Welcome to the 'Bolt, Carl. Personally, I have absolutly no problem with getting a truck that's already done, just as long as the price isn't outrageus. I will admit, there's nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction of having done it yourself, but not everyone necessarily has the time or the skills to do a complete restoration. As far as reliability, I drive my '55 pretty much every day from mid spring to late fall, or at least I did until my little accident in December :rolleyes: . As long as the maintainance is kept up, they're just as reliable, if not more, than any modern truck. And being a '71 that you're looking at, it's alrwady got superior braking and suspension than most old trucks.
There's several things you want to look for, and I'm certain other will add to this list; Rust, especially in the fender openings, door sills and bottoms, and in the lower cowl area. Aslo oil leaks, engine and tranny. If you can see the maintainance records and receipts form the resto, that will help too.
If you do get it, let us know. And of course we'd like to see some pix, possibly some before you purchase it. You'ld be surprized at what some of us can see just in a picture of a truck.
