The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Found a '46 down the road

Looks great to me, but I really don't have alot of experience with anything as extensive as refurbishing a classic. He wants $1,200.00 for the truck, which doesn't seem all that bad to me. Some of the things I have noticed already is that the rear fenders are not the correct year('56), the floor board is GONE, the battery holder is about gone, the truck bed is almost all gone, the back window is missing. What really has my attention is that he says it runs, It appears to have the original engine, from what I have seen on this site so far, also the body really doesn't appear to be in that bad of shape, no huge dents dents, it is rust color but not huge rust holes or anything like that. I have looked all over this site looking for what people pay for these things. I may be missing it but I only saw a couple. Can someone please give me a little insight as to what the average amount is, and what else should I be looking at to guage what I should pay. I guess it really doesn't matter but I will be on a strict budget and would like to save as much as I can on the purchase price and use the rest to get it moving until I can learn a little more and figure out what exactly I am going to do. Sorry this is so long.

Hello!

It's good to see another 'Bolter in Wisconsin!

It's always hard to judge the value of a project,so that is why you've fond so few comments on that subject. The value could also vary on the style of truck (1/2 ton, panel, large truck, etc.). From your description I am assuming that this is a 1/2-ton pick-up. Look closely to areas like the cab corners (under the fenders) as this is an area where rust is most common.

I'm not surprized that the bed is in rough shape, these trucks worked for a living!

From what you've said the floor boad is gone, the main part of the floorboard was an insert. Check the sides of the floor that angle up toward the firewall. If this part is weakened due to rust, it could be very hard to repair.

Another area is the windshield frame, this is a formed steel piece that likes to rust! There are reproduction frames (at least there were at one time) but these are extruded aluminum. If your going for 100 point restoration it would be a minus, but if you are like me it's no problem.

That brings me to another point, what are your goals (100 point restoration, a "driver" restoration, mild street rod, or ?).

Also, does he have a title, that adds to the value, without it it mostly a parts truck (although it possibly could be titled, but it would difficult).

As for the cost, if it has a title, and is solid (less the bed) the price is maybe at the the top (based on what you've said), but it's hard to say.

There is an article in the tech tips (http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/gettingstarted.html) that may be of some help.

If you got an other question, I would be glad to offer my 2 cents worth.

Randy B.
Slinger, WI

Hey Randy, thanks for giving me some clues as to what else to look at. You are right, it is a 1/2 ton pickup. I am going to have to go back out there and look for the items you listed. This time I will take some pics and post them.

He does have a title for the truck, which is another positve thing. I also noticed that the seat is still intact and looks pretty good. I see on the site that everyone mentions that the seat is gone alot of the time. Not sure if it is original or not. Something else for me to look into.

My plan for now is to get it purchased and home and then think about exactly what I want to do. I am leaning twards a nice summer driver. I don't think I have the $$ for a 100 point restoration.

Thanks for your reply.

If you could link some photos we could give you a better idea of what to pay. If this truck is just sitting and is missing a lot of parts don't overpay. To give you an idea of what you might be in for check out my gallery submission. There are links to the truck when I bought it in 1990 of 3K and also several spreadsheets that will give you an idea of what it might take to put it in the condition you want. My truck isn't even a daily driver yet as I am stalled out on it again for numerous reasons. My original goal was to have a nice looking daily driver but I'm still working towards that goal.

Good luck and keep us informed on your progress.

Welcome to stovebolt!

Welcome to the bolt. The main thing here is to get started and do something everyday.....even if its ordering a catalog or buying a $2 rubber grommet.
Your 2/3 done with a project when you get started and just don't realize it!!

I went out and took some pictures today. Wondering if you guys can check them out and let me know what you think? As I said before the guy is asking $1,200.00. Wondering if that is a good price or too high?

I am attaching some other links as well. The guy has some pretty cool trucks out there and a super cool bus....ENJOY!

http://s705.photobucket.com/albums/ww53/dhatch1974/Half%20Ton%2046/?albumview=slideshow

http://s705.photobucket.com/albums/ww53/dhatch1974/Other%20Trucks%20For%20Sale/?albumview=slideshow

http://s705.photobucket.com/albums/ww53/dhatch1974/Cool%20Bus/?albumview=slideshow

Now that limo would make a cool ride...but man its big!

The pickup would be a lot of work, lot of frustration and a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction when done. I did notice it had later model fenders on it from the mid 50's. I think he is a little steep on the price but if the metal looks pretty good up close then you many be ahead of the game to pay a little more to buy it but spend less at the body shop? Start around 500 and see what happens...but as they say, they don't make them anymore!

Buy it!!! Welcome to the 'bolt!
They are all over-priced, aren't they? I agree; make a lower offer and see what happens. Good luck with it and have fun, Safely.

I would absolutely love to have a 1946 model , that was the year of my birth !

Make him an offer but if you want it, buy it. It's worth whatever you pay for it. Keep us posted. Good luck!

I would love to give that a good home,but my wife would kill me!
I'm constantly amazed at the survival rate of old trucks in the 'States'.
As Alvin said there's a fair bit of work there,but remember they don't make them any more and someone should save it,and as the other folks have said,make an offer.(If you don't ask,you don't get.)
Even then I would happily pay $1200 for it.
Good luck,
Jock

hey HTC, notice you're in a confusing spot. although im but a teen, I know a thing or 2 about the value of these trucks.. i have seen some 40's era bolts in questionable condition acquired for rather high amounts. but in your case, especially the way you described it, the owner may be going a couple hundred too high. most of the damage doesnt sound bad, but if you say the bed is rotted, that by itself is a rather expensive fix (about as much as the asking price.) if it were me, i would work him down to around 7, 800 bucks. then you'll have the extra few hundred you didnt spend buying the rig to put towards refurbishing the bed.

keep us informed, it'd be much appreciated