buying my first deuce

[scott07]

Hey

I was driving my dirt bike down the road one day and I was going to turn around where I usually do and then I noticed this truck that I had seen before but didn't know what it was. But i recently was looking to buy a Deuce, so i knew what they looked like now. So when i saw this deuce (where i usually turn around on my road) it was crazy because i was figuring that if i was going to buy one i would have to travel long distance because i had never seen one locally. This deuce that i saw when i turned around is only about 500 yards away from my house!! The local fire department owns it and you can tell that they have not used it in a few years. So i was wondering what you guys think should be a reasonable price for it?

Here is a description on the truck:
Im not sure what year but it looks like 60's 70's, All tires are good, windows wont roll up, batteries are out, has winch, big dent in hood, some rust, has 10,000 miles and 330 hours of use, paint redone in 10/89, looks pretty solid, hard top, rust in bed, has turbo, i dont know much more about because i dont know who to talk to about it.

 

[roscoe]

If they are willing to sell it - see if they will let you start it up. Check all the fluids ect. first. Windows probably just need lubrication. Price will depend on what it needs - brakes, electrical - other working parts. Good luck.

 

[gunboy1656]

well looking at the interior pic (#4), I would say the window looks off track and is an easy fix. the hood for the most part can be popped back out, the crease might not.

I would go up the and find anyone at the station and chat with them, or find the chief. And see what he says.

 

[ctmustang]

It doesn't look all that bad. I'm sure it will need aloooooooooooooootttt of work. You may consider continuing the search for one that runs and has a title. Unless you have lots of spare time. Good Luck with your hunt.
CT

 

[markmontana]

Take the price of a decent GL deuce- say $1500- and start subtracting the things you will need to buy to fix it up, and maybe a few bucks for your time (my time is very valuable- except when I'm working on my trucks- I don't dare keep track of it). Then you can come up with a fair price to offer them. Be prepared to make your case to them. Include the fact that you will clean up a potential eyesore in the community, too.

 

[Heavysteven]

1000 is a deal, I would not pay more than 2,000.

I would push for a test drive, look at the condition of the rubber hoses and front axle boots

 

[Stan Leschert]

Snap a picture of the data plate (by the glove box). That will give you a better idea of what you are looking at. Maybe we can give you a more informed opinion then.

 

[scott07]

Well i talked to a guy that was mowing the fire house yard, and he said that it has been sitting for 4 years or longer and he doesnt know who owns and he said he hasnt heard it run either.

 

[scott07]

i forgot to mention but he said they would probably sell for around a 1000

 

[wreckerman893]

The hard top is worth 500 and the winch would part out for another grand.....if you can get it for 1K I would be on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich.

Make sure it is not still owned by the gooberment.....some fire vehicles have to be returned and sold through GSA....get a notorized Bill of Sale and if it has been titled get that too.

 

[area52]

He doesn't know who owns it .... but they would probably sell it for $1000? HUH?!?

 

[steelandcanvas]

He doesn't know who owns it .... but they would probably sell it for $1000? HUH?!?

Kinda what I thought too.

 

[scott07]

How would i tell if it is still owned by the government?

 

[scott07]

about that 1k thing, i was just saying what he said

 

[velociT]

Take the price of a decent GL deuce- say $1500-

No disrespect intended, but for a decent "running" one, it's about 1800-2700 lately on the GL.

 

[markmontana]

No disrespect intended, but for a decent "running" one, it's about 1800-2700 lately on the GL.

None taken, that just happens to be what I paid for two 'running' trucks last week from GL...


My point was more to 'tip' the calculation in the buyers favor, NOT the sellers.

 

[gunboy1656]

How would i tell if it is still owned by the government?

I would say get the VIN numbers and run them through the DMV and see what comes up. More then likely it is not still owned by the gov, but more that some farmer owns it, and had no use for it.

 

[scott07]

where would i find the VIN?
thanks

 

[area52]

Why don't you find out who owns the property its sitting on and ask them?

 

[scott07]

its sitting in a fire dept. yard and nobody is ever there