Where to start??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72BlckButy · 08-28-2007, 08:58 AM

I'm having trouble determining where to begin on the build process. I would love to begin with the chassis. The truck needs a attitude adjustment (still determining how much as well as static vs. bags) I also would love to do a complete front end rebuild, and also upgrade the brake system (hopefully a disc/disc combo). Alot of these upgrades will also depend on the amount of cash flow for the month.

Since most of the items I mentioned above depend on each other, where is a good place to start, so I'm not running into replacing newly installed parts?

Also, the frame is in need of a major cleaning, and I would also like to clean it up during the process.

Where did you guy's begin on your builds?

cdowns · 08-28-2007, 09:34 AM

a realistic budget is the first place to start
i put my safety and mechanical systems first before cosmetics

PanelDeland · 08-28-2007, 09:36 AM

I began by making a list.I wanted to be able to drive while building.If you are doing a frame off it's usually easier to start at the frame and work up.
If you are wanting to drive it while restoring it start with the safety stuff.Brakes,steering,tires,and such.
Good luck.

JHART · 08-28-2007, 09:37 AM

Well said cdowns ...

First part i bought was a master cylinder.

68gmsee · 08-28-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHART

First part i bought was a master cylinder.

If not sure of the condition of the master cylinder, it should be a first major consideration. The brakes in general are something we don't think about when buying an old truck-if they work we just drive it. But age and old brake fluid will harden some of the old seals.

Nothing scarier than the pedal going down to the floor because of an old seal breaking down.. (Been there).

BB72CHEVKT · 08-28-2007, 02:05 PM

I agree if you want to drive it safety first.

CHRIS00RACER · 08-28-2007, 02:17 PM

I bought a 68 short fleet with manual everything and started on the brakes, changed to power disk off a 72 long rustbucket doner. Bought all new bushings, wheel bearings, tie rod ends etc. then moved to engine and tranny. now all thats done- time to start on the body and looks! I figured better be safe and not have to worry about the mechanical part while i enjoy the body work!!!

streetstar · 08-28-2007, 03:19 PM

Agree with the rest, it depends on how long you want your downtime to be. A frame off is a minimum 3 or 4 month deal, and that is if you have a 5 gallon bucket full of cash ready to put into it as well as a lot of late nights.
I have a project like this that was supposed to be a 4 month deal but is in its fifth year. I much prefer another truck of mine that i am driving while working on it. (although the frame off is going to be nice someday)

As far as lowering option, doing a mechanical drop, shorter springs and spindles, maybe a c-notch in the back is classic and does not require permanent frame modifications or disrupt the bed floor like some of the air ride (poser) systems. But then again, some of the poser trucks look cool - i wouldnt put a radical drop on a truck that is a regular driver though

72BlckButy · 08-28-2007, 10:47 PM

Thanks for the helpful information. I was planning on beginning with the brakes, but I wanted to guage the rest of the board's builds. My main problem is the fact that with what I'm wanting to do, the upgrades depend on each other (ie, drop spindles, ball joints,...) They all depend on the other to complete the build.

Is there any way around this? Or is it all apart of the build process?

timzrides · 08-28-2007, 11:06 PM

adding to this same topic, i'm in the same situation, where to begin? do you guys test fit your entire truck cab, fenders, hood and everything else in the front before you start on the frame. i just wonder about having a nice painted frame and this pulling a cab on and off along with fenders to do body work and then paint is also.

**70cst** · 08-28-2007, 11:35 PM

I agree with all the wise statements above...SAFETY has to come first.
I bought my 70cst almost seven years ago and now after saving $$$$$$$ I am ready to start the resto...The engine, brakes, suspension, and tranny will be done first. The body and interior will be done last. As far as which mods to go with...look at other trucks and research to what best fits your needs. Good Luck with your build.

blukangoo · 08-28-2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

a realistic budget is the first place to start
i put my safety and mechanical systems first before cosmetics

Exactly!
I did the frame, suspension, engine, transmission and some electric.
The Body will have to wait til the Money Crapper gets overhauled.

08-28-2007, 08:58 AM	#1
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Where to start??? I'm having trouble determining where to begin on the build process. I would love to begin with the chassis. The truck needs a attitude adjustment (still determining how much as well as static vs. bags) I also would love to do a complete front end rebuild, and also upgrade the brake system (hopefully a disc/disc combo). Alot of these upgrades will also depend on the amount of cash flow for the month. Since most of the items I mentioned above depend on each other, where is a good place to start, so I'm not running into replacing newly installed parts? Also, the frame is in need of a major cleaning, and I would also like to clean it up during the process. Where did you guy's begin on your builds? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

08-28-2007, 09:34 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Where to start??? a realistic budget is the first place to start i put my safety and mechanical systems first before cosmetics __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-28-2007, 09:36 AM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Where to start??? I began by making a list.I wanted to be able to drive while building.If you are doing a frame off it's usually easier to start at the frame and work up. If you are wanting to drive it while restoring it start with the safety stuff.Brakes,steering,tires,and such. Good luck. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

08-28-2007, 09:37 AM	#4
JHART 1972 Shorty Owner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Stationed in Cali , born and raised in PHX Arizona. Posts: 796	Re: Where to start??? Well said cdowns ... First part i bought was a master cylinder. __________________ 1972 Chevy Shorty C-10- Project In Work http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ATT1721941.jpg- New Project

08-28-2007, 02:05 PM	#6
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	Re: Where to start??? I agree if you want to drive it safety first. __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

08-28-2007, 02:17 PM	#7
CHRIS00RACER Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NORTH CAROLINA Posts: 3	Re: Where to start??? I bought a 68 short fleet with manual everything and started on the brakes, changed to power disk off a 72 long rustbucket doner. Bought all new bushings, wheel bearings, tie rod ends etc. then moved to engine and tranny. now all thats done- time to start on the body and looks! I figured better be safe and not have to worry about the mechanical part while i enjoy the body work!!!

08-28-2007, 03:19 PM	#8
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Where to start??? Agree with the rest, it depends on how long you want your downtime to be. A frame off is a minimum 3 or 4 month deal, and that is if you have a 5 gallon bucket full of cash ready to put into it as well as a lot of late nights. I have a project like this that was supposed to be a 4 month deal but is in its fifth year. I much prefer another truck of mine that i am driving while working on it. (although the frame off is going to be nice someday) As far as lowering option, doing a mechanical drop, shorter springs and spindles, maybe a c-notch in the back is classic and does not require permanent frame modifications or disrupt the bed floor like some of the air ride (poser) systems. But then again, some of the poser trucks look cool - i wouldnt put a radical drop on a truck that is a regular driver though

08-28-2007, 10:47 PM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Where to start??? Thanks for the helpful information. I was planning on beginning with the brakes, but I wanted to guage the rest of the board's builds. My main problem is the fact that with what I'm wanting to do, the upgrades depend on each other (ie, drop spindles, ball joints,...) They all depend on the other to complete the build. Is there any way around this? Or is it all apart of the build process? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

08-28-2007, 11:06 PM	#10
timzrides Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 351	Re: Where to start??? adding to this same topic, i'm in the same situation, where to begin? do you guys test fit your entire truck cab, fenders, hood and everything else in the front before you start on the frame. i just wonder about having a nice painted frame and this pulling a cab on and off along with fenders to do body work and then paint is also.

08-28-2007, 11:35 PM	#11
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Where to start??? I agree with all the wise statements above...SAFETY has to come first. I bought my 70cst almost seven years ago and now after saving $$$$$$$ I am ready to start the resto...The engine, brakes, suspension, and tranny will be done first. The body and interior will be done last. As far as which mods to go with...look at other trucks and research to what best fits your needs. Good Luck with your build. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

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