To the guys with completed restorations

[rsavage]

My 70 shortbed 4X4 rides like a 40 year old straight axle short wheel base leaf sprung vehicle. Definitely not a long distance comfort cruiser. My 66 is a 2wd and actually rides pretty well. Has a perfect cam lope and sound but keeps you busy shifting. The 70 suburban is also a 2wd and rides well. I hope that works out as my summer cruiser with this winter's addition of PS, PB, and a 200r4 OD. I'm sure that you can make these trucks handle with lowering, harder bushings, sway bars, etc.- I just ended up keeping stuff more like it was built never expecting them to ride or handle like my 08 Ram 4X4.

[Bubba4spd]

rsavage - I've always heard that a trailing arm rear suspension rode well which is basically what your confirming with your 66. Do you enjoy the 327?

[dhaymaker]

I work wayyyyyy too much, so the hours I'm working takes away from my hobby time. I don't get to put in the garage time I would like, but one thing I found is just pick something and DO IT! Even if you just pick one thing and treat it as a project of its own, you'll be pleased when you get it done and you'll be ready to pick another piece to start in on. Next thing you know, a lot of work is getting done and you're seeing the progress. The hardest thing for me is when I'm making progress and something happens, if I'm away from the truck for a while, I gotta' get myself started again.

So, GO TO THE GARAGE AND GET TO WORK!!

[RTRoberto]

I've not read any responses, so it's probably already been said, or you probably already know it, but you can usually buy a more completed car/truck cheaper than you can build it yourself. I know this from experience.

[rsavage]

Bubba4speed-
love that little 327. Stock solid lifter cam and original winters intake.

[Bubba4spd]

dhaymaker, thanks for the advice. So you really don't put deadlines on your project? You just work along as time permits? You seem to have the ideal personality for this hobby.

RT- No doubt your probably right but I have always had this something down inside of me to create something by myself for myself exactly the way I wanted it. For instance, I have a 99 Silverado extended cab that I ordered new. I had to wait 3 months for her being that I wanted it with the stock then 5 speed manual trans. Chevy does not any longer offer a stick in any 1/2 ton model anymore much to my disappointment. To me, nothing can compare to the sound of a manual shifter going through the gears.

[Camaro_nut2001]

Well with me, I don't need motivation to finish my truck as I will never finish it. I love to work on my truck and sometimes just sit in my recliner and dream. I am not able to do any of the big work anymore, lol and I am lucky to have friends like I have to help me. My advise is to not set any deadlines and to never force yourself to go out and work on your truck. If you see something you like then put it into your truck. Take pictures at car shows of stuff you like and come home and add it to your truck your way. If you don't want to work on your truck then don't just look at your magazines and parts books and before you know it you're out there turning the last bolt on an idea you came up with or finishing up something you took pictures of two months ago that you liked. The main thing is to enjoy yourself and not pressure yourself as life is to short. Just my two cent's worth. Good luck to you.

[Bubba4spd]

I really do appreciate all of your suggestions!!! Each one has helpful information within it and I am so ready to be proud of myself for accomplishing something I wish to do for a change.

[mclairmo]

I think you have to LOVE these old vehicles and LOVE working on them. Without the LOVE, it's hard to keep on going year after year. I live, eat and crap this stuff and LOVE it. I go to sleep with visions of truck/car parts dacing in my head. I have parts in every room of my house, even the bathrooms. My bathroom floor is covered with car magazines/catalogs. My second word as a baby was car. First word was "NO". My son's second word (after "Mama") was "carparts". My dad's toast at my wedding was about how he was so happy all my car parts were moving out of his house along with me. I've been building cars since I was 12 years old. If you truly love it, you will take a break and come back to it and never give up. It took me 4 years to finish my Mustang, 4 years to finish my Camaro and will take more than 4 years to finish my 68 c10 now that I am married with a kid. Don't give up but also don't spread yourself so thin. One project at a time is best. Finish one and then start on another. Also, keep it running and driveable if you can so you can enjoy it while your build it. Good luck.

[Bubba4spd]

mclairmo - I've been given that advice, to keep the thing running and driveable several times already. Hottrucks mentioned on here and Pat used the term "baby steps" as to how some of these projects get completed. Being that the 72 frame that I have started on is separate from the complete 68, I might just get the old girl drivable. Might learn something.