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Posted by CSCameron [68.228.198.56] on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 12:11:13 :
In Reply to: 1965 WM300 what is it worth?? posted by jason [184.155.14.204] on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 10:28:33 :
Hey Jason,
I'm a Power Wagon newbie myself and purchased a '55 about 6 months ago. Although, mine has a bit of rust, lol. A lot depends on what you intend to do with it? My intent was to just have a ranch truck, something I could bang around town in. However, I am still not on the road with it, but I did get my engine running. Now replacing brakes. It is taking quite a bit longer to get this drivable than I anticipated.
So, do you want to restore it, make a trail truck, or just a beater truck? Obviously, a full restoration is the most expensive way to go, so the less you pay upfront the better. However, it has been pointed out that sometimes it is more financially prudent to purchase one already running and drivable if not, restored. Of course, you pay upfront for that.
Remember, it is not just the big stuff, but all the little stuff that will nickel and dime you and ending up costing you a fortune to fix or replace. With that in mind, here are some things to keep in mind. Are the cab/running boards/front and rear fenders all there, rust free and straight? Is the hood complete and functioning (is the center hinge unbroken)? Is the interior complete (all the trim pieces, gauges, floor panels, kick panels, seat frames, headliner, visors, and door hardware and heater)? Is it all in good condition? Can you open/close the windshield using the crank? Although the engine is "stuck", are all the pieces there (oil bath air cleaner, carb, fuel pump, alternator, radiator, fan, water pump, coil, distributor, plugs & wires) and what condition? Are there any modifications? If you can't get it unstuck, you're looking at a rebuild right off the bat. Does the radiator hold water, is there anti-freeze in it now? How's the glass? Has it been replaced (old glass was not safety glass)? How's the windshield frame - expensive to replace)? Does the door glass roll up and down? How does the wiring look? Are there turn signals? If you want a winch, expensive to add on. How are the tires, are they usable (big expense to replace)? Will you be doing most or all of the work on the truck yourself?
This just scratches the surface, but you see if you pay $4k or $5k for it, how quickly you could get into real money. This doesn't cover if you want to "upgrade" to disc brakes, power steering, lockers, or any of the other goodies you could put on it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Clark
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