Cian,I agree totally with Grigg and the others. I too would love to own a one tonner one of these days and watch for them on Ebay and Craigslist all the time. Taking into consideration all that has been said, I feel like you, I or one, may end up spending a little more for a one ton than a half ton just because they are less plentiful. Finding one that has been unmolested and not a complete rust bucket will be harder to find. It often appears that these trucks in general, were used a lot harder than their smaller brothers maybe because of the higher pay load and all that increased space in the 9ft bed. I have seen many that came with a hoist so you can bet they were used like as dump trucks increasing the chance for them to get dented up, the beds wore out (and then covered over with the proverbial plate steel). The 9 ft beds them selves are more scarce, from my novice experience. I see plenty of one tons that the original beds are long gone and replaced with a flat bed (although they are still advertised as a "one ton pick up"???)
So, does one settle for the one with the rusted out floors and cab corners? Spend the money to pay to have them fixed? Buy a donor cab that is rust free and swap it out? or buy the one that is advertised as "completely restored" that you can get in and drive? I think there is one in GA with a nice candy tangerine and white paint job and a custom interior that can be had for 14 large. There are plenty of ways to spend the money. In the end it may come down to how tired you are of looking, how far the vehicle is away and what it is going to cost to get it home but, the bottom line is, what is it worth to you?
There is no question that I paid too much for my '46 when I originally bought it but I have no regrets now. It was mostly complete and had very little rust through.
Good luck in your quest.
Hope you find the truck of your dreams.
