1934 pickup

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iwanna36

Junior Member
I found a 1934 pickup that I would like to buy. Before I do, is there anything that I should look for or watch out for? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
Picture of the truck speaks volumes, many experts here could pick it apart for you and tell you what right, whats wrong and everything in between.
 
Thanks a lot. I am waiting for more pictures from the seller. I'll post as soon as they come in. The two he did send don't show much.
 
The lower door hinges are often stressed and cracked. Some have been crudely repaired. Check frame near the rear kick up where X member ties into main frame rail. This is a problem spot for rust and rotted rails. If it is missing door latches, originals are hard to find and repro's are expensive ($200 plus each). Also check under cowl vent for heavy rust. Other than that, they are quite ugly so it you don't want it let me know!! Thanks
 
Flip pretty much covered what I was going to say. But check for the condition of the rear fenders. They are always beat to death and very difficult to find in decent condition. Doors are hard to find too but you can re-skin them. Grilles are messed up at the bottom on most of them too so check that part out. Remember, these trucks are depression era and were pretty used up before being put away.
Mine was rusty in every place imaginable so if its coming from the N.E. be very wary.
 
Don't forget that the dash at the column drop area will probably be cracked/torn/repaired
But damnit man, I love these trucks!!!
 
door bottoms may have rusted out, bottoms of stake bed pockets and sides of bed at corners may have rust....confirm if engine and ****** are matching # to frame or replaced. rear of body under tailgate for old rear-enders/accident damage, check front end play wheel shimmy. just to name a few.
 
Most of these trucks were used up, patched up and used some more. So don't just rely on photos before making the decision to buy. Go see it in person or have someone whose opinion you can rely on to look at it for you.
 
Lower chin pans (under grill) are always missing and hard to find. Cracks on the dash is common, as is small cracks on the roof around the door opening. Like others mentioned check the frame for rot around the rear kick up area. cracks, dings, dents and such is all very common on used pickups of that era
 
and maybe you can get a 'Barner to check it out for you, as it seems it's not in your neighborhood.....Mike
 
The front splash apron is also hard part to find if you are missing that as well. There are fiber glass replacements; have had mine since '69 and finished restoration 6 years ago and can't drive it enough, FUN and enjoyable!!! Show us a photo.
 
iwanna36 said:
Thank you all for your help. As for Mike, no it's in Seattle. what is a 'Barner?
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A "Barner" is a member of this forum. There are several barners here in the Seattle/Puget Sound area. Start a new thread requesting visual help looking at the 34. I'd do it but am laid up for a while.
Les Williams
 
sidevalve8ba said:
Most of these trucks were used up, patched up and used some more. So don't just rely on photos before making the decision to buy. Go see it in person or have someone whose opinion you can rely on to look at it for you.
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This is so very true. I bought mine from photos only. It looked fairly solid in the photos but turned out to be the biggest disappointment I ever purchased. By all means, see it in person, photos even make me look good.
 
Have you ever tried to get in and sit in a 34? If you are a large person, you might want to try one first.
 
Thanks to all. The '34 seemed more like a scam, so I found another. My internet has a mind of it's own, that's why I don't get on here as often as I would like. Thanks again. There seem to be a lot of smart people on here.
 
We actually got smart from learning by our mistakes. We try to help people to keep them from making the same mistakes.
 
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