Has anyone on here done all of their own work - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JORGIE95961 · 03-31-2011, 03:03 PM

i can see that you are all qualified to do a resstoration , but has anybody on here done their's %100 without outsourcing to anybody else.. paint , blasting , engine work, etc,etc,etc?

vasquezmrysvll · 03-31-2011, 03:20 PM

so far, im all in 100% with exception of gathering parts

*stich626* · 03-31-2011, 03:25 PM

I have to be, no money to farm out stuff

Tycoon4u · 03-31-2011, 03:27 PM

Mine is all me with the exception of a little help from family (very little) mostly things I can't lift on my own.

allengator · 03-31-2011, 03:28 PM

Other than boring out the block... yes....

**SactoJim** · 03-31-2011, 04:19 PM

I had a buddy build my short-block and had to have someone stitch up my seat.....other than that, I did it all.

**LEEVON** · 03-31-2011, 06:39 PM

I'm 100% on my '50 except my neighbor helped me lift the front clip off. I kind of wish I hadn't asked him so I could say I did that myself too...but the body is keeping it's patina so there goes like half of the build.

**LockDoc** · 03-31-2011, 08:14 PM

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So far I have done everything on the ones I have built except paint and I have traded work for that. The "in progress" '70 Chevy SWB with a TPI/ 700r4 has been done by me 100% so far. I sandblasted & shortened the frame, painted the firewall and inside the cab and plan on painting the outside too. I have been working on the wiring as I am modifying the original loom to use for it.

LockDoc

AirSpeed · 03-31-2011, 08:15 PM

I did everything on my truck, except installing the windshield. I paid a guy a bunch of money to paint my 69 and it turned out so bad that I decided to never hire another painter again. Last year I painted my 72 GMC, I did ALL the work myself, including sanding it down to bare steel, welding all the holes closed, filling all the stake pockets and antennae hole, fixing all the dents and painting. It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Body work is easy when you take your time. I had never fixed a dent in my life and I got my truck very straight! I even fooled a couple local body shops, they thought it was done by a pro.
I think anyone with some basic tools, a decent compressor, paint guns, and time can paint a truck. It's really not that hard. Some of my techniques may have been strange, I actually used a stringline to see and get all the waviness out of my bed sides. Most of my metal working tools are home made including my dolly and hammer, slide hammer, even my longboard was made by me. I used a 7" grinder/polisher to remove the old paint and did all the other sanding completely by hand.

Jeffs70 · 03-31-2011, 08:20 PM

I do all my own work, I wont fork out the money to have someone else do the same work im capable of doing my self. not only that I am very pleased to look back after doing the things I have accomplished my self.

bucketObolts · 03-31-2011, 08:29 PM

All me, of course with some help from my buddies and about a thousand cases of Bud Light. the only thing I might outsource on is custom upholstery but, I may as well give it a shot myself first. Built. Not Bought.

Tx Firefighter · 03-31-2011, 08:48 PM

Everything. I farmed nothing out on either of these builds. Both were nut and bolt bare frame up restorations. I do everything including my own tire work, alignment, glass work, paint, upholstery and exhaust work in my home shop. Since these two trucks, I now do my own powdercoating too.

67ChevyRedneck · 03-31-2011, 10:30 PM

I did everything in my uncle's driveway except for getting the tires mounted, front end alignment, and I took it to a shop to have the A/C evacuated and filled.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=build+thread

pat 70/71 · 03-31-2011, 10:46 PM

I did everything on our three trucks but the transmission in my avatar truck (350) and the seats. Can one really afford to be in this hobby and pay for everything to be done by out side contracted help? To me its just part of the process (its my golf) have fun with what you are working on! cheers, Pat

kaycee · 03-31-2011, 11:38 PM

Did it all meself, "IT'S not what you bought but what you built"

Frkypunk70 · 04-01-2011, 12:02 AM

Everything except machine shop work. Just can't afford the equipment. But most of it is pride and being a cheap ass.
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Beelzeburb · 04-01-2011, 12:58 AM

I'm with some of the other guys, can't afford to farm it out. Plus, I gain new skills every time something new gets tackled. On my Suburban I've done most of the work with notable exceptions being the rebuilds on the trans & transfer case (my dad did those), the machine work on the block, having driveshafts shortened & balanced and outsourcing the sandblasting of the frame. I've already done paint & body on one car, so there won't be as steep a learning curve when I start on this one. I'll wind up doing the upholstery too. Plus taking the glass back out for paint and then putting it in again. Well, I'll also be doing all of the final rust repairs before paint too.

Of course, how far down do we mean "do their own work"? I'll admit I'm probably going to use repro seat material that's already been sewn by someone else, but if need be I'd jump right to taking measurements, making patterns and firing up the sewing machine. I don't gather raw materials and refine them though.

**leddzepp** · 04-01-2011, 01:24 AM

everything mechanical, including a/c evac/charge. all drivetrain, chassis, and suspension. im down to paint and seat re-upholstery. those will be done by experienced friends.
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bucketObolts · 04-01-2011, 01:28 AM

Well Ive always gone by the saying, "If you want it done right, you better do it yourself." Plus at 23 years old I dont exactly have the cash to pay $85/hr. labor charges. Not unless I wanna get evicted. I know alot of guys who had their rides built by a shop from start to finish. and that's fine cuz it's their trucks and their choice, but who do you think is lying under their truck on the side of the highway at 2 a.m.? It sure aint the shop owner or the truck owner, I can tell you that. Driving a bagged truck, Its a given, somethings gonna break so you better know what to do so you can limp your butt home cuz my trucks arent towable.

mrein3 · 04-01-2011, 07:27 AM

Anybody can write a check.
Not everybody can say they built the car/truck they are driving.

Hottrucks · 04-01-2011, 08:30 AM

I'm in except for the widing of the stock rallies to 13" ($50)

jhwkns · 04-01-2011, 09:18 AM

I plead guilty Your Honor.

Mr Chevorlet · 04-01-2011, 09:24 AM

I 100% do it yourself, heres a few

sean1969c10 · 04-01-2011, 09:44 AM

I do all my own work including boring the block, decking, align honing, valve job, balance, and build my own transmissions. I struggle with body work but I figure I can screw it up a lot cheaper than I can pay some one to screw it up!!

pumpkin · 04-01-2011, 10:21 AM

I do it all my self, with the exception of building the 700r4, machine work on the engine, and some fiberglass work on the top.

03-31-2011, 03:03 PM	#1
JORGIE95961 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: OLIVEHURST CA Posts: 570	Has anyone on here done all of their own work i can see that you are all qualified to do a resstoration , but has anybody on here done their's %100 without outsourcing to anybody else.. paint , blasting , engine work, etc,etc,etc?

03-31-2011, 03:20 PM	#2
vasquezmrysvll "the other guy" Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Olivehurst California 95961 Posts: 901	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work so far, im all in 100% with exception of gathering parts __________________ God Said,"Building A 10 Second Import Is Like Coming Out Of The Closet, In The End Ur Still....."EXPLETIVE"

03-31-2011, 03:25 PM	#3
stich626 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: hingham ma Posts: 1,721	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I have to be, no money to farm out stuff

03-31-2011, 03:27 PM	#4
Tycoon4u Tooloose Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jonesboro, IL Posts: 280	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Mine is all me with the exception of a little help from family (very little) mostly things I can't lift on my own. __________________ A legend in my own mind!!! website: http://www.persmedequip.com/ '68 c10 (current project) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=cherry+bomb '04 silverado (better halfs) '07 wildcat 27rlwb(for sale) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...llinois&cat=17

03-31-2011, 03:28 PM	#5
allengator Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 596	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Other than boring out the block... yes.... __________________ Allengator Outta the Blue (my band - available for hire in the DFW area!) 1980 Chevy SWB Pickup (build thread) 1951 Chevy Sedan Delivery 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide 2018 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab

03-31-2011, 04:19 PM	#6
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I had a buddy build my short-block and had to have someone stitch up my seat.....other than that, I did it all. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

03-31-2011, 06:39 PM	#7
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I'm 100% on my '50 except my neighbor helped me lift the front clip off. I kind of wish I hadn't asked him so I could say I did that myself too...but the body is keeping it's patina so there goes like half of the build. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

03-31-2011, 08:14 PM	#8
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,483	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work - So far I have done everything on the ones I have built except paint and I have traded work for that. The "in progress" '70 Chevy SWB with a TPI/ 700r4 has been done by me 100% so far. I sandblasted & shortened the frame, painted the firewall and inside the cab and plan on painting the outside too. I have been working on the wiring as I am modifying the original loom to use for it. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

03-31-2011, 08:15 PM	#9
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,026	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I did everything on my truck, except installing the windshield. I paid a guy a bunch of money to paint my 69 and it turned out so bad that I decided to never hire another painter again. Last year I painted my 72 GMC, I did ALL the work myself, including sanding it down to bare steel, welding all the holes closed, filling all the stake pockets and antennae hole, fixing all the dents and painting. It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Body work is easy when you take your time. I had never fixed a dent in my life and I got my truck very straight! I even fooled a couple local body shops, they thought it was done by a pro. I think anyone with some basic tools, a decent compressor, paint guns, and time can paint a truck. It's really not that hard. Some of my techniques may have been strange, I actually used a stringline to see and get all the waviness out of my bed sides. Most of my metal working tools are home made including my dolly and hammer, slide hammer, even my longboard was made by me. I used a 7" grinder/polisher to remove the old paint and did all the other sanding completely by hand. Last edited by AirSpeed; 03-31-2011 at 08:27 PM.

03-31-2011, 08:20 PM	#10
Jeffs70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Valley Springs, Ca Posts: 857	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I do all my own work, I wont fork out the money to have someone else do the same work im capable of doing my self. not only that I am very pleased to look back after doing the things I have accomplished my self. __________________ My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=442487 My Picture Gallery http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0&ppuser=36004

03-31-2011, 08:29 PM	#11
bucketObolts Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pequannock NJ Posts: 259	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work All me, of course with some help from my buddies and about a thousand cases of Bud Light. the only thing I might outsource on is custom upholstery but, I may as well give it a shot myself first. Built. Not Bought.

03-31-2011, 08:48 PM	#12
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Everything. I farmed nothing out on either of these builds. Both were nut and bolt bare frame up restorations. I do everything including my own tire work, alignment, glass work, paint, upholstery and exhaust work in my home shop. Since these two trucks, I now do my own powdercoating too. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin Last edited by Tx Firefighter; 03-31-2011 at 08:48 PM.

03-31-2011, 10:30 PM	#13
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I did everything in my uncle's driveway except for getting the tires mounted, front end alignment, and I took it to a shop to have the A/C evacuated and filled. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=build+thread __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 03-31-2011 at 10:30 PM.

03-31-2011, 10:46 PM	#14
pat 70/71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: newbury park california Posts: 1,038	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I did everything on our three trucks but the transmission in my avatar truck (350) and the seats. Can one really afford to be in this hobby and pay for everything to be done by out side contracted help? To me its just part of the process (its my golf) have fun with what you are working on! cheers, Pat

03-31-2011, 11:38 PM	#15
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,445	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Did it all meself, "IT'S not what you bought but what you built" __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327



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04-01-2011, 12:02 AM	#16
Frkypunk70 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Scranton,Pa Posts: 423	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Everything except machine shop work. Just can't afford the equipment. But most of it is pride and being a cheap ass. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car. "

04-01-2011, 12:58 AM	#17
Beelzeburb Devil's in the Details Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern Utah Posts: 353	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I'm with some of the other guys, can't afford to farm it out. Plus, I gain new skills every time something new gets tackled. On my Suburban I've done most of the work with notable exceptions being the rebuilds on the trans & transfer case (my dad did those), the machine work on the block, having driveshafts shortened & balanced and outsourcing the sandblasting of the frame. I've already done paint & body on one car, so there won't be as steep a learning curve when I start on this one. I'll wind up doing the upholstery too. Plus taking the glass back out for paint and then putting it in again. Well, I'll also be doing all of the final rust repairs before paint too. Of course, how far down do we mean "do their own work"? I'll admit I'm probably going to use repro seat material that's already been sewn by someone else, but if need be I'd jump right to taking measurements, making patterns and firing up the sewing machine. I don't gather raw materials and refine them though. __________________ '70 K10 Suburban - TBI 454, 4L80E, NP241C, Dana 60 & 44 - The 10+ Year Project Thread Datsun 240Z, 510 2 door and an old Honda motorcycle

04-01-2011, 01:24 AM	#18
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,004	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work everything mechanical, including a/c evac/charge. all drivetrain, chassis, and suspension. im down to paint and seat re-upholstery. those will be done by experienced friends. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

04-01-2011, 01:28 AM	#19
bucketObolts Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pequannock NJ Posts: 259	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Well Ive always gone by the saying, "If you want it done right, you better do it yourself." Plus at 23 years old I dont exactly have the cash to pay $85/hr. labor charges. Not unless I wanna get evicted. I know alot of guys who had their rides built by a shop from start to finish. and that's fine cuz it's their trucks and their choice, but who do you think is lying under their truck on the side of the highway at 2 a.m.? It sure aint the shop owner or the truck owner, I can tell you that. Driving a bagged truck, Its a given, somethings gonna break so you better know what to do so you can limp your butt home cuz my trucks arent towable. Last edited by bucketObolts; 04-01-2011 at 01:31 AM.

04-01-2011, 07:27 AM	#20
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work Anybody can write a check. Not everybody can say they built the car/truck they are driving. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

04-01-2011, 08:30 AM	#21
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I'm in except for the widing of the stock rallies to 13" ($50) __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

04-01-2011, 09:18 AM	#22
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I plead guilty Your Honor. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

04-01-2011, 09:24 AM	#23
Mr Chevorlet Rusty Nuts Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Clever Missouri Posts: 1,338	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I 100% do it yourself, heres a few Attached Images __________________ (Clever Missouri) Southwest Larry Mr Chevrolet My Build, The Marathon Truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=604414

04-01-2011, 09:44 AM	#24
sean1969c10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Powhatan, Va. Posts: 376	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I do all my own work including boring the block, decking, align honing, valve job, balance, and build my own transmissions. I struggle with body work but I figure I can screw it up a lot cheaper than I can pay some one to screw it up!!

04-01-2011, 10:21 AM	#25
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: Has anyone on here done all of their own work I do it all my self, with the exception of building the 700r4, machine work on the engine, and some fiberglass work on the top.

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