Columbia Rear End '36 Pickup

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BlueSunoco

Well-known member
Not to steal another fellow's thread on a '36 PU he's looking at, but I have a lead on a running '36 that is all there, original Ford sheetmetal, and has a Columbia rear end. Man is getting up there in years, WWII vet. We talked about it last month, I tried to get him to shoot me a price and couldn't get him to. He told me that he thought the rear end is worth $3,000 by itself.

Anyway, I would offer him a good price but don't want to offend him. No pictures to post he won't allow any photos of his truck. He bought it at the end of WWII to drive home when he was mustered out of the Army Airborne. He is a very private fellow, known him all my life, but tends to never part with anything after he acquires it, that kind of guy. Truck will be up for sale in the next few years I just want to move on it when it happens.

Any ball park figures? Really needs a total restoration stored in a garage but it is all there. I was thinking maybe $7000-$8500 am I in line?? A body shop friend shot it w/ grey primer about 20 years ago surprisingly it isn't rusting! Thanks.
 
Keeping in mind its not yours until he's ready to let it be yours, bide your time, stay in touch, but don't be a pest.
Maybe he'd like to go for ride in it again? Might be a way to work into his good graces and do a Vet a solid favor in the process.
Without pics and knowing what it takes to get 20 yr stored vehicles on the road, $7k-$8k would be doing him a favor and not ripping you off.
 
I believe 7 to 8.5k is a little on the low side, but a great price if he agrees to that sum. Lawson's estimate may be more realistic.

Pictures and additional information would help with estimating value.
 
Lawson Cox said:
I agree with 36fordguy. $8-10,000.00
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Re-thinking this I agree, 7500-8500 may be weak I'd spring 10K for the truck w/ the Columbia. If he will let me I'll take pictures but chances are slim he has never let that happen before. Truck is squirreled away in the corner of BIG garage with folded blankets laying on top of it.

He has one son who is in poor health. His Dad will outlast him. I expect the truck to be sold at auction. I'd like to get it before that happens:o
 
I guess they are out there, but I have never seen in person a half-ton 35-37 with a Columbia. Just out of curiosity, how well would a Columbia hold up to a heavy load or pulling a trailer? I have never owned one, but it would seem the use of a Columbia in a passenger car would be somewhat different than in a commercial vehicle when it comes to load.
 
oldandtired said:
I guess they are out there, but I have never seen in person a half-ton 35-37 with a Columbia. Just out of curiosity, how well would a Columbia hold up to a heavy load or pulling a trailer? I have never owned one, but it would seem the use of a Columbia in a passenger car would be somewhat different than in a commercial vehicle when it comes to load.
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I have a Columbia in my 39 P/U. It's been in there for about 30,000 miles. I use it as a 39 P/U would normally used with no problems, it has a 3:76 ring and pinion. G.M.
 
Its same as with any overdrive auto or manual you dont engage it pulling a trailer uphill or you get yourself into trouble....
 
Everything is worth exactly what a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to accept at that place and time. At some level I am certain everyone here understands this idea. If you are willing to spring 10K, make the offer, what have you to lose? Its a decent offer for what you have described and he may be motivated at that particular moment. The worst he can say is no and that might change to a yes or counteroffer if something else catches his eye, tomorrow or the next day.
 
If my coupe ever sits in a corner covered with blankets for twenty years, I am either unable to work on it or have a mental problem. I will never "sit" on a car thinking it is gold. Honestly.
 
just to give you an idea, i gave 12 grand for my 36, i had to put more into it. but it as a good runner now! but the draw back is it has a 4:11 in it , but that's ok its not a race truck
 
Brendan, don't ever leave the keys in that when I'm around!

Lucky for you, unlucky for me, we are a whole country apart.

I caught an instant man-crush on this truck the first time I saw it in Tahoe 2013! Pro'ly why I still have an eye out for one.

 
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