47-55.1 Purchased an IFS system

[dsraven]

just in case, they will likely need to do something with the steering column as well because it is part of the original steering box. some cut it of and shorten the outer tube and install a bearing at the bottom,leaving some of the original shaft sticking out to accept an aftermarket steering column ujoint. that way you can keep the stock looking steering wheel, signal switch, shifter etc. otherwise there are a few loose ends you will need to deal with when they get the ifs in. you may end up trailering it home if you planned to do that stuff yourself. keep the old stuff to sell later? somebody you know wants it? the shop will keep it as part of the package?
not sure what you have for a truck or how custom,if at all, it is. a few pics or a description of what you have would be great.
what is the shop hourly rate? trying to get a handle on how many hours they figure it will take them. reputation? proper tools?

[Melnickta]

It's pretty bone stock except for the SBC and auto trans. Want to keep the steering column as is and use a u-joint to connect up to the steering on the IFS.

I'm fine doing minor things, but for anything that involves my safety, I want a professional doing it. They have been in business for a while and have a good reputation. This seems like an insurmountable task of pulling the engine, front clip, ect and then doing the "surgery" on the suspension.

The truck has a single reservoir brake cylinder, so likely need to upgrade that to a dual.

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by Melnickta

I'm fine doing minor things, but for anything that involves my safety, I want a professional doing it.

Ha ha, I'm the opposite: anything that involves my safety, I want to do MYSELF.

[dsraven]

why not dissassemble it yourself to save some money but also save broken off bolts, burnt paint, scratched parts etc. the dissassembly of the stuff can cost extra time because they will use impact tools on old rusty bolts so stuff is bond to break or strip out. they won't have the time to spend massaging siezed parts so stuff will just get busted and then extra time charged for the small repairs. this can add up. otherwise where a welded on body nut may normally be there may be a burn mark from the heat applied to loosen the siezed part and then when the bolt breaks off the nut will be drilled out and tapped or else simple cut off and a regular nut put on the back side instead. dissessemble it, then clean the frame etc, trailer or tow it over,have them do the ifs work, then assemble it yourself. then you will have time to clean/paint the engine/trans/frame, flush the rad, do some wiring etc as required. put tape on all the close body edges that may touch upon dissassembly or assembly so if they bump there is less possible damages. have them do the ifs and then you can do the rest yourself and get it like you want it. it is man hours to take it all apart and sitting in their shop is more likelyhood of getting the painted parts scuffed or nicked.
ensure you ask exactly what will be done for the $1500 before they start. if it is their first one they may not know that the steering column,brakes, etc will be affected and need to be modified. you don't wanna find out 1/2 way through that the price will double due to unforeseen items like shortening a steering column. these are time consuming things if it is their first time around and if done by the hour.....
also,ask for ALL the old parts back. you may be able to recoup some costs selling the old stuff but also you may need something from the pile of take-offs. never get rid of anything until the new stuff is completely done and proven to work.

[Melnickta]

Originally Posted by dsraven

why not dissassemble it yourself to save some money but also save broken off bolts, burnt paint, scratched parts etc. the dissassembly of the stuff can cost extra time because they will use impact tools on old rusty bolts so stuff is bond to break or strip out. they won't have the time to spend massaging siezed parts so stuff will just get busted and then extra time charged for the small repairs. this can add up. otherwise where a welded on body nut may normally be there may be a burn mark from the heat applied to loosen the siezed part and then when the bolt breaks off the nut will be drilled out and tapped or else simple cut off and a regular nut put on the back side instead. dissessemble it, then clean the frame etc, trailer or tow it over,have them do the ifs work, then assemble it yourself. then you will have time to clean/paint the engine/trans/frame, flush the rad, do some wiring etc as required. put tape on all the close body edges that may touch upon dissassembly or assembly so if they bump there is less possible damages. have them do the ifs and then you can do the rest yourself and get it like you want it. it is man hours to take it all apart and sitting in their shop is more likelyhood of getting the painted parts scuffed or nicked.
ensure you ask exactly what will be done for the $1500 before they start. if it is their first one they may not know that the steering column,brakes, etc will be affected and need to be modified. you don't wanna find out 1/2 way through that the price will double due to unforeseen items like shortening a steering column. these are time consuming things if it is their first time around and if done by the hour.....
also,ask for ALL the old parts back. you may be able to recoup some costs selling the old stuff but also you may need something from the pile of take-offs. never get rid of anything until the new stuff is completely done and proven to work.

That's a great suggestion. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I have the skills (or tools or space) required to remove an engine, front body, ect without some significant "adult supervision." Wish now I'd have learned more from my dad...

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by Melnickta

That's a great suggestion. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I have the skills (or tools or space) required to remove an engine, front body, ect without some significant "adult supervision." Wish now I'd have learned more from my dad...

You are more capable than you think... If you have access to Youtube, wrenches, and sockets, you can make some progress. That being said, if doing those things doesn't bring you joy, and money is not an issue, by all means pay someone and spend your time doing what makes you happy!

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by daveshilling

That being said, if doing those things doesn't bring you joy, and money is not an issue, by all means pay someone and spend your time doing what makes you happy!

Words of wisdom, especially the "joy" part. Some guys like doing the work, others only like the finished car. If you're one of the latter group you're better off hiring it out. It's really great to pay someone and not have to endure the agony, frustration and busted knuckles of a self-builder. And ruin your enjoyment of your truck in the process.

And regarding learning from YouTube: I just watched some brain surgery vids - a little ether starting fluid for anesthesia and an Exacto knife for a scalpel and I'm ready!