So what major problems does this thing have? From the pictures it doesn't look that bad for $8500. What with new tracks, tires, paint, glass, and a straight body it seems like they're in the ballpark unless the drive system is totally shot. Not too long ago I saw a 601 here in Colorado go for $8500 and it was a mess. The whole front end from the top of the windshield frame down had been rebuilt so it was missing the mirrors, APU, data placard, headlight guards, and the radiator hatch was way goofey. Plus it needed track rubber, tires, paint, some glass, a bunch of interior work, had significant roof dents, and the shifter was swimming in the transmission. Then add the cost of shipping one of these things couple thousand miles to get it to the northeast. So I dono. What is the value of 601/Trackmasters?
There's more info back a few pages that lists it out. I know you know your machines well so know you certainly spy the difference between this machine and a 601. So given it's a 4T that puts it in a different pricing ball park. I won't go into all the detail here...but people have nearly purchased it and then when they see it in person it's clear it was a crap job that puts it too high up in $. The interior was sprayed over w/o care taken to mask anything or properly clean... it will all flake off and is already starting to now. No gages work... wouldn't shift out of 1st gear (said to have fixed that so may do so now). It's basically all jerry-rigged in summary. The cool thing are the tracks. but there the grousers have been abused as have been backing plates.
Anyway, it just depends on how much passion a person has for one... it depends on how much cash folks have to throw around... $8500 for the 601 you described? OK, fine for someone else... they over-paid. Nuts. Value of these puppies has gone up over the last few years. But again, we're talking 4T here. The 4T was purchased for $1500 then had $7K of value added? The paint is also flaking on the outside. It just going to all have to be redone...shite work. I was told it didn't track straight. Seller says it does. There was exhaust coming up through into the cabin from the engine bay...
So, who knows... some body may pay $8500... or bargain down to $7K. I'd much prefer a rig for $5K that looks like ass and then redo it all proper for another $5K and end up with $10K invested and have a kick-ass 601 rather than a botched 4T. Someone may say...who cares..use it as-is for now until it goes bad then fix whatever is necessary then.
Hey... where are the pics of the 601 that was all muched up ???? We always need to see 6-series photos whenever possible... please!
$8500... sheesh... hey, I got some I'll sell for more that are in great operating condition!