The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts How much should I offer? (41-47 COE cab and Suburban)

Over the weekend, I stopped to check out a COE and Suburban I had seen while driving. I was finally able to get ahold of the guy this time, and got to see them up close. It turns out that his daughter in Colorado has an elk tag, but is four months pregnant. Rather than let the tag go to waste, he said he would be willing to sell a few things.

Sorry I didn't get any pictures, but I'll try to describe them to the best of my ability.

COE:
No tag, but likely a 46 or early 47
No engine or driveline
Frame has been cut off behind the cab
windshield is gone, and side windows have bullet cracks
cab and doors are good, hood has minor dents.
Was used in a logging operation in Idaho, until a spindle broke from overloading. Since it was blocking the logging road, they pushed it out of the way. This heavily damaged the fenders and grille, but they look workable, if you have a lot of time, patience, and no money for new ones.

Suburban:
Also found in Idaho
No tag
Body, including back doors, is in good shape. Some dents and dings and minor rot, but definitely worth working fixing up.
A lot of parts inside, including a nice set of headlight assemblies.
Windows are either rolled down, or have been taken out, though they would likely be inside with the other parts

He's selling both together, as they are on a trailer. What would be a fair price range for them?

Well, depending on what scrap metal is bringing today I'd say its worth probably 350-400 just for scrap. To buy it you'll have to kick that price a little. Depending on just what model the suburban is you can probably figure its worth the most. Around here a decent burb with "body and back doors in good shape" I could expect to pay around 1500 for it.
I'd probably offer him around 750 based on your descriptions. Then see what happens. These are just my opinions based on what I see around here. I'm sure others from closer to your area will be chiming in.
Keep us posted.

1. What does he want for them?
2. Why do you want them?
3. Are they in Idaho or WI?
4. Are you in Idaho or WI?
5. Why would someone spend the money to haul smashed up, shot up trucks from Idaho to Wi?
6. How could we possibly price them? they sound like junk, but maybe they are not, but maybe they are.
7. I NEVER buy any vehicle without a title.
8. Don't buy them unless you are not married and have at least 40 acres and a good place for them to finish rusting.
9. Charge him $200 to haul away and make some money for yourself.
10. What does the Elk tag in CO have to do with it again?
11. When is the Daughter due?
12. Just buy the trailer, aye?

Bart,He sounds like a "Bolter",who can't stand the sight of a couple of restorable relics,rotting away. Welcome,DoubleXero! I'd go with Alvin's advice,and the price sounds reasonable,as long as the trucks are restorable. You'll have your work cut out for ya,but I doubt if you need 40 acres! I fixed mine up,in the woods,on the land the truck was parked on-About 40'X80'. Enough room for storage bins,tarps and tools. Please try and post some pic's,so we can give you a better answer. THANKS!!

I know. a little advice, a little opinion, a little humor. As far as his original question, you can't even guess what it's all worth unless you see it and know your values, how hard are parts to find and if your state is good about salvage titles, etc. and the reason I ask how much he is asking is that he has to let you know where to start. You can't start throwing out offers, that's an auction with one person at the auction bidding against himself. No way Jose. Do you want to offer somebody $750 if they are thinking $4000?..... or if they are thinking $300? That's my honest answer DoubleXero. My thought process for considering a truck: Condition, ambition, completion.

Well if everyone thought as Bart does there probably would not be a stovebolt page and all of us who wildly go out and buy thje old rusted relics.

Do what your heart tells you...and you wife if you have one.

I'd start at $400.00 with the trailer included.

Where in Idaho?