Don't think so. I don't believe what he has is "pristine" in any way. By the way, I've had the 73 for 6 years and the 85 for around 3.
I think he's full of BOLOGNA.
No doubt, still weird deal. (I saw someone dismantle the whole interior of a car I bought for them to help them out, leaving everything on the lawn when they were done, right next to their meth pipe...) Not saying this is the case, but not a common situation.
I also, prior to this for sale thread questioned that it was original paint. Could be, but the reflections in the pics do not look like "original paint"
Like I said, "assuming" the body and frame is as stated, hell, even if it isn't but the paint is bonded well and there's no hidden rust work or bodywork, $500 wouldn't touch it. Bed by itself is worth a grand easy in rust country. Hell, the bolts might even alrady be out of it.
Guy has gone this far ripping sht off the truck. If it's as clean as he says, parting it out the rest would probably fetch almost as much as he claims he's getting for it whole.
Add is off Craigslist, so it might be someone elses baby by now!
If it really is good clean straight body and quality paint (no way hardly, unless it didn't see light of day much that it wasn't a peeler) and if it is original, it's gonna be a peeler and probably why it looks re-painted), it would take you the same amount of money just to get your trucks prepped and a quality paint job.
You're comparing chiity looking old paint (or a bad repaint on your round eye, on top of other paint) to something that is valuable IF it doesn't need to be repainted. Although, I'd rather repaint than R&R the cab.
And btw, regardless of the goofiness of this thread and the OP's story/situation, take a closer look. That truck doesn't appear to have any rust. Just look at the A arms laying around and leaf springs and brakes. He sure as hell didn't "clean up" random parts for a truck that he already misplaced the other half of the parts to.