The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre New guy from Central New York

Hello, I am new to Stovebolt and a newborn when it comes to classic trucks. I don’t have one yet but have narrowed my choices to 1947 - 1965 Chevy and GMC. A couple of issues I am having is determining value? Seems like prices are all over the place and mostly rising but I don’t see these high priced trucks selling. The difference between online values from different sources could be as much as $10,000 for the same truck, same condition. Also, most consignment dealers that I have spoken to have little to no details on the trucks they are selling, same goes for EBay. Sellers post a few pics with little details and expect top dollar. I have also come across some scams. I did come across a 51 3100 with a 1960 235 that was in good condition and price seemed reasonable. The seller did take pics of engine serial numbers, etc but had already taken a deposit.

What’s with all the undercoating? I looked at a 59 Apache with undercoating on the back of the cab which was painted to match the rest of the truck. This truck was born and resided in California. I’ve seen multiple trucks with frames, underbody and gas tanks coated?

Since this would be my 1st truck, I was thinking that I would be better off buying something that was mostly original, period correct. I favor the inline 6 full oil pressure and hydraulic lifters. There seems to be a lot of performance upgrade parts. I did see one with a supercharger in a 54 coupe. There aren’t a lot of trucks in central New York and it seems the greatest availability is in the Midwest and West.

Thanks for listening any advice is appreciated as my search continues.

Welcome to the Stovebolt. Keep your eyes out in the forums as there are quite a few bolters from your state.

Yes, most folks that have a truck for sale has watched to many Barrett Jackson episodes and are wishful thinkers. As for undercoating and stuff please beware. It can hide a thousand sins as well as just plain pictures. For a decent truck you will most likely pay a little premium but would be well worth it in the long run.

My first suggestion would be patience....and think with your head and not the pocketbook or sentimental stuff. Caution is the word.
Stovebolt is world wide, if you find one your truly interested in perhaps a bolter lives close by and can give you a visual inspection. For the top dollar jobs there should be plenty of DOCUMENTATION such as before and after pics. If not then suspect the worst. Things get crazy when you start taking stuff apart on the old trucks.

As for questions, you can ask more specific questions in the Forum most appropiate for that application and will get more comments from those who have "been there done that".

For me, I like to reference the Old Cars Price Guide.....its a GUIDE and not the bilble! Study the 6 conditions it used to put a price on the vehicles and you can get an idea of what your up against. Its a guide but gives you something to chew on....and of course a first hand inspection is in order before purchase. It is all about condition and with your wide range of years you should be able to come up with something...........and did I mention a little patience?

Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure!

Your choices cover 3 different body styles and several engine options. Browse, study and become as knowledgeable as you can about the various differences. Then choose the style you really want and narrow your search to just those trucks. Be patient in your search don’t just jump in without doing your due diligence. Good luck.

Use that patience to narrow the date range. Your yrs-of-interest crosses 4 versions of trucks, the values of which may differ. Additionally, at this age they all have had or do have rust. Some were fixed right and some just buried the rust. The rust area will be consistent based on the version of truck. For example, i will tell you where the 60-66s were prone.
Find a vintage to narrow your search and then watch that market and ask questions. Stovebolters are glad to help. And worry about shipping later. I good was coast original is worth shipping to the rust coast, in my opinion. Welcome to the group.

Welcome to the bolt... definitely narrow what you are looking for. But keep in mind, the newer the truck the more complicated some things get... that said, I just purchased a 67 suburban and was pretty surprised at the simplicity (and similarity) of the various components compared to the other "old" vehicles I have owned.

Even downunder there are Stovebolt members to help you there will be one close to you and only friends to help you out enjoy keeping the dream alive

Thanks everyone, sounds like I joined the right forum. I appreciate the advice and am learning as I go.

welcome to the site!

Welcome aboard!
Don't know if you've done this, but another place to check would be the Swap Meet forums on this board. There is a "Trucks for Sale" section that may have something of interest for you.
They are out there. It just takes patience sometimes.
Good luck!!

Welcome to the garage! Good advice has been given above. I'm going to be thinning my little herd of trucks and cars this spring.
So keep an eye on the swap meet threads.

Don

babaganush,

Liverpool NY is not far from you.

Liverpool Chapter of the American Truck Historical Association has a show every summer.

Many old trucks in NYS have rusted away, unless they were stored over-winter.

Hi There Babaganush

From Northern Arizona . . . . and , iron / metal Does "Rust here in AZ . just not as bad.

Welcome and glad you joined up ; keep looking & while u'r looking , keep learning these old trucks . . . . a lot too learn.

I have a "Nova Friend" in NYS . . . and, he's doing "rust repairs" (a bunch) . . . . . but, keep looking

later , jim

'47 to 65 Chevy or GMC gives you a lot of options. That is actually good because you can focus on condition and price. Quite often when one is determined to find an exact make and year they tend to over pay or settle for sub par condition compared to what they originally sought.

Welcome to the "Bolt"

John