Question to the past successful frame off restoration guys.

[Bubba4spd]

Approx. how much more money and time does it take to actually complete a project than you projected it would in the beginning? I have a 68 swb that I would love to dive into but it does need a lot of work and I know to fully enjoy driving it, I will need to upgrade the 3 spd manual to a 5, and of course 5 lug patter, air, power steering etc. From reading through build threads, several years to complete is not uncommon.

[notsolo]

Always tough to determine the time, money it will take to complete a project, 2 yrs is a decent goal. Money, family, work, time. Good to keep busy, this is a hobby you can drive and enjoy. Also each build is unique, cost is what you want, need it to be. Probably 2k to get a basic no frills driver. My Blazer sat for almost 15 yrs before I got time and money to work on it....OH ....BTW.. its never done.

[bs46488]

I agree, its hard to say.

You got a couple of big projects already lined up. 5 speed is not going to be cheap. For the 5 lug conversion are you also looking to do disk brakes, etc.

Are you doing the work yourself or paying a shop?

Time is the hard part to predict. Other things always get in the way. I'm sure if I just worked on the truck, I could get it done quickly, but then there is soccer, birthday parties, weddings, life stuff, etc etc

Are you also considering body work and paint into this project?

[Bubba4spd]

Would love to do most all the work myself. Time is not a huge factor as long as I make steady progress. What I hate is when I get off a project for 3 - 6 months. Really hard for me to get back motivated and involved again. These guys that take 5 years to finish after going through several extended "time away" periods really amaze me. They have my full respect.

[notsolo]

I would get it running as is 1st, Make it safe, check brakes, tires etc, then clean it up, There are 6 lug disc brake kits, I like the wheels. Not knowing your skills etc, Then jump on an upgrade you want to tackle 1 at a time, You get to drive it and the down time is manageable. Just my 2 cents.

[Bubba4spd]

Originally Posted by notsolo

I would get it running as is 1st, Make it safe, check brakes, tires etc, then clean it up, There are 6 lug disc brake kits, I like the wheels. Not knowing your skills etc, Then jump on an upgrade you want to tackle 1 at a time, You get to drive it and the down time is manageable. Just my 2 cents.

You read my mind, on my drive out to work this morning, I made the decision to do just that. I'll get her up back on her feet and running first. Then decide which way to go. Heck she may be happy just staying an old dog.