The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1960 Apache - is it worth buying??/

I am thinking of looking at a 60 Apache. I have yet to go look at the truck but I spoke to the wife and she said it runs, drives, etc...
I do not know how rusty it is underneath, etc...
My question - is it worth $750.00???

Thanks, Joe

yes it is worth it to my understanding

With very few redeemable parts, especially the factory original grille & hood, as well as, a clear title & matching VIN tag, make it a slam-dunk, in my book.

Thanks for the quick replies.
I will probably go look at it today.
Joe

For $750.00 in a somewhat driveable condition I would say yes. Just look in the gallery and see what other bolters have done with far less to work with

I spoke to the owner today.
It is the original 6 cyl w/ 3 on the tree - both redone.
It needs the following:
windshield / cracked / kids / golf ball
cab mounts
rockers
wood in the bed
exhaust

It is mostly, if not all, original and complete. It does run.
Given this info is it still worth the price?

Thanks, Joe

To me it would be, bed wood is rarly there unless there was a canopy on it or parked inside all it's life unless you live in the southwest, windshield is a pain to put back in with a curved windshield, most glass shops will say no problem untill they see it, ask around on stovebolt about how to go about that, you will get good info. Cab mounts and rockers are pretty much expected, the truck is 51 years old you'll have to expect some body work but either on stovebolt or I use LMC truck parts to get that stuff, If the engine and gearbox has been done there is your basic moneys worth right there and if it has the correct grill and eyebrow hood all the better. I just bought a 60 apache 1/2 ton LWB for $500 not running bed wood gone doors and seat shagged out but very little rust and I allmost tore my pocket off to get him the money. so yeah its a good buy for $750.00

My windshield was pitted badly and I was suprised to find a place that not only had one in stock but only charged $295.00 total he said it was a little hard to pull out the old one but had it done in an hour. If I had the same opportunity I would have somebody drive me over there with the cash in my pocket.

I agree with bobket, for 750.00 I'd buy it!!!! if nothing else it would be a(PARTS TRUCK) Rusty old trucks here needing everything are still selling for 2500.00

This post will probably get deleted for the >LINK< but that's a twofer deal here locally.

First off at $750 I agree with everyone else it’s a deal most of us would plunge into without much thought. But to offer an alternate perspective from years of experience, here are a few thoughts you might want to consider.

From a practical standpoint, I’d suggest it’s a good deal if you have the skills and enthusiasm to tackle the sheet metal repairs yourself. If not, you might be better off saving up more money and buying a different truck that needs less work. It’s easy to get started on something that’s over your head, and eventually lose interest after a considerable amount of time and money have been invested. Cab mounts and rockers are common problems, and if these are shot it’s likely much of the floor and cab corners are gone as well. Be sure to check the over the windshield, as rust in this area can be a very difficult and expensive to fix. If these have to be repaired by someone else it can quickly consume the entire hobby budget, or lead to shopping for a better cab.

If you already have a truck of this type, or intend to have a collection of them, or recover costs by parting it out, it’s probably a good deal as a parts stash. If the hood is an original eyebrow model that is rust and dent free it could be worth $500 to the right person all by itself. My own experience has shown (with a few exceptions) that building just about any old car or truck to full completion is eventually going to cost $10,000. This figure can be reached by doing relatively few things to a really cherry vehicle, or go into months of repairs that can challenge enthusiasm for the project. If this is going to be your one and only dream truck – just restrain your enthusiasm long enough to do an honest evaluation to make sure this is “the one”.

Well-stated Markeb. I purchased my first vehicle in 1980...with limited knowledge, few tools and fewer than two nickels to rub together, it smoked my life savings; at the age of 16, which was less than $500.00. I purchased a '65 Chevy C10 lwb fleetside, six banger for five bills. In doing so, I engaged in three simple tasks:

1. If it was missing, I replaced it.
2. If it was broken, I repaired it.
3. If it was not attached, I removed it.

I have used this approach on every '60-'66 Chevy/GMC truck, Panel & Suburban, I haved owned, since then.

Long story short, if you want to get into a vintage Chevy truck, for not a lot of money, a $750.00 runner/driver, is a good way to start. Inch by inch, life is a cinch...yard by yard, life is hard, so buy the truck, perform tasks your budget, knowledge & resources can support and you are well on your way to a life-long love-affair with the '60-'66 Chevy/GMC trucks.

Good luck and let us know if you do the deal.

I have found it is much easier and more fun to find buy and drag home another stovebolt, than to rebuild one. It's generally cheaper too. I just have too many vehicles that don't run though.

Markeb hit it on the nose. Just thought Id add my 2 cents...I purchased a "beautiful 60 apache" 5 years ago for $350..only to get into the truck and find the above said rust issues that almost folded the project. Fortunatley, I kept the project going and after buying a new cab and countless hours of body work, that is acceptable to my rookie standards, the truck was painted just a few weeks ago. But boy its been a project. I've built other vehicles before but for some reason this truck kept calling my name. If you have the time, space, a few bucks, and the willingness to continue forward even when things look grim...I say go for it. It has been the most rewarding project I've ever experienced. -fat60rat

To all that responded to my question about the worth of this truck - THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Update - I have decided to pass this great deal up as I have too many pokers in the fire already.
I am by no means "rich" enough to keep buying projects and trying to fix em up.
Thanks again everyone.

Joe

Since you are not buying it....put the word out to us Stovebolter's the information on acquiring it. You want to keep it in the "family", don't you?

Hi
if you pass on it let me know i livw in Lansdale Pa out side of Philly looking for part
thamks RODPARTS