Be still my heart...

[Randyzzz]

Looks great. I am fully on board with Oregon J truck purchases and will be able to help you every step of the way. Except the first step of getting it to your house

I think I have the delivery part covered. And the seller kept his word, the Craigslist ad is deleted. Unless my wife has other plans, I'm going to be on his doorstep with a handful of cash tomorrow morning. (If she has other plans, I may have to wait till noon...)

 

[jammer1]

Good buy, truck looks in real good condition.

 

[Polarfire]

Awesome! Congrats!

 

[John N]

That one looks great compared to what I've been seeing at this end of the country. My son has been looking for a decent J-truck to build and all we've found is lots of rust. He'd prefer a '70s model, which makes it even harder.

 

[Randyzzz]

This is going to be the longest Saturday ever... Can't go until Sunday morning. Waiting, waiting, waiting...

John, the earlier ones seem more rust prone- and their owners seem to think that's normal. This was a New Mexico truck until 2001, and the Oregon rain hasn't been too bad on it since then. Actually the worst part is the PO trimmed the flares to clear larger tires. After installing new Rancho springs... So I'll be on the lookout for either 'glass flares, or steelers I can graft in. Just can't wait to have it parked out front...

 

[Randyzzz]

Road trip starts in 10 1/2 hours!

 

[jammer1]

Almost time to go.

 

[Randyzzz]

On the road!

 

[Randyzzz]

Loaded up and heading back!

 

[cdvcj8]

Congrats!!! Glad it worked out.

 

[Polarfire]

Can't wait to watch the build start!

 

[Randyzzz]

Well, the drive home was uneventful, except for beautiful scenery.

Once the truck was unloaded, it was time for a complete look over. Hope no one minds pictures...

It's going to need a complete restoration, but there's no rust!

.

A 4bbl 360 out of a 1977 Chief-

Step bumper and a remarkably straight and rust free bed!

 

[jbeemer]

Nice find

I amazed at the lack of rust..........from us in the rust belt.

And even more at how straight the box is. A goose neck hitch, a regular hitch, must have been used for a truck, and still not beat to crap

 

[zr10054]

Do I see AC and cruise control?

 

[Randyzzz]

More pics in no particular order-

 

[Kim Dawson]

I see your Scramblers are getting some sun. We just washed three Jeeps so you know it's going to rain.

 

[Randyzzz]

I'm pleased with the lack of rust too. Especially since I was able to negotiate a sub-$2k price, delivered. Set up for heavy duty towing- yes, and for a reason...

 

[revho]

So whats the back story???

 

[Randyzzz]

Remember how earlier I told you there was a backstory that I needed to verify. Well the story has been verified. I think I managed to get quite a special truck. This truck was originally purchased new by Al Unser Jr and his wife Shelly. This was used to tow their car hauler around, and as a shop truck. It used to have a hot engine built in his engine shop, the last owner pulled it and sold it for more than I paid for the whole truck. Al Unser Jr. sold the truck in 2001 due to his divorce from Shelly. This is per the seller but it sounds true. I may see if he'll sign the glove box door for me. Here's a pic of the title new, and of the sale in 2001.

 

[Randyzzz]

The Chief that donated it's engine also donated some other goodies...

I don't know what's in the tubs yet, bet there's a spare radiator, one good door, a razor grille, etc.