Pre-buy on a m35

[rgregj]

Hello All,

Just joined a few days ago, and wow what a great site. More information than I could have wished for. Anyway, enough brown nosing. I am currently looking for my first M35 and I wanted find out what areas to look close at during the pre-buy inspection.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Are you planning a purchase from GL, dealer or individual?

 

[rgregj]

After reading some of the postings from you guys, it looks like GL is a pain. I have a call into Broadway title to talk to them about it. Anyway, it looks like the best way to go would be through an individual, I am currently talking with two one in Columbia, SC and the other in VA. I was mainly concerned with common problem areas on the trucks. The two I have looked at had rust issues on the windsheild frames and battery boxes.

 

[clinto]

Common areas for rust are the rocker panels, where the fenders meet the body and the rear cab corners. Hardtops also seem to like rusting along their lower lip. Beds can rust out if water is left standing in them.

The rest of the inspection is much like looking at any used car-condition of the tires (there are ten to replace after all), how up to date the maintenance items are (brake hoses, belts, coolant hoses, etc.). Leaks, body damage, drivability, etc.

Check for axle seal leaks as well.

I wouldn't fool with GL until the SF97 thing is sorted out.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Windshield frames and battery boxes can be replaced. Fenders are pretty easily patched of replaced. Cab sheetmetal would be a bigger concern and frame rust, although not that common, is the enemy. Any truck you get check the frame. If it's been in a salt water environment, it could be rough. Don't make a decision based solely on the body, check the frame. Here's what you could find!

 

[CGarbee]

If either of those deals don't work out for you, let me know... I'm in NC and have a line on a few trucks that are for sale in this area...

 

[rgregj]

Ouch Recovry, that looks nasty. And I've checked the frames, they were clean. Also, I've heard you guys mention to check the frame number against the vin on the title. Where is the frame number located? And is there anything else I need to look out for?

Thanks guys,

Greg

 

[rgregj]

Great CG, I'm always on the lookout. What I'm after is a softop with multifuel. Troop seat, canvas/bows, and heater would also be nice. Let me know what you have.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Frame number is on left frame rail near the steering box. Check that whole area of the frame rail, they get stamped in various areas.

 

[rgregj]

Thanks Recovry

 

[rgregj]

Just got off the horn with Broadway Title, they wont touch anything over 18,000 GVW. So much for that idea

 

[CGarbee]

Great CG, I'm always on the lookout. What I'm after is a softop with multifuel. Troop seat, canvas/bows, and heater would also be nice. Let me know what you have.

The first truck that I am thinking of has a multifuel with the wistler turbo, troop seats, bows (no canvas right now, but I suspect some could be found), seatbelts (the military ones applied during a rebuild by the Army), and a hardtop. If you don't want a hardtop, it can be changed out... Needs a paint job. Runs very strong. Can't remember if it has a heater, will have to look this weekend when I am at the farm...

The next two I know have hardtops as well, but I haven't crawled over them myself yet so I can't say much else except that both have multifuels...

The last one that I am thinking about is my "toy" M35A2C that I thinking about trading for a comparable condition five ton (USMC varient like the one Timberwolf just got...), but I suspect that would be a case of selling my truck to one person and acquiring the five ton from somebody else...

 

[motorolanut]

Welcome New member!! And Listen closely to the other members because there is a HUGE wealth of knowledge from our esteemed collegues here.

 

[BigWheelBob]

I have one here also, call me and we can talk about it. Good running whistler. 910-326-2881, Bob.

 

[rgregj]

Ok Bob, I'll give you a call. What's a good time?