Don't think it's gonna happen...your opinions

[OLDROCK&ROLLER]

I would save it. Below is a list of things I didn't have to replace on my truck.

LH bedside
Rh bedside
Frame

[birdie]

If it makes you feel better your truck has less rust than mine. You owe it to yourself to at least get it running and go from there.

[boundstaffpress]

Don't Junk It.
Sell it here, or part it here.

Things I saw.
1. Odd choke delete
2. Uncracked dash pad
3. Strange accessory above missing lighter.

[JRB]

DONT GET RID OF IT!!!! The 396 alone is worth keeping it. They make the cab support and all the sheet metal you need to make it new again. Get your Dad and your Grandpa to help you, it will make for a great family project. Good luck with it.
JRB

[PKelly]

Thanks for all your words of encouragement! I was very overwhelmed when I finally got a chance to look it over closely. It's a huge project so I definitely don't think it's going to replace my current truck in a couple of years (the '99 Dodge Dakota in the background of one of the pictures). Knowing that some of your trucks were in pretty bad shape and you were still able to save them makes me feel like it's possible to bring this one back. It definitely has lots of sentimental value. Although for me, most of my memories are of my teenage years hauling firewood, brush and driving it to the farm to work. The only "fun" memory I have is one family vacation in the early 80's to the Natural Bridge in Kentucky when the camper was on back.

I'll have to see if my dad would be interested in working on the restoration with me. My mom died in December after a long-term illness so he may welcome the opportunity to spend some time on it. My grandpa will have to be there in spirit as he died in 1988. My brothers may be interested but they're going to be fighting to find time like me...we all have jobs, wives and kids that create a lot of other commitments.

boundstaffpress, That strange accessory above the missing lighter is a cheap, plastic stick-on pen holder I believe my grandpa stuck to the dash years ago. I thought about pulling it off before taking the picture but thought is might be a great "conversation" piece.

When I try to get the engine running what should I do before hand? Change the oil, gas, and coolant? Try to turn it over by hand first to see if it's seized? Any help would be appreciated.

[Old Yeller 1970]

I'm a little late to this conversation but since I'm the owner of a LWBSS I vote to save it. You have a very unique truck and it would be a shame to junk it. Rust wise your cab is in worse shape than mine but all the other parts you mentioned (and then some) are being replaced on Old Yeller. My truck build is strictly for sentimental reasons and that is what yours will have to be too. I won't kid you about the length of time you're looking at because it will take what seems like forever but in the end you'll be really glad you did it.

As far is getting it running, I'm kind of the impatient type. I'd make sure there is oil and water in it, then throw in a hot battery and crank away. The gas is probably too old to run well but if it cranks great if not it didn't hurt to try.

[mbgmike]

We will donate TriPlus floor pans if you think you want to fix it

[CPNEJR]

boundstaffpress that delete plate over the choke was something chevy did in 67-68 with the 327 and up because they had an electric choke. normally they are square with GM written on it.

[boundstaffpress]

I'd seen the GM delete plate, but never the round bezel delete.

Thanks

[PKelly]

The round delete spins onto a threaded "bolt" that sticks out through the hole. There's a black metal piece that goes on first that has a "step" in it to cover the word "choke" imprinted on the bezel then the chromed part spins on to hold the black piece. I like the GM delete better myself.

[ChevyTough]

Definetly worth saving! I love the long stepsides. They make everyone look twice. How often do you see a longbed stepside? Plus it has the 396. If you don't want to deal with that much rust, find another cab and go from there.

[glock35ipsc]

I see absolutely nothing on that truck that can't be repaired or replaced! That would make a real nice project, and it is FAAAAAAR from being too-far-gone to restore. It's actually in decent shape compared to others I have seen get rebuilt.......