Don't know of any place in NC being in VT, but things I'd definitely do again while I had the bare frame and bare cab. Advice though...a pro body shop or resto shop prolly won't want a cab sitting there that you want a rocker replaced on. They have bigger and $$ projects. I had a friend who does bodywork (c'mon, we all know someone that does) do the tougher stuff for me. Benefits....
1. You can work on it with him
2. Usually way cheaper than a body shop.
3. Beer and welding is a good time; body shop won't let you have a cold one while watching.
Make sure the buddy is capable and not a bondo-slinger, but save the $$ and get involved in the resto. That's what restoring a truck is all about!! Having fun with it!! Paying someone to restore your truck, and being able to answer any question about the truck once you've completed with your own two hands are two VERY different things. I prefer the latter, and would say 99% of the board is in the same boat. This board is for all of us with scun up knuckles and a head full of questions. Some stuff I'd recommend doing while things are apart...
== FRAME ==
-Replace all rubber front end parts (sway bar mounts, etc).
-Run all new brake lines.
-General frame resto; Por-15 and any custom stuff (c-notch, etc.)
-Add a rear fuel cell if you're into it. May want to keep it stock, some like to relocate the cell for safety reasons.
== CAB ==
-Check the ENTIRE cab; mounts, floors, rockers, corners, vents, windshield areas, etc.
-Buy a new cab mounting kit.
-Smooth and paint the firewall if you're into that.
That's about it. Pretty much think of every time you were working in something and said to yourself "Dammit!!! This would be a heckuva lot easier if I could come in from the top!" or "I wish this cab weren't here!" Dunno how far you want to take this resto, but really look things over when it's apart. Much easier to swap a tranny crossmember if you want a different tranny when the cab is off!!!
