Should I trade for a Square?

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Soundmound

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Have a chance to trade my '02 4.8 4wd Silverado w/300k(may have been rebuilt) for an '85 Square w/ plow and I believe a 350, but will confirm. The body on the '85 is pretty Rust free and mostly straight. Its a non AC truck, has the Dumbo mirrors and manual windows and new senders with both tanks reading correctly and the switch works. Plow is the big draw for me going into winter and I've been trying to sell the '02 for $4500 for like 8 months no takers... Would you make the trade?
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Soundmound

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300k is a heckaofva lot of miles for a 2002 rado so I'm not surprised no takers at $4500.

The question is, do you want a square body?
Yes, I rather have the square with the plow. The Rado runs like a top, everything works and there is zero leaks and the interior is clean also. Like I said, my mechanic believes the motor was rebuilt before I got it and he's the one I'd be trading with. If he believes it's worth his $5800 ask on the '85, I think I should pull the trigger.
 

CountKrunk

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well i say send it then. If it ticks your square body boxes.

My main box was 4 doors and long bed. found it eventually.

you going to plow for the government in the winter? that will get you some nice square body improvements cash.
 

Soundmound

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So, why does your mechanic want to get rid of the SB? Did he bring up the trade? If so, that would make me think he's getting the better deal.
I brought it up. He listed it for $7k and has an offer of $5800. They don't need the plow since they hire out the plowing. He's got a bunch of vehicles he needs to liquidate before the snow Flys to clear the property. The only downside to the square is the column needs rebuilt or replaced. However, there is a good 85 column for sale in Oregon I could snag for $350.
 

Strick

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there is a good 85 column for sale in Oregon I could snag for $350.
Really? I rebuild columns and sell for $100 or so with a core trade. I need to add "Biden-flation" to my cost I suppose. Dang I need to move some of my columns at that price. Wow...

HS
 

Soundmound

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Really? I rebuild columns and sell for $100 or so with a core trade. I need to add "Biden-flation" to my cost I suppose. Dang I need to move some of my columns at that price. Wow...

HS
You probably would be able to get more for yours. Also keep in mind I'm on the worst coast where everything is about double back east prices...
 

GTX63

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I'd buy a Vortec with 300k if it sounded and ran decent and the price was cheap. I also know that anything above about 250k on 4.8 is bonus time, and while I believe Vortecs are easily good for more, I wouldn't make any promises. Around me, I wouldn't get anymore than around $3500 for even a clean truck like yours without documentation on the motor work, unless I parked it under cover for a generation.
You could swap out those SB rims for a set of ralleys, rubs on that paint and have a sweet old truck, while pretty much ensuring that you could get your money back. Heck, folks are paying 4K for roller squarebodies in fair condition.
If you like the look, then yes, pull the trigger.
 

Strick

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You probably would be able to get more for yours.
I've got a couple that I have high marks on; they are tilt wheels for manual tranny trucks. I have a couple from 83 back and one for 84 up. They are very difficult to get hold of. I have several for automatics. Yes, being on the left side of the country (west coast, I'm not calling YOU a lefty) has to be considered in pricing as well.

HS
 

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