The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Looking at a 54 truck, is it worth it?

I have a chance to buy this running driving pretty much rust free truck, now the kicker. It is on a Toyota frame with the Toyota 22R engine and five speed. It drives well, just a little weak on steep hills, bogs down to around 50-55 mph.

The only issue with it for driving is the wiper motor needs some work, other than that it's a daily driver that's very solid and needs no panel replacement. I forgot, it's also a 4x4

What are your thought? Thanks
[IMG]http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo195/mykcode/1954%20truck%203100/toyota544x4.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo195/mykcode/1954%20truck%203100/54_chevy_0181.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo195/mykcode/1954%20truck%203100/54truckontoyotaframe-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo195/mykcode/1954%20truck%203100/54toyotatruck.jpg[/IMG]

what price? All depends if you like it for what it is really. a modified vehicle is worth what you can sell it for or what you are willing to pay for it.

daren

I can pick it up for around 4K, but 2-2.5K would seem more like it?

It wouldn't appeal to my taste, but if you like it...

That Toyota will probably run foreve...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you like it, it suits your tastes, and you like the price, then go for it! From the first picture, it looks like the bed is off an earlier truck - the bedsides appear to be angled on the top. The only thing that appears to be a 54 is the cab and front clip. My preference is stock (I have a 54 3100), but that's just my preference.
Samantha

The Toyota frame and running gear is what scares me. I talked to him again and I think I can get him down to $2200 for it. Not sure if the truck is worth that if I end up changing stuff out like the frame.

WOW! I used to have an old toyota. The worst thing about those trucks was the body would rust off of em. I think that is a cool rig and $2200 doesn't seem too shaby. Those old 22re engines run forever! Mine had 375k when I sold it and was still running strong.

Best looking Toyota Ive seen

Agree with you..only if you can get it for low$. But if you want it for a daily driver go for it.
I

My wife likes the idea of the truck being on a Toyota frame, but me on the other hand thinks I might be stuck with a pig if I ever sell it lol

I wouldn't even consider it.

I can't decide if it's worse than one mounted on a ford drivetrain.........

Personally, I'd take a pass on it - just my 2 cents worth.

I like it, but it won't appeal to the purists so you may limit your resale upside.

Steve, would you buy a Mustang with a Toyota running gear?

NOPE!!!! JMO.

I am leaning towards not getting it, but I will probably still take a look at it. The body may be just too good to pass up.

LOL well no, but that's a little different Although? My k code would look good on a Toyota frame, right......:)

Not me.

If it was a non-running original 1954 with little to no rust I would say it would be worth up to $3500 with title. With it being on a running Toyota frame, I would say it's a wash, but limited to fewer people wanting it. IMO I don't like the stance,the wheels don't look like they center well and the height is wrong, but if it were lower more to the standard height and different wheels, i think i would like it.

I'm not keen on the Toyota running gear either. The frames on those things rusted out and broke in half. Being, you live in the rust belt, I would definately be cautious. Not to mention it's almost sacreligious to put any American iron on a Yota.

It's in central Oregon and it's all dry there, very little rust.

Bottom line:
Do YOU want it?
Would YOU be happy with it?
It's YOUR money, and would be YOUR truck.
In the end, your opinion is the only one that really matters.

As far as resale value--if you're not planning to resell it, so what? You said it will be a daily driver, and if it's what you want, then go for it!

If you can get the truck for 2200$. I'd go for it. It goes down the road and will turn heads and get you around. That's what you want. If it's to gutless put in a toyota v6 in it. It will whipp the old truck down the road like no 216 ever could. toyotas are tuff trucks. lug

There are worse vehicles out there that cost more. Looks like the sheet-metal is pretty good. You could part it out (not a good reason to buy it) for $2K. The bed is just "wrong," but it is cute.

If I didn't have an AD of some kind, I could see grabbing it for a "toy" but it sounds like you realize as an investment, not so good. As such, any more money you put into it, you are unlikely to recover should you sell it.

You would be wise to verify that the title is "clear" and that you can get it insured. Some companies are squeamish about any highly modified vehicles. In VA and WV the state requires an annual fee for uninsurable vehicles ($350 per year I think) and the fee doesn't protect the owner from any claims.

problem with it is the body doesnt line up with the frame....(wheelwells) the wheelbase is too short,and how is the body mounted on the frame? you have to ask the guy those kind of questions and also crawl under it and see what was bolted and what was welded, just safety issues to look out for

I ended up passing on the truck. Just too worried about the Toyota aspect of it.