Question

[Anarcracy]

Hi I’m new to this and I have a couple of questions. lim looking at buying my first deuce. It’s a 1970 kaiser with the d turbo and front winch and I believe for a good price at 5500. There’s nothing wrong with it other than the fuel gauge doesn’t work which I’m thing it can be something as simple as a ground but besides that. Does anyone think that’s a good price for a deuce like that? And my big concern is the fact that I live in Ohio and Ohio is very strict about titling these vehicles. The truck is from out of state so it has to be brought here and inspected for the vin. I’ve called the title department multiple times to confirm that it can be titled and I get a different answer every time. If there’s anyone who lives in Ohio who has had their deuce titled here I would greatly appreciate some advice so I can close this deal. Thank you

 

[Karl kostman]

Is 5500 a good price for a Deuce? Well based on virtually NO information, NO pictures I would not have a clue? Have you driven the truck? Does the engine run? do the brakes work? how is the glass? do the doors work? how does it shift? where are you finding rust? how does the oil look? does it smoke when you start it? how does it idle? how does the winch work? does the front axle engage when you flip the lever? I think your getting my drift by now, I can tell you nothing with NO information!
Karl

 

[Scar59]

Yes, $5500.00 is a good price for a M35 w/w. With that being said, Karl has a point in regard to mechanical status of the vehicle. You state there is nothing wrong with it other than the fuel quantity gauge. If you can answer the questions posed by Karl and there are no discrepancies, buy it. If you're basing this decision on a conversation w/ the owner, be careful, send the time and crawl around that truck. Start it and stop it. Actually, this truck sounds like a vehicle that is currently owned by a site member here. If it is that truck, it should be a descent truck. Also, ther are a lot of SS members in OH and a lot of MVs titled there. Get some pictures and report back.

 

[Anarcracy]

I keep trying to add pictures but it won’t allow me for some reason. I was asking how you guys felt about it stating that only the fuel gauge didn’t work and if that was the only problem then if it was a good price. I will be making a trip to check it out and go over the entire vehicle before purchase. My main concern was the titling. I’ve called the title department numerous times and have spoken with leads and they all tell me something different each time. Thank you guys for your time in replying. It’s greatly appreciated

 

[cattlerepairman]

I was asking how you guys felt about it stating that only the fuel gauge didn’t work and if that was the only problem

When you consider that the truck is some 40 years old and left regular military maintenance and repair about 10-15 years ago, I can guarantee you from my own experience as a Deuce owner that this will NOT, ever, be "the only" problem.
I consider myself fairly meticulous maintaining my truck (can't be as meticulous as I want to be, I am not a fabricator, heavy equipment mechanic or body shop specialist) and I can hop into my truck and confidently start her up and drive her wherever I want to go. That said, the fuel gauge doesn't work, one high beam is iffy and it needs paint touch ups. There is a list of other small items such as window regulator/channels and weatherstripping that could stand to be replaced. These are just examples.


Part of meeting up at eye level in this discussion is for you to tell us what constitutes a "problem" for you. For some, it is anything that does not look or work like it should, from stock. A dented tail gate and a rust hole in the fender are therefore problems. For others, as long as it runs, stops, drives, there is no problem. Leaking head gasket and dry rotted tires - no problem.

Where are you in this spectrum?

 

[Anarcracy]

I consider myself mechanically inclined I just personally have not worked on a vehicle to this caliber before other than a flatbed tow truck. I know the general things of what to look for in a truck to determine value but the deuce I’m not so sure of. Pretty much I’m looking for a safe to drive running truck. So small little things don’t matter to me. If you could give me insight on things to look out for that would be a big problems. Specifically the brake system because that’s what I’m worried about. The guy told me the brakes were gone through 2 years ago and done but I’d still like to look. And also if you could explain what is normal for the feel of shifting in a deuce. Does it shift hard, easy, etc. pretty much any information is good but pretty much the small things I don’t care about. A problem for me would be something that impacts the drivability, safety or longevity of the truck. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give