What order should I start my resto?

[DuckhunterInTN]

I have a 1972 GMC Jimmy 4wd w/ a 350 and auto trans. I have had it in running condition for a while now but now want to make it a little nicer.

It has the rust in the usual places and the interior need some work. Mechanically it is in pretty good shape but has some small issues (A/C does not work, rear wheel cylinders leaking, bad float on the sending unit, etc)

So, what order should I start? I don't want a show rig but I want a nice looking rig.

I have tried starting on the project several times but I end up getting frustrated because it seems like there is so much to do...any tips on keeping focused????


Any advice for a first time "rebuilder" would be welcome....

[lpaine]

You want it to be safe and reliable before anything else-(or at least I want my truck to be that way)! But I'd go over the brakes, you said the wheel cylinders are leaking, not a very difficult or expensive job.And maybe after that you can get under your truck and start getting dirt in your eyes and having lots of fun check for any fluid leaks, check the u-joints, exhaust, etc- the little things that all too often get neglected on these old trucks. If you get all these things right then your truck is going to be a better daily driver and more reliable etc. This is the approach I use on my old truck, and I've never regretted it- it's not too pretty(yet) It'll get there, mechanical things 1st, cosmetic stuff 2nd. Keep on truckin'

[hjalbert]

I think it really matters what your plans are. If you are goignt o be doing a "driving rebuild" then i would definately work on the driverain first. that way you dont put all kinds of money in to the body, only to have it break down 100 miles from home. But i think the way to do it si to pull it all apart in an organized fashion, send it to the body shop, do the engine and tranny, and get everything you want to do done, before you plan on driving it again. i think this is much more satisfying then doing it a little bit at a time.

[1969 GMC]

i agree with lpaine

[DuckhunterInTN]

The truck will be a driver, not a show truck. I don't have any sort of time frame to get it done. I've thought about doing what hjalbert said and just take the thing down to the frame and start sending parts off to the bodyshop.

I definately plan on getting the brakes and everything worked out before I do anything to the body....

[Slammed67]

My advice:

Make any modifications to the frame/drivetrain/brakes before you do any finish work (bodywork, painting, etc). Get the truck mechanically sound and like you want it before you do anything else. You don't want to have to go back and do something twice. For example, I had dropped springs installed on my chassic and had everything painted up nice. Then I decided to install air bags and a c-notch....... ended up having to repaint the frame because it got all scratched up. Test fit everything before you do any final bodywork. Plan ahead!!! It'll save you time and money. Also, be patient. You will most likely get burned out along the way, but don't give up!