For those interested in a...
For those interested in a stocker, this '54 Chevy 3100 was probably priced below what it cost to bring it up to this condition. Said to be based on a rust-free original, from the powdercoated frame up everything had been rebuilt. Some updates included chrome wheels (original wheels and caps were included), 12-volt electrical system, and an 8-track tape player!
We've always found that swap meets were great places to look for a finished truck as there are often bargains to be had. However don't let money burn a hole in your pocket-the trick is to shop carefully and make sure you're not going to want, or have to, make a host of changes to a finished vehicle. Minor tweaks are one thing but major changes can get out of control and become expensive very quickly so factor any alterations into the purchase price. And again, make sure to verify ID numbers. Now with that said we have to point out that when you do find a truck you want, don't hesitate. A good friend found the truck of his dreams and while he walked around thinking about it someone else made a deal and drove it home.
At the last Portland event we found a ton of parts and a half-dozen trucks in conditions ranging from salvageable to show worthy we would have liked to haul home; but we were in a rental car so our capacity was limited. The 2011 Portland Swap Meet will be held April 1, 2, 3 at the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center and next time we'll be taking a truck and trailer-just in case.
Second series '55 Chevrolets...
Second series '55 Chevrolets are a valuable commodity-this one had excellent chrome, a very nice body and interior, and a 235-inch six cylinder and a three-speed manual trans and an asking price of $15.5K. You have to ask yourself a couple of questions when looking at a truck like this. Could you build one for the asking price? How much would you change and what would that cost?
With white paint, black wheels,...
With white paint, black wheels, and stock hubcaps this '59 Chevy Apache Fleetside was so subtle it probably didn't get the attention it deserved-that was until the owner fired it up and the twin pipes burbled.
Under the hood was a 235 with...
Under the hood was a 235 with twin carbs and split exhaust. Other updates included disc brakes and power steering. Asking price was $12.5K.
We didn't see many Mopars...
We didn't see many Mopars at this event although we did spot this '71 Dodge D-200 equipped with a 383 and TorqueFlite and wearing a $4,995 price tag. Truly tough trucks, this one was in nice shape and would make a great vintage hauler.
For little truckers this pair...
For little truckers this pair was available, would it be tacky to charge the neighborhood kids for a ride?
The second owner of this '64...
The second owner of this '64 F-100 was looking for $10.5K or trade. In the weeds, the Ford had undergone a Chevy350/350 engine and trans transplant.
If you're looking for the...
If you're looking for the unusual, how about a '60 Ford panel truck-there were only around 10,000 made and this was the last year for the fullsize version (the Econoline came out in '61). All original with a 292 V-8 and three-speed. The asking price for this one started at $9,900 and dropped to $8,500.
For those looking for an affordable...
For those looking for an affordable Ford project, this F-100 was said to be in running and driving condition for $1,700.
Or, for those with a big family...
Or, for those with a big family or lots of friends, how about a '57 Chevy Series 6700 school bus. It had the original 283 V-8 and four-speed, with a $12.5K asking price.