Back with updates
Hi all,
Back on the forum after a long break. I'm now living in Florida and am starting to look at getting the bodywork done. Things that were done in the past couple of years:
Complete overhaul of the brake system.
New front bearings, u-joints,etc.
New 4 core radiator.
Truck still runs great but sadly I've only been able to drive it less than 1,000 miles a year.
So, onto the bodywork. I'm looking to get the major rust areas replaced/repair and get it painted with original-looking paint. Not looking for anything fancy (ie. showroom quality), just a nice stock look with the major rust problems fixed.
My dad had the rockers and some rust in the fenders replaced about 20 years ago and had the exterior painted. The repairs were metal, not fiber or bondo, but, as you can see from the pictures, this truck needs significant work again. In addition to what's shown on the pictures, the floor pans need replacing and are particularly bad toward the outside near the rockers. The bed is bad as well and will need significant patching or complete replacement. I'd also like to find a rear seat so I can take the kids with me (my dad removed and sold the original rear seat soon after he bought it in 1971). The tailgate will probably need a bit of work at the bottom. The rear fiberglass lift door needs some fiberglass repair or replacement. Inner fender wells will need replacement or significant fixing. The quarter panels don't appear too bad except for the usual places, but of course many problems could be hidden. The radiator core support is fine. Bumpers need some straightening and painting (or I might get chrome bumpers, not sure yet). Windshield area I think is OK - It was OK about 6 years ago when I replaced the windshield.
That's about it.
I know what you all are gonna say, but I'm looking to have a pro do most of the work. Learning to weld and breaking into this has been on my "to do" list for 15 years...and it just ain't happening. Between a 60-hour a week job, losing a weekend each month for reserve duty, moving every 2-3 years (wife is active duty military) and managing a family of five I don't have a lot of time. I don't even do my own oil changes anymore....
Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions on how to proceed. I've got some money I saved for this project over the years (~$5k) but could manage more if justified. Some things to consider:
1. I'm not interested in buying a better truck unless it's for parts. This vehicle has significant sentimental value and I understand and accept that the money I put in might not be justifiable based on pure economics.
2. I'm looking for quality work that will last but this isn't meant to be a show vehicle or a 100% restoration. So I guess I"m looking for the 80% solution.
That said, I welcome all suggestions, advice and, particularly, potential pitfalls. Fire away!
Hi all,
Back on the forum after a long break. I'm now living in Florida and am starting to look at getting the bodywork done. Things that were done in the past couple of years:
Complete overhaul of the brake system.
New front bearings, u-joints,etc.
New 4 core radiator.
Truck still runs great but sadly I've only been able to drive it less than 1,000 miles a year.
So, onto the bodywork. I'm looking to get the major rust areas replaced/repair and get it painted with original-looking paint. Not looking for anything fancy (ie. showroom quality), just a nice stock look with the major rust problems fixed.
My dad had the rockers and some rust in the fenders replaced about 20 years ago and had the exterior painted. The repairs were metal, not fiber or bondo, but, as you can see from the pictures, this truck needs significant work again. In addition to what's shown on the pictures, the floor pans need replacing and are particularly bad toward the outside near the rockers. The bed is bad as well and will need significant patching or complete replacement. I'd also like to find a rear seat so I can take the kids with me (my dad removed and sold the original rear seat soon after he bought it in 1971). The tailgate will probably need a bit of work at the bottom. The rear fiberglass lift door needs some fiberglass repair or replacement. Inner fender wells will need replacement or significant fixing. The quarter panels don't appear too bad except for the usual places, but of course many problems could be hidden. The radiator core support is fine. Bumpers need some straightening and painting (or I might get chrome bumpers, not sure yet). Windshield area I think is OK - It was OK about 6 years ago when I replaced the windshield.
That's about it.
I know what you all are gonna say, but I'm looking to have a pro do most of the work. Learning to weld and breaking into this has been on my "to do" list for 15 years...and it just ain't happening. Between a 60-hour a week job, losing a weekend each month for reserve duty, moving every 2-3 years (wife is active duty military) and managing a family of five I don't have a lot of time. I don't even do my own oil changes anymore....
Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions on how to proceed. I've got some money I saved for this project over the years (~$5k) but could manage more if justified. Some things to consider:
1. I'm not interested in buying a better truck unless it's for parts. This vehicle has significant sentimental value and I understand and accept that the money I put in might not be justifiable based on pure economics.
2. I'm looking for quality work that will last but this isn't meant to be a show vehicle or a 100% restoration. So I guess I"m looking for the 80% solution.
That said, I welcome all suggestions, advice and, particularly, potential pitfalls. Fire away!
