Posted by Vaughn [172.69.22.11] on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 18:15:30 :
In Reply to: Power Wagon WANTED posted by Rick Robbins [162.158.187.170] on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 07:34:10 :
- Do not buy a truck sight unseen.
- If you are not mechanically inclined, take a mechanic with you.
- Have owner explain all the repair work that was performed on the truck, receipts to substantiate work are helpful.
- Have the owner explain and describe the process they went through to restore the truck, i.e. sand blasting, cleaning, primer paint they used, etc.
- Drive the truck but pay awfully close attention to drive train sounds; clicks, knocks, and rattles, those should be investigated some. Too many times owners will clean the grease off units, give them a fresh coat of paint, and call the unit restored.
- Have the owner show you the old parts to substantiate what was done. Anyone restoring a truck with the intent to sell would keep them around to verify what they are telling a potential buyer to give them a warm fuzzy feeling what is being said to them is actual truthful.
1st point, I do not know how many times I have been told, “ya, the engine is rebuilt”, only to pop the hood to find a greasy engine that has not be touched. 2nd point, do not buy a truck without a title. 3rd point, not everyone has the same skill level and may not ensure everything is in specs. when rebuilding, expect some rework. You are wanting a truck that has no bolt un-turned, it is going to be difficult, you cannot be 100% sure, unless you buy it from a reputable restorer, or individual that can produce some of the above items, where they may have mic’d bearing surfaces and had replaced parts, the truck will be expensive.
An option - Buy a truck in fairly good condition and take it to a restorer. I have no affiliation with the link.
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