Thank you Rust Smuggler & Tony. 400 was just a number I picked out of my head to clean and prime the frame. I realize that it being my first restoration...it's going to take a LONG time...i'd just like to do it right the first time. I'd like to ensure the drive shaft doesn't drop or my feet don't go through the floor...that kind of thing...then try and restore it to original in the form of paint, finish...but we can't do that with rust can we<grin>? As I have spent 1000+ hours on some websites and work projects...I guess I am a sucker for massive projects. I've printed for reference what advice you guys have given me...like you advised<grin>. The clean part is something I think i'd love...as the truck lived on a farm for it's first 44 years...and dust and grime and rust...
Some more questions:
1) If you do a complete frame up...do you literally take EVERYTHING apart? I always thought it was ripping everything down to the frame, rebuilding what needed work (i.e. leaky master cylinder, brake cylinders, blah blah blah). I know for seals, gaskets, etc. etc. then you KNOW it won't leak and you are less likely to have serious mechanical issues in the future if you rebuild everything...
2) I keep reading that sand blasting *IS* essential and I now totally agree...for the experienced pros out there...is a blast cabinet essential if you want to properly restore for all the small parts such as the springs on the handle of the e-brake, etc.?
3) Bolts...keep them...or break them off and use what tool to extract them? Am currently struggling (2 days, 1/2 a can of liquid wrench following the instructions down to the last letter, some WD-40, a "+" tire iron and a 3' iron bar and have 6 of the 8 lugs loose on the pass rear tandum wheel...is this what I have to look forward to<grin>? I know I am punishing myself with not having an impact wrench...zip zip zip I think...but any tips for the time being? Brake drums are going to be interesting<grin>. The tires have not been over in at least 20 years...
4) Springs...any pointers (leaf springs)? (Have the how to restore chev truck book on order...i'm impatient sorry) Do you have to worry about the buggars bending out of shape after you remove the U bolts? I've heard about putting a strip of Teflon between each spring...merit on a 1 ton? Paint each leaf independently...assemble it together...pointers on how you know if the spring joints need replaced? I've discovered a cracked outside support for the leaf spring (picture to be added once I have them developed) that is bolted to the frame...so wondering if that is well...a big attention sign for spring fatigue or something...
5) How would one redo the frame if you attempt a running restore? I'm paranoid I guess with the under-cab rust and corrosion on the frame. I'm fine with a movable autobody project...but it's safety...
I've heavily researched the truck and took detailed pictures of it BEFORE I started work on anything. Plan on a website in regards to the project...with project in-process pictures. I'm sure a couple photos will come to the forum for help...
Thanks
