1964? W300 Value

[sammywayne23]

Hello guys,
New member here and this might be a difficult question...so a little background first. I am actually a Ford guy and I've only ever worked on vintage ford trucks. I have always worked on the larger trucks (F2-F650s) so the W300 is right up my ally and the 4.88 gears sound pretty good compared to the 6.67s in my 50' ford. Well recently while looking for an auxiliary transmission I stumbled across a 1964 W300 and it was love at first sight. The gentleman who owns her is more than happy to let the truck go however he said make an offer - as he doesn't have a clue what its worth. And neither do I.

A little about the truck: The truck is a 1964 chassis and he claims it has 1969-1970 sheetmetal on it. A "restoration" was started by his father in the 1990s and never finished and it has been parked in this very shed since 1993. As you can see this thing is buried. The condition of the 318 is unknown- I didn't have time to see if it was stuck or free. The truck is missing its flatbed and right now is just the chassis/cab. It looks like his dad did some bodywork to the truck on the inside but used diamond plate on the floors vs. regular sheetmetal. I am not looking for an exact price but maybe a range I should shoot for. I am going to visit soon to do some more investigating - anything I should look for?

Oh and I am in central Iowa if that helps.

Thanks guys,

Sam

[Hobcobble]

Welcome to the site. I have cousins in Webster City.

The W300 has push button doors which date them to '67 - '71 [100-300 Series].
The grill is '68/'69. The hood is '69-'71. The fenders do have '69-'71 badges on
them. The 6 bolt wheels are '68 and earlier. Its kind of tough to say what year
it actually is without at least checking the VIN on the cab door jam as well as
the VIN stamping on the truck frame. If it's a hydraulic clutch.... it would mean
'68 or earlier. If its an A318 [Poly], it would mean [originally speaking] '66 or
earlier. You're going off of information provided to you by someone who probably
doesn't recall a lot about the truck, as it was his dads. The clutch changed to
mechanical for 100-300 series Sweptlines in '69. Looks like you'll have to invest
about a day to dig your way back to it to find out what it actually is. Maybe the
guy will knock some $$ off for your labor. Going solely on what you've given
us.... I'd say its probably a $2800+ W300?

John

[sammywayne23]

Hi John,
Thank you for the response! I am going to find out as much as I can but you are right about digging. From the owners understanding it is the original poly 318 but his dad bought the truck in his teens so its a little fuzzy. Originally the truck was used as a boom truck and had the winch mounted on the back along with the flatbed.

He is a big truck wholesaler so he stockpiles things. He rents the shed the W300 is in so I am thinking if I make a deal to clean the shed/ move things to his liking, that might factor into the price of the W300 - I am 22 years old and I love a good truck rescue . Another thing I noticed is that the frame rails have been welded and reinforced...I guess the frame was bent at one point and repaired from his understanding. I was thinking of offering 2,500 to start out and let it go from there. Where can I look for markings etc on the frame?

Sam

[Hobcobble]

Sam,
I'm not sure on the 300 Series or larger trucks. The VIN # is stamped on
the right [passenger] frame rail near the shock tower on the 100/200
frames. Perhaps someone else can chime in on this for verification.

You might want to see if its possible to get the truck pulled out into
the sunlight for a thorough inspection before throwing any offers out.
If you can post pics of the frame as well as the cab interior, engine
compartment, drive train, VIN tag on driver's door jam and underside
of the truck..... some of us can help decipher exactly what this W300
is all about. One thing you should be aware of is that the brake drums
on this W300 [front & rear] are not available new. If you're lucky, you
might be able to source a decent used set.... but they'll be pricey.
Too bad you can't actually fire it up and drive it. That way, you could
make sure the frame repairs didn't leave you with a dog-tracker.

John

[sammywayne23]

John,
That is the main problem i am worried about- the dog tracking. I would actually like to use this truck as a truck if that makes sense - not an antique truck like my Fords. I will speak with the owner about getting her dug out. I just know he considers his time precious so maybe I will work out some sort of deal with him if I drag her out. Yes brakes are the first thing that come to mind - is it possible to oversize the shoes to fit the drums if worn past spec? I have done this with several ford trucks and works fine. I would prefer disc brakes on the front and have been reading threads on them...actually which would be long term...

Sam

[Hobcobble]

Sam,
Any way you dice this.... Be prepared to spend gobs of money on bringing
an old W300 like this back into proper roadworthy condition. Dodge trucks
don't have as much aftermarket support as ford or chevy/gmc. I'm sure
you know from your other trucks that this is an expensive hobby. Definitely
proceed with caution.... You can get in real deep real fast.

John

[Hobcobble]

I certainly don't advocate the use of oversize shoes.... just to confirm that.
John

[sammywayne23]

John thanks for the advice. I have some research to do now - this would be my 4th truck...its a very expensive hobby for sure. But one of my favorite parts of the hobby is the hunt for the right parts etc. I did notice the aftermarket/part is little to none. Are these trucks not very common or is it cause they aren't popular among the vintage truck guys?


Sam

[Hobcobble]

John thanks for the advice. I have some research to do now - this would be my 4th truck...its a very expensive hobby for sure. But one of my favorite parts of the hobby is the hunt for the right parts etc. I did notice the aftermarket/part is little to none. Are these trucks not very common or is it cause they aren't popular among the vintage truck guys?


Sam

If it turns out to be a '64, there were 518 of them made for that model
year in the U.S., according to Bunn & Brownell's data. The W300s weren't
as plentiful as the W100/W200 models.

John

[Wildergarten]

...is it possible to oversize the shoes to fit the drums if worn past spec? I have done this with several ford trucks and works fine.

If your goal is to work it, I wouldn't trust it. The heat dissipation with a load would suck, resulting in a significant risk of fade. It is possible to get the drums relined with better performance than original.

A Dana 60 front end with disc brakes is about $1500 around here.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Value wise, that truck is only worth your labor to clean and straighten the shed and get it out of there - at most.
I have turned over the odometer in my 62 W300 - TWICE! I bought it in 1983 for $500 at auction - it was 21 yrs old then. This one is now 57 yrs old. While it has nice sheetmetal, it is still OLD. The only body part that is unique to a 300 are the 2 fenders and the 69-71 cab. The front valance is on all trucks 300 and larger. Hood, doors, core support are the same on all models. Nobody has mentioned that the cab appears to also be 69-71 as the wiper configuration changed in 69. The cab data plate may not be the original.
As John said, the drums are not available. I put 3/8" lining on my fronts in the 90's as a last resort to get some pedal back. W300's have Dana 70 axles front and rear. You'll spend many thousands to make that into a reliable and safe truck. For example, the original brake master is a single pot and not power assisted. 6 tires will cost upwards of $1200.
I know these trucks way too well and still own the following:
62 W300
66 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $400 in 08
69 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $400 in 08
70 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $600 in 87

[sammywayne23]

Value wise, that truck is only worth your labor to clean and straighten the shed and get it out of there - at most.
I have turned over the odometer in my 62 W300 - TWICE! I bought it in 1983 for $500 at auction - it was 21 yrs old then. This one is now 57 yrs old. While it has nice sheetmetal, it is still OLD. The only body part that is unique to a 300 are the 2 fenders and the 69-71 cab. The front valance is on all trucks 300 and larger. Hood, doors, core support are the same on all models. Nobody has mentioned that the cab appears to also be 69-71 as the wiper configuration changed in 69. The cab data plate may not be the original.
As John said, the drums are not available. I put 3/8" lining on my fronts in the 90's as a last resort to get some pedal back. W300's have Dana 70 axles front and rear. You'll spend many thousands to make that into a reliable and safe truck. For example, the original brake master is a single pot and not power assisted. 6 tires will cost upwards of $1200.
I know these trucks way too well and still own the following:
62 W300
66 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $400 in 08
69 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $400 in 08
70 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $600 in 87

Do they remake masters? What about wheel cylinders? I just spent 2500 on rims and 6 tires not to mention mounting them on lock ring rims for my 50’ F6....part of getting these older trucks back on the road I guess.

Thanks

[Hobcobble]

Do they remake masters? What about wheel cylinders?

Check with Bud Thorp ["Powerwagon54"].

John

[swptln]

Value wise, that truck is only worth your labor to clean and straighten the shed and get it out of there - at most.
I have turned over the odometer in my 62 W300 - TWICE! I bought it in 1983 for $500 at auction - it was 21 yrs old then. This one is now 57 yrs old. While it has nice sheetmetal, it is still OLD. The only body part that is unique to a 300 are the 2 fenders and the 69-71 cab. The front valance is on all trucks 300 and larger. Hood, doors, core support are the same on all models. Nobody has mentioned that the cab appears to also be 69-71 as the wiper configuration changed in 69. The cab data plate may not be the original.
As John said, the drums are not available. I put 3/8" lining on my fronts in the 90's as a last resort to get some pedal back. W300's have Dana 70 axles front and rear. You'll spend many thousands to make that into a reliable and safe truck. For example, the original brake master is a single pot and not power assisted. 6 tires will cost upwards of $1200.
I know these trucks way too well and still own the following:
62 W300
66 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $400 in 08
69 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $400 in 08
70 W300 parts truck - complete when bought for $600 in 87

I'm with you Terry, just don't get valuations from Flat Fender guys on PW's......god those guys are crazy, what they spend on or think these trucks are worth. Like you mentioned, wait till you start trying to find parts or fix things on them.

[quillc]

The vin will be stamped on the passenger frame between the front spring perch and the bumper. That's where it is on both of my 66 one tons. Compare it to the vin plate in the door jam to see if it has been rebodied. As long as you have a clear title and it matches the door jam VIN, it shouldn't matter.

The front and rear drums are NLA from any source. Occasionally you can find a set within spec. Bud Thorp may be able to help you. https://www.jgrelining.com will reline them for you. Its expensive. You can bring back a set that is over however giving you the option of reusing your own.

The wheel cylinders are available from Bud (61-71 Sweptline parts), Vintage Power Wagons, and your local NAPA if your parts guy is good.

The power booster is a frame mounted Midlands Hy-Power or cannister fender mounted style. Both can be rebuilt by Midwest Power Products to better than new.

Look in the fuel tank to see if it is rusty. That will be very difficult to find a replacement.

The brakes on the truck (assuming that they need work) will be the biggest pain due to parts availability. The engine/trans will not be problematic if you can turn a wrench.

If it is complete, I'd offer him ~$1500 and count on ending up at $2k - $2500.

[Kaegi]

the brake parts are not hard to find. the front shoes are the same as the flat fender power wagons so easily attainable. same with whl cyl. and rear brake parts are the same as D300 which ford, gm, and others used for decades. the power assist if it has it works really well. with a brake job done right it should stop great. the front shoes are non servo type and the adjustment is tricky. they have to be just right or they will fade but once they are it will stop on a dime from any speed.
the bent frame is a concern. frames can be straightened but if it has had multiple crack repairs and such I would not buy for anything but parts. D300 frames are not the same and the W300s were low production as you can see from the other post. So kinda hard to find. maybe someone here has a good frame????

[PwrWgnDrvr]

...... D300 frames are not the same and the W300s were low production as you can see from the other post. So kinda hard to find. maybe someone here has a good frame????

That would be me - both a 66 and a 70. Soon to be cut up for scrap!

[jwing68]

For the most part the frames are the same, exceptions are the left frame rail steering gear location is stamped to utilize the 100/200 gear versus the bigger gemmer gear of the W's. The bell housing mount has to be changed for the front drive shaft clearance, the center cross member comes out and the T-case mount goes in the exact same location. Front spring mounts & shackles need to changed which affords the opportunity to do the shackle swap. The Saginaw gear I mocked up is not doing to work so I'm going with the 1981 2WD Ford gear in the stock location.

[jwing68]

More pic's

[PwrWgnDrvr]

The OP on this thread hasn't been here since Aug. Don't waste time posting - seems he's moved on.