72 C10 4X4 LWB, Now What??

[bigsky]

New to the forum. Have been on a Mercedes forum for several years, so know how helpful/informative a good forum can be. Restored two older Mercedes practicing my body work/painting skills. A friend thought I was doing good work so asked if I would paint his new C10. Said yes, without seeing truck, he dropped it off with two trailers.

Overall it seems to be pretty straight/solid, but does have some rust holes in the front fender wells, cab floor, and on the box. No serious patches that I can see right now. It appears to have a newer 350 crate motor,turbo 350 or 400 auto tranni, not sure which yet. Still in a lot of pieces.

Sure I am going to have lots of questions trying to piece this puzzle back together. I have a hard enough time when I am the one that took it apart.

Not sure on this forum, if I need to post this in the build thread. Will need lots of advice before I actually start to "build" this one.

One of my first questions is what should I put on the frame, want to keep it black. Should I use an acrylic enamel paint? Owner was thinking of some kind of under coat/bed liner. I have used Durolast bed liner years ago, on a a flatbed, but with only so-so results. Owner is willing to spend some money to make this a nice truck, but powder coating is just to expensive.

Owner also wants to switch box bed to wood. So I am looking for several reputable vendors, for him to start looking at.

All information/opinions/advice, will be greatly appreciated.