Paint job or Restoration???

[81ShrtBox]

I'm in a situation where I don't know if I want a nice paint job or restoration.

First off... the truck is a 1981 GMC Sierra Grande shortbed fleetside. I want it clean but dont know if I'm ready to invest in a full resto job. Had 2 dam good painters come give estimates.

The first guy is a very good and don't really take on those type of jobs anymore. But, he loves C-10's and couldn't stop looking and smiling. The only way he would take the job is if I let him do it turn key. That would be about $15k and included installing my drop kit, he's doing the whole truck. New wire harness and all. I leave with a brand new truck.

Painter number #2 is a younger fella.. small shop, puts out real nice work. He told me he will take it apart, spray the chassis, cut out all the rust, straighten all the lines. He don't want to use patch panels. He's gonna make all his panels and weld them in. Guarantees his work and quoted me $7k.

Now I'm confused... I know a job like this is time consuming and expensive. But.. I really don't want a turn key. I like to turn wrenches myself. I want to be the one installing the engine, installing the interior, and I want to fire my LS1 up for the 1st time.

I will have a few months to decide. I would like my shortbox in somebody's shop by early February. $7k or $15k