72-What to do?

[lmaxwell]

Hello. Im new to the forum, so bare with me. I was just given a 72 Chevy that belong to my grandfather that he purchased new with major rust damage, interior needs totally replacing, etc. Without a lot of experience in the automotive restoration business, is it worth restoring? Coat ideas? I just invested about $300 just to get it running so I can move it around. Id love to see this truck back to the origianal condition, but im afraid it would cost several thousands.

[N2Clsx]

Im guessing that maybe some pics would be a good idea so that the guys here that do bodywork have a starting point on what you have. good luck.

[lmaxwell]

Absolute. Im traveling this week but will post some next week.

[dfwright]

It will likely cost many thousands... However, it's your Grandfather's truck. That makes it one-of-a-kind special for you. If you do some/most of the work yourself, you can cut the cost down considerably.

I would recommend taking a look through the Projects and Builds section, to see what others are doing with theirs, look in the Engine and Paint and Body sections to see what kinds of help and insight are available.

Spend some time on this site, and see if the thought of fixing that truck up starts to grow on you... the bug is very catching, and you might find that just working on the truck is as rewarding as having it fixed up and driving it around.

[chopnchaneled]

Time's a 100 on what dfwright said, While i'm still a nubee on this site
the folks here are top notch and will help with any dumb questions (I know because i've asked some) you can ask. I started on mine with a kind of half hearted efort, but now i can't wait to have time to work on it and read what is going on on this site.

My 2 pennies

[lmaxwell]

Thanks all. I have joined forums in other in the past, and began getting slammed and ridiculed fromt he first question. I apprectiate everyones advice.

[bobs409]

What I've learned from my years of dabbling with old cars/trucks is anything can be fixed. It's going to take two things though. Time and money!

When you have lots of money and no time, you hire someone to do it. When you have time but no money, you do it yourself.

I never could afford to hire anyone so had to learn how to do all the repairs by myself but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Way back in my teen years my 69 Chevelle needed a paint job. I couldn't afford to have someone else do it so I got a cheap compressor and a sprayer and did it myself! Looked good from about 10' too! After about 15 paint jobs, I must say I'm pretty damn good now!

When I needed patches welded in, I certainly couldn't afford to hire a welder so I bought a cheap wire feed welder and taught myself. I was welding within the hour! (and to this day, still use that same $199 welder!)

I could give more examples but I think I made my point.


It's all up to you. Do you have a love that old truck? If you do, you'll find a way.

And we're all here to help coach you along.

[GASoline71]

You won't get out of it what you put into it... money wise. Rust is a killer. Lots and lots of work. If you can do the work yourself and own a welder, grinders, and cutting tools... you will be ahead of the game. If you have to pay someone to do all this... it will be big bucks.

There is a difference between restoring, and maintaining. Restoring is the big buck deal. Where just maintaining a truck in good running condition and fixing the safety issues, and then gettin' to the stuff to make it look good as you go is less expensive. A daily driver prolly isn't a good idear. But... get it runnin' good... save some cash... fix things as you go... and keep the memory of your gramps old truck alive.

Gary

[bollybib]

Since it was your grandfather's, it has sentimental value to you. There are a lot of board members that have inherited a truck this way.

I'd say spend a lot of time searching and reading posts in this site, think about what you really want, your level of commitment, time and money, etc. For me, this approach usually results in a plan I can live with.

x2 on bobs409 advice (lots nuggets available here if you look)

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by lmaxwell

Thanks all. I have joined forums in other in the past, and began getting slammed and ridiculed fromt he first question. I apprectiate everyones advice.

When it comes to these trucks, don't even waste your time on any other forum. You will find all the answers right here.