The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Panel buying guide?

Hi everyone. What should a person keep in mind when looking at the purchase of an Advance Design panel truck?

For example, how does the value compare to a regular AD 1/2 ton? I understand a panel truck is more rare, but is it less desirable?

Which parts in particular are peculiar and therefore important? For example, I'm guessing it's important that the seats, rear fenders, and rear glass are in place.

How does a person decide whether or not to buy a panel and how much to pay.

Stove, condition is everything buying a truck car or panel. I paid 1200 for my panel in 2005. There were plenty of times I wish I had "passed" on the deal but since this is a labor of love, and I like a challenge, I drug it home. 6 years, and about 23K later its a sweet ride. You may want to look through my photobucket?

Now, a bolter here has a LIST of things to check when buying panels/suburbans. I think it is in the Tech Tips section or someone may come by here later that knows exactly where it is. I highly recommend reading it. The panel from the cab forward is just like the pickup. Rear fenders and such may be a pain to get and the rear doors are usually banged up pretty bad. Be patient and good luck.

EDIT: I think this is what I suggested. Good reading.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=529491

Thanks, that's pretty thorough. So basically if it's all there with minimal rust it's a keeper. Otherwise, if parts are missing, destroyed, and rusted then forget it.

Your panel looks great, from the photos the amount of work becomes obvious.

I noticed that the gas tank on the panel is different on the panel than a regular truck. What do the spare tire carrier and tool boxes look like?

Stove, you may want to look at the online manuals if you haven't bought an assembly manual yet.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/

I assume you mean How does one decide if a panel they are looking at is good to buy, not should I buy a panel or truck? If you mean the first: As been said doors and forward: parts pretty available. rearward possibly not. Rust down low in back and the usual places like trucks. A panel having hard to get parts is a real money saver. Rear doors/gates and all hardware/latches/etc. Rear glass. All that Alvin said. original seats will be rare/$$. Panels may be a little higher price than a truck in similar condition, Remember almost everything for a truck is available and truck is possibly easier/cheaper to "restore" because of that.
Desirable? Yes, by those who desire them. If you are worried about resale, there will always be buyers for old trucks. Bottom line in buying any old truck is Rust. With Panels it's also Panel specific parts. Jim Carter sells patch panels for Panel truck low back rust. You will have plenty of experts on Panels in this Forum. The Moderators, Red58, Gmoniz, Alvin and others. I know TF and a little AD and I love panels in both eras.
How much to pay? No one has that answer. Each Panel is different and must be analyzed with some pre knowledge of past sales, Chevy? GMC? Canadian? originality, completeness, title papers, rust, dents, bondo, drip rails, the condition of the huge top area, chassis/frame, engine, transmission, availability of parts, your abilities, your budget, your wife and how far away it is (shipping). Whether it's lifted, lowered, hot rodded, dash cut, modified, hippy'ed, pimped, tubbed, sun roofed, air vented, moon windowed or bagged. (if you want any of those, it's on the plus side)

Yes, rust - visible rust and hidden rust

I can agree with the rust.my 55/56 is now known as the BONDO [censored] .it came with a 216 vintage 1949 ene.it was abarn find (chikin).I paid 1000 because it was the first I have seen for sale.so you get what you pay for.