Where do I start!?!

[73_K5_girlie]

Ok... I want my truck to be MY project, not my boyfriends project, I have an Alero that i asked him to do a few things to and now lets just say now HE has an Alero... So, being my first truck project I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the list of things that i need to do..like the whole truck! I've decided i don't have the money or the space to tear it all down and do a frame off so I'm gonna have to go piece by piece. what do you all suggest as a good starting point? I'm doing the mechanical first and leaving the cosmetic work for after, sound right? I'm feelin swamped! I wanna get started, but i just go out there and look at it and shake my head and come back in! lol HELP!!!!

[chevychic]

First off, is it mechanically sound?
Start with doing your basic tune up. Get the timing dialed in right if it isn't already. Get all your general maintenance done. As you're doing all your maintenance, start looking for things on the truck that are worn and need replaced. Watch for leaks where you could replace seals, worn hoses, dangling wires, etc.
Does your rear differential have seepage or do you see oil spatters on your rear or front wheels? Could mean you need to replace your axle seals.

What I'm getting at is make sure your truck is reliable and won't dump you off in the middle of the road somewhere. Then go from there.

As your working on the mechanical, you can do cosmetic here and there as you have time and money.

[plumbcut]

first thing is get your checkbook out, CHA CHING its gonna cost a lot of money to bring a '73 up to date..

mechanical before cosmetic is right, though.

pc