An odd project model

[Pampas56]

Hello everyone:

I have a 1989 k2500 ECLB truck that I have been trying to get running for about 10 years. the engine went bad, and it took 4 years to get another used engine put in it. Then six months later the tranny crapped out and the same donor truck gave me a tranny. it works now fairly well but could be better.

Fast forward to now. I am retired and have some money from my retirement and my wife keeps saying " why don't you get rid of all your old rigs and just buy a newer truck?"

Being a smart husband, I listened and started looking around on craigslist. to my surprise there is NOTHING out there worthwhile for less than 25K. remember I am looking for 2 doors, 6 seats, 8" box and 4WD. I can find small boxes, 4 doors and 2WD all day long! The other problem is most of what I look at is 200-300K mileage. For $12-18K.

This got me thinking (I know! Dangerous.) that if I have 15K to spend would it make more sense to fix what I already have rather than buy another high mile fixer.

A little background/ inventory:

Body: A few dents, and paint job is all there with the clear coat peeling on the hood and canopy. not a problem for me because at the end of the day this is a working truck, not a cruiser or show piece! The drivers door does not latch correctly and passenger door is hard to open. The glass is all there and fairly good. I have a new grill on the way

Interior: The seats are wore out and the latches do not work. I would like to find a set of 60/40 seats to replace my 40/60 setup with a rear bench to match. carpet will either clean up or be replaced. My dash is VERY good- no cracks or tears in the surfaces and what stains are there I can live with. No headliner left, but I can find something from a ECSB to replace it. Door cards shouldn't be too hard to source.

Wiring: This is where it gets interesting. The PO did a GREAT job of hacking the wiring- engine compartment AND dashboard. I fixed the problems under the hood when I swap the engine. The moon gauges are terrible so I am thinking wiring from a 92-94 truck with a tach cluster would be possible. Or a painless harness might be easier. I am a retired hydro electrician so the wiring shouldn't be too hard.

Running gear: The steering is sloppy but it tracks well. The brakes are OK but will be replaced near the end of the project. The 4.10 gears are not my favorite, would 3.73s be better or worse. Remember the truck is going to be a snow/tow 4by not a rooting rig. Logging roads and the occasional yarding job in the pasture are going to be most of the offroad usage.

Motive power: A used engine/trans from a donor truck and NP205 t-case are good for now. Maybe down the road a 4l80 with stand alone controller and/or a newer crate modern FI engine. Or rebuild what came out and stick it all back in.

Thank you for reading this far. Any help or opinions will be greatly appreciated

To quote Liam Dunn in "Blazing Saddles"

Rev. Johnson: [praying] O Lord, do we have the strength to carry off this mighty task in one night? Or are we just jerking off?

Townspeople: Amen.

Thank You
Steve Bauer