Looking to have someone restore my 92 W250

[Wylde]

Hey Everyone,

I have a 92 W250 that I bought a few years back. It's in pretty decent condition but it has some issues (electrical especially) and every time I drive it something else seems to go wrong with it. I bought the truck with the thought of restoring it as a project. Then I discovered that after a day of working on machinery at work I didn't really feel like turning wrenches at home.

I have been considering selling the truck but have come to the conclusion that I cannot live without a 1st gen. This is my midlife crisis vehicle.

I'm considering two options:
1. Find someone who can work on these trucks (and find parts) to do a bunch of restoration work.
2. Sell this truck and buy another that is fully restored (not even sure if they exist)

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a shop that could restore this truck. Also wondering if anyone has any opinions on what this truck would be worth if I decide to sell it. I realize that I'm looking at a lot of money to restore it, but I love this truck and don’t care if a dump $20k into it and never get my money back.

It's a 92 W250, extended cab. Body and interior are both in good condition. Engine is great, transmission is a Getrag that is less temperamental than most, but I would love to put a 4500 into it. Has some electrical gremlins including the propensity to stop charging the battery randomly making me nervous to drive it any distance. I’ve gotten some good advice on another forum about where to start on the electrical issues, so I’m going to start tacking that this weekend.

I look forward to hearing people's opinions! Thanks!

-Wes

 

[Wylde]

Oops, forgot to post a picture of the truck:

 

[BigPapa]

And, you forgot to complete your signature and/or tell us where you are.

 

[Wylde]

That might be helpful. Sorry, I'm in the Cleveland, Ohio area. But I would be more than willing the take the truck just about anywhere.

 

[DavidC]

Nice looking truck, especially for the area you are in.

Dave

 

[BigPapa]

There's another forum specializing in 1st Gen's called 1stGen.org. You might go there and find someone in your area willing to help out or recommend someone.

 

[Simplysmn]

It look's like a Good truck what are you wanting re done on it ?

 

[CTaylor]

Good looking truck. Honestly I would say its a long way off from needing a resto based on just what I can see. Probably much like all these older trucks it just needs a few weekends of wrenching to get the gremlins sorted out and make her back as close to 100% reliable as you can reasonably expect from her

 

[Kirwin]

How many miles? On the charging issue, have you replaced the brushes in the alternator? Cleaned all your grounds? Checked for a bad or nearly open battery cable/alternator charge cable? Fusible link issue? These trucks were so simple that I'm sure we can find your electrical gremlin.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Nice clean body. Well worth the investment into it.

As for dumping another $20k into it, still cheaper than a new truck and once you have that into it, you will have a reliable vehicle that you can then stay on top of maintenance wise.