Matt,
Don't do what I did unless you have all the time in the world and plenty of work space.
I bought a 1965 C10 that didn't run. I decided to dive right in and strip body panels and take things apart because I could at least accomplish something with just a few dollars. I was right. I got a lot done. I restored the rear 1/2 of the frame, rear suspension, axle and brakes. Then I did the front suspension. Next was the engine bay. I removed everything in front of the cab including the entire drive train.
Then I went after the cab. During rainy days and cold winter days I did small indoor things like the instrument cluster or small items that could be cleaned indoors.
Finally I got the cab off and worked on that.
This method worked pretty well from a logic standpoint. However, I wanted to drive the truck very badly, and that hurt me in the end. At the 4 year point, I didn't have the patience to wait for paint and body work. I put it back together in primer and started driving it. I sure did enjoy the driving part, but I now dread having to pull things apart again. I know it will be easier to take apart now since all the parts are pretty fresh and not rusted, but I should have been more patient.
For me, I should have FIRST put together a decent working drive train with SAFE BRAKES. Then drive it a while. Then maybe new wiring. Drive it some more. Then maybe restore the bed. Drive it some more. You get the idea. That would have been a MUCH BETTER plan for me and my situation. Work on it some and then enjoy the rewards. Repeat.
Case in point. I just bought a 1963 C10. Fortunately, it was fairly simple to redo the brakes and get the drive train in working order fairly quickly. I now enjoy driving it. It's not ready for a long trip, but I sure do enjoy the local short trips. Next will be seat belts. Drive it some more. I can say that this truck has given me much more immediate pleasure. I just tell people "it's a work in progress" when they ask if I'm gonna restore it.
Enjoy the journey!
Last edited by Lugnutz; 07/14/2017 1:18 AM.
