Need help with a game plan for my build...get me back on track

[Rob68c10]

Ok here it goes. I have a 68 shortbed that is totally stock. It needs the cab replaced, some metal work on the fenders and a little on the bed. Eventually I want the truck frame off redone, dropped 4/6, power brakes, disc front and rear.

What other parts I have:

Front suspension from a 72.
Power brake booster from same truck.
Cab and all components from same truck.


All I am looking for is to get the truck safe to drive. I don't care what it looks like. The truck needs a new front spindle and ball joints. The front suspension could probably use a rebuild.

I also plan to convert to 5 lug and drop the 12 bolt from the 72 in my 68, which will also have a disc conversion. I also want to do new brake lines.


Now as all of us know, one simple spindle fix turns into a full on snowball restoration. I want to drive this thing, but I am not ready for restoration. How to I get this accomplished without a restoration and without having to replace everything twice? I guess I could get away with a new spindle and new ball joints. But if I am replacing that, may as well lower it right? Then that means converting to 5 lug front and rear.......you get the idea.


What would you do?

[gcburdic]

Rob,

After doing a couple frame offs, I've decided that if I cannot put it in the garage on Friday, and drive it out on Monday, I don't want to do it.....
So I would offer you this....take on small projects at a time, make sure you have all items needed for each small job before starting, then hit it hard....
so for the 72 x-member swap, get all require parts (ie tie rods, ball joints, brake lines, etc go ahead and replace), jack that 68 up unbolt the old x-member, bolt in the new...same with the rear...make sure the rear is in good shape etc....unbolt the old, bolt i the new....etc...

does that help? make sense?

[Shyguy]

Here is what we did on the '67 we are working on that is on a '69 frame, we took all the '69 suspension and running gear off and replaced it with the front cradle assembly and rear-end from a '71 replacing the parts that needed to be done. We did a 2/4 spring drop during the process.

Then we did all the necessary repairs on the cab which were pretty extensive, but I wanted to keep the cab because it was from a truck my son, his family and I worked on years ago.

Once we get it done and painted I will drive it for a while before doing any more mods.

[tubbedII]

With my blazer being down for 6 months now and all I was supposed to do was install a EDC, I know exactly what you mean. The only piece of advice I can give you is don't worry too much about doing something twice. Most of the parts you have to touch twice are very simple fixes while trying to wait until you get everything could post pone it too long.

gcburdic is right...if you can't start on Friday and drive on Monday, either don't do it now, or break it down into smaller projects that can be accomplished in a weekend.

[Rob68c10]

Thank you all for the input. I kinda had the idea of do things in a small batch. The thing is though, I only start the truck once or twice a month, so down time is not the problem. But I think I am gonna save up to do the 4/6 drop, power brake conversion, new lines, 5 lug rear, rear disc swap all at once. That way I can at least drive the thing while I fix the cab that I have for it.

I will take pics and keep you guys up to date!