Project 69 Panel Shop Truck

[TrinitySteve]

I found this very intact panel out in west Texas. I bought it from the second owner and can document it back to the dealership in Comanche, Texas.
The PO had taken it apart to paint it and got sidetracked. The poor truck sat in a field since 1992. Most of the parts were in the back.
Progress so far:
Crate 350/ 330hp carbureted engine
NV3500 5 speed o/d trans with hydraulic clutch
Floor had to be converted to a high-hump to clear trans
Full suspension rebuild; added sway bars, 2" lower springs, rear air shocks
Power drum brake upgrade with vented drums
American Autowire harness


Prepping for minor panel replacements, rocker panels and behind rear wheels.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by TrinitySteve

I found this very intact panel out in west Texas. I bought it from the second owner and can document it back to the dealership in Comanche, Texas.
The PO had taken it apart to paint it and got sidetracked. The poor truck sat in a field since 1992. Most of the parts were in the back.
Progress so far:
Crate 350/ 330hp carbureted engine
NV3500 5 speed o/d trans with hydraulic clutch
Floor had to be converted to a high-hump to clear trans
Full suspension rebuild; added sway bars, 2" lower springs, rear air shocks
Power drum brake upgrade with vented drums
American Autowire harness


Prepping for minor panel replacements, rocker panels and behind rear wheels.

Good deal! Glad you rescued it. That will be a good engine/trans combo for sure with the OD transmission. I looked for 12 years before I found mine and finally found one 17 miles from me. Keep us posted on the progress.

LockDoc

[TrinitySteve]

Thanks, LockDoc. I would like to get your biz info so I can get my doors all keyed the same.
More pics coming.

[Coprod]

I'll tell ya, for sitting that long out in the elements....That is in damn good shape. Hell I've seen worse stored indoors. Definitely a great truck to start a resto.

Looking forward to the updates....

[Average Joe]

Nice rig!

[TrinitySteve]

To preface my project:
What I had hoped would be a motor swap, repair project has become a major reconstruction. The underlying decomposition was severe enough, yet the overall condition was intact enough to warrant this process.
We will leave budget out of the equation.
The PO had began a restoration, of sorts, and painted the front part of the frame and front suspension, along with the rear end and control arms. It looked pretty clean at first. They had painted the inside of the cab area but the paint was damaged from exposure to the elements. (The doors were stored in the back of the truck, one painted, one primed.)
The challenge, in a nut shell, is this truck sat exposed in a field for 24 tears.
I want to share the story of her revival.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by TrinitySteve

Thanks, LockDoc. I would like to get your biz info so I can get my doors all keyed the same.
More pics coming.

I missed this post somehow. PM sent.

LockDoc

[olblue60@aol.com]

Thanks for sharing . I'll be watching.

John