Hello, first time poster here.
I've been checking out the forum for awhile and finally decided to join myself!

Anyway, I'm looking to purchase a '97 extended cab with a 4.6 liter as my first truck. (I'm 21 and plan to own many more) and was wondering a few things:

1) It does have an exhaust leak. Anybody who's had to fix a leak on their own truck, how much should I expect to pay? I know it'll be more if the manifold itself is leaking.

2) As you can see from the picture the bed is obviously not the original. Any estimations on a matching paint job?

The seller is asking $1500 and it has 195k on it. Not sure about the history as I'm going to check it out in person tomorrow. But hopefully it'll be worth purchasing.

 

Paint is gonna vary depending on quality number of coats clear coats etc. Sorry im not any help there. But the exhaust is gonna also depend on the manifold studs if that's where its leaking from. Could any where from a simple 50 buck fix to a few hundred if the studs and manifolds need replaced. I replaced them a few years ago on a different truck and with $200 headers it ended up costing about 400 after bolts, gaskets, and labor. But i think i got ripped off hard. A good exhaust shop will give you a free estimate of work and give you a pretty good idea of where the leak is too. Hope this helps!

 

For my manifolds, just replacing studs and gaskets it was closer to $800, so you got a hell of a deal.

As for paint, professional job will be at least $1k

 

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I hope the leak isn't too bad, the seller mentioned that he did have muffler work done when he bought it a year ago. I have to drive it 600 miles back home before I can get it checked out, if I decide to purchase it. If I don't pass out on the drive, then that'll be a good sign

 

I don't plan on keeping it for too long, so do you think taking it to Maaco would be a worth it?

 

I've heard their paint jobs seriously suck. Maybe if you sand and prep it before you let them paint it, it may be alright

 

If you arent planning on keeping it long term, as long as its not rusting or bare metal i'd pass on the paintjob. Personally anyways. You wouldnt get a very good return on investment as far as thats concerned. But good exhaust is always a good idea. Lol

 

I planned on upgrading to a newer truck in the spring, so you've got a point. I'm just too dang prideful to drive around with a non-matching paint job.

 

Just plasti dip the whole truck while you own it

 

Plasti dip does look badass if it's done right. That might be an option. Thanks.