89 GMC stepside 4x4 worth? Urgent timeframe. Pics included

[bambbrose]

Sorry in advance!

I normally despise these threads, but I'm in somewhat of an urgent situation as there is a deal that probably will fall through if I don't act today/tomorrow.

I have the opportunity to pick up an 89 GMC 4x4 Reg Cab SportSide SLE w/ AC, 5.7 and 5 speed. I would be picking it up for a minor restoration but mostly to drive for a while, maybe sell in a few years, and enjoy.

He is selling it with the following diagnosis:

-runs on starter fluid
-doesn't start on its own
-bed removed and fuel pump replaced as they thought it was fuel
-owner is burnt out and just sold his home so he needs to get it out of there asap
-owner doesn't have time to figure out what is wrong

We know it has spark since it starts on fluid, so I still think its a fuel or injector issue. I'm great at fixing issues like this and confident I can get it on the road with a few hours of diagnosis.

There is minor rust in the cab corners, needs a windshield, and the body panels/paint are pretty beat up.
Tires are new, clutch is newer, and trans and 4x4 works great.
Owner says maintenance is up to date and he always took good care of it
Mileage unknown at the moment.

Very dirty, been sitting for 6 months.

What would you pay?

[b454rat]

I'd say no more than $500.....only because it's clean by north east standards lol....

[74CustomK20]

I'd go no more than 1000. It is short bed and to me better as it's a manual. But that's my top dollar... Shoot him 500 lol

[abig84]

id throw another vote for $500. maybe a thousand if it all ran and just had some other minor issues. i just wouldnt act all excited to get it, just be like i dont really want/need it but ill give you $500 and take it off your hands

[bambbrose]

Thank you all for the feedback. I'll report back in the AM if I can pull it off. The asking price is less than $1000, but I'll see how much closer to the $500 mark we can get.

[bambbrose]

Picked her up for $700

It'll be a few weeks but I'll start a build thread when I get it to the house and start cleaning it up.

Now I need to get going on finding some replacement parts

[Marv D]

Which manual is it? More than a few of the 4x4's with a tow package had the NV4500. If it is SCORE!!! you have a trans core that is worth more than you paid!

NV3500,, well not so much but still good score for $700.

[Marv D]

DOH, wait,, scratch that. The NV4500 wasn't available till 91,, nut regardless.... NICE SCORE on the truck.

[bambbrose]

Happy to report that the issue was entirely wiring related, a short on the ECM circuit. A few hours of chasing it down and tearing apart wire looms and she's back on the road.

I'll start up a build thread from here. I'm into it $700 + fluids and filters at this point. Still need to fix some other previous owner garbage, replace a windshield, and figure out some rattling in the front end, but its running and a new project is born.

My brother and nephew came out for the troubleshooting which was worth the price of admission alone.