Hi everyone. What should a person keep in mind when looking at the purchase of an Advance Design panel truck?
For example, how does the value compare to a regular AD 1/2 ton? I understand a panel truck is more rare, but is it less desirable?
Which parts in particular are peculiar and therefore important? For example, I'm guessing it's important that the seats, rear fenders, and rear glass are in place.
How does a person decide whether or not to buy a panel and how much to pay.
I assume you mean How does one decide if a panel they are looking at is good to buy, not should I buy a panel or truck? If you mean the first: As been said doors and forward: parts pretty available. rearward possibly not. Rust down low in back and the usual places like trucks. A panel having hard to get parts is a real money saver. Rear doors/gates and all hardware/latches/etc. Rear glass. All that Alvin said. original seats will be rare/$$. Panels may be a little higher price than a truck in similar condition, Remember almost everything for a truck is available and truck is possibly easier/cheaper to "restore" because of that.
Desirable? Yes, by those who desire them. If you are worried about resale, there will always be buyers for old trucks. Bottom line in buying any old truck is
Rust. With Panels it's also Panel specific parts. Jim Carter sells patch panels for Panel truck low back rust. You will have plenty of experts on Panels in this Forum. The Moderators, Red58, Gmoniz, Alvin and others. I know TF and a little AD and I love panels in both eras.
How much to pay? No one has that answer. Each Panel is different and must be analyzed with some pre knowledge of past sales, Chevy? GMC? Canadian? originality, completeness, title papers, rust, dents, bondo, drip rails, the condition of the huge top area, chassis/frame, engine, transmission, availability of parts, your abilities, your budget, your wife and how far away it is (shipping). Whether it's lifted, lowered, hot rodded, dash cut, modified, hippy'ed, pimped, tubbed, sun roofed, air vented, moon windowed or bagged. (if you want any of those, it's on the plus side)
