Great-Grandad's truck

[brian.kannady]

My dad just gave me his old 67 LWB fleet that was purchased new by my great-grandfather. It is a 250 3OTT right now, and doesn't run and hasn't for 3 years or so. As far as Dad knows, the only problem with the engine is that the throttle butterfly on the carb is stuck (he seems to recall that there was a mud dobber nest on it when he first discovered the problem). It also needs a driveshaft support bushing, a battery, and two tires before it can be driven. It has (at least) rusted out outer rockers and PS cab corner, and as we all know, likely more. My budget is extremely tight for the truck right now, so I'm thinking just get it running for now, and save up some cash and do it properly later.

As far as the getting it running part (or at least getting it started), I'm thinking that I'll probably just take the carb apart and rebuild it (it was last rebuilt by me when I was 15, and I'm 34 now), drain the fuel tank and put in fresh gas (is there an easy way to do this?), change the oil, put a battery in it, and have a go at starting it. Any thoughts on a better way, or other things I haven't thought of?

My plan is to take some classes at a local vo-tech over the next couple of years to learn to do body work and address the rust issues and paint it myself rather than paying a body shop. I currently have zero experience doing body work, but it is something I'd like to learn, and I'd like to be able to do all the work myself.

Long term, I'm thinking I want to do a frame-off on it, swap in a 350 for the 250 (my plan is to move everything forward and put the V8 in the correct spot), add power steering, power brakes with front discs, and possibly AC.

Does anyone have any thoughts on any of this plan, or any advice. I've loved reading this forum the past week or two, and thanks in advance for the help.