Should I get into this much trouble?

[Storm Chaser]

Been beating myself to death over this, so what do you guys think? Kinda long, but bear with me and give your opinion...

Those who know me from the 88-98 side of the board know I have a pretty big frame-up crew build going on (on hold until spring). That project the old lady knows is long-term and ongoing. I also recently bought a beat up 76 with a flatbed to use as a daily and a parts/junk/wood hauler. I bought it knowing the engine was bad, so I put another one in. It was then that I found out the tranny was also shot. No problem, I've got one of those too...

Now I knew the floors were in poor shape, but I didn't realize how bad- I went to remove the crossmember, and found the cab sitting directly on top of the frame. I also found that with the lack of cab bushings and rusted away floor supports, someone welded in some box steel that sits right on the cab perches- welded up with no cusion- crappy welds, but no way to jack the cab to get to the upper crossmember bolts. Really hack and unsafe as h... well you get the point. No, I didn't look the truck over all that well, but for the price, it didn't matter for the parts that were there.

A little info on this truck- 3/4 ton, full floating rear axle, flatbed (which I need), new carpet, driver side fender smashed, needs idler arm replaced, but good parts include- glass, grille and rest of front clip, unhacked wiring, 99 percent of front suspension... a whole lot of good that still makes it a good buy.

On to the dillema...

I just came across an 86 2wd crew cab- it's a complete cab on a rolling frame. Cab and doors are in great shape. Parts missing- bed, rear bumper, entire front clip, engine & tranny, steering box and column, and brake booster and master cylinder. Price was VERY attractive, so I threw down the cash. My original plan was to use everything off of my 76 (except the clip) and put on this crew. I do have access to a hood and rad support for 81-87, so a couple of junkyard fenders would round this out and get it on the road.

Sounds easy until...

I came across another 2wd crew cab rolling frame, again, at a decent price. Add to that- My buddy has a decent 86 complete cab (standard cab), and I have long toyed with putting a standard cab on a crew frame to run a 12 foot flatbed on. Same buddy works at a steel plant and said he'd get the metal and help build the bed. And of course, being the Chevy lover I am, I have enough engines/transmissions to go around. I had posted a question about helping a buddy put an older nose on a newer cab, so what I learned there would aid me in using the 76's clip on this (aside from needing a new driver side fender). I also may be able to score a mid 80's Suburban on the cheap to use as parts.

So, what do you guys think? Should I go for it and build both of these trucks at once? Neither one will be show queens- just a couple of work trucks that would end up being pretty useful for me and my future plans in life. I'd have 95% of the parts on hand to do it, and they'd both go together pretty quickly.

One more piece of advice needed- how do I sell this to the old lady?

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by Storm Chaser

how do I sell this to the old lady?

Sounds like a plan but, Getting around that ^^^^^ road block may be difficult....


Good Luck !!!

[Conundrum]

I agree

[Pyrotechnic]

If you have the time, go for it.

Honestly, I would be looking at a newer truck. Big trucks with lots of life left in them are cheap these days because no one can afford the gas. If you take all the money you were going to spend building those, I'm willing to bet you could get a really nice newer truck for that much money.

Even an older truck that was in good shape to begin with could be a good deal. For example, one of my friends just got an 86 crew cab dually with a 454 and turbo 400 in excellent shape for $3000.

One thing you also gotta remember, women like pretty things. A beater truck with body panels from 5 different trucks that runs great may not phase you or me, but women generally like to see vehicles with a nice outward appearance with a clean interior being a bonus. Especially if it's parked around the house or property. You probably know best on what your wife will tolerate.

[Otsa580]

Building both sounds like the way to go. Especially if you actually have a use the trucks. Go for it...........Its always easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

[old Rusty C10]

lol the way i sell things to the old lady is that i make the money therefore i get to spend it as i see fit..but if a newer truck is not in the future then id build em all

[66truckin]

build em both, use the 76 front clip if its not too rusty and beat up. 81-87 front clips are too modern looking to me.

[88 Dippy]

remember it is easier to ask for fergivenes then permission

[Storm Chaser]

Well I closed the deal on the Suburban parts buggy, and was all set to head out this morning for the crew cab, but now I can't get ahold of the guy. We swapped emails all week long, and I told him I was planning to come during the weekend, but as of friday night up until now, all I get is voicemail- no returned calls, no email. Hopefully something just came up on his end and I can still get it, since I have everything mapped out and even a hesitant green light (but a green light nonetheless) from the other half.

Sure screwed up the plans though- I was hoping to head out first thing this morning, have the truck here by afternoon, and have the engine in and the frontend on by this time tomorrow. Guess not.

Still have my fingers crossed...

[84 400]

you gotta get us some pics and or a 2 in one build up thread going. this sounds like a cool project. I like seeing work trucks fo a change!!!

[toomanytoyz]

Hey Joe,

If that Crew cab deal is a Wash, Here is a Lead for one that would just need a Motor.....

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/pts/1042359448.html

I may have some Parts you can use for 81-87 Build if you need.......

Rick

[Storm Chaser]

Thanks for the lead- I emailed the guy and didn't get a reply, but this morning I got a call from the original guy, so at the last minute I headed out this morning and went to get it.

El Cheapo buildup to follow shortly!

Rick- I'm sending you a PM.