Advice on Deuce purchase.

[donnerwetter58]

Good morning from a FNG.
I've been constantly bugged for the last 2 months since looking at a local Deuce. I think I need to buy it but would like some advice.
Here's the basics. It's a 1985 M35A2C WO/W. 14000 miles, 650 hours. New soft top, heater, LDT465-1C engine. It was an Air Force truck. No troop seats, no rear cover but has the bows and side fences for the bed in need of wood replacement.
Some light surface rust. A few fluid leaks in the engine area. Tires at about 50%.
The price is firm at $3000.
Any words of wisdom form those in the know would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[monkeythumbs]

Pic would help of you have any. Since its a 1985 that'll makes tagging it as historical easier. Has the owner done anything to it, meaning how well does he know the truck. Have you driven the vehicle ? Have a place to keep it ? Whats the wife/gf think ?

 

[RealCavDog]

An '85 C model dropside ? $3.000 ? Would totally be checking it out, as after over 2 years of looking and hunting, I notice the market is rising, so . . . . if all is good and functional, Brakes, dual or single circuit,motor, tranny, rust, title paperwork done or Sf-97. Much easier to add a winch to an A2 for me, than to my A3 !

I myself would have loved to known about a truck so close to Missouri !

You better move fast ! , I am still looking for a dropside to go with my newly purchased 1999 A3 !

One more thing to add !

 

[wreckerman893]

Prices for deuces are inching up.....if it is a good runner and the owner has a title in hand (not the promise of an SF-97) that is not a bad price.

There are several members in your area that might give it a look see for you and give you a second opinion (or buy it out form under you).

Can someone up there help a Brother out????

 

[porkysplace]

here is some good reading for you . Also if you are seriously considering a purchess download the TM's and start reading and become familiar with the trucks systems . TM's are free to download at; www.jatonkam35s.com or www.liberatedmanuals.com

 

[mcmullag]

I have an '87 ex-airforce M35a2c. Sounds like a good price if like what wreckerman was saying. Pics of mine at GL auction last year and then last Monday.

 

[1 Patriot-of-many]

I have an '87 ex-airforce M35a2c. Sounds like a good price if like what wreckerman was saying. Pics of mine at GL auction last year and then last Monday.

What did you pay on GL for that beauty? I haven't even gotten my EUC for my first truck, an A3 and am starting to look at A2's(preferably with winch).

 

[donnerwetter58]

Thanks for all the prompt responses and info links.
I have lots of photos but I have to 1. downsize them. and 2. learn how to post them on this forum.
The truck has a title. The owner has several 2.5 and 5 ton trucks he uses in his construction business. He and his father have had them for years. He buys them direct from the government auctions. This truck was driven home after purchase. It has been used as a farm truck since.
The truck runs but I didn't drive it. I needed further info on registration and insurance before getting serious enough to drive it. As it is, it can be registered in Ohio as a historical vehicle. I can insure it as a historical vehicle through my current home/auto agent. Anual cost for registration and liability ins. is $125.
It is currently outdoors and would be outdoors if I bring it home, at least for a few years.
No wife to worry about and GF is a former Army nurse of 10 years. She has driven them during her service and is indifferent about my aquisition of one.
I just want this as a toy. I don't see driving it more than a couple times a month but then again, it may be addicting. If it had a ring mount it would already be in the driveway.
I should be getting a second look in the next few days. If I don't end up with it I'd be more than happy to pass the info on.
Have a great weekend.

 

[steelandcanvas]

What did you pay on GL for that beauty?

I know for a fact that truck did not look that good when Glen bought it. It was sitting right next to mine when we went to GL to pick mine up. Our two trucks are "brothers", there is only one digit difference between the serial numbers. Glen has spent alot of time making his truck look nice.

 

[donnerwetter58]

I think you will have photos now.

 

[RealCavDog]

I think you will have photos now.

If that truck runs, stops and sounds as good as it looks, that looks to be a fairly easy project !

Like that it has not been steam cleaned up, so you can truly see all the little seeps and leaks !

Looking forward to see what you decide !

 

[Big Z]

$3k is a steal if it checks out and you don't have to go far to get it.

 

[RealCavDog]

 

[wsucougarx]

well, if that truck was parked here on the west coast 3k would be a great deal. Traditionally, the USAF has an outstanding track record on maintenance of their equipment. I've got two ex-USAF deuce myself. Like everyone said, make sure the guy has a title for the truck first before anything is considered.

 

[plym49]

I'd be all over that truck.

 

[steelandcanvas]

I'd be all over that truck.

 

[ratat98]

I got mine for about that much and it was in better shape, but I see now that I got an amazing deal on it, so I would definitely pay $3k for that truck!

 

[porkysplace]

$3000 isn't a bad price just look at recent prices from the jacksonville fla. auction . No GL b.s. to deal with pay the man and drive it home.

Read this thread you will see what I mean ; Jacksonville Fl GL Deuces - Has the world gone mad?

Edit ; post # 25 list the prices

 

[donnerwetter58]

Thank you all for your responses.
If all goes well, it should have a new home next week.

 

[hilber]

Looks like a good find to me.