How to start a project?

[evan]

How do you go about starting a frame-off project? I've never taken on a project like this before and I'm wondering about what order I need to do things in. It's going to be mostly stock except for:
-Spindles, coils, flip kit
-Blackbird rear disc brake conversion
-One piece window kit

Since it's going to be mostly stock can I strip it down to the frame and rebuild it on a refinished frame, or should I install all the mods before I pull it apart to make sure there are no surprises?

[allengator]

The most important thing is take LOTS of pictures and tag, box and label EVERYTHING...

Dont say "OH thats a simple part, I'll remember what that is, where it goes, or which bolts it uses"... because you WONT! trust me!

Remember that the vast majority of frame off restos never get put back together!!!

So decide if you REALLY want to go that far... If you do, mentally break the project down to very small goals to keep from getting overwhelmed.
For instance, I am in NO hurry, but set goals each weekend... like 1st weekend, pull front clip... 2nd weekend, remove old motor and trans... etc...
Keep the goals small and easy to reach! You can always keep going even after youve reached that goal!!!!

search the suspension threads for spindle changes, etc... but I would at least consider doing these prior to stripping it down to the frame because it will be much easier to compress the front suspension with the weight of the engine in the truck... etc...

just my .02!

[83burban]

Make a budget - and stick to it. These projects have a way of snowballing and before you know it, you've spent all your money on getting a blingy rolling chassis and have nothing left for the rest

[evan]

Thanks guys.

Speaking of blingy chassis, I was thinking of using all factory replacement bushings, or should I be looking at something like the Energy Suspension bushing kit?

[TeXaS 86 C10]

if you are to that point and have it all apart, i would recommend putting on energy suspension products... they are somewhat cheap for parts, you can replace the parts as you want and need if your on a budget... and the truck will handle and respond much better once they are installed just my 2 cents !

[Tx Firefighter]

I have figured out over the years that the key to a project is momentum.

You simply must put in the hours whether you want to or not. It's very easy to sit on the couch or the internet and not go outside and work. You need to accomplish something every day.

I use a whiteboard on the wall of my shop with different categories.
1) Things to buy next time at the parts store
2) Things to mail order
3) Things to research further
4) Tasks to accomplish

If you'll peel yourself out of the nice comfy house and hit the shop you'd be surprised how quickly things progress. Once you get out there and get to working you tend to keep working and the accomplishments snowball. But, you've got to take that first step every day. If you lose momentum, you're screwed.

[pig rig]

TX is right just work on it and dont let it over whelm you
I do the dry eras boads. but I will also wright down goals of the day, and an over all goal for the week.
also and another trick I do is when I get home from work I force myself to go out to the shop for an hour every night.
why an hour? because it gives me enough time to start tinkering with something and most jobs cant be finished in an hour. so that hour can turn into 2,3,4,5 hours of work on the goal or just an hour with my thumb in my butt. but I made an effort

one thing I used to do before the www. is I get into something I didnt understand or know anything about then I would dewell on it and then procrastination would set in bad until I found someone to help me

now all the help I need is at my finger tips so dont be afrade to ask

[evan]

Thanks for the input guys.

I forgot that the one thing I was thinking about doing that would require some frame modification is changing the gas tank to the back between the frame rails. The only thing that's bugging me about it is I've only seen that done with filler access in the floor of the bed. I'd only like to do it if there's a way I can keep the filler access on the outside of the box.

[bmchevy1979]

you could use a blazer or sub style filler on the right side of the bed

[Tx Firefighter]

As far as the discussion about suspension bushings above, I won't ever run urethane bushings again. My last truck, I used every bushing in the truck from Energy Suspension. No matter how diligent I was in greasing them with the special grease, they creaked as the suspension moved. From now on, it's all new rubber bushings for me.

[Buick455]

I am into one now (1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4) and have the frame sitting on the side pad of my shop waiting on a nice day to work on it. All the other parts are in the shop. I took pictures every day and labeled them on my computer. Every part is bagged and tagged. I am cleaning and painting and boxing as I go.
All spring bushings are OEM except for the front and rear shackles which were rubber and now will be poly. I purchased new rear spring wear pads which are expensive for what you get ($6.00 per) needed 12.
I have been working on cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and pretty much anything that has wheels since I was 12 and I am still learning. You have to start some time. Good luck.

[bmchevy1979]

Originally Posted by Buick455

I have been working on cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and pretty much anything that has wheels since I was 12 and I am still learning. You have to start some time. Good luck.

I knew I wasn't the only one out there that was taught at a young age been working on this stuff since I could walk now I'm 17 and into complete rebuild