TDR outreach program (Try something here)

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Being we are allways looking for ways to continuously improve upon our membership I kinda had an idea. I was dreaming up an outreach kind of deal that would help TDR members interested in a truck located far away from them (I. E I allways see sweet rigs out in AZ) Obviously I ca't rip on out there and look at it. SOoooo what if there was someone local to it that is in the area and sees a post or could be possibly called upon to give it a quick once over (I. E is it a 53 block , smashed to bits etc. )



Could we maybee create a forum or sub forum? Is there any interest? O. K so not an OUTREACH program but a sort of "Kinder Cummins Cop" or somethin'.

 

[Rattler]

I agree, good idea. My son has been wanting a dually, but it seems they are all 1000 miles away. Randy

 

[Mundgyver]

That is a good idea. Worth doing in my mind, and might be able to help avoid a bad deal.

 

[DieselTweaker]

that's a wonderful idea

 

[OCarney]

Good idea. I'd be willing to look at anything around north Alabama.

 

[MLee]

Guys have made this kind of request in the past and almost got on there knees to beg someone in a spacific area to look at a truck and have not got any response. And then a bit later some one will finally respond and the one making the inquiry has moved on, or the truck is sold. Good Idea though, if it would work.

Marv.

 

[Bob Wagner]

its done all the time in the pacific northwest, great idea TMTT

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Good Idea... BUT...

"What if"

I ask Bob Wagner to look at a truck. He returns and says that it looks great, good deal. I pick up the vehicle and something happens to it within the first few days. I myself would not say anything to Bob, BUT... I'll bet there would be some that would bad mouth that person here on the forums...

 

[Bob Wagner]

Good Idea... BUT...



"What if"



I ask Bob Wagner to look at a truck. He returns and says that it looks great, good deal. I pick up the vehicle and something happens to it within the first few days. I myself would not say anything to Bob, BUT... I'll bet there would be some that would bad mouth that person here on the forums...

or "what If" I go look at a truck for xyz and then I think , oh heck ya and take the truck :-laf



j/k

 

[macdaddy]

Good Idea... BUT...



"What if"



I ask Bob Wagner to look at a truck. He returns and says that it looks great, good deal. I pick up the vehicle and something happens to it within the first few days. I myself would not say anything to Bob, BUT... I'll bet there would be some that would bad mouth that person here on the forums...

I agree... . BUT



If we can have a understanding that used trucks are sold as is, and that the final decision is on the buyers shoulders it would work.



We (a coworker and myself) scored on a super clean 96 with 120K, other than the KDP repair and the throttle cable this thing was a steal at $10K. there is allot of 94 and newer B9's out here in so Ca.



Mac

 

[TORQUE THIS]

or "what If" I go look at a truck for xyz and then I think , oh heck ya and take the truck :-laf

j/k

Didn't think of that...

I just saying that myself and I'm sure many others wouldn't bash the person, and yes there should be an understanding, but there are a few bad apples.

 

[HeavyHauler]

I think this is a good idea, and I would be willing to participate. But unfortunately, some people won't be able to do much more than say "ok, it looks good and it runs. " Short of looking at the paint/body and interior, it might be hard to find knowledgable people in the area to give it a thorough inspection. One would have to make their ability known first to avoid any confrontations as mentioned above.



I believe the potential buyer would have to understand that they are on the "inspector's" schedule. I could see someone getting mad very easily if the person they called on wasn't able to inspect the truck on a certain day and so on...

 

[Rattler]

I did this very thing for a friend in Texas. He had found a 68 cuda on ebay and called to ask if i would go have a look. I went with camera in hand, took lots of pictures and then sent those along with my recomendation. It really helps if you know the person well enough to know there expectations. Randy

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Well there would have to be a sort of "Checklist" that could be populated thru a poll. Things that we as edumakated konzoomers would normally look for. There would probably be a printout sheet to take with you and of course a forum to talk and educate ones self on what to look for.

 

[HeavyHauler]

Sounds good, TMTT - looks like you've given this a lot of thought.

 

[Bob Cochran]

It sounds good would have to think about it though. I would feel like C!$#%p if the person I said it was a good truck and on the way VP went out or something worse. Wanting to help is great and would if possible just worried.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I would feel like C!$#%p if the person I said it was a good truck and on the way VP went out or something worse. .

Hey theese trucks do this leaving the dealership lot. Poop happens and I don't want to think that I would hold a grudge against someone for something that we all know can fail just moments after install or without rhyme or reason. Now if the bed fell off that is a different story.



HH is right I have thought this thru and if everyone is on the same page then it should work. If we populate a list of things to look for and can inspect ... maybee even get it into a PDF file that has checkpoints and conditions then we may have something here.

 

[Hohn]

I'm in. I know just enough about the 2nd gens (esp 24V) to scare a potential buyer off. If he's still in after that, he's not going to complain to me



So let's start developing a checklist. Some things will be unique to 12V or 24V, but plenty will be common to all 2nd gens.



12V-- KDP would top the list

24V- LP and VP probably at the top and also KDP on 98-00 or so.



Then there's always 53 blocks, 5th gear nuts, auto trannies, and track bars/ball joints.





All in all, checking on of these out for a friend wouldn't be that hard at all. It will be obvious if it's had a GN or 5er hitch, if it's been modded, and all that other stuff.



You could even do an impromptu LP check by opening the water level and seeing if the LP fills the can, and how long it takes.







The nice thing is that we KNOW most of the issues with these trucks, and work-arounds have already been made. You fix the bad parts, and you're left with a heck of a truck.



I personally would like to pick up a 2wd reg cab 97-98 12V auto as a project truck. Too bad a I don't have space in the garage or budget for such an undertaking.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

#ad




Well things like:



LP

Hitches

Turbo color/condition

steering play

obvious rot

driveline condition

obvious signs of abuse

shift/slip

kdp

codes(2000+ or bring a reader)





Major things then check out the overall conditional things that are small



things like

clockspring for the airbag

steering slop

quad cab doors

main doors

suspension



on and on

 

[PSchwering]

Sounds great - But Let's be reasonable. If I go to the local dealer To look at a truck for someone else, I am going to report the obvious.



is the paint good?

Is the Bed in good shape, or is it Beat up?

Is it clean?

Does it sound good?

If an Auto, does it shift properly?

Does the clutch slip?

Does the engine seem Stock, or is it hot?

Is the Steering tight?

53 Block?



It would be great to learn if things like the KDP have been taken care of, But Without taking the front cover off, How would I Know? Same with the 5th Gear Nut.



I guess my thoughts are to Make this "List" reasonable. I am Interested in this, IF I can run over to the Dealer at lunch time, look it over, say in 20 or 30 minutes, & Be on my way. I am not so interested If we end up with a 3 page, 2 hour checklist. Just my thoughts, P.