Frame off restoration help

[riz]

Hi everybody - I have started a frame off restoration and looking for game plan ideas..... I have never done this before but have been doing this slow and calculated from the start... currently I have a freshly powdercoated frame and ready to start to build up with new parts..... Here' s a list of all the new parts I have already and ready to install:
front rotors and Wilwood brakes
rear disc conversion kit with rotors and Wilwood brakes
front and rear lowering kit - 4.5 / 6 with new springs, flip kit and drop spindles
tubular upper and lower control arms
freshly painted rear axle with new bearings and seals

My main question is this.... is there an order a person should follow to do the build up? I'm looking for a process I should follow. I'll be buying all new parts and want to do it right and not have to go backwards along the way due to poor planning.

Things I have planned and hope to achieve: rear gas tank, possible LS swap....

A helpful set of guidelines would be greatly appreciated so I can buy the parts in the right order I'll need them for to start putting it back together.

[Mattchu60]

not sure if this is what you are looking for, but I did a frame-up build this summer.

I started with the suspension, then added axles, then the engine and transmission. I connected all the lines, installed brake lines, new fuel tanks and pumps at this point as well. After that I installed the cab along with new body mounts. I then wired the engine and everything up to the the cab, connected steering components, etc.

After that I installed the core support, then inner fenders. I got the cooling system all put in place and filled. At this point i started the engine to make sure everything worked and drove it around the yard (live on a farm).

After this, I finished the front clip up, outer fenders and grille, then hood. The I placed the box on the frame and connected the gas fillers and lights to the bed. Installed bumpers and pretty much done at this point.

[riz]

That's what I was looking for but also looking for any stuff I need to do like special brake lines for the rear disc conversion, the proper proportioning valve and booster, etc....

and fuel lines and sending units for the possible LS engine....

Thanks... you gave me a great list and I appreciate it.

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by riz

That's what I was looking for but also looking for any stuff I need to do like special brake lines for the rear disc conversion, the proper proportioning valve and booster, etc....

and fuel lines and sending units for the possible LS engine....

Thanks... you gave me a great list and I appreciate it.

Also look at my build thread. Im doin the exact thing you are asking about. Disc brakes, LS, rear tank, etc.

Thread

Bubba

[bbbc10]

just put it back together how you took it apart

[riz]

I would IF I was putting back the same boring stock truck back together......... think before you post. Hahahaha.

[Joe Z]

Really you need to look at each specific system you want to use and plan out each part accordingly and check to make sure the systems work together and if not it's easier to change on paper than half way installed. There's a lot of variables out there so know what you need and want first. For instance I put a 66 250 inline six in my 81'. Not too many people out there doing it so I just broke everything down to the basics and did the math and made sure it'd all work together before I even bought the motor or turned a wrench. But you really have to know what you want out of it before starting or you won't have a solid build plan and it can cost you time and money having to go back and change things. So if you start setting up for an ls but end up with a different motor it can throw a lot off. But basically start at the bottom and build up, it about the only way to go. Hope this helps.