New Paint...Three years work pays off...

[Matt_305]

I got a parts truck around my 14th birthday and now it's almost my 17th and it's finally painted and pretty well done (unless I do the engine swap). She was a rusted out hulk on my side lawn, one of the few memories I had of my grandfather, so I tore her down to the frame everywhere but the cab, grinded the frame painted it, new box, new quarters, new hood, new door, new bumpers, new brakes, anything that needed fixed was done, patched floor pans most everything is new, I estimate I've put around $4000 into her. And now she's alright, gonna get a small gold pinstripe and the logo's put back on once the paint sets. But here she is, she's come along way. Tell me what you think:

[phantom dually]

Sure is a sight better than the before pic. Congrats!

[ElGracho]

Looks great! You did a good job bringing that one back from the brink...

[84 400]

very nice job man. i am glad to see you took somthing with sentimental value and put the time and love into it. very nice gmc.were did you get the grill or is that the stock one? is it a 305? just wondering why you want to do the swap

good work man

[N2TRUX]

I think it's awesome! Not only did you bring a rusted hulk back to life, you preserved something special to you. The only thing that makes it more impressive is your age. So many guys your age don't know how to change a flat tire much less build a truck from the ground up.

Congratulations on an impressive job


BTW- we need more pics...

[bigblock73]

That can't be the same truck!!!

Good job on the resto, it looks first class that's for sure!!

[Russell]

Well done man! I've been working on my truck since about 16 too! I'm 19 now, and she probally won't be on the road till sometime next year, lol

Takes a lot of work, and dedication to do what you did!

[Jonboy]

Good job! The truck looks great.

[crawdad]

Great job Matt. You took something special and made it even more special. Congrats on a job well done.

[cliffsta]

Hey congrats my friend. Its folks like us that see more than just a rusted piece of metal... and the sentimental value of that truck is a lot higher than the $400 you may have put in it.

I'll be honest, sentimental value is what's keeping / kept my truck around. Daddy bought it new, before he met my mom, before they had me. Its synonymous with my last name. Someone says "Darby" and they often think of my truck.

Trucks like yours gimme that inspiration man. Someone young like me with limited resources/money/time can still make a beautiful truck.

[project1971]

Man that looks awsome! I need to show that to my son he will be turning 16 in a few months. Great job!!

[eagle23]

Great job, Matt. Like many others, I applaud your saving something that had personal value...maybe you even had a bit of "guidance" from your grandfather. Looks like you built it back to do him proud. A labor of love in many, many ways. Ya' done good!

Brian

[Matt_305]

Thanks everyone for the positive responses, 84 400 it is the 6 right now and I have a good running 305 I might swap for a tiny bit more power for a low cost.The grill is the original 81 grill, the lights are from an 83 chev, they wouldn't quite fit so I shaved a tiny bit from the back of the grill mounted them to the grill and they slipped right into the holes on the rad support. I wanted to keep the quad lights but had the 85 bumper so that ruled out bumper mounted signals, so I did some customization haha. I'll post some more pics, here in a bit. I think my grandfather(s) would be proud, and that kept me going a lot when it would irritate me. I wish I could have saved my other grandfathers 78 chevy 1/2 ton long box with a 350 as well but my uncle had it and before I was old enough to think about it it got sent to the crusher. But thanks again and I'll get some more pics, the door jams and inside the doors even got done, I was really pleased how it came out.

[Matt_305]

You can see more of the whole progress here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/405071/1
piiiiiiiiiics

[84 400]

damm you did a great job with it man great work. ever thought about a 350 swap? i know you have the 305 and i understand that swap but it might be worth looking for a 350 they are easy to find and cheap once agian nice work. i always wanted a 81 bumper on my 84 chevy and then put in some fog lights were the turns were


oh man i just looked at the car domain site. that 4 speed would be great man if you like shifting

[Leinie]

Great Job ! Your Grandfather would be very very proud!!

But-- I'll bet at some point in his life - he wanted a big block !!!!

Or a 350 !

[79BIG10]

Great job on that transformation of a hulk to a truck!! Looks like it was "overhauled".

[pgf545]

Great job Matt....really cool to see kids getting into the hobby. My 17 yr old is currently working on a Supra, althought he really wanted a muscle car. I am sure Grandapa would be proud.

Bernie

[Matt_305]

Thanks once again guys, sorry to bump it to the top again, and I'm throwing in the 305 for now but eventually I'd love a 454 in her hehe

[86swb]

Looks much better.