The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Is this worth it? - cab too far gone??

I have been in the market for and AD truck for a little while now and came across this one ive been contemplating getting. Since im new to these trucks, i thought id ask you guys opinion on it. It is the original six volt system still, it has been sitting in a field for 30 yrs. Its a 1952 model, ran when parked, has only 94,000 miles on it. Cab corners are gone and floor is shot, doors dont close properly, missing pass. window, etc. He wants 1200 for it, it has the old title in mint condition and has a key. My question, is this cab to far gone or is it not to bad?

http://i56.tinypic.com/2l9tppt.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/5mjn5x.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/k71au.jpg

Just my opinion, but keep looking. Not sure that one is worth $500. Think you can find a better condition truck that might even run for 1500-2000.

Robert

Here is the question you have to ask yourself. Do I have the tools,experance and the cash flow to take on this project or are you going to farm it out to a body shop if so it will cost a bundle. I believe you can find a better truck in running condition for $1200.00 --- $3000.00.
62Blue.
Don

Let's go a little further into this one. If you wanted a big project and the price wasn't important, it would be OK. It is definitely over priced. Something like this could have rusted out portions on the frame too.

Thats the thing. I have very little experience welding and a limited cash flow. I just didnt know if finding one in this condition is the normal for this price range or not.

Honestly, I think that is about the going rate for a complete truck. I've seen similar advertised around the same price.

Thats not to say there aren't cheaper out there, but from what I've seen, it falls in line with what sellers are trying to get.

FYI you will likely replace most of that truck with NOS/repro parts and used parts before it's road ready.... I'd try to find one that's running...

Around here, I would offer a couple of hundred IF I already had a truck, and IF it had a lot of parts I could use. From the pictures here is what I see. The radio/delete is missing. the hood has the wrong orniment, pass. side window crank is gone, door jamb is all rusted, looks like the running boards are in bad shape if not rusted through. I would tell the owner it isn't a :project: it is a pile of junk. I would offer 75 bucks to haul it away. If the owner balks offer 100$ as that is about all that is is worth as scrap. At least around here. That way you have a parts truck for when you find one in better shape to restore.

I would agree with the rest. You can't begin to imagine how much metal work that needs to be done on that truck. Pass on it.

That's better condition than my starting project and its all there haha Depending on your work ethic and experience though, it can either be a fun project or a nightmare I bought mine for $200 though and that truck up here would be worth about $1000. Going price for a complete truck, even if it's a rust bucket.

There are tons of good deals though, just search Craigslist and if you aren't affraid of driving out of states you can find running 100% complete trucks for $1000 or so. I've found a bunch. I'm just waiting for my passport and I'm off to start my collection of AD trucks

The AD style covered a lot of years so there are quite a few of them out there and parts are available.
Its overpriced. I suggest finding one with decent metal because in the long run the better the metal the less you spend in the end.
Be patient and like dubds10 says. Look at craiglist. Buy with your pocketbook and not your heart. Those trucks like the one you show go for around $250 here and then most folks make rat rods out of them.

PASS,the cost to restore it ,forget it.As said the frame is shot from setting in the field.Let this fellow keep his pot of gold.A few more years an it will return to mother earth.Keep shopping

I agree on passing this one up. Way too much work and $ to bring it back up to something you could enjoy. Keep looking and like others have said - you will find something better for your money, something you can have some fun with. Press on, and let us know what you decide. The knowledge people share on this site and the advice you can get is invaluable if you like these old trucks. Come back and let us know how you're doin'.

Dale

RUN AWAY FAST

What a good way to let Youngin down easily.

You must be a sensitive, feeling auto-mechanic, Alvin.

I know that somewhere there's a Stovebolt with your name on it, Youngin.

The best of luck to you in your endeavors,

I would concur with dan-pa it looks like it is trying to return to the earth and I would let it. In Utah that is a $500 parts truck or a 12K restoration tab.

This was more than 20 years ago but i bought a very good runner for 1200. soon after that i was at a show and could have bought one done over with a buick v/6 engine and new paint for 1800, don't get in a hurry.

The owner should pay you to take it away. Way too much work for even me!
It might be a good parts truck if there is anything left.

Jon

I agree with Woody. Get out of town on this on. There are hidden things that you will find on a truck like this, and they all add up to MONEY. I am old fashioned but, this is WAY over priced. Keep looking.

Steven

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'm gonna let it pass and wait for a different one. I think if I got it, I would be biting off more then I could chew. I definitely still want one though, these trucks are so cool. Hopefully before too long I'll have one that I can dump money into hahaha

Do yourself a favor and get one already running. Then you can freshen it up a piece at a time while enjoying it.

Cletis is correct. If you can afford it, find one that is as close to what you would want your truck to be. That will be the cheapest route to take. The other side is, by doing that you will lose some of the "fun" of restoration.

Youngin,
What is truly sad is to see the truck in that state.