FNG from Hudson, Maine

[Sambone]

Howdy -
I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys (and gals?) in my quest to restore my high school pickup truck.
I live in Maine and my truck has been rotting into the ground behind my mom's house out in Seattle for 11 years now. She's had many offers to buy it or just "haul that old piece of junk off" but she said no, bless her heart. She used to drive it to the dump and back, but it quit running, and if you've been to the Pacific Northwest, you know what that climate does to neglected vehicles. I went out for a visit in March and it nearly made me cry to see what has become of my once proud baby. I changed the points and condenser, threw in a fresh battery and some gas and he fired right up. It was a blast to drive (without tags or insurance, I know, I'm a sinner).

My mom wanted to sell it, and I returned home with the knowledge I'd never see my old truck again. I certainly couldn't afford to drive it or have it hauled all the way across country anytime soon. It didn't sit right with me, and after a week and a half of stomach aches and sleepless nights, I called up my mom and asked her to reconsider. Wasn't I surprised to find out she felt the same way and didn't want to see the truck leave the family. I talked her into clearing out a spot in her garage to store the truck out of the rain until I can come get it next summer.
Believe it or not, my fiance, who doesn't understand my passion for old cars and trucks, actually suggested we save up and drive the truck back to Maine next summer as a delayed Honeymoon. Guess I picked a good one.
So, that's the story. My truck is a 1971 GMC C1500 Camper Special, orange with a black top, 350/350 combo, custom rims, and a lot of bumps and bruises acquired through many years of service. I can't wait to bring him home to begin his resto/customization, now that I have acquired the skills, tools, garage, and confidence to do the job right.
Even though the truck is not in my posession at this time, I'm hoping to gather all kinds of info and sources. Hell, I've even considered finding a donor 4x4 K chassis to convert MY truck, since 2WD pickups are not very practical here in Maine.

Wow, I talk too much.

Sambone.