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Old 06-21-2014, 07:57 PM   #1
pron70
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$3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

Hey guys. I recently got a new project. its a 1978 chevy short wide pickup. I have roughly 3000 dollars to spend on it. The interior is pretty good shape aside from the dash being cracked. It does not have a motor or transmission in it at the moment. I am debating as to whether i should order the porterbuilt front dropmember kit for it and start there on my build and slowly build it up right. or should i get a crate motor and drop it static 5/7. it has c notches in the rear already and i have the stuff to drop it in the front. so all i would need is a flip kit. any opinions?
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Old 06-21-2014, 08:16 PM   #2
brakenit
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

Really it depends on the condition and whether or not you're willing to undertake a huge project. To me it doesn't look like it's in too bad of condition but it's hard to know from one picture. From personal experience I have learned I would rather have something in fair condition that runs/drives that I can enjoy rather than a long term project that soaks up a ton of money and is easy to lose motivation on.
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Old 06-21-2014, 08:34 PM   #3
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

I think I would put a motor and transmission in it for $3000, if it were me (grin).
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Old 06-22-2014, 10:20 AM   #4
northeimcustom
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

engine and trans and slam and drive!
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Old 06-22-2014, 10:54 AM   #5
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

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Originally Posted by northeimcustom View Post
engine and trans and slam and drive!

same
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Old 06-22-2014, 11:06 AM   #6
pron70
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

sounds like i got my answer lol.
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Old 06-22-2014, 11:09 AM   #7
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

Engine/tranny and enjoy it
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Old 06-22-2014, 11:50 AM   #8
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

Amen^^
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Old 06-22-2014, 12:54 PM   #9
pron70
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

well here is my attempt at photoshop for the truck.
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Old 07-09-2014, 11:00 PM   #10
pron70
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

well i couldn't take it anymore. i ordered the front dropmember and other things to start off this project! 9 week wait cant come fast enough.
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Old 07-09-2014, 11:18 PM   #11
JNJchev77
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

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well i couldn't take it anymore. i ordered the front dropmember and other things to start off this project! 9 week wait cant come fast enough.
You probably would have done it anyway, later on. And you would have a crate motor that would have to sit while you tear apart the suspension... Now, while you're waiting you can save up for the rear!!
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Old 07-09-2014, 11:29 PM   #12
pron70
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

well we just got bonus for our quarterly perfomance at work . so now im at either tubular control arms or the 1200 weld in rear. i got the dropmember and everything else for the front but the control arms. i got rack and pinion steering linkage all that.
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Old 07-10-2014, 06:32 AM   #13
Tx Firefighter
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

I too am waiting for a drop member to be built and delivered. I don't see the point in buying the control arms this early in the game. The stock arms will absolutely work just as well for much less money than buying custom arms.

Maybe after your truck is complete and you've run out of big ticket items to buy or something.
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Old 07-10-2014, 11:56 AM   #14
Mr.Chevy4x4
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

I would put a 5.3/4l60 in it, static drop, and drive the wheels off!

Mike
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Old 07-24-2014, 11:16 PM   #15
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Re: $3000 dollar question. 78 short bed

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I would put a 5.3/4l60 in it, static drop, and drive the wheels off!

Mike
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