Looking for a little help deciding if I should buy or pass on this 1941 ford pick up. It's complete, all original, matching numbers, no rust, super straight, engine turns but not running. Seller asking 12k. Buy or pass?
Just going by the photos and the small amount of information you provided it sounds like a decent deal. Of course that could easily change depending on the condition of the truck after further inspection.
On that truck buy or pass depends on how deep your pockets are. Can you afford it or do you need to take out second mortgage to buy it should be the first question you ask yourself. The price seems fair to me for a running truck but not one that doesn't run unless you can afford to invest 12k in a project and just want it then like I said that goes back to how deep your pockets are I suppose.
I live in Florida, like you, and cars like this don't come up very often. I know in some places they might be less money, but down here they are harder to find. That one looks pretty clean, but a lot depends on you and how much you are able to do to get it finished. If the car is as straight and solid as it looks in the pictures it would not be way out of line IMO. If you bought one in not as good condition it would take a fair amount of time and money to get it to this stage. But it looks like a great start. Don
Pictures don't tell the whole story, but seems reasonable. I would still try to negotiate it down a bit though.
I suppose it hinges on why its not running. Lets say it needs a new engine and the flatty needs rebuilt - is it worth 17 Gs running? It not running could be something simple, but then somebody would have fixed it.
That's a premium truck and worth the effort to get running. How's the brakes? How's the radiator? Wiring? Chrome? If it's just straight and****embled (or somewhat unmolested) sheet metal then you need to figure your expenses after the fact. A whole brake job may set you back $500 or more for everything, much less if some of it's serviceable as in drums can be turned, master rebuild and cylinders honed. A radiator might be as much as $500+ Tires? Make an offer that considers the worst case, but if it's as clean as it really looks (if that's primer my hackles raise a bit) it's well within the fair price range. Perhaps one of the best and most desirable of the Ford PUs. While this may seem a cop out to ask, what's it worth to you? Were I in the market I'm diggin it price and all.
I would think that if its rust free as they say its a no brainer,check it out first and grab it fast.
Pocket full of $100's always helps in negotiations. If it fits your idea of a cool ride, go for it. You worry more about the ones you didn't buy. Good luck with your decision.
A magnet and a brass tapping hammer, will answer. (and a creeper, with a bright light!) Look at the door sills.
If it was a running driving truck it would be worth what he is ask,not running I don't think so. Have you ask him why it's not running,is it something simple like points/Timing issues? HRP
If the motor will turn, it will probably start. In theory... looks like a solid truck otherwise. The no-rust thing may be worth a few grand right there.
X2 on inspecting ALL lower areas of the cab, fenders and the frame kickup for corrosion. bondo can hide a lot of sin.
When do you want to do the hard work? Before you buy it, by finding out why the engine isn't running, whether the brakes are good, or the transmission or differential are sound, or if therre are major body/frame issues that upon closer inspection aren't as they appear? Or after you buy it, and find one or more of these things that need attention? It's up to you. Your money and your time, and no answer is the wrong one. You'll just feel better knowing up front what you're getting. Knowledge is power.
Looks like an old truck got a respray in satin. Original engine probably ran when the build was done and has quit. Either simple issue or a $5k issue. If the truck is what you want, as-is, take a chance at 10k and see how far the mechanical problems go. If you're planning paint, interior, engine changes to make it what you want, I'd keep looking.
Mechanical problems aren't even in the picture if you can do the work, have the tools, and a place to work in out of the weather. Just figure worst case scenario on that kind stuff as far as cost, and factor it into the cost. But I have a total distrust of cars and trucks with a fairly fresh paint job, especially of either primer or satin, as both can hide a multitude of problems and sins committed in covering them up instead of a proper fix. Repairing a body full of rust to hide it for a sale can be done for a lot less than a proper repair that is for a vehicle you plan to keep. Patch panels put in with a minmum of filler take a lot of time and skill. A creeper ain't good enough, you need to pu it on a lift or either jack it way up and spend a long time under it, as FL isn't exactly where you expect to find a 75 year old pickup with no rust.
I'd want to know what's under that flat box floor. The fresh primer and painted bumper guards make me think this one was dolled up for a quick sale. It might be worth it, but way more information is needed. It's far from a no-brainer type deal.
There is a local 40 short bed for sale, running driving, later model drive train , not bad all around for 14k obo. There are some things I would change even on it so your guy is in the ball park in our corner of the world, But back to what******* said. That was good advice.
Looks decent in the pictures but then again looking up close might change my mind. The price seems in the ballpark. Jimbo
If you wanted it, you would have bought it by now or at least tried to buy it. If you don't want it don't buy it. For a collector vehicle or hobby, it has to speak to you or mean something to you. If it is just another old truck why bother. Keep looking till you see something you really want.
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