Shameful yes, was it his to do so with, probably so, still sucks it went that way though.
I think all of us here have observed that you are financially capable in regards to the aquisition of antique, obsolete, idled farm equipment etc. Given the resources you appear to have, (which is none of anyone's business) you learned something about buying I hope !!!! LOL !!!
You said you worked out the prices, seller agreed, it is imperative to pay and move the items immediately. I realize this particular group of items was a logistics problem, given the means you have at your disposal.
Once you walk away anything can happen, even if you paid the man, made arrangements for a later pick up (which I do not like doing, but have on occasion, not smart business for the most part)
The bottom line is pay, and get what you bought off the sellers property, or what happened to the items you wanted will happen, they could get scrapped, some other buyer or a family member steps in etc. etc. etc.
Its sad to hear that a truck like that one, in the apparent condition it was in, would go to a scrap yard, when a fair price was acceptable. Some people have no heart for the things you have a passion for. Owner had every right to do whatever suited him, but in lieu of understanding that someone was willing to pay better than scrap, within reason, he decides to do it anyway. Many people are faced with cleaning up a place, short on time and have to make a call on what to do with items like these, but nonetheless are still glad and may prefer to find a buyer that can do something with the items other than scrap/salvage, he was just not one of those people.
I can relate my experience on buying an old grain truck, the one posted above. Not the most functional truck by todays standards, single master cylinder, had split rims, underpowered, slow top speed etc. I did change the rims and tires out, still want to modify that master cylinder arrangement to make it 2 seperate lines and or go through the brakes on it even though work fine, just to know it is done. Can't drive it in the rain, sleet or snow, well rain not so bad but the winter weather would soon rust a truck like this out.
What I am getting at is, maybe there is not a lot of buyers or modern uses for old grain trucks considering things like I mention, D.O.T. etc. etc. but there is nothing like driving an old truck, mine does not get out much lately, but I enjoy the heck out of going to the lumber yard or getting a load of hay with it, and I was able to use it for some small construction jobs I did, it paid for itself and then some. It still needs some work, but for me, its a useful size truck to have, nothing handier than a good single axle medium class truck no matter how old, shame to see one that with a fair amount invested could have been great for show, parades or hobby use relative to what you do, better luck in the future, its a noble thing you are doing, costly, but noble, I hope you have enough left over for retirement someday LOL !!!!
