What To Do?

[pyro883]

Well, I just bought a 69 Long Bed, and I need help. I just dont know were to start on this project. The body is in decent shape has some minor rust, interior was re-done a few years back, but I want to change some of the coloring with it, and the engine runs well for it being 38 years old. Where should I start? I am getting ideas now since I still wont be back from Iraq for another month. Any ideas would be helpful.

[bryanw1968]

Do you have any pics? That might help people try to imagine what to fix/change. If not, give some detail.
Thanks,
B

[cdowns]

brakes suspension engine drivetrain would be my first priority

[pyro883]

Should have thought about that when I posted to start out with huh? Well here is what I am workin with.

[jimmydean]

I agree with cdowns. The first thing I did on my truck was make sure it drove straight and stopped. Then I moved to the engine and got it to be somewhat reliable, then I did some inside work.

I am now redoing the entire chassis and drivetrain to be all new. Then the inside gets a 2nd round, then paint and I'm done.

The best thing to do is to figure out what you want to do with the truck and how much you can afford. I spent a little more than I wanted to do a disc swap and air ride only to redo everything totally different. If I would have had a better plan upfront, I would have saved about $1500 right off the bat (and that would have been my new engine).

Post up some pics of what you have and good luck with the ride.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Do you want something to drive? Or are you asking about where to start a 3 year restoration?

Something to drive? Tune up, change ALL fluids, everything in engine, rear end, tranny, etc...

You can do the interior piece by piece with spray cans, or strip the whole thing and repaint it. Not a whole lot to them.

[pyro883]

I am looking for something I can still drive around for the most part keeping it on the road and not in the garage not more then a few weeks at a time

[67ChevyRedneck]

Didn't see your pics before you posted, nice ride. I'd do a tune up and drive it!

Where in SC are you located, looks like your from the middle or eastern part of the state?

[pyro883]

I am getting moved to Beaufort, SC once I get back from Iraq. Just north of hilton head. Your from Greenville? thats northwestern part of the state up towards the foothills right?

[67ChevyRedneck]

Yeah, that's how I guessed on where you're from. A lot of sand in that pic I used to live near Columbia in Lexington.

[pyro883]

Greenville is all about I remember of SC, been through there a few times when I was a younger lad going to visit the grandparents in Tennessee. The other time I was in the Beaufort area was a blur it was 3 months of not knowing what to do besides knowing how to get yelled at. Then I wanted to leave there as fast as I good when I graduated bootcamp I dont think I was there more the 10 mins after graduation. Now I am being stationed at the Air Station in Beaufort.

[LockDoc]

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I'd check the fluids and brakes like mentioned above, go over the paint with some white polishing compound, (I do it by hand) wax it and drive it. It will amaze you what a difference the compound & wax will make even if it has some flaws in the paint.

Just my 2¢ worth.

LockDoc

[timcos]

I agree with all the above...get it safe and running smoothly...everything else will pop up and ideas will hit you in your sleep as your new beast takes over....

Resistance is futile.