[PKelly]

Hi all,

I'm very new to this forum. Just found it a couple of days ago and this is my first post. I'm posting to get some input/info on a 1968 Chevy Long Wheel Base Stepside, 396 engine that my dad owns. It's been in the barn at our family's farm for about 6-8 years now...put to rest for a while. My grandpa bought it in the mid-70's along with a slide-on camper that we still have in the barn on it's jacks but soon after, he bought a van for camping. So, my dad "took" it and used it for the next 20+ years as a work truck...hauling brush and fire wood from trimming trees, working at the farm, doing odd jobs, etc. I haven't really paid much attention to it for the longest time, even when I get out to the farm because to me it was just an old, work truck.

Not sure why...maybe because I'm older and have a larger income, but now I'm thinking it would be a great truck to clean up and drive. I talked to my brothers and dad about my idea of getting a frame-off restoration and making it my daily driver. They think it's a great idea. I'll need to replace my '99 Dodge Dakota with 105,000 miles in the next couple of years. In the past, I owned a 1980 Chevy PU straight 6 and a 1978 Ford F-150, 308? and will never not own a truck.

I'd like to keep the 396 in it (not sure how many miles it has) and keep the long the wheel base...keep it as stock as possible but upgrade some of the creature comforts inside...carpet vs. vinyl floor mat, better seat (add center arm rest), etc. It has air conditioning, a radio (I think AM/FM), a full compliment of guages, automatic transmission, wood bed (which will need to be replaced), chrome molding on the outside. If I recall correctly, the emblem "Custom" is on each door.

I plan to really go over the truck the next time I get to the farm and take some pictures. My dad and I don't recall any dents or much rust....besides surface rust. I know the paint is shot...my dad isn't much into washing work trucks. I think it may start for us although he hasn't started it for the past couple of years.

I can do some mechanical maintenance/repairs myself but have never rebuilt an engine so I'll need to have someone do the body and engine work.

What amount of time and money would it typically take to restore a truck, from the frame up? I know that may be difficult to answer since you can't see any pictures and I'm sure it will depend on who does the work. I'm just looking for some ball park figures...$5,000 $10,000, $15,000, higher? I'm not looking for a show quality job...just enough to bring the truck back to "newer" condition and to be proud to drive on a daily basis. I'm sure a lot of the engine and body parts can be kept. If the engine is shot, I may consider a crate engine. I will also change the paint color and interior color as it's currently white with teal seat, door liners and steering wheel.

Thanks for your input. And sorry for the long post!

Patrick