The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Newbie Question

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1955 stepside chevy pickup. Here's the details:

I saw the truck this morning, and I spoke with the owner. Here's what I
learned:

1955 "Second Series" Pick Up Truck

Price: $3,300 (down from 3,500)
Motor: 350 with three speed shift on the floor (drive train from a '76
Camero; rebuilt in last three years however I heard what sounded like a
burnt intake valve. Carb is filthy and a full tune up is in order.)
Over all body condition: fair
1) Right front fender torn by a trash truck and beyond repair (think of a
sardine can)
2) Cab floor board intact with flake rust
3) Bucket seats old (He says he has original bend seat that is restorable)
4) Bed and rear benders are OK (some rust through by fenders and wood bed
panels look beat but usable)
5) Over head of cab great
6) Firewall great
7) Steering gear box worn out needs restoring
8) Wiring: Complate hardness replaced within last year.
Owner indicated that he has "lots" of extra parts(different hood, and new rear glass), but was not able to work on the truck because of so many other projects. He says he has
the original shop manual for it and other reading material related to the truck.

Is the 3300 a reasonable price? I was thinking of more along the lines of say 17-2300 or am I lowballing the guy?

If you could post some pics of the truck we could help alot better. Biddaboy

I agree, I think he is at least $1,000 high on his price. The guy I got my truck from had started out at nearly twice what I paid. He almost felt I was "stealing" it but not many people want a truck where when you drive it home the bed is full of the rest of the parts. So I just caught him at the right time. Be a hardass and be willing to lose the deal.

That's a lot of work that needs to be done. Did you check for body putty? Put a magnet inside a red rag. What's the wiring like? I'm guessing that your price is close to the actual value, but I doubt if he will come down anywhere near that much. Good luck.

Why a red rag? It won't work with a blue rag? or is it just in case there are any bulls around?
:rolleyes:

I only have a blue rag, I guess the magnet test won't work....

Red: I think that the price you think (exscuse me)is about right. $3,300.00 is a bit much. For a 350 and carb area that dirty after rebuild not to long ago would worry me. There's alot of work ahead but for the right price and your labor it's do able for 23 hundred. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Just see how tired he is of it)

Never trust a rebuild unless you see the reciept. A rebuild might mean new spark plugs and a can of rislone to the seller.

Yeah, ask Chiphead about his luck with rebuilds.

Yeah, machine shops ALWAYS get the rebuilds right :o :mad: :rolleyes:

Does anyone know of a good place in MD to find these types of pickups? Everything I can find seems to be West of the Mississippi?

Redwings fan, boy I hate to type that one in, just kidding, just remember to keep checking the bolts swap meet section, you can also check the car/truck trader on the net, happy hockey season,,Fred

The start of the puck season is right around the bend. I only wanted the wings to trade Cujo before the season starts.