1979 Chevrolet Bonanza SWB 1/2 Ton

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This site and it's members have been a great source of advice and motivation to properly repair and maintain my '79 Chevy Bonanza. Thank you. I am finally starting a build thread to show you my truck's before, during and after condition.

First off, I purchased this truck in January 2010. I found it on Craigslist for the asking price of $2,500. I paid him $1,300 and drove it from Bastrop to Austin, TX. It was a "white-knuckled" drive due to the orange sized bulge in the front passenger side tire that caused a horrendous vibraish. No spare, no problem... I'm an idiot... Here is what I have to work with:

• 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza SWB 1/2 Ton
• 350 ci. w/ Performer Carb and Intake
• TH400 transmission (rebuilt 4 month prior to purchase w/ receipt)
• GM 12 Bolt Rear Axle with 3.08 open rear
• Straight body, minor rust/dents.
• White Trash wheels, mis-matched tires
• Dual 2" Cherry Bomb Exhaust through stock manifolds (dumped before the axle)
• No dash lights, no gas gauge, no speedo, but everything else works.
• Factory A/C truck missing everything that makes A/C
• All in all... Happy with my purchase, overwhelmed with the repairs it needs.

Here is my truck on day 1 after I washed it...