The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk My 1948 3100 5-window

Hi all

Not sure if this thread is ok in this section

I am thinking about selling my 48 3100. The truck is stock and was resurrected to perfect running condition. Engine is original and original bore (babbets etc all there). The lionshare of body work has been done. Interior is done but needs the seat refinished. Dash and gauges are done.

I bought the truck 6 years ago and was going to be a hot rod. The engine was locked up and I was going to install a big block. Over that first winter when I started messing with it, I realized I could prob get it running as is. A little elbow grease, new rings, a hone, and a valve job...it now runs absolutly perfect. Not even a whisp of smoke on a cold start up.

I did not have the heart to butcher an original truck. I am not that guy to do that. I am a purist for all classic cars that can be saved

I have no idea what something like this is worth.

I see non-runners listed between 3500 and 8000 that need another 5000 just to get driveable again

here is a link to the work and how she sits now

Any thoughts on the worth...yes i know it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it but I need a starting point

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qGrMArW26P2n7RCU8



also, if I had to pay a shop to do the work I did, I could not even fathom what it would have cost...north of 20k for sure ( i know the truck is not worth that tho)

a good video to see the truck

https://photos.app.goo.gl/T2XPVp4vxiUsgYA99

Good a place as any for discussing "how to value" your truck.

Just understand that replies are going to be based on others perceptions/experiences and opinions. You are the final one to make a decision on what you decide to ask.

That being said, just a reminder that this is not nor can it be a discussion on actually offering it for sale.

That needs to be done either in the Trucks For Sale forum or whatever other venue outside of Stovebolt you may choose.

On to the conversations as anyone may wish to chime in on this topic.

Dan (Moderator)

You might want to look at this Tech Tip.





What's my truck worth?

I have a patina truck which is my daily driver and very mechanically sound, no rusted through areas. I have upgraded to a '53 235 and a T-5 transmission, which are not huge expenditures.
Every year I ponder what would be the price which someone could offer that I could not refuse. I'll just say that it goes up every year by $1,000. Several years ago my "can't turn down" price was $13,000. That was several years ago. You do the math.
Trucks like yours and mine are getting harder and harder to find every year. It isn't getting any cheaper to bring them up to this condition as years go by.

Was told at a young age that whatever you have into your vehicle is not what it's worth...only what the market is willing to pay. Unless gold coins are dropped under the seat, then it IS worth everything.
Still doesn't slow me down from dumping a stupid amount into these motion machines. It's what you want... and you only hang around this spinning orb for a short time.

I am reaching out here for actual numbers because there is not much out there to compare prices at. I have poked around the net and basically summed it up in the first post of this thread....so that is input I am looking for. Nothing exact, just opinion. Thanks

Frank -- When I needed to put a value on my truck, the first place I went was Hemmings Motor News to see what similar trucks were being priced at. Even though there weren't any *exactly* like mine, there were enough that I could triangulate reasonably. I just checked and there are 46 listings for '48 to '53 3100's. Probably enough to give you a rough idea. A couple of them seem close to what you have, but I didn't open any of the ads.

Just remember that online listings are *asking* prices, not final

I would say do a search for the year, make and model of the truck for sale with pictures. No way in the world will I get what I have in my 54, it was mostly professionally done. I have had it since 1983 and had miles and miles of smiles. Look at Gateway classic or Grandrapids auto sales and see what their trucks list for they have many many pictures and in some cases videos. And what John said.

I have been searching and there are many variables that people dont realize.

Runner or NON Runner

Title or Bill of Sale

Those are 2 huge things that can affect the price. I have not seen anything that runs and has a title that is under 15K... I been looking. That is more than I am looking to get but people all think they are on pawn stars or gas monkey...
The truck is not listed but I have had people try and make ridiculous offers...My reply is please go find one for that price and I will buy it for you...!

Sigh ... I've been sitting here at the Stovebolt.com editor's desk now for nearly 28 years. Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt and the coffee mug. Aint even my 5th rodeo ... so on and so forth. Barry Weeks and I used to commiserate with each other about how often we'd get that question and try to help folks with what is a *very* subjective endeavor. We got it so often we even resorted to short hand -- WMTW ("What's My Truck Worth.") If I got a buck for every time we've dealt with that question ... well, I'd probably have enough money to buy a couple dozen jumbo eggs.

Yes. There *ARE* many variables. *You* have no idea... That's what we're trying to tell you. And that's why we are quite unable, with only a few pictures (that we can only assume are of your actual truck and are up to date) and a not terribly detailed description, to give you a very precise answer.

About the best we can do is tell you to do what the rest of us have done and that is to go to the "usual sources" (i.e., Hemmings, Old Car Weekly, EBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketpage, etc, etc) and see what similar trucks are going for. Cruise your local car clubs and cruiseins, etc and get their opinions. Beyond that, hire a professional appraiser.

And that is the best we can do.

We know your pain and frustration. Welcome to the club.

Thanks,
John

It's only worth what someone is willing to pay. And what you are willing to let it go for. Then try to see if you and a willing buyer get on the same page. I see the same vehicles listed for sale for months, even years because them two factors never cross paths. Good luck.

In light of ALL the above information, suggestions and opinions offered in response to your question, I will offer this FWIW further comment.

According to my read of the above quote, it appears you have already decided on a "ball-park" or "ceiling" price when you said "15K" "...is more than I am looking to get...". This says to me you have already made up your mind on an acceptable price and we can only surmise that you have taken into consideration all that folks have offered.

Hope you will take everything offered and decide on your asking price, or decide on using one or more of the other recommended suggestions to help you further research a price. The ball is in your court sir.

Best of luck.

"And that's why we are quite unable, with only a few pictures (that we can only assume are of your actual truck and are up to date) and a not terribly detailed description, to give you a very precise answer."

Thanks for all the replies. I didnt realize it was such a difficult topic of discussion. I thought the picture folder of 400+ pics and the video gave a good impression of my truck that is in my google folder. I am not a BOT trying to scam here LOL

No one has accused you of being a BOT. What we are politely trying to tell you is……… we cannot price your truck for you. You have some clue what you would accept so the next step is list it for sale at a price substantially higher than what you would accept and let the market work for you.
BTW, I scrolled through all of your posted photos and was impressed with your documentation process. I hope your door art is not already copyrighted by a certain TV show. Good work.

List the truck on one of the auction sites with a reserve and see if buyers bid it up to or over your price...you'll find out real quick what the market price is.

Also, there was a big vehicle auction last Fall in Nevada where 950+ old vehicles were sold...look up the results and see if that helps you with a value.

Mike B

This conversation is getting old ... and repetitive.