The market for old trucks tends to run hot and cold.. seems like right now it's on the hot side.. or at least warmer than it's been in awhile.
One thing I suspect fueling the old truck market is the increasing unavailability of old cars.. for alot of guys a vintage truck is way easier and cheaper to get your hands on than an old car.
As the cars get harder to find, and get more expensive, demand will increase for the trucks, which will further increase their value.
I predict we're currenty on the up side of this slope. It'll peak at some point, then level back out to a more reasonable price.. kinda like the '57 Chevys did 15 years ago or so.
So if you're looking to buy old iron, I say now is the time to buy.. since it's only going to get more expensive before it gets any cheaper.
--------- A WORD ABOUT HAGGLING ------------
When looking at a item i'm interested in buying, I ask, "What do you have to have for it?" or a variation thereof. Now I usually have an idea of what *I* think I wanna pay before I ask.
I've heard the following responces..
"Well I paid.." That's not what I asked.. and I don't particularly care if you paid $50 or $5,000.
I don't want to know what your house payment or your kids braces cost, either. Just tell me what you're asking for the thing.
"I had a guy offer me.." Well, that dosen't matter much to me either, unless the item is listed as OBO.. and still i'm going to assume you're not telling me the truth. If I feel the price the guy says someone has offered is too high, then I usually say, "darn, man.. you should have took it!"
They usually respond with something like, "Yea.. I should have.. by the time I realised I should have sold it the guy..
a. found something else
b. had his phone disconnected/moved
c. died
d. they lost his number
If the guy responds, "Yea, i'll probably take that offer" then shake their hand, thank them for their time, and mention if that deal dosen't go thru, to give you a call.
8 out of 10 times, you'll get that call.. 5 out of 10 times they'll ask before you leave, "What's it worth to you?"
Seller motivation has alot to do with it, too. If they've had the truck sitting in their yard for 20 years, they probably aren't worried about selling it today unless the city is breathing down their neck to clean up the yard, or they're moving.
In the case of old dudes who've owned the thing for years, aren't moving, aren't in a pinch for cash or need to move the vehicle.. well these guys could probably care less if they ever sell it.. and if they DO sell it, they're going to want top dollar.
Most are convinced that whatever you offer, it MUST be worth more than that. Which is why I try to avoid ever making an offer before they tell me what it is they're asking.
Anytime you seriously list or offer an item for sale you have an idea of what you need to get for the item.
Some people offer items for sale, not so much because they're ready to sell, but because they want to get a feel for what they could sell it for . Even large companies occasionally entertain offers.. not that they really are that intrested in selling, but it gives them a "Real life" idea of their value.. of course if somebody comes along with a monster offer, they'd probably sell.
In general, i'd say that truck would have to be in real good shape to be worth 5 large.. like no rust, original paint that could be buffed back out to a shine kinda shape.
