First project, with John and Peggy's help, was the brakes. Truck rolled off the trailer without stopping power although the PO drove it to the pick up point. (?) Promised to be rustfree too. Well after push and roll off the trailer, I was left in a quiet dark driveway, without all those tangibles mentioned previously (tools, garage, skills) with a rustfree driver (both in question).
John helped with my brake repair shopping list and brought along tools and got me started on new wheel cylinders. Some time later we were off down my neighborhood ave. ensuring the driver would in fact go forward, back and stop. It did all and we smiled and most likely drank a beer.
Year one, was a cleanup of the interior. Year two was removal of the bed, cleanup of aft frame, brake lines. With these two segments completed, confidence was building and with many new friends encouraging me to take bigger bites, year three's project was planned to be an engine removal, engine and firewall cleanup. Those experienced bolteers will recognize this as the tipping point. Over the cliff so to speak. Engine out, cab looking very vulnerable and naked. 4 bolts and it is free. Just think of what can be accomplished if the cab was out of the way. Yes, I fell over, even was pushed over the cliff. John laughed knowing that I was in free fall even before the push.
Cab off and to the sheetmetal man to repair rustfree corners, rockers and floors. Frame stripped and painted. Year's three and four blended many projects. Year five, current year, engine back in, cab on, with work on firewall, wiring, and front clip with John now breathing down my neck to get his garage space back. Not yet, but getting closer.
