Advice - 2 Trucks on a 1 Truck Budget

[ERBSIX]

I already started a build thread for both of these trucks, but as usual, my appetite is bigger than my stomach (budget).

Currently I have my 1978 Silverado 1/2 Ton that’s in really good shape, and is my daily driver, which I want to restore into a show truck & daily driver.



I also have a 1978 Silverado 3/4 ton that’s in rough shape, but still runs good.



My original plan was to bring home the 3/4 ton, and tear it down to the frame to gain the experience I need before tackling my 1/2 ton that’s in great shape (new sheetmetal, engine rebuild, and way more).

Working on the 3/4 ton would give me a chance to really tear a truck down to the frame and do some practicing on sand blasting, welding, body work, painting, etc...

BUT! That means I’ll be putting money in to the 3/4 ton. No matter how little I attempt to put into it, it’s going to happen.

This route would also leave me with 1 working truck at all times. I would drive the 1/2 ton while working on the 3/4 ton (like I am now), and then drive the 3/4 ton while working on the 1/2 ton.

Currently the 3/4 ton needs some work to get it road legal and ready to drive full time.

That’s money that doesn’t go toward my Dream Truck.



So what do I do?!

1. Do I work on the 3/4 ton and get the experience tearing something down to the frame before I take apart my nice condition 1/2 ton. Doing this would also keep me with 1 good, running truck during both tear downs.

2. Or do I just start with the 1/2 ton and go for it?! Doing this will leave the 3/4 in it's current state, running but not street legal.

[palposity]

As someone who is currently working on 2 trucks myself---I vote option 1. That way you can have be that much more prepared to make the 1/2 ton super nice.

My 3/4 is going to be a mongrel work truck---the 1/2 ton is going to be the show queen. We have a good amount in common there.

[ERBSIX]

Originally Posted by palposity

My 3/4 is going to be a mongrel work truck---the 1/2 ton is going to be the show queen. We have a good amount in common there.

That sounds identical to what I want to do. :-)

I am also planning on building a wooden floor flat bed for the 3/4 ton as I don't want to try to restore that busted up bed. But I want to practice welding/grinding/painting on the bed pieces to get the hang of it.

Hopefully the only money I have to put into the 3/4 ton is:

cheap paint
bushings ($200)
engine rings (pistons, cam and crank should be fine)
and some lube & oil

[GMC91]

I too vote option 1. Get a good feel for everything first, then build your dream truck.

[manimal]

I'd have to agree with these guys.......opt1

[Matt Man]

x5 on option 1 mine as well since its reliable.

[nbpro]

opt1

[JohnC]

Yeah I would say option 1 as well. It make the most sense, not that I'm the most sensible guy.

That and if budget gets really tight, and have to stop work on the 3/4 ton you still have the 1/2 ton to drive

[glock35ipsc]

The only way to do two trucks on a one truck budget is..... do only one truck!

Definitely option #1.

[camshaftgsxr]

opt1, but it could be worse you could bbe doing one truck on half of a truck budget like most of us

[ERBSIX]

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Just one more reason I love this forum.

I am definitely going to go with Option 1.

I may put a little money into another truck before working on mine, but like several pointed out, that will just make my final truck that much better. Especially considering I'm planning to do almost all of the work myself.

Now, I've got a 92 Lumina Car in my garage that's got to go.
So as soon as it's out and the 3/4 ton is home, I'll start posting pics & video!

Thanks again guys!

[dropd80s]

As a guy with five projects and only enough cash for maybe one, Im in no position to give you advice lol.

[Gordonr1973]

What's happening???

[Pyrotechnic]

I say focus on your 1/2 ton. I know that you want to do you 1/2 ton perfect and wanting the practice and all, but believe me these builds take a lot of time, energy, and money.

As far as practice goes, go to the scrap yard and pick up a random door or hood or whatever you can get for cheap. Practice all your body work and welding on these first.

I know how you feel, I just recently got a welder and have a head full or ideas for my truck but I didn't want to do any beginner quality welds for anything serious. Instead, I'm building a little motorized bike. I was just able to dive in because it's just a fun little project. Make a mistake? No big deal just do it over.

When it comes to practice, think small. You don't need to restore a whole vehicle to become a pro. Practice and hone you skills on a small scale to get some sense of what you need to do then when you feel comfortable move to your real project.

As far as the 3/4 ton, get the mechanicals good enough for it to be street legal and use that as your daily driver. Yeah it'll take some money but if you're frugal and shop around it shouldn't be too much unless that truck is in really in disrepair.

By the way, I love that color combo on your 1/2 ton. I haven't seen on like that before it looks really nice.

[bluex]

Wow old thread here.

This was my plan with my K5 pratice on it so my truck doesn't get all the oops and mistakes....

The funny part is my truck needs a lot more work, so i should start on it first. At this current time in my life i doubt very seriously I will ever be able to fix either one....

Posted via Mobile Device

[Zane M]

I'm going to be the voice of dissension, only because I fully understand that money can be tight, and any money spent is money that doesn't go to your true project(the half ton). Spend the bare minimum needed to get the 3/4 road worthy(that means don't spend any money on paint-Get used to driving a beater-remember what your goal is(the half ton). You can still practice your skills on bodywork, welding, etc. on the 3/4, BUT spend the absolute bare minimum you need to on materials.
I only offer these suggestions because I have been there, and my primary project suffered when I put "unnecessary" money into the "practice" vehicle. If you have more money than me it may all work out, but ultimately I ended up with two projects that were never close to completion.

[Pyrotechnic]

Man I had no idea this thread was old. I didn't even bother to look at the date and I just started rambling.