Restoration Avalanche

[70cst]

Ok…now I know what they mean by the “Restoration Avalanche.” I took my truck in last Jan. 08 to begin the restoration of my 70cst. It has taken me about eight years to get to this point. This is where I envy all those who are mechanically gifted because I am not. I'm the type of guy who uses an adjustable wrench for a hammer. The quoted price for the restoration will be about $20 G’s and we are on target. But what I didn’t figure out was the expenses of the complete wiring harness, ac expenses, all the trim parts, steering box, and other related costs involved. I have already purchased lot of the interior parts. Be that as it may…I know when my truck is done it will be worth the added expense. At least 70cstjr will think so. As mentioned my 99 Taco TRD with 56,000 miles will be sold to assist in the cost of getting my 70cst on the road. Ok…I feel better now. I figure it is better to be poor and happy than rich and in the cave.

[toomanytoyz]

I hear you about Cost, I'm About Twice what i had hoped to spend & Still have a Long way to Go. Good Luck & try not to get Discouraged by the Process................

Rick

[70cstjr]

all that and ur gonna keep those ugly rims

[70cst]

Hey...those rims are classics?

[Longhorn Man]

what "ugly rims" are we talking about?

[70cst]

I have a set of Rally's...come to think of it...70cstjr is insulting all truck owners with these rims. Look out 70cstjr.

[DennyB]

Hey Jr,

I like the truck rallys, I added spinners to mine

[70cstjr]

what i was refering too, the truck is basically going for a frame off, and he is gonna keep the ralleys on their, i think a good set of torque thrust would really set it off, if your gonna spend 20g's whats 500 more gonna cost lol i just think these things are hot

[ChevLoRay]

I had a 20G quote for a turn-key job on my truck three years ago. I couldn't afford them then, and I sure can't know.

If that amount of $$ isn't making you shiver, good for you. But the avalanche of "things" that falls out from the efforts/actions of doing a restoration, restification or whatever you want to call the process, can't be ignored nor can it be eliminated. Who would want to consider the process of buying an old house, making everything look good and using "knob and tube" wiring that wouldn't support anything over a 50-amp load? Same thing with these trucks. If you don't have in your plan the idea to replace the wiring with new, and to do the same with the A/C system, why even start?

As you dismantle these trucks, the necessity of doing some things comes to light. You kinda had an idea that it would, but seeing the deterioration for yourself just drives it home. At least, that's been my education. When it's all said and done, it just makes sense. Sure, you may not have wanted the expense, but not doing it doesn't make sense, either. A/C may have to wait, but having a good, reliable electrical system is just good insurance for a safe and reliable vehicle. The best time to replace the wiring is when the truck is "nekkid". At least, that's my plan. I'll get the heater going, then work on the A/C. As long as the components are in-place, the perpherals will work themselves out.

[70cstjr]

Even if its all said and done though lets say hes got 5k in parts not included in the 20k, were you gonna find a truck new for 25k thats got the quality and steel that this muscle truck has? money well spent

[70cst]

Originally Posted by DennyB

Hey Jr,

I like the truck rallys, I added spinners to mine

Me three...I bought some spinners at the Street Rod meet in Louisville so I will have Rallys with spinners. I'll let 70cstjr buy the Mags for me this Christmas. Hey JR...what's $500 plus I do believe these will cost a "little" more than $500.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

If that amount of $$ isn't making you shiver, good for you. But the avalanche of "things" that falls out from the efforts/actions of doing a restoration, restification or whatever you want to call the process, can't be ignored nor can it be eliminated. Who would want to consider the process of buying an old house, making everything look good and using "knob and tube" wiring that wouldn't support anything over a 50-amp load? Same thing with these trucks. If you don't have in your plan the idea to replace the wiring with new, and to do the same with the A/C system, why even start?

I agree on the wiring...the wiring in my truck was sliced, diced, and duck taped. It's much easier to do these types of repair while the truck is apart. As JR said this will be my new truck except it will be 38 years old.

[Cyclone44]

Originally Posted by 70cst

I have a set of Rally's...come to think of it...70cstjr is insulting all truck owners with these rims. Look out 70cstjr.

I like my set of ugly wheels.....JR.....