FORD, FORD, FORD!
Well, all the above comments have merit. $5000 would have bought 20 trucks from the Ken Hughes collection, but what condition? I too, waited long for the right truck to buy. Blitzes are everywhere once you start to look, but how much work and/or scrounging do they need to get them on the road again. This truck you're looking at sounds VERY nice with an original body, other parts like doors, hatches, etc can be found but finding a good cab and a body for the rear is what the money's for! That crane body is quite rare and that's why he wants $5000. While this truck's nice, why not look at something less complete, say just a good cab with a civvy or fire brigade tray until you get the hang of working on a Blitz. Something like that should cost between $500 and $1500, well within a student's budget.
Don't forget, if you do go back to the guy every couple of months, ride a pushbike and try to look as poor as possible, and take along a lot of Uni books to get the maximum pity effect.
Another point to remember is that Blitzes are much bigger and heavier to work on than Jeeps. It is possible to do most dismantling/moving/reassembling of Jeep stuff by yourself with a moderate sized toolkit. Blitzes require two (or more) people and heavier or taller jacks, stands, lifting gear, etc. You will also have to get some larger sockets and a big rattle gun to turn them. If you have'nt driven large trucks much before, it might wise to look for a F15A rather than a big F60L (although you can then put your Jeep in the back of your F60L
), this applies to licences, too. You'll need a MR licence to drive a F60L, but should be OK with a C licence in a F15A.
Sounds like all scary news, does'nt it? The good news is that there are plenty of people who would be very willing to give you help along the way, and used parts are often very cheap to acquire compared to Jeep stuff. There are plenty of outlets for Ford V8 engine parts (or Chev, if you're that way inclined) compared to the scant few Jeep suppliers, with many items being produced new.