Questions of how to get started? Among others!

[jgaley69]

I have C/10 Chevy, 3spd on tree, 292 straigh 6 long wheel base. I haven't yet got the funds to start on it yet, as soon as i do will be updating here weekly. My questions right now are should i be looking at what at thiis time cant afford, but want or just cut back to truck steering suspension, and dics brakes. Before even getting started witn sanding the whole truck down Top to Bottom replacing what's needed?

Just looking toward possible replacing engine with LS1 or better with ecm, this could take me years to get all this done not to talk of paint? Looking for focus from this group in some from.

[72BlckButy]

Welcome to the board.

First off... take this in small steps.
Secondly... think about the cause and affect rule; if I do this, what will it affect in the future.

Get it running/driving safely and don't have a spur of the moment tear down; to many projects end up on CL or Ebay because someone tore down a complete truck and lost interest/funds.

Finally... enjoy it. Read on the board and see what others have done, what has failed, and post your progress.

Enjoy!
Nate

[LockDoc]

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I agree with Nate. Make it a running driving truck first so you can enjoy it while you decide what you really want to do with it and can afford... I love driving my '67 with the straight six in it. Everyone that gets a truck with a six in it seems to think they have the curse and want to dump it as quick as they can. The 292 is a great engine that will run for years if it hasn't been beat to death.

True story, I bought a '67 3/4 ton LWB that the previous owners kid and his buddies used to hold the accelerator to the floor and slide his foot off of the clutch on. They were trying to do wheel stands with it. They bent both rear trailing arms (remember this is a 3/4 ton) and rolled the rear axle out from under it. I drove it for two years after I got it and that six banger still ran like a top.

LockDoc

[treveiger]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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True story, I bought a '67 3/4 ton LWB that the previous owners kid and his buddies used to hold the accelerator to the floor and slide his foot off of the clutch on. They were trying to do wheel stands with it. They bent both rear trailing arms (remember this is a 3/4 ton) and rolled the rear axle out from under it. I drove it for two years after I got it and that six banger still ran like a top.

LockDoc

I may be young and stupid but thats just sad even in my eyes but that cool that that truck took a beating like that and still ran good for a long time.

[matthew20061]

Welcome to the forum! I would have to agree with everything that was been said above! ^

[Palf70Step]

Definitely go in small steps. Get it road worthy and drive it as you save money and get the other things lined up on what you want to do. Biggest regret I did with mine is tearing it down too soon and not getting the enjoyment of driving it more.

[pat 70/71]

Total agreement with everyone. make it safe first and foremost. We have all been there( where we have more ideas than funds to carry out those ideas) I was 18 when I got my first truck I wanted to make it nice but money was tight. little by little is how it happened for me. Good things take time so enjoy the ride it will be rewarding and what you learn you will stay with you for life. cheers, Pat

[jgaley69]

Thanks to all for input!! Going to try and take things as I can gettting it running and driveable first, also deciding how much to spend. Currently can get running just have to prime with gas, so will take things Slowly now saving up for parts.

[jgaley69]

After getting it running, then have to think of what to do with front brakes? For now will be cheaper to maintain the drums that are there currently. Been searching into disc change over just using rotors from 73, be way that can be done without possible getting hurt in salvage yard. Right now thinking of converting the points to HEI cheaply, but tires will be first. Watching local Craigs list to get some hopefully inexpensiive.

[70cst]

All I can say to these words of wisdom is AMEN!!

[cdowns]

keep in mind it's a lot more fun to drive them than work on them

[Sammy]

I agree with the other posts. Review the build threads taking note on what you want, need and can afford to do it in a timely manner. Do some smart planning in advance you will not regret that effort.

[PanelDeland]

I agree with the sentiment to drive it.Get it safe and running well.Don't even think about getting rid of the 6 until you have at least,another driver,an engine/driveline rebuilt and ready to go in and a TON of $$ since it will cost 1 1/2 to 2 times what you think.
I would get it running and safe then drive it while I sorted out exactly what I wanted the truck to be and how I would be using it.Make notes and then do small changes at a time.Maybe gather the parts and then do the disc swap in a weekend.HEI the same way and so on.That way you can enjoy the journey since you will still be driving it.
You would also be suprised how much you can do for little money.Just clean and polish the paint,Clean the interior,remove,clean and paint engine bracket etc.These little touches will help you maintain momentum,keep you involved in upgrading the truck and make the truck more fun and interesting to drive.

Then go to this post and rethink the V-8 swap.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=258488

[firedog]

while i work on mine i try to think... if i take off this i might as well replace this so i dont have to take it off again to do it later