Thanks for the honest advice. I'm aware of the magnitude of what I'm undertaking. It's one of the reasons I want to get as much advice up front as I can. I'm also trying to gauge what makes sense for me to do and what makes sense to farm out to pros.
The truck is running right now, but very rough. The engine is losing compression and the brake system is a mess. I looked in the master cylinder, and it is black sludge, not even liquid. It probably needs some suspension work too.
Because so much of the drive train is after-market, I'm not as inclined to work on it and get in good shape. I feel more like just chucking it all and starting over.
The brake system might be something worth turning over to the pros. I actually have a really great break shop near my house. Most of the lines are in bad enough shape that I feel like doing all new. I want this to be a dependable truck that I can drive for years. If I'm going to go to the expense and effort to restore it, I might as well do it right.
I've had different ideas too. I've thought about doing all the prep work myself, stripping everything off and sending it to a shop to get some of the major stuff done. They would do the paint and body work, drop in the new motor and tranny, plumb the new brake and fuel lines, etc.
Then I could bring it home and finish it out. Run the wiring harness, bed, interior, trim, engine accessories, stereo, etc.
I'm fully prepared to put about 10k into this truck, but I'd like it to be done in about 6-9 months. If I did most of it myself, I'm sure it would take more like a year or two.
