Inheritance?

[bigerealty]

Look what I just recieved. 1967 GMC longbed frame, no bed, rear suspension changed to leif springs. All parts are there all metal is in primer.
I have always wanted one. Was suppose to be my sons 16th birthday from my dad. He has had the truck 10 years and my son is 19. He mean't the best but didn't just live long enough to finish it. Now I will. where do I start?

[rwolf9653]

Looks good so far!

What are your (or your sons) plans for the truck. If you are not going for an "original restore" than I would start by adding power steering and disc brakes while you shop around for a solid bed.

The main thing is to set one goal at a time and it will be done before you know it.

[71swb4x4]

It looks like your dad took care of a lot of body work. That's a huge step forward. Is it close to going to the paint booth?

[69GMCLonghorn]

Get a bed for it, then paint it. The rest will come easy... In the immortal words of Johnny Cash, "One Piece at a time"...

[PanelDeland]

Start with a notebook.List everything that needs to be done,what options you would like to add, and what is missing.With that info you can come up with a plan.Decide on a build style and stick with it.The biggest cost adder is mid-build changes(unless you're dead set on using a part that is rusted so bad it costs more to repair than replace).Spring for the better quality parts and do it once do it right and it should last another 40+ years.
You might also want to read thru the build threads and see what challenges have come up for others.
Good Luck and welcome to the greatest resource for these trucks.

[rsavage]

Go through the truck and make a list of everything you have that is usable and stuff that you don't have or is unusable. Catalogs help you discover what might be missing. Buy an assembly and a chassis manual. You might want to take on specific areas one at a time, i.e. finish chassis ( brakes, lines, suspension parts etc.) then move to the next area such as paint then wiring harness, drive train etc. Since you didn't take it apart, the manuals will be helpful in deciding how to put it together. What fasteners go where is always a challenge. If you see another similar vehicle nearby, see if you can snap some digital photos, and obviously this forum in the present and via past posts has lots of info.

[bigerealty]

Today I seem to find cab corners filled with chicken wire and bondo. Probably took more work to do them that way then doing them right.
I will supply pics or items shortly. I would like to do something like project lo buck from LFD.

Dailey driver and worker, with a generous dose of class and good looks.
Thanks for the feedback

[big_al_71]

plan, plan, plan

look at some of the build threads I found that helped us alot when we were building mine.

[bigerealty]

very nice truck, I would like to end up near that quality.

[bhoeger70]

is that a tilt colum I see in there?

[bigerealty]

Yes indeed it has a tilt column

[Dingfodgy]

Being as you're just across the river from me- I suggest you simply bring it over here and I'll take care of all those pesky decisions!!!
Like others have said-make a plan and stick to it! Once the destination is clear....I would start at the ground and work my way up. Get the frame, suspension, brakes, tires and wheels done then move on to the powertrain. Next finishing the body from the inside out. After she's in color, then you can do the wiring, upholstery, trim and other doo-dads.
However, above and beyond all of this- HAVE FUN!!! Do not make this a chore or a race against some arbitrary clock. Be realistic and do what you can, when you can and don't worry if temporary "burn-out" comes around....everybody goes through it. The secret is to know when to take a break and come back to it with a fresh perspective!!!

Being we're kinda in the same area- PM me if you ever need anything!

[BobbyK]

1st thing I'd do is get your son involved.
It would be a great way to "connect". Time shared together at that age (19) usually isn't there.
Great way to connect with the memory of your Dad as well.

[bigerealty]

Great idea. He really wants to complete it with me and make it in memory. They were close. He is away at college for the time but summer will be easier.

[Old Yeller 1970]

Congratulations and good luck. Like other's have said. Decide on what you want. Make a list and then tackle it one Saturday and a few weeknight hours at a time. You'll get there. One thing I'd be very temped to upgrade while you have it apart is the front drum to disk brake conversion. Drum brakes are so cranky to get them working right and keep them working right and they won't stop as quickly as you are accustomed to in an emergency braking situation. Mine always tended to lock up on one side or the other on a slick street and made for some interesting days before I went to disk.