Getting back to the Truck!

[71SWBChevy]

Ok guys so I am starting to get back on my feet cash wise after all the crap I went through in January and I started doing some stuff on the truck today. I am getting the rear end cleaned up for paint and my questions mainly revolve around it.

I am looking for a place to buy brake parts for the rear end, just stock parts, where can I get the best deals on these kinds of parts? Should I hit up a board vendor or stop by my local NAPA?
Also the next order of business will be brake and fuel lines and suspension parts, should I get these from a vendor as well? All this stuff will be going back stock unless there is an upgraded option for about the same money.

Finally what type of paint would you guys recommend on the rear-end?

Thanks for all your help and once everything starts going back together I'll get some pictures up!

[Tx Firefighter]

You can get stock brake parts off the shelf of near any local parts store. I prefer O Reilley around here, they suck the least of them.

You can make real nice fuel and brake lines with a bender and some patience. The parts stores will have lengths of straight tubing to start with. You may need to cut them shorter and re-flare the end on some. If so, you'll need a flaring tool.

[53sparks]

I guess i would check with the local parts store first, if they dont have it or cant get it i would check with the vendors if any thing it will save you money on shipping! I went with reg cheap rustolium tme will tell if i should have went with something else i just want drive it!! Good luck ill post a pic with my frame painted with the cheap stuff. Ron

[randomhero472]

i just got complete brakes from my local napa, you can also get everything off napa's website

[davidh]

Just stay away from AutoZoo unless you're getting oil. They do have some spray penetrate, rust off that works better than wd-40. I'm starting to think Oreily's isn't much better.

[jsbgump]

Glad to hear your getting back to it.

[71SWBChevy]

Thanks for the posts guys, I have a tubing bender already because we had to replace the brake lines on my dad's 99 silverado(WTF gm brake lines should last longer than 6 years!) but I don't know if i have a flaring tool or not I'll check with dad though.

can I get the suspension parts at O-reileys as well or will i have to hit up a vendor for those items?

[MDC]

Hey Drew Good to see you back at it. I bought all of my brakes and suspension parts from a local independent auto supply. Most was on the shelf, but what he didn't have he ordered in a day or two. I wire brushed all of my parts then wiped them down with laquer thinner to remove all grease/oil and painted with Rustoleum semi-gloss black. Let us know how it's going.

[al's71gmc]

I bought rusto paint for the frame. I hope it holds up alright, but time will tell. Either way it'll look better than before. Now all I need is warm enuf weather to paint it!

[71SWBChevy]

Originally Posted by MDC

Hey Drew Good to see you back at it. I bought all of my brakes and suspension parts from a local independent auto supply. Most was on the shelf, but what he didn't have he ordered in a day or two. I wire brushed all of my parts then wiped them down with laquer thinner to remove all grease/oil and painted with Rustoleum semi-gloss black. Let us know how it's going.

how did the rustoleum hold up?

[72armyswbtruck]

I prefer to stay away from autozone, I like NAPA, make sure that you get lifetime warranty parts no matter what since you plan on keeping this truck right?

[MDC]

Originally Posted by 71SWBChevy

how did the rustoleum hold up?

So far, so good. It seems to be much thicker paint than the cheapo stuff. I think using the laquer thinner or even acetone 'dries out' the metal good and really helps it to bond. It's not tough like powder coating, but if you're careful not scratch it while putting it all back together it should be fine. Look at my thread on progress. I did the same thing to the brake booster, firewall, ps pump and brackets and all of the pulleys.

[71SWBChevy]

Originally Posted by 72armyswbtruck

I prefer to stay away from autozone, I like NAPA, make sure that you get lifetime warranty parts no matter what since you plan on keeping this truck right?

YES the only way this truck will leave me is if its stolen(and i don't get a chance to shoot the SOB) or i come on REALLY hard times money wise and then i will keep a buy back option open. I am only the second owner and this is my first restoration/mild custom that i have ever built.

[rauto13]

Drew, if you have to cut and reflare the brake lines, make SURE you have a double flaring tool, all brake lines have to double flared, or the flare can stress and break, also my local O'Reillys carries Moog suspension parts, please, don't go cheap and make sure you buy name brand suspension and steering parts like Moog or TRW, the safety is well worth the litte extra money.

I paint everything with Krylon semi-flat black, seems to hold up well

And congrats on getting back to the truck!!

[71SWBChevy]

Ok I will go pay a visit to a local O-reilleys in a couple of days. I am going on vacation next week until thursday and then i will work some more on the truck. Hopefully i get the summer job i put an application in for, then i'll have some truck money!

[71SWBChevy]

Hey guys i have another question for ya, I was looking at GMC pauls website at the brake line kits and it got me to thinking my truck was originally manual brakes but I was planning on going back to power, I have seen guys use several different boosters off of several different vehicles and my question is if I use a non-stock booster will the lines still fit right or will i have to custom bend some lines to go to it? Also is there any advantage to going with a booster off of something else other than the fact that they would be more widely available?

[djracer]

Drew
You might want to check on rustoleum hard hat paint! I here its real nice I plan on using it on my dash and interior!

If you are buying brake shoes make sure they are riveted and not bonded! I don't think Napa has anything but bonded! I got riveted from Carquest for my nephews new truck!

Kevin

[71SWBChevy]

Originally Posted by djracer

Drew
You might want to check on rustoleum hard hat paint! I here its real nice I plan on using it on my dash and interior!

If you are buying brake shoes make sure they are riveted and not bonded! I don't think Napa has anything but bonded! I got riveted from Carquest for my nephews new truck!

Kevin

I have seen that hard hat paint might check that out! And I'll makes sure i get riveted not bonded

[BowTieMan]

I agree with the others, autozone brakes suck and I prefer napa.

[candyman70]

actually they do sell good pads and shoes at the zone but you have to ask for Performance friction carbon metalic pads!