74 Build " How To "

[gooch]

Just got my 74 K5 home . It runs and drives . My plans so far are ...
4 in lift ( because old lift is shot ! )
new rims and tires ( old tires shot )
steering loose ( tie rods , it has new steering gear box )
braided brake lines
engine tune up , fix a few small leaks
rhino line the cab , put seats back in it
seat covers ( for now )

The only rust is in cab floor , going to fix it before I rhino line floor . The fenders and quarter panels are new ( just never primed ) . Not worried about paint until a few years away . I just want to prime it one color . I have tons of small things to fix . I want to take the 84 model 305 out , and put a 350 back in it . but that's years away ( I hope ) . The truck will NEVER be a show truck , just want a clean looking K5 . Is there a better way to " build it " ? Like I was thinking when I do engine in a few years , maybe pull front cap off then paint ? Any pointers or short cuts , lessons learned ..... THANKS for any help !

 

[gooch]

Here she is , little rough

 

[blazer74]

I'd try to keep it true to a 74, mines not. Triple check for rust around tail pan, cab supports, firewall etc.

Brakes and steering foremost. Sounds like you have a solid base to work with.

Imho

 

[gooch]

Found the book today ! I am the 3rd owner . Most of its life was on a deer camp . The 2nd owner paid $500 for it with bad tranny , and lots of rust panels . He paid $890 to get it rebuilt .hr started working on it ,new body panels . He kept the stock 350 engine , and put his 84 model 305 in it . I thought it was cool to learn the history on it .

 

[flynhawaiian]

74's are the best!

 

[rebelgregory]

My advice

1) Plan out your build before you do anything - what will it be when it's 'done'. This keeps you from dumping time and money into stuff you may have planned on changing anyway. It also keeps you from straying during the build.

2) Do safety/drivability items first, then the rest of the drivetrain.

3) Paint & exterior - weatherstripping, bumpers, etc

4) Interior