69 C20 frame off restoration... help

[scottmitchellrose]

I'm sure I'm not the first to do this. I wanted to make her look better.... and ended up getting deeper and deeper. (As long as I'm in here I might as well do this....).

I have the motor and trans pulled, new rear-end in, chassis blasted, primed and painted. All body work done, painted.

Now for the problems- mechanical- I know 'what' everything is, but am clueless honestly. I need to re-do the front suspension while I'm in there. Any advice on what to buy (pittman arm, lower ball joints, tie rods) and where to get them/ any videos on doing them for a 3/4 ton chevy (69- again)?

Also, and videos on re-doing the brake lines, or replacing the races and shocks (do I need special tools for any of this)? Thanks, Scott (srose@fhi360.org or home is 919 806 5396). I'd be happy to call you and spend 'my' dime on the phone if needed!

[scottmitchellrose]

Also, any videos on replacing the clutch and pressure plate? It's a 4 speed with a 350 motor.

[Shaky]

You sound a little overwhelmed. If you look at everything all at once you'll make your head spin.

My advice is to break it down to one small project at a time.

I just got the cab back on my C20 and all I'm focused on right now is the front and rear windows. I've been watching install videos and asking questions here about windshield brands. After I get that done I'll go on to the next thing.

How do you eat an elephant?

[scottmitchellrose]

Thanks for the advice- yes, you are right- a bit at a time. Thanks for the links as well- I will check them out.

Scott

[Shaky]

The Service Manual and Overhaul Manual are good to have too.

The Service Manual will likely outline the clutch work and front end.

Use the forum search engine first and if you don't find your answer, start a thread on something specific.

[davepl]

If you're doing the suspension, do it with the weight of the engine and trans in the vehicle. It makes it much easier to work with the springs (which are still dangerous) because you can squeeze them between gravity and a floor jack.

Doing spring and suspension work on a bare frame is tough sledding, but it's how I did it. You'll wear out a spring compressor and spend a lot of time chaining up springs!

[Shaky]

I can second Dave's point above from personal experience.