What do you guys think? I've come across a 1958 Apache short stepside. The guy wants $1400 for it and wont budge on the price. It has the correct year 235 (with no carb) he says it runs and drives. He also has a clean title. The windshield is smashed and quarter glass is missing it has the spare tire cutout rear fender and the drivers door has been bent back at some point. dents galore and dry rot on the tires (16"ers) Is it worth it? I'd probably lower it, do some body work, primer/sealer it, and drive it for a while. Think I could get my moneys worth out of it?
ha-ha, sounds like a real car salesman - no carb but, runs and drives? only worth what you are willing to pay for it considering the amount of work and $$ you will have to put into it - with possibly a new motor.
Doesn't sound like a bad deal if it's not eaten up with rust or filled with bondo. Crawl underneath and have a close look. You're bound to see a little rust in the usual places but if it's not too bad you should be okay. Figure a couple hundred dollars or less for a windshield, $200-$400 for a good or new door (if that one isn't fixable). Potentialy, another engine if that one is a goner. You can usually pick up a good running 235 for $300-$500. $600 for tires. Now, add up those dollar amounts and double them for all the other things you didn't consider. It still seems like a pretty good deal, especially if you can do the body work. What kind of shape is the bed in?
That's a $500 truck around here. You'll get most of what you put into it, back out of it. Not counting labor. If you like the truck, and you have the ability to fix it, then go for it. If you're looking to make money off it, good luck.
Yeah, Squirrel is right, It does depend on where you are. Around here, there aren't any $500 trucks, only $500 doors.
don't forget u need all new wheel cyls. there probally no good, gas tank full of shit, all new tires, new carb, and thats just the start of it. unless thats what u r REALLY looking for. its worth $600.00
Saxman... Bed sides are decent, no rear bumper. cab corners are rusty and bed wood is crap. pretty typical rust for the southwest. Man, Squirrel, I sure thought a 58 shorty would be worth more than $500 in pretty much any condition any where. I'll let you guys know if it'll run. I don't think I'll get it unless I can hear it run. There is a considerable amount of body work but I'm good at that. Just hours spent hammering and sanding/ I'll never get that back I know but it's like therapy without all the talking.