as you can find.
$2,000-$4,000 more up front can save you a lot more on the back end depending on your luck in finding parts trucks, and your skill level.
Learn the details of what tends to go wrong with trucks so you know if the one you are inspecting is better or worse than average. For example don't be turned off by a broken lower drivers door hinge, but you might want to stay away from a truck with too much rust in the header, or a cracked frame.
The best advice I can give you is don't rush, don't get too worked up by the first truck you see. Try and look at a few in person before you buy, try and attend a rally if you can.
Once you know what good and bad look like, try and inspect any serious prospect in person, or have a forum member check it out. Get lots of detailed pictures as well. The horror stories that a small number of people have experienced show that some sellers are either inexperienced, or outright liars. There is no point in spending $1,500 transporting a $5,000 truck to you, only to find out it was not as described, and should have only sold for $2,500.
As always when getting into something new, ask plenty of questions, we have all been there!
Good luck,
Eric
Follow Ups: