Need Sales Advice - 49 Chevy Truck

[Chocaholic]

Bought this truck on a bit of a whim last summer. The plan was to find something pretty complete so we could enjoy it from day one, while being simple enough for my two boys and I to tinker with. I paid $17k for the truck and put about $2k into it, mostly on detail stuff.

We changed all fluids (inc. diff, trans, eng, etc.), completely re-did the oak bed and stainless hardware, reupholstered the seat, found an original vacuum tube radio and had it professionally restored and converted to 12v, etc., etc., etc. The truck is mostly original and the spot-light is a somewhat rare, dealer installed option (and it works).

We took it to a couple of local shows and had some fun but the boys aren't really into it as much as....girls, video games, girls, sports, music and....girls. I'm finding I'm not much of a truck guy but admittedly, it is fun to drive. It's an older restoration with a few flaws up close. I drive it every week for one reason or another...mostly a run to the hardware store, etc. Get's lots of looks and comments, but I'd call it a really nice driver more than a pristine show truck.

Anyway...I never really thought about how I would sell it when the time came. Found it on Hemmings and it happened to be within 100 miles. Should I wait until spring, or does that matter with vehicles like this? Where would you advertise? Craigslist seems like a waste of time perhaps, and Hemings is less local so perhaps a better shot in the summer? Drive it around with a for sale sign? The Stovebolt Forum is mostly for guys looking for projects, but this one is mostly done.

Open to suggestions. It's a good running truck (PO drove it daily in nice weather) with a 1956 235 (common upgrade), 4 speed, 5-window 3100 half ton. Documentation shows most of restoration work completed around 2005. The reality is that I'd really like to get back into a sports car (G50 Carrera, etc.) but will need to part with the 49 to do so. If any of you guys know someone with interest, let me know. Here's a few recent pics:

[speeder]

I would try eBay, but make sure to put a lot of really good pictures up. The photos you show here are great, you just need more of them. It's free to list, you only pay if it sells and I think it's $100. Double check that, I'm not sure.

You'll hit the largest market, worldwide but more importantly, nationwide for this item. It's a beauty. Good luck.

[kaisen]

Bring-a-trailer may feature it, and that will add exposure

Advertise on an old truck forum that specializes in those old Chevs

Ask wdfifteen what he'd suggest

[scottmandue]

WOW! Super nice... if I had the coin I would be making an offer!

Trade for a 944?

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Bring-a-trailer may feature it, and that will add exposure

Advertise on an old truck forum that specializes in those old Chevs

Ask wdfifteen what he'd suggest

Edit: I read further and see you know Stovebolt. If you want, I can call John and ask him where he would list the truck.

A very good friend of mine owns Stovebolt, the PP of Chevy trucks.

Stovebolt -- Old GM - GMC - Chevy Trucks!

Great site and people.

Beautiful truck, btw!

[vash]

OMG!! i want it. (wife laughing in the background..)

[Drdogface]

If you are interested in working a trade for a well sorted and mostly restored '78 SC please let me know. I saw your truck on a different thread recently and remarked that I would be interested if you ever want to sell. PM me if at all interested

I just listed this on flea bay yesterday:

[Chocaholic]

Paul....yes, I know Stovebolt well! It's part of the reason I developed an interest to begin with. Searched there when I was shopping, but everything listed seemed to be in need of much more restoration than I was interested in. Yet, that's what seems to sell there. In any case, yes....it's a great resource with everything you could ever need to know.

Mark...your SC looks really nice. Why part with it? Part of my motivation to sell the truck is to get an open top car. My Porsches over the years were cabs and a targa. A friend of a friend has a Superformance Cobra that may be interested in selling, but I can't even consider it until I sell the 49. Here's a pic:

[Drdogface]

[QUOTE=Chocaholic;7079845

Mark...your SC looks really nice. Why part with it?

[/QUOTE]

Mike,
I have loved the car for ten years and added many upgrades but my back, hips, and knees don't enjoy it much anymore. It's lowered to Euro specs and very hard for me to get in and out. That's the only reason I'm interested in selling or trading.

[Racerbvd]

Take it to the Turkey Rod Run, great place to sell that sweet ride.

Turkey Run Home

[wdfifteen]

I would wait until spring. You can sell a project truck any time of year, but people who buy drivers want to drive them, and no one in his right mind would drive that truck in the snow belt in the winter. Selling it now would eliminate a wide swath of potential buyers.
Of course I suggest advertising it in Vintage Truck. Ads are free (photos are a few $). We have a circulation of about 55,000 and they are ALL truck enthusiasts. PM me if you're interested.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Of course I suggest advertising it in Vintage Truck. Ads are free (photos are a few $). We have a circulation of about 55,000 and they are ALL truck enthusiasts. PM me if you're interested.

^^ This

[Chocaholic]

I'm embarassed to say I didn't know there was such a magazine! Will certainly look into advertising there, but will likely take your advice and do so in the spring.

[Drdogface]

I didn't either Mike. BTW, I'm getting offers on my SC.. but not good enough just yet...

[widebody911]

That's a very nice truck. It's nice to see one that's restored properly and not ghetto'd/pimped/rat-rodded

There's an old guy a couple of blocks from me who has a '49. When I first saw it about 10 years ago, it was a decent, original truck. Over the years he's made "improvements" - threw out the original engine in favor of a SBC, lowered, horrible wheels, seat, steering column and gauges from some late-model truck, newer taillights, etc. It was a much nicer truck before he started messing with it.

[Chocaholic]

Mark...the numbers can only go up! Good luck.

WB...I've seen more nice trucks chopped up as you describe than I care to admit. In a recent local show, mine was the only truck of 4 (40's to 60's) that was essentially a restored original. All the others were lowered, modern running gear, big stereos, gaudy paint work, etc. Not my taste for sure!

[Joeaksa]

But buy a 911 this Winter/Spring before it gets warm again. Open top car values will go back up by then.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

I'm embarassed to say I didn't know there was such a magazine!

Vintage Truck Magazine

[Chocaholic]

Just subscribed. Thanks!

[Drdogface]

I went to that web site but could not find if they have a classifieds section ?

Mike: Check your PM's..