The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk CL Project

Hi everyone. I was looking through craigslist when I found this ad for a 51 3100 for $2800 obo. The lady said it is only surface rust and no rotted areas and the 216 runs. I think this would be a good project but I was wondering what you guys think. Thanks!

1/2 tons are most in demand, I would think that would be a little high, especially, since someone else took it apart. Since you are in the rust belt, evaluate it carefully.

Ed

....8 spoke tires??? As Ed suggest, be careful as we all know pictures can hide a thousand sins.

Ok so it should be a no-go unless I flew out there and took a look at it in person

Yes, or get really good pics of the bottom of the fenders, doors, grille, wheel wells, bed, everything. If they are willing to do that, also include interior kick panels, gauges, everything there, then that is not a bad price for a running truck if the brakes work and everything is complete. Its a little on the high side, so negotiate it down to about $2500 or lower and you may have something. 1/2 tons in decent condition are getting very hard to find.

Wow, I won't tell you guys what I paid for my new project truck if you think $2800 might be high. Mine is not rotted away to nothing but it has some rust. Especially around the flanges that bolt the fenders on and similar areas. Nothing you see. Surface is okay, frame is pretty solid. Floors need work and a bad previous repair to the cab corners. I still love this truck and it could not be bought for any where near the price I paid for it (even if I over paid) value/price is in the eye of the beholder. I only wish I had some of the over payment for some of my new parts.

The truck in the original post is not a half ton.

She is getting the pictures to me on Wednesday. I should've noticed that it isn't a 1/2 ton by the bed supports (if that's what they're called?). So it is a 3/4 ton? She told me they are moving from Las Vegas to Texas on the 5th, so I could use that and the fact that it is not a 1/2 ton like she said to try to get them down on the price.

Is the truck in Vegas or Wisconsin.

Ed

It's in Vegas.

That's good, out of the rust belt.

Ed

Just checked out the add

Price seems fair

Make sure it has a clean title, see if she will send you a pic of the data plate on the door post.


It is a big truck but has potential

I gave her the list of places that you guys suggested for pictures and I included the data plate so hopefully I will get those from her tomorrow.

While I'm waiting for the pictures, do any of you have experience shipping a truck? What's the best shipping company? I would like to get some quotes to figure out pricing.

Check the hauling board

...link...


I rented a uhaul and trailer. Dont remember the cost

So after waiting a few days for pictures she told me she wasn't going to be able to get them since the truck is pushed up against a wall and she won't be able to get any ones of the exposed side because they are traveling... They seem like nice and trustworthy people and the other pictures looked alright but I'm not sure if I can go without closer pictures. I think the only way I would be ok with it is if I could get it for dirt cheap, but I can't give asking price without good pictures. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

If she really wanted to sell it to you she would do whatever you ask within reason. Sounds like she is afraid that if you get the photos you want, you will back out. Big Red Flag!!! If you really want it tell her without photos you can only offer a fair salvage offer of ---- Dollars and let it go if she refuses. Only other alternative is to fly to Vegas and look for yourself or find a fair and impartial third party close by to look it over for you. Good luck.