The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 62 short step fact V-8 $????

I found a 1962 Chevy, short bed, step side, Custom,factory 283,3 speed with 35,000 miles. That is the good part.
The bad is it needs fenders,rockers, floors,etc.The wood bed has been covered by a steel plate. It is a running, driveable truck with a very nice SS grill and decent chrome bumpers, and tagged until 09.It needs a complete restoration.
How rare is a V-8 62?
My dilemma is what is this truck worth?

I don't know if the 283 was "rare" for that truck, but sixes were much more common. At 35,000 miles, and considering the work it needs, it still seems like something worthwhile, even if that mileage is the second time around on the odometer. I think "worth" in this case is in the eye of the beholder- which includes the seller. If you do the body work (or some of it, or most of it) yourself, it would even be more favorable.

Harvester

Consider it a project to keep you out of your wife's hair. Consider it a task that you will enjoy and relieve the daily stress of life in the "fast lane" to quote the Eagles. Make it what you want. Harvester is right, the mileage is low on the engine and if a six will do the trick, keep it and restore around it.

that mileage can't be right--I can see rust killing the common areas, but I have a hard time believing a former owner replaced the rotten wood with steel plate on a 35K mile vehicle.

that being said, the 283 is a lot more uncommon than the inline...my '62 Suburban has the 283 with granny 4spd.

Front suspension is expensive to restore, but all the body parts it sounds like you need are available.

And it's really tough to beat the price of rebuilding a small block Chevy.

-Brad

You can check eBay or Hemmings and use them for a price guide. My 61 is about the same except it's a 6. I bought it as a "parts car" on eBay for $600. To get it running took gas and a battery charge. Since then I've spent another $600+ just to get it "streetable" including 4 tires. There's 2 on eBay now, both st $3,00+ and both drivers. Hemmings has a feature that will give you an average sales price. NADA also has a classic car and truck price section.
The bottom line is whatever it's worth to you to have it is what it's worth!

I personally like 6-bangers, but the 283 might be the best, most durable engine anyone ever built, and they're easy on fuel. The 35K is suspect - like Brad said - but it doesn't matter. I might pay as much as $1500 based on your description, if I liked the truck. Probably wouldn't, but might.

The mileage is correct and documented. The wood is still under the steel. They said there late father worked for a local steel company,and drove about three miles to work. The truck has sat outside since the day it was new. They want $3,000.00 for it ,which I think is way too much.
Comments????

At that point, it sounds like the truck is still going to need a complete restoration--if it sat outside its whole life, the only thing you're really buying is a low-mileage driveline, and the front suspension and steering is probably really good too. But all the wiring, weather seals and gaskets are toast, Some or all of the glass is hazy, and the brakes will need to be completely rebuilt--along with the hoses and hard lines.

If it was garage kept its whole lift, it'd make a huge difference, and $3K would be a steal.

Just my opinion. But I'd pass on it--that's too much money up front for a truck that needs a complete restoration, even if it is low miles.

-Brad

Not taking issue with anything mentioned above, just offering a "practical" observation. While driving my '61 up the road the other day I spied a beautiful '62 short fleet with a for sale sign on the side of the road. Had to stop and look. Has a factory 283, standard issue 3spd muncie, and truck completly frame off restored. Big back window, white roof, beige paint, correct side moldings and custom cab trim. New period correct Firestone "Gum dipped" bias plys, including spare. Very nice truck. Guy tells me he "had the work done" did not do it himself. He's asking $10,000. Seemed to me, if he "had the work done", he's got more than that in it.

Again, not trying to ruffle any feathers, but I think our trucks, like most everything else right now, are going thru a period of "soft market-itis". Nothing seems to be worth what it was two years ago. Meanwhile, everything else costs more to accomplish. If the ultimate $ value of what you could sell the truck for later is the biggest concern, think long and hard before getting involved with the project. If having a fun, personally rewarding hobby, that you and others can admire, the value is so high, you couldnt put an estimate to it. My .02

Edit: The truck described above is not mine, but if anyone is interested in more info, PM me, and I will get a contact number for you. Truck is in Ft. Myers, FL.