Both seem like a ton of money to me. Last year I bought a very solid 52 3 window 3100 (1/2 ton) for $5500 in Roanoke, Va. After learning more about the value of these trucks, that was in the ball park. A 48-53 has to be in pristine cond. to be worth 20 grand. I am talking new everything. Motor, trans, glass, paint, all rubber. Everything. One with a 350 V8 and custom/new everything- power windows, interior, smoked glass, maybe tubbed, are worth 25 grand, tops. The previous reply had it right- think about how u are going to use the truck. If it is to be show only and stock then go that route. If u want it to be reliable and driveable-then completly stock probably isn't the way to go unless u are a very "busy" mechanic. Meaning it will take alot of tinkering on a regular bases. Most likely. Another thing to consider is how much do u want to work on it or am willing to pay someone else to work on it? If u like working on things then buy one with a good foundATION- MEANING BODY and decent mechanicals and make it into what u want. ( 5 to 10 grand- you'll have 15-20 into it by the time it is "done") If u are looking for a completely stock show queen u can find one for under 20 grand and mint- I promise u. By the way, my 52 is in very good cond., 90% stock and I would sell it for $5500 today. Just sayin'.....
