New member looking for a truck

[Andy Sweeney]

Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum and I’m looking to buy my first Diamond T.

I’m trying to find a a 400 or 500 series truck with the slightly longer nose.

I can’t afford a restored truck but would like a solid and complete base for a restoration.

If anyone knows of anything for sale, please let me know.

Thanks in advance, Andy

[Bill Fisher]

Hello Andy, welcome to the forum. Roughly where are you?

[Andy Sweeney]

Hi, I’m in the UK so will have to import one. Thankfully, this means the location is unimportant as I’ll be shipping it thousands of miles no matter what.

I was looking at the 404HH on eBay recently, but the seller didn’t respond to any of my questions so I had to let it go.

Is there a preferred place to try and find these trucks as eBay keeps on showing the same on trucks week after week that never make their reserve.

I’m looking for a long nose 400 / 500 series.

Thanks,

Andy

[Toolslinger]

Andy,
Welcome aboard.
Apart from Ebay, I’ve found a number of T’s over the years listed on Craigslist here in the states. I use SearchTempest to get through all the various regional listings.
Offline I’ve run across listings through some of the antique truck clubs’ magazine publications.

Regardless, there doesn’t seem to be a good gathering point for listings of DT’s.

I haven’t had the pleasure of running across a 500 series yet. I’m slowly working on my folks 404HH. I can understand the attraction to that body. They have a ton of style, and I like that they’re a bit more unique when you run across them at a show.

-Tim

[Bill Fisher]

Well Andy, I’ll have to think about it, but I may consider selling my 509S. I’m not sure if you are interested but it’s something we could both think about. It’s on the site here and there if you want to have a look at it.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 1 month ago by Bill Fisher.

[Andy Sweeney]

Thanks for the replies folks.

Bill, I have sent you a pm about your truck.

Thanks,

Andy

[Andy Sweeney]

Seen a few east coast trucks with the usual ‘lace curtains’ rust down below.

This is the sort of condition truck I’m looking for…

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X-Ft5rtb9A/T6NW_bidAQI/AAAAAAAB5qU/aWhxp_6Y71s/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG

• This reply was modified 9 years, 1 month ago by Andy Sweeney.

[Andy Sweeney]

Just as a matter of interest – am I wasting my time trying to find a late 30’s example like the one on the right…

Or are then hen’s teeth and mega bucks when they do come up for sale?

• This reply was modified 9 years, 1 month ago by Andy Sweeney.

[Bill Fisher]

Hello Andy,
Those lovely looking DT’s are a bit hard to come by, that’s for sure. There is an outfit called DesertClassics.com that has a few DT’s, but the prices seem to be a little hefty to me. He currently has around 11 for sale in various states of repair.
That cab and chassis that you posted is looking pretty good. A little better shape than mine. Also It looks like the owner has swapped out the font and rear axles which cures the problem of the widow maker wheels.

[Andy Sweeney]

Thanks Bill. Yes, I’ve seen the Desert Classics website, but his prices versus condition don’t match my expectations, and after reading his FAQ section where he spells out in no uncertain terms that you’re dealing totally on his terms, take it or leave it and hope you’re not in any rush etc, left me not wanting to give him any of my money.

I’m sure he’s a lovely chap and runs a great business, but I don’t get a warm feeling if that makes sense. Plus he’s not got what I want other than that 509 which is missing a load of trim pieces and is too expensive IMO for what it is, although more and better pictures might help. He’s got that lovely original one up at $17k, but I know he paid just over $5k for it as I found the original sale advert where he bought it… go figure.

Gutted I missed that Fire truck in Canada….

I’m checking all the usual places several times a day – I’m sure the right truck will present when it’s ready.

An earlier one would be ideal, but other than that, any straight, dry long nose truck will do. I really need to stay away from excessive rust and dents though.

There was what looked like a nice 404 on eBay a few weeks ago, but the guy refused to acknowledge or answer any of my questions about it – just stone walled me and wonders why his truck didn’t sell or meet reserve?

If you see anything suitable, please let me know.

Thanks.

[david payne]

Andy Sweeney: SOME DIAMOND T TRUCKS LISTED FOR SALE ( http://www.hemmings.com / classifieds ) note: “NO” long nose 400 or 500 series listed today ; you “might” want to keep checking the http://www.hemmings.com / classified ads in the future for the long nose 400 or 500 series DIAMOND T TRUCKS.

[david payne]

DIAMOND T TRUCKS FOR SALE TODAY 10/23/2015 ( hemmings web site ; classified / search – form ) : (1) 1935 M. 211 (2) 1938 M. 306H (3) 1952 M. 520 DELUXE (4) 1950 910R (5) 1935 M. 243 DELUXE CAB (6) 1948 M. 201 PICKUP (7) 1946 POP CORN TRUCK ,
( “HAND BUILT” ) (8) 1955 TRUCK WITH 21 FOOT BED WITH ATTACHED RAMPS AND HEAVY DUTY WINCH. (9) 1948 M. 201 WRECKER ,
1 TON DUALLY.

[Andy Sweeney]

Thanks for your reply – I’ll keep searching.

I’m REALLY getting the desire for the ’37/’38 models, too.

What sort of price premium would a late 30’s truck carry over a late ’40’s model?

[Andy Sweeney]

After lots more research into these lovely trucks, I’ve now set my heart on a late 30’s model.

[Andy Sweeney]

I need to find something like this…

[Author]

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