My new build thread: Stage 4!

[litebulblsc]

Cool, just keep going at it.

Depending on the patch needed, I would probably go with the stamped stuff over custom

[swyfor5]

Started tearing the front clip off yesterday. Grille out, headlights and buckets out, I will post up some pic's asap!

[70rs/ss]

Man I bought a trailer made out of a blazer for the bedsides and never used it, it would cover all that you need and then some (rear floor and bedsides). It is mostly rust free but it is in AZ?

[swyfor5]

Really, might be interested. Any pic's? I have never been to AZ, but my Dad goes there now and then on vacation.

[swyfor5]

Post up some pic's of yesterday's ripping!

[swyfor5]

More!

[swyfor5]

Double wall top, what are these for?

[swyfor5]

These holes are there, what are they for?

[swyfor5]

Man, the more I tear into this, the more worried I get! A lot of rework here, and a lot of a lack of funds for the extra parts and work. Gotta do a serious rethink of this whole project, and ok it with the "Boss"! Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up yet, just planning!

[Burt4x4]

Put it back together, finnish your 1ton upgrade and go wheelin...you'll find out soon enough what the next project needs to be. It takes deep pockets to do ALL of it at once....Two or three upgrades a year and in time you'll be there..wereever that is as I havn't found the finnish line and I started in 1993

[JUSBLAZ]

I agree with Burt4x4, put it back together and use it. Once it's down and don't use it it starts to hit the back burner and you cant see the end in sight.

[drunkbus]

Originally Posted by JUSBLAZ

I agree with Burt4x4, put it back together and use it. Once it's down and don't use it it starts to hit the back burner and you cant see the end in sight.

I'll ad another vote for Burt's theory. I try to do about 1 major task a year and keep it driveable at all times. That way it won't get thrown to the side somewhere and forgotten. Last year was motor, trans, and transfercase for mine. This year will be 1 ton Dana 60 and 14 bolt, 6" lift, and new exhaust. I'll start a thread shortly, still waiting on a few little parts that are on back order.

[SeventyOne]

I think it's cool to do the build both ways.

Keeping it as a driver means you get to enjoy a very cool K5 all the time. But there is something to be said about tearing the whole thing down and restoring/modding as you build it back up - I think a more thorough job can be done cleaning/repairing the vehicle and getting it the way you want it.

That is ultimately you're answer though. If you can be happy driving it as you build it, put it back together and upgrade as you go. For me I have a truck in a billion pieces slowly getting put back together. It may seem slow, tedious, and overwhelming but I honestly think there is a "hump" you get over and it starts getting easier (for me that is getting a rolling chassis back together).

So either way get out there and keep at it. Good luck!

[swyfor5]

Man, thank's guy's. Really want to save this tub, but money is holding me back. Not just the tub, got hatch, and other issues! The money is hard to come up with these days, twin girls on drivers permits/pending legal, soon!

[Burt4x4]

Just think "drive train" !! get-r-rollin!! yer girls will enjoy ridding in "dads monster truck" not hey look at dads pile of project that we can't play with
It's 30yrs old it will squeek

[swyfor5]

That's funny! It's exactly what they said when they saw it all tore apart! Still thinking it over. I am trying to find a pair of driveshafts for the 1 ton axles to start the swap.

[litebulblsc]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Attachment 596315Double wall top, what are these for?

Not sure, but I have a similar looking thing on my single wall.

[blue70k5]

I have those same holes on my double wall top and always just assumed they were for an optional shoulder seatbelt strap...

[swyfor5]

Hey Blue, that makes sense, they are in the right location. Never heard of or saw any though.

[litebulblsc]

I went and checked, and the pickup cabs have these holes too.

[swyfor5]

Ripping continues! Tore the cowl off today, that area looks real good! Ripped into the heat/box, tore it right off, pic's to follow tommorrow!

[litebulblsc]

You never gave us any engine pictures

[swyfor5]

More pic's of yesterday's ripping!

[swyfor5]

A few more!

[swyfor5]

Crossed the bridge tonight,am going to put the exterior cowl area, grille, headlights, etc, back in place, and go head strong with the 1 ton drivetrain setup! Still need to tackle the body mounts, and the torsion/rocker box replacements, etc! Thank's for the advice here guy's!