The above posts are exactly what I was thinking when I read your intro. I have refurbished many trucks. I never say restore. I don't do a Barrett Jackson on them. Anyway, motor running is very motivating and somewhat straight forward. Your plan will depend on what needs to be done. Try not to get into something like body work that takes forever. Try to do things that have a fairly short term and that you know how to do or are easy to learn. If you have a specialty, start there.
I have never found that being a perfectionist is value added. It gets in the way of progress. I do things right, safe, careful and when I feel like working on it. IF perfectionist is a show truck, that is not a one man fun job. That's a team, or taking to shops to have things done. At least in my world.
If you don't know where to start it means you don't have experience at this. It's going to take longer than you think. Make short goals and each will be rewarding.
1. Don't make a list on a grease board, tried that, it stresses you out everyday because nothing gets checked off. I retired to get rid of friggin schedules.
2. Don't start buying parts. Just go to work and buy what you need today or tomorrow.
3. Arrange the work space to have room for you. Have places for parts that come off and get stored. Not laying around under your feet.
4. Tag everything. I don't care if you think you have the greatest memory on earth. You will forget how and what and where that little perpenhexular piece goes. I like pictures to store on my computer. If you have backup.
5. Watch those car shows and get classic truck magazines for motivation.
6. Don't waste time putting your tools all back on that peg board with outlines of the tool. You will just need them the next day. Put the "kit" of tools you are using in a bucket and go take a shower.
7. Don't expect your wife to really want to see that your plug wires look cool.
8. Ask any question here on Stovebolt anytime, we welcome you and your silly questions.
