Gotta love a Stolly!
I owned one for a little over a year and love it! Here are a couple of links:
SS Thread:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?117888-My-old-Stolly
SS Photo Album:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/album.php?albumid=3223
Quick disclaimer:
I am not a mechanic! My Stolly was in really good condition, and I did not own it long enough (nor use it all that much) for something major to break. I was a bit paranoid about the cost of a major repair and the availability of parts.
Okay, with the disclaimer out of the way, there were a few quirks about my truck that I will never forget. It's been a while, but I remember reading on the internet that my truck's quirks were rather common (and since it was on the internet it must have been true)!
1)
Warming-up: My Stolly took for ever to warm-up. I may be exaggerating, but it seems like 15 minutes at more than an idle (in a warm climate) might do the trick. There was a loud knocking while the truck warmed-up. It could have just been my engine knocking (again, I'm not a mechanic); however, I remember reading that was common for a Stolly. Also, it was easy to stall the engine before it had a chance to fully warm-up.
2)
Backfiring: This is the closest I've ever come to owning a cannon! If my Stolly didn't cool-down after use, it would backfire. We are not talking a little "pop"... Think Howitzer!!! Don't worry, your neighbors (3 towns over) will love it!!
3)
Breaks: After swimming, I had no breaks for a while. This issue was probably specific to my truck. It caught me by surprise, and I almost caused a wreck on the way home after my swim. I don't recommend that!
The seating is unusual. If you've never looked inside of a Stolly, you may be surprised to find the driver's seat in the middle with passenger seats on either side. Of course there is the bevel box wind-up that is often discussed. I never had an issue with the bevel boxes, but then again I never took long drives on pavement.
Does the one you are looking at still have the Dowty jets for swimming?
Having owned one, I think they are amazing trucks. If you get the opportunity (and the funds are available), jump on it! Keep us posted...