Where to start...

[VTtwinner]

Hello all! New to this forum. I have purchased a 1967 GMC 1500 fleetside. I would like to do a frame up restoration. This forum is great. I can't seem to get the search engine to work. I have a ton of questions.

Where to start! Does anyone have a recommendation for books? I grew up on a farm, and have always tinkered on motors. I have no experience with bodywork. I'd like to do as much work on this project as I can, but I have no problem with having work done when its just not possible for me to do a task.

Any links to beginner sites? I have subscribed to Custom Classic mag, and have been lurking here for quite a while..

I am like a kid in a candyshop right now. I can't wait to begin!

[Hottrucks]

welcome from the other twin state I'm over near White river jct and VTblazer is up near sharon ( I think??) there are a few of us up here...but your going to have to post pics..we are all pic whores and love to see trucks....

let me know where you are I'm sure you will find all the help and info you will ever need here.....

Jeff

ps I just picked up another GMC and know a few guys with parts locally but we have rust issues....lmao

[R.L.]

I found these interesting, welcome to the forums.


http://www.autobody101.com/

http://www.iautobodyparts.com/guide_and_tips.html

http://www.autobodyonline.com/

[tim21391]

what it do.. does it even crank? we have a 51 chevy truck that would just crank real slow and not fire.. we put a new coil. points. spark plugs. fuel pump. and cleaned out the carb and intake, new battery and it fired right up

[VTtwinner]

I have yet to pick the truck up, its in Ohio. Bought it off a member of this forum. Its definitely a work in progress, but has potential! Its been frustrating trying to find a starter truck here in Vermont, everything is either rusted right through, or $$$.

Here are some pics...

[VTtwinner]

I have questions about the rear bed panels. Are they worth bangin' out, massaging back to shape, or should I shop for some used clean panels...

[Hottrucks]

Dude we I would wait till you get it home but if it as mine I would pull the panels and run it with the Pantina paint......who was the member and does he have any other parts ?? (since the truck is coming this way anyway might as well fill it with good parts!!) are you going to pick it up or have it delvered?? Maybe we could use that Blazer to pull it back?? where are you in VT ....I could be talked into a road trip!!!
and talk him out of those rallies in the back ground!! Looks like your going to have a Kool little streeet truck

DAm now you got me excited!

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by VTtwinner

I have questions about the rear bed panels. Are they worth bangin' out, massaging back to shape, or should I shop for some used clean panels...

If you want a real nice bed you'll have to start with nearly perfect stuff IMO. Anything can be made to work but at what time and $$. Its always more than you think.

A restored shortbed is going to run you well over 2K whether you fix those or buy replacements. How's the floor? If steel and not straight and unpitted, wood is the fix. That means a wood kit and skid strips, new front panel and all new crossmembers.

Or cut to the chase and buy this restored bed, right color too! Our loss is your gain.

[big_al_71]

Welcome from miami.....You will find all the answers in here for sure...

[VTtwinner]

OUCH CPNE! Of all the places for that tree to have fallen. I am a fleetside guy. Stepside just doesn't do it for me. The bed looks to be in pretty good shape.

[cdowns]

where to start??
get the truck home
after inspecting and noting problems,sit down and decide what you want for a finished product,stock, custom,prostock,proturing etc..
another thing b4 starting is to work out a realistic budget for your project and if you have a significant other make sure you are both in agreement both style and pricewise to avoid midproject discussions

[mclairmo]

My advice is to get it running nice and safe first and always keep it running. That means good brakes, steering, suspension, engine, lights, horn, seatbelts, etc. Don't ever have it non driveable for more than a weekend or maybe one week. You will be much happier if you can drive it once in awhile during the restoration and you will be more likely to finish it. This means making some sacrifices, like no powdercoated frame and no taking the cab off. I would fix the bed yourself, it will be a good learning experience. Once it is tore down to the poaint where you cannot drive it and sits for a few years, the chances that you will tire of it. increase exponentially. I've seen it happen many times. Also, check out your local community college for bodywork and paint classes. Also take a welding and machining one. They are invaluable and will give you access to good shop equipment like a paint booth, air compressors, sandblast cabinets, welders, etc.

[vtblazer]

Welcome to the board, your new GMC looks like a great place to start.

Where are you in the state?
I'm in central VT, near Montpelier.

Happy to help, feel free to check in.

[smallwin67]

Nice find,I don't see many 67 gmc's around.

[ChevLoRay]

Where to start? $$$$$ is good to have.

Looks like a good project, for sure. I have kids that moved in with us for a little while, from RI. RI doesn't worry with titling anything when it is more than 10 years old, due to the rust issues, so I can understand why you'd have trouble finding any suitable projects in your area.

Good luck on your project.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like you scored pretty good get her home then plan from there..