Posted by Eric B. [99.100.188.129] on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 10:27:50 :
In Reply to: Advice for Trey in PA posted by Dave Horvath [173.76.132.67] on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 10:13:11 :
Also hunting down trucks outside the collector community might net a better deal. I see what look like decent trucks for good prices on Craig's List from time to time. Trucks dragged off some farm in WY and put up for sale. As long as you learn what to look for and you get good pictures you maybe better off buying one of those even if it ends up needing a new engine.
Focus on the condition of the body and frame. In PA you can get more axles and other drivetrain parts from local collectors or you can buy a whole rusted out parts truck.
Buying a cab chassis like Dave suggested is the best move if you want to do a restoration. Matt's reproduction beds are excellent and will save tons of labor. I'd only pay a premium for a truck with a bed if you wanted to keep the truck in the patina you found it in, but trucks worthy if that treatment often bring a high premium.
Look for the unloved truck with easily fixed cosmetic issues that other people are ignoring because it doesn't look pretty. If you're restoring it anyway why worry about pretty paint?
Eric