This post is arguable in that the numbers may not be exact, but a frame up resto on a 1950 1/2 ton to original condition these days, if you are very very lucky will sell for about 25k.
If you put disc brakes, a newer style 235/261, seat belts, dual MC, OD transmission, you might get 30k. These numbers are very very optimistic. The truck better be perfect for those numbers and it better be a really good day.
Most of us who do frame up resto's on these trucks put at least $20k in parts, tools, whatever. The most underestimated expense is the body work. You will get 5k in a paint job before you know it. Its why I do it all myself. Which brings me to the other issue.. what is your time worth? I have over 6000 hours in one of my trucks. Its not even close to finished yet. If I were to choose say 1/4th of minimum wage, it wouldn't compute.
Short answer, its not an investment. In no way can we call what we do an investment. Unless you put BAD in front of it. We do this because we love it. And we are a little bit crazy.
So why is it such a bad investment? Because they made a crapload of these trucks and they are very plentiful. If it were a numbers matching 68 Yenko Camaro, that would be another thing. This is a vehicle that didn't even have matching numbers. Love it or leave it!
