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Craigslist Old Trucks for Restoration: Where to Find Affordable Vintage Rigs GuideMechanic.Com Restoring an old truck is more than just a project — it’s a passion. Whether you’re after a patina-covered farm truck or a long-forgotten classic with great bones, Craigslist remains one of the best places to find restoration-worthy old trucks for sale by owner.
From Ford F-series of the ’50s to classic Chevy square bodies and Dodge Power Wagons, there’s no shortage of candidates — if you know what to look for.
Craigslist Old Trucks for Restoration
Why Craigslist is a Hotspot for Restoration Trucks
See Also: Blacked Out Trucks for Sale
Craigslist has something the auction sites and used car dealers often lack: raw, unfiltered listings directly from long-time owners, farmers, and backyard mechanics.
Many of these trucks have been sitting for years or decades, waiting for someone with the time and vision to bring them back to life.
Key benefits:
- Lower prices than dealer or auction sites
- Original, unmodified trucks still in barn-find condition
- Direct communication with sellers
- Wide range of vintage models, often locally owned for decades
Price Guide: Old Trucks for Restoration on Craigslist (2025)
| Truck Model | Year | Condition | Typical Craigslist Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-100 | 1953–1966 | Rolling, not running | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Chevrolet C10 | 1960–1987 | Patina body, needs full restore | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Dodge D100 / D150 | 1960s–1980s | Rusty but complete | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| GMC Stepside | 1950s–1970s | No motor, clean frame | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| International Harvester | 1950s–1970s | Sitting for decades | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Studebaker Pickup | 1940s–1960s | Hard to find, restorable | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Ford F-250 Highboy | 1970s | Lifted, no engine | $3,000 – $7,000 |
Note: Prices vary by location, completeness, and whether the truck still has a title.
Where to Search on Craigslist
Craigslist’s “Cars & Trucks – By Owner” section is your best bet.
Search Tips:
Use keyword variations such as:
- “old truck restoration”
- “barn find pickup”
- “classic truck project”
- “needs restoration”
- “vintage pickup for sale”
- “rolling chassis”
- “original survivor truck”
Filter by:
- Max Price: Set at $10,000 or under
- Year Range: 1900 to 1987
- Sort by: Newest
- City Filters: Try rural towns and farm-heavy regions for better picks
Craigslist Old Trucks for Restoration
Common Craigslist Listings to Expect
| Title Example | City/State | Price | Condition Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| “1966 F100 – all original, no motor” | Billings, MT | $2,800 | Rolling shell, great patina, clear title |
| “1955 Chevy 3100 project” | Fresno, CA | $6,000 | Cab/bed intact, engine partially rebuilt |
| “Barn find ’72 Dodge D100” | Tulsa, OK | $3,500 | Sat in barn 20+ years, solid frame |
| “1969 C10 short bed roller” | Huntsville, AL | $4,200 | No motor/trans, clear title, minimal rust |
| “1970 International 1210 – project” | Boise, ID | $2,500 | Starts but no brakes, 4×4, solid bones |
What Makes a Good Restoration Candidate?
Look for:
- Minimal rust on frame and cab mounts
- Complete body panels — doors, hood, tailgate
- Clear title (or bill of sale if not titled)
- Matching VIN numbers (frame/cab/title)
- Original dash and gauges
- Manual transmission preferred (easier to restore)
- Non-modified chassis or suspension
Avoid trucks that:
- Have been chopped up or heavily modified
- Lack titles and are hard to register
- Have severe frame rust or rot-through
- Are missing key parts that are rare/expensive to replace
Types of Buyers Craigslist Restoration Trucks Attract
| Buyer Type | What They Look For |
|---|---|
| Hobbyist Restorers | Affordable trucks with original bones |
| Flippers | Undervalued classics that can be cleaned and resold |
| Classic Collectors | Rare or low-production models to bring back to glory |
| Custom Builders | Trucks with good frames for resto-mods or swaps |
| Vintage Truck Enthusiasts | Period-correct features and body lines from specific eras |
Restoration Cost Breakdown (Typical Ranges)
| Item | Budget |
|---|---|
| Engine rebuild or swap | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Transmission work | $800 – $2,500 |
| Body and paint | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
| Interior refresh | $600 – $3,000 |
| Brakes/suspension | $500 – $2,000 |
| Tires/wheels | $500 – $1,500 |
| Misc. electrical | $200 – $1,000 |
So while a Craigslist truck might cost you only $3,000, the full project may run upwards of $10,000–$20,000, depending on your goals.
Craigslist Old Trucks for Restoration
Tips Before You Buy
- Inspect in person: Pictures rarely show the full rust or damage.
- Bring a magnet: Check for hidden Bondo or filler.
- Check under cab/floor pans for rust-through.
- Inspect VIN and title carefully — many old trucks were never titled properly.
- Ask about storage history: Inside barn = better metal. Outside = rot risk.
- Use a trailer or flatbed to haul non-running units.
Hidden Gems on Craigslist (2025 Trends)
Craigslist is still full of sleepers. Here are some underrated picks popping up lately:
- 1960s–70s GMC pickups: Less popular than Chevy but similar bones
- Dodge Utiline trucks: Stepside style, rare and rising in value
- International Harvester pickups: Solid farm trucks with cult following
- Ford F-Series pre-1970: Becoming more sought-after due to rising C10 prices
Final Thoughts
For gearheads and vintage truck lovers, Craigslist remains one of the last real places to score old trucks for restoration at fair prices. The market is still rich with opportunities if you’re willing to search, travel, and turn a wrench.
Whether you’re rebuilding your grandfather’s dream truck, creating a period-correct cruiser, or flipping a C10 for profit, Craigslist offers the raw materials you need — straight from barns, backyards, and pastures across the country.
If you’re serious about restoring old pickups, there’s no better time than now to check your local listings, line up a trailer, and bring home a forgotten classic.
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