I faced the same dilemma not too long ago and found out that a non-running truck from NM to DC would cost around 1,000.00 to get it hauled. I think it was an extra 250 for non-running. The cheapest way turned out to be a rented car trailer and truck.
Like everyone has said, it might be cheaper than you think to get running- there is no way to tell until you get into it.
The easiest way to make your decision between hauling and fixing is to start looking at the truck.
I'd say begin with numbering the plug wires, pulling the plugs, squirting a generous amount of PB blaster into the cylinders and letting them sit for a day or two. While the lube is soaking, take the battery to a autoparts store, get it charged and tested. If it ain't good, replace it with a cheap battery, chances are you'll be upgrading when you really get into the electrical system. Then pull the starter and try to turn the engine using the teeth on the flywheel and a screw driver. If the engine turns, move onto step two.
step two- Put the battery and starter back,change the fuel filter and/or add one to the fuel line between the pump and carb, disconnect the fuel line from under the cab and hook it up to a gascan full of gas (you may need a length of hose for this). Clean and regap the plugs. Check the coolant level, replace the thermostat. Check the oil level and top off with some NON-DETERGENT 30 weight oil. Turn the engine over a few times and see if it'll cough, sputter or what. If you can get it running great, DONT DRIVE IT, move onto step 3.
Step 3, check out the brakes. Motion in a vehicle ain't good if you can't turn or stop safely. If your brakes check out okay (fluid in master, all brake components in good shape and working), congratulations, go onto step four.
Step 4, check out your suspension and steering components, these old trucks have something like 24 lube points. Shocks or leaf springs might be broken and tie rods, etc... might be in bad shape. There are some adjustments that can be made to this stuff, but at some point it might not be safe enough to drive without a costly repair. If you've gotten this far and everything is still a go, pull the gas tank and have it boiled out at a radiator shop ($30). Any sediment in the tank is gonna jam your fuel lines or varnish your engine and you can't drive to DC using a gas can as the tank.
Step 5- check your lights, charging sytem and wiring for shorts, etc... You may have a hard time finding 6v bulbs if the truck hasn't been converted to 12 v. Replace the belts on the engine, check out the hoses and buy a couple of spares, flush and refill the cooling system and change the oil, check the fluid in the tranny and differential, tune up the engine (Cap, rotor, points, plugs, possibly a carb rebuild) you are drivin to DC!
Step 6- Check all the tires and get an alignment. Older bias ply tires go out of round when they've been sitting too long. They might heat up and go back into round when you drive them or they might just get replaced with one of those $200 sets that'll hold you through the roadtrip and rebuild process back in DC.
Step 7. Title transfer, vehicle inspection, insurance and registration. The state will probably require an inspection after 20 years of non-use and transfer of ownership. They might require horn, wipers. Also, even though turn signals were not oem some states require 'em anyhow.
Now... if your uncle doesn't want you to work on the truck and thinks you'll be safer hauling it, he might have a point. 20 years of non-use on steering, engine, brakes, etc... is a long time for rust to set in, grease to harden, rings to rust to the cylinder walls, etc... A 3600 with a straight body and non-running engine would cost you at least the $1,000 hauling would cost, never mind what it would cost if you got it running and then broke down half way home. Dragging it yourself behind a rented truck on a rented trailer might still cost you $1,000 in meals, hotel, gas, rental, etc.... but could be an adventure! If you do haul, get a title and bill of sale for ($1.00) from your uncle. If he doesn't have a title, it might be easier for him to get one wherever he is than for you to get one in MD.
Welcome to the Bolt and Congratulations on the truck!
