Coilover, thanks for your input regarding the transmission. I realize that the NV3500 is somewhat limited regarding torque capacity but I have had some experience with it behind a SBC in another project and I think it should be okay for my plans for the truck. I will look for the early 90's factory clutch setup that you mentioned.
Continuing to work on patching minor rust, crack issues on sheet metal parts that I can move into my heated shop area. Considering the truck looked pretty solid as I dig into it every part seems to have some rust or crack that needs to be repaired. At least I can continue to work on the project a few hours each day and feel like it's not just waiting for warmer weather.
I ordered the rotating assembly parts required to build a 383 SBC and the machine shop is machining the block as required to clear the rods. I order dished pistons to keep the compression ratio in the 9:1 range so that I have a chance to run regular fuel rather than premium but still have not decided on cylinder heads or cam for the engine build. Unfortunately the parts I ordered are not expected to be available until May so the engine build will probably be conflicting with the cab, frame, etc. work I need to due during the warmer months.
I am working on the cab when the weather cooperates (not often) but have braced the door openings and made some preliminary plans regarding how much of the floor, firewall, inner and outer cowl panels, etc. to cut out.
Unfortunately the project is at a stage where I have a thousand ideas of things I need to consider and no ability to actually move forward on them because they are dependent on getting the cab work done enough to remove the cab from the frame, getting the frame cleaned and painted, etc. I probably need to create a detailed action plan to lay out the sequence of things that need to be done so that I don't loose track of things given the large number of sub-project activities that interact.
