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

[PKelly]

I posted a couple of messages in late February after locating this site. It's a great site! I had a dream of restoring my dad's '68 Longstep C20 but I think it's too far gone. I got up to the farm on Saturday to re-coat the barn roof and spent some time going over the truck. My grandpa bought it in the mid-70's and hauled a camper with it until late 70's/early 80's when my dad starting using it for a work truck. He took it to the farm about 5 years ago and parked it.
There are some great options on this truck, including a 396 engine and air conditioning. However, I'm guessing it may take $25/$30K and many years to bring it back to life.
I attached a link below to a Photobucket album...hope I did it right so you can check out the pickure and let me know how what you think...is it ready for the junk yard??

http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j217/pakelly/
Password: 68 C20

[rauto13]

link says need password to enter

[72armyswbtruck]

Don't part it out save it, nothing is too far gone, just a little elbow grease and time that's all

[PKelly]

Password is 68 C20 (with a space between 68 and C20) Sorry, didn't know how to have it Read Only without a password...not really up on sharing pictures on the internet....

[rauto13]

It could defintely be saved, but that sure is a lot of rust. I have seen where others have replaced rockers, parts of the floor and the cab supports. Maybe someone else will chime in with the cost.

It would be difficult for me not to save that one with the 396, factory air and the sentimental value. As far as taking it to the junkyard, there are some high dollar parts there. If you decide not to build it, sell it to a board member to save.

Good luck.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I would say find a decent cab but you could always replace the floors and rockers... There are patch pannels made to fix those areas with the exception of the roof pannel I do not think there is one for that....

[Alvin]

It doesn't look too far gone to me. Where are you located in Ohio? I may be interested in it if you look to let it go. It certainly doesn't deserve the junkyard yet.

[Billla]

Well, there are some hard decisions to make. I personally hate to see stuff going to the junkyard.

I think you have to decide first what you want to end up with - begin with the end in mind. If you want a perfect, professionally-restored truck or a wow show truck, then 25-30K isn't enough. :/

If you want something that runs and improves over time, why not? Do the mechanical work to get it running, and start working on the problem areas. I'm doing a "driving restoration", and while it's not always easy I pretty much always have the truck to drive, the $$$ are spread out and paced as I can afford it and it gets better all the time. Sometime in the future I'll end up with a good, solid truck...and it'll be done exactly the way I want it.

This looks restorable to me - it's a cool truck and has a personal connection...GO FOR IT!

[71chevytruckguy]

go for it, don't see too many long step's with big blocks. carolina classic's carries the the roof panel. i need to get on for my '69. good luck. chris.

http://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com...ody-parts.html

[PKelly]

I live in the Western Hills area (Cheviot) but work in West Chester near Union Centre Blvd and 75. I'll keep you in mind if we plan to get rid of it. Knowing my dad, he'll want to put it back in the barn and hold on to it. He was pretty excited about me restoring it...my brothers were too. I think he's attached to it although he would never say so...he was very close to his dad. I'd like to restore it but after seeng that much rust I have doubts. So, maybe some expert opinions will help me decide how to move forward.

[Paul M]

perfect example to learn the art of welding and body work...its not hard and that one isnt to far gone..id say get it running good and start gathering parts then redo to your liking.

[krue]

You can get a decent cab and go from there. I just had a cab given to me (it's in fair to poor shape for around here, but in decent shape from what I see of the northern states). You just gotta be patient and look for deals.

[Alvin]

I haven't dealt with much rust personally (thankfully my truck is from TX), but from what I've seen others work with on here, your truck is just a cab and a couple body panels (not to mention the hours of work), away from being pretty desirable. As has been clearly stated so far, this thing is a pretty rare bird. Not too often you find a 3/4 ton stepside with the big block and a/c.

I live right by the Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. and I75 interchange. If you want to stop by sometime and just look at a pile of parts (formerly known as my '68) and maybe get some inspiration for this rig, just send me a PM or an email: nahasopetalon@yahoo.com

[Green Machine]

Close your eyes and think about how sweet it would look all fixed up, I would have to fix that one if grandpa bought it new.

[sdkid]

That "personal connection" would make the decision for me. Give it a shot. You, your dad and brothers can get together and make a family affair out of it.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

At least get it to where you can drive it around the farm, that's what I did with mine. My Granddad liked seeing his old truck run and drive again, and now that I drive it every day he really feels proud. Your truck is actually in better shape than mine is, get 'er running!

[Ron 586]

Hey, long time no hear from. I wondered where you went. I answered your first post and and thought from your enthusiasm that by now you would be about ready to start driving that truck. I had computer problems and lost everything and could not remember enough to find you again. After looking at the pictures I would have to say you have a real hard row to hoe to restore your truck. If you had just went out and bought it and then found all this rust I might say walk away and cut your losses. But with the family history this truck has, take a second look. The first thing I want you to do is go back and read starting at your first post and all the way to present. After that sit down and let a good dose of reality get in the mix. It's not going to be a easy choice and you are the only one that can make it. And no I'm not trying to lay no guilt trip on you, I am saying however that if it don't fit the original plan of replacing you present daily driver you might want to consider a joint family venture to save the old truck. If you feel that you don't want to tackle it I'm sure that you will have people standing in line to take it off your hands. Good Luck

[_Dick_]

Just remember Dads get the rear bumper to hang on the wall its a classic

look good over a barn door .oh the stories that would be told laffin

[Brainchild]

Doesn't look much worse than my DD to be honest.While driving it while you fix it is a great idea,having a DD is a must,or so I found out.I can't park mine for 3-4 days when I need it everyday.

You can buy all the patch panels for it,they really aren't all that high.Stretch it out over time,drive it when you want to,and just appreciate it for whose it was and what it is.

There are a ton of parts on there that a lot of us would like to get ahold of.I agree,if you decide to sell it,let a board member get it and save it.

[breeh]

As has been said, there are a bunch of great parts there. Coming from a position of no sentimental attachement, long steps are not very desirable and I love stepsides as you can see in my avatar. My point is this, sinking big bucks into restoring a long step would have to be done for sentimental reasons and not investment reasons. Personally, I would find a decent 67/68 short wheel base truck and transfer all of the cool stuff to it.

[sixty8c10]

replace the cab, and save it

[BrianJordan]

that can be a sweet ride once again, just take your time . it will come togather be for you know it.

[mplex2000]

Dude that's a sweet truck!! You see fleets all day long, but you have to love the long step! Don't let it die, it ain't that bad!

[special-K]

Get it running,if it`s not.Start looking for a donor truck or a fairly repairable cab.That cab could be saved.It`s a toss-up,labor vs purchase price.I believe your plan was to replace you daily driver with this truck.Rethink that.Take your time and don`t drive it `til it`s done.Get your dad in on it,too.Do it!

[AKChevyman]

My opinon is if it is got sentimental value that is far more valuable then resale value. I also like things that are in there own right unique Long steps might be the redhead step child but since they are diffrent I say go for it. That is why I am sticking with a 3/4 longbed fleet. I am doing a ground up and not making it a short 1/2. It also helps that my great grand dad bought it brand new in 1971. I also learned how to drive in the thing about 13 years ago so sentimental is the biggest reason behind my truck. I say save it or as much of it as you can and take your time. Gather part like others have said and take little step toward your final goal. If you want any more information PM me and read these boards.