Slowly I build a truck
 

This was my Dad's truck. He gave it to me in 1980 and it has sat outside in the Florida sun for most of it's life. I was just going to replace a window regulator, but I kept hearing the phrase - as long as you have that part off you might as well keep going. I got it all torn apart and then bought a house. I've spent the last 5 years working on the house while the truck waited it's turn. I'm starting to pick back up on the truck now so I'll try to update this thread as I go. The first thing I did was go to the Moultrie Swap meet and get some 'new to me' wheels.

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

greAT START

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

I took a window out, the bumper off, painted the grill and was well on my way to being in over my head.

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Buying parts at the swap meet.

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

Looks like ya got some good parts to bolt on to it..

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Looks like a nice solid truck, just keep plugging away, it all takes time.

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FL. nice lookin truck. New to you wheels look great. Can't wait to see it as you progress. You got some nice parts to bolt on.......:chevy:

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Thanks guys.

I decided the bed was too far gone so I took off to Missouri to get a replacement.

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Stopped by to see Elvis on the way.

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Here are some 'before' pictures.

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Here's the last time it will crank until it's restored:

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Taking the front clip off:

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There's no turning back now:

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Baggies and labels for everythign:

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

looking good! :metal:

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

Lookin good mate, ya gotta love those baggies!! Lovin the pics. Keep it up. Cheers
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Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

looks good. i did the baggie thing but then the marker came off!

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

Good start, keep it up......Jim

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Thanks guys! My markers are holding up, but I probably should have been a bit more specific in the descriptions.

Got the new bed bead-blasted and primed:

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And off with the old bed:

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

what were u taking the old bolts off. looked like a super small grinder

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New bed looks super....Jim

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It was just a dremel tool. I used a small air grinder with a wire brush to start cleaning the frame. Then drained and removed the gas tank.

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Thanks Jim! Took the gauge bezel and steering column out:

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The heater box is next. I always wondered why it sounded crinkly when I turned the heater on! It had a few too many years of sitting under pine and oak trees. The cab is off and I'm down to a frame. I know it's just a few more bolts and I could have the engine out, but I'm drawing the line here.

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

As you've probably guessed by now, I decided the cab was too far gone, so I took a road trip to Alabama to pick up a replacement. It has the radio cut, but I got a dash with an un-cut radio off of e-bay for $20.00 that I will use.
I'm afraid it's losing the sentiment of being my Dad's truck, but it will gain the sentiment of being mine.

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The new cab is a 71 while the old one is a 72. I took some side by side pictures for comparison:

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More side by side pics:

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And more:

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nice progress....so is the cab off to bead blasting also ?

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You guessed it! Blasted and primed:

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

Nice work!
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Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

WOW...sweet cab

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Now that's one solid looking cab.....Jim

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i tried the baggie deal....oil destroyed the bags and everything just kinda got mixed up....matter of fact i found one in the bottom of my tool box on my daily driver, picked it up and everything in it came out....

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

Awesome! Doing this thing right!!!

I am jealous of that nice sheetmetal and getting them blasted and primed!!! I'm sure it's costly but it's going to make a SUPER nice truck!

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i think it looks better than mine...your not the only jealous one.....

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Thank you guys!


Cleaning the frame:

Re: Slowly I build a truck
 

that's a nice project. the cab look's new now.keep it up..:ito:

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POR-15 , some new shocks, and brake / vapor / fuel lines: