Is there such a thing as too far gone?

[jay-dawg]

Hi guys,
I finally got the motor running but need to change the crankcase vent valve on the I6. Anyway, I'm in the process of taking out the front clip. I took pics of the truck (BTW anybody know a cheap place to store pics online?) and it looks like pretty much all the sheetmetal needs to be replaced. I can salvage some things like the cowl, grill, and some other bits and pieces, but it looks like almost everything needs to be replaced. The chassis is still solid though and will be a great foundation. I really want to change from stepside to fleetside also. My question is should I just start a frame off? or should I R&R the sheetmetal and then start the frame off?

Here's a list of what needs to be replaced:

cab, both doors, both front fender, rear stepside fenders, box needs new mounting lips where the bed wood should go, hood.

Here's what I am going to keep:
grill, rolling chassis, engine and drivetrain,

I talked to my girlfriend and I can use her covered garage to do the restore. I will also be budgeting around $200 a month for the truck.

What do ya'll think? I think a 2 year buildup is scheduled. (I've been reading threads to multiply by 2 so 4 years.

[stllookn]

I think you are realistic...plan on dollars and time. How long is the GF going to let you use the garage? How solid is that relationship? I have heard of some strange things happening when storing the vehicle other than a place where you have complete control over it. She might get jealous of all the time you spend on it. Your dollars sound good too as long as you can find good used sheet metal. How is your welding? As long as you are not making a show truck and do all the work yourself you should be fine.

[jay-dawg]

thanks for answering.

My g/f and i have been going out for over 4 years now and we are talking about marriage too. I will have to talk to her mom about it too. I dont think she will mind but like you said, you never can tell. As for welding, I am having my friend teach me how to weld. He is a welder for the pearl harbor shipyard. I will be scouring some junkyards soon to see what I can find. As of now, the plan is to get the truck on the road.

jay