[Lugnutz65]

Nice topic and one I've pondered quite a bit.

Story #1: I farmed out all the engine work, paint, body work and upholstery work for a 1966 classic car restoration about 5 years ago. I nearly got an ulcer when I found out how dishonest some people could be. The honest people wanted decent money and were never in a hurry. It got done and I liked the results but it was double what I had expected. We are talking daily driver here folks.

Story #2: I'm gonna do my truck myself. Why? Well, first of all, it's a truck, not a Ferrari. If I make a mistake or the outcome looks unprofessional, I didn't waste a ton of dough. I will attempt every step of my off the frame restoration. I expect that I'll run into a few snags when I won't have the right tools, but my expectations are realistic. I want a daily driver that looks good, drives good and gets thumbs up. That's all I'm shooting for. Not trophies. I will even do all the body work and paint myself.

You see, it's like going to college all over again. Truck College is what I call it. I am amazed at how much stuff I have learned by being brave enough to try something I've never done before. In the end, I will have the skills that the apprentice has and maybe a tad bit more. Most will be self taught by reading books, FSM and the internet. As long as the experienced folks keep sharing their knowledge, I'll keep learning. A lot of my "Truck College" education comes from this forum where folks feel comfortable to share successes and even mistakes. I think this forum is great and will help keep this hobby of ours ALIVE!