Is it worth it........

Ive seen worse if it makes ya feel better

 

I think it has been sitting longer than they are telling you.

If it starts OK and moves it will be worth $2500.00. I see tires, possible brakes, and a quite a few other things.

Other things to consider, as I have done this before. You can buy a decent truck cheap that needs work, but you have to take into account the time and money to repair it. If the time spent not running adds up to a lot, you can purchase a better truck in good shape and come out ahead.

I bought a '97 T-600 cheap in '01 that had been sitting for two years. The miles were low, but it needed a few things. I spent a month, a few thousand, and about thirty days getting it ready. Tires were the most expensive thing as I replaced all with new Michelins.

I didn't count the time, for I wanted to take time off anyway. I ended up with a very good and reliable truck that I drove for a while and sold for a profit.

It all depends on what it needs and how much the time getting it ready is going to cost you. It could be cheaper to get a better truck and change the transmission to a 15 spd.

 

X2 (i second that)

 

The engine by itself is worth more then the asking price of the whole truck if it turns out to be a good runner. The other thing in my opinion is if you take the time and go through it like you are talking about, you will know what you have and won't have to worry about reliability so much. You could spend a lot more on something newer and still unknown and have problems right off the lot. I know this from personal experience...

 

2 years sitting there. 10 years siting 20 feet away before hey moved it... LOL

 

Two years is one thing, twelve is another. I have bought trucks that have been sitting for two years and did not have to do much work to get them roadworthy and reliable.

In twelve years the air lines, brake diaphragms, and anything rubber that is exposed will be weakened.

The most important thing is seals and o-rings in the engine. I would worry mostly about the cylinder liner o-rings and head gasket. If a liner o-ring lets go, then most likely the crank is gone too, that is if you catch it before the engine runs hot and cracks the head and scores the cylinder walls.

There is a guy close to me that specializes in older trucks. He has a few day cabs right now. How much are you willing to spend for a truck that will not take much to get going?

Next time I am that way I will check. I think he has a T-800 and an FLD now. I do know he has two classics, but they are not day cabs, and have the sleeper made into the cab.