Where to start?

[33shooter]

Hello folks, I'm new here and this is post #1. First let me say, I am actually a Ford fan and have never owned a Chevy. Having said that let me explain why I am here. Last weekend my grandfather gave me a truck! He decided that of all the people in the family that I should have my Great Grandfathers Chevy truck. I was blown away, and am really excited because I was starting to look for a project vehicle to work on, and now I have it. When I started looking around and doing research I came here and found a wealth of information. I have quickly become a big fan of these trucks! So, don't hold it against me that I'm a Ford fan, I have also owned dodges. But I've never owned anything but big 3 cars and trucks.

With that out of the way. I am now the proud owner of a 1970 C10 long bed. Here is a starter picture.



My grandfather bought this truck when it was 2 years old, used it on the farm in West Texas for a few years before giving it to my great grandfather. Grandad (great grandfather) used the truck until he passed in 83. Then my grandfather took the truck back and used it again on the farm as he needed until the mid 90's. It then sat in the barn unused for about 15 years.

It runs...sorta, and is pretty straight. The brakes are shot, the total system is badly needing to be fixed or replaced. The bed rails, bed, and front of the bed are pretty beat up from being a work truck. It also has a hole in the bed from a fifth wheel ball. The rest of the truck is not in terrible shape minus the interior, rats had a home at some point. Cancer has not been spotted, and there is even paint still under the floor mat. The engine oil has gas in it, and looks to need an overhaul, among other things. It has a little over 80K on the odo. Wiring looks to be all dry rotted, and could be a fire hazard.

It is equipped with a 350, auto trans, A/C (unknown if the system is salvageable), and a long bed.

What I want to do:

I want to rebuild the motor with a warm 350, or 383, nothing wild. Replace the transmission with a beefed up 700r4. Convert it to disc brakes. Replace the suspension system. Repair, or replace the AC. Convert it to power steering. Service the rear, and possibly change the gears depending on what happens with the transmission (might keep the stock trans still undecided). I also want to paint the truck so it looks nice, and restore most of the interior.

I want to drive the truck as a daily driver. I commute 15 miles one way, mostly interstate, to work. 32 miles round trip every day. I need AC cause I live in Texas, and I would like to get decent mileage (though, that is relative I guess).

I have never rebuilt anything on this scale. I was hoping you guys here could give me some advice, and point me in the right direction. I've been lurking for a few days reading and think that I'm on the right track. Any advice would be great. I will post more pictures in a few days. That is a picture from my phone. I'll see if I have one or 2 more I can post up.

Thanks for any help you can give. Thanks for looking.

33