New guy w/ pictures & questions

[ianjenkins]

Hello,

I’ve been lurking around this board for a while now but this is my first post with pictures.

I traded the truck for an old 14' jon boat ($600.00). The original owner replaced the stock 350 with a buick 350 & buick 350 trans (Duh!). It works out well because my restification plans include a new / more powerful motor.

Anyway, the body won't require a ton of work (door skins, rad support, PS front fender, bed kit) and the interior is still 100% intact (even has the original AM Radio & owners manual. I'm not removing the cab only lifting it slightly to replace the body mounts and to paint the frame & undercarriage. I’ll be installing all new suspension & front end (3/5 drop). So far, I’ve budgeted this project at 15K (I’m keeping my fingers crossed). Would you guys be so kind to answer just a few questions for me?

1) I need to pull the old AC box from the firewall (I plan to install vintage AC product). How should I cover up the hole on the firewall after the old ugly box is removed? Does anyone have pictures of fabrication work that has been done for cover up.
2) I need to clean the frame of all oil & grease before treating with POR-15. Sandblasting is an option but I’d prefer to avoid building a tent in the garage v& creating a mess. Any suggestions?
3) The bed is in poor shape. I had to grind out the bolts connecting the bed to the frame. I’m sure removing the wood planks from the bed itself will be just as labor intensive. Any suggestions for the process of removing bolts or should I just forget it and start grinding away?

That’s it for now but I’m sure many questions will come up in the future. Thanks.