Thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming
The wife supports the project but doesn't want it in the back yard... so if the truck comes home (in garage) then the corvette is in the driveway or I have to find a place elsewhere for it. (not an option during the summer :))
Great point about the trailer- I have a 4x8 trailer ill be using to move stuff, but hadn;t really considered working off of it.
1)Final result: I want a 1 ton truck that can work like one... Dumping flatbed with stake pockets and a goosenech hitch. good for loading people on in a parade or pulling a single car carrier/trailer. Going to keep it original and reuse all I can to keep budget down but may consider newer axles/brakes and a little lift( in conjunction with a 4wd conversion) as time progresses. This is not going to be a show truck, but a presentable driver and something i can take to a local cruise night.
2) Budget: Depending on how I do paint I'm thinking ill be somewhere between 5k and 15k. it's going to be frugal up front in the build and i will delay some of the more costly items. ( i have plenty of cleaning and dissasembly to do before laying otu big money. I have a descent parts list started and with ALL of my wants and needs. I'm at about 18k but that includes many things that may not happen like axle swaps, tons of chrome, new engine, pay for bodywork/paint etc. (need: 8k want:10.5k)
3) skills: I can be pretty resourceful. I have good mechanical skills and have some good contacts at a metal working company for sheetmetal work or machining. I plan to learn to weld and have a very skilled friend. body work will be a learning experience, but like i said, this isn't going to be a show truck...
4) Completion: I would say realistically this will be 5-10 years... time will be tight with a growing family and that will always be my priority. I'd love to say 2-3 years but I just can't see that happening. I do know this, my dad said I have to have it out of his place before my firstborn is married! She's going on 2 y/o so I have at least 30 years....
