Project Scope

[67C10Step]

So, I am a new member and just got my "project" truck back in May of this year. It is still not really in the project stage, just more of a cleanup, get everything functional, and then move on to road worthy.

I am, however, already starting to think on project scope and what I want in the end. Having been an engineer my whole professional career and having restored a few motorcycles I understand scope creep all too well. At this point I think I know more about what I don't want than what I do.

What I don't want:

- I cannot afford and don't want a $100,000 show truck. I want something to drive.
- I will not allow myself to afford a $50,000 restoration as I would be back in the not wanting to drive it.
- I don't need a 400+ HP truck to smoke tires. I'm not old but I'm getting older every day. My tire smoking days are most likely over.

Some of these things that I don't want have helped me come to terms with what I do want:

- Front disc brake conversion. I did this on my 1970 truck back in my late teens early 20's and the braking will be more than sufficient for my style of driving.
- Getting the stance right. Probably do a modest static drop of 2-3 front and 3-4 rear. I plan on running 15" wheels or possibly 16" max with tires that will nicely fill out the fenders. No 22's with 2" of tire.
- Engine. Jury is still out on this one. Truck has original 283 and I am inclined to freshen up and possibly add a few power adders to this little gem of a motor. It will most likely have all the HP I will want to cruise around.
- Paint. This one is WAAAYYY off but the truck was originally vermillion with fawn interior. I am thinking going back with some sort of vermillion with a silver or charcoal gray roof and interior. Really considering doing a matt vermilion with matt gray or silver. That will probably change a dozen times before it gets done.

Sure, I'd love to dump $50K into this truck and make a show stopper out of it but with one kid in college and another on the way that's not gonna happen. If I can get it rust free, a good paint job, and reliable enough for me and the wife to go grab a burger in it on Saturday night is all I really need.

I'd like to hear how many of you have rationalized your projects at the beginning.