Newbie with questions

[69GMCSWB]

I got a 1969 GMC 1500 Shortbed.It has a 307 and a 3 on the tree. It is all original and I want to restore, here are my questions:

1. Should I stick with my original engine and tranny?
2. My bed is very rusty, would i need to replace it?
3. Is the truck worth restoring?
4. How much would it cost to make it one bad GMC?

[OhioDan]

I'll try to answer your questions for you.
1. I think I'd go for a 350 myself. Unless you want to go completely stock. I just don't like the 307. As for the 3 on the tree, that would be whatever you prefer. Some here have took out standards and swapped for auto's and vice versa.

2.It all depends on how much money and time you want to spend repairing it. I bought a bed in Texas and had it shipped to Ohio. Still was money ahead fixing the bed.

3. First, how bad is the rest of the truck. You might be better off, buying another truck, and using yours for parts. Take a good look at what you have. The more that's rusted/broken/missing, the more it will cost to restore. Unless you just want the expierience of doing it?

4. That all depends on what you want to do to it, and if you and friends do the work, or if you take it somewhere and have it done.

Hope this answers your questions.

By the way, welcome to the board. I know at times, the guys on here seems a little loose, but there's a wealth of info that can be obtained here.

[MOTHERTRUCKERS]

WHEW! Start shopping catalogs for parts prices needed and add in your labor if your doing it yourself or if not seek a qualified reputable restoriation shop in the area for quotes (make sure your sitting down) then decide if it's a builder or parts truck. The GMC grill if not in good shape will send you on a never ending journey. The last 71 GMC customers truck we restored found a grill for 500.00 and spent another 800.00 getting it stripped and rechromed.

[Longhorn Man]

I thought the 71/72 GMC grill was in reproduction for 5 bills?