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[censored] insane but ive done this thing before. that and this truck dosen't need a whole lot of serious work to be road worthy. most of the work i have planned is just a serious cleaning, decreasing and some paint.

the more serious problems that i need to remedy though are the following.

1. The brake system needs to be rebuilt and flushed.

2. the 235 runs like a top but has an unknown number of miles on it and i would feel better if i knew what was going on inside of it. a friend of mine is an old engine pro and hes built a few hot rod Chevy I-6's so im going to get him to point me in the right direction in regards to the build.

3. this thing needs to be converted to 12v. its 6v now and normally i would leave it but for the convenience of the matter and because i want to possibly run more modern gauges and ignition it needs to happen.

4. and finally the biggest problem of all. the one i will need the stove bolt gurus help most on, is the transmission. it has the original straight cut, non synchronized 4 speed and i must say it works well but i don't trust it. mixed with the serious amount of noise it makes and the fact that i know its been used without service for at least 30 years it makes me uneasy.
not to mention that i want to be able to cruise the freeway at a decent speed and the original trip home in this beast averaged at around 35mph the whole way. that would make the trip up to WA seem like an eternity. i did however get this beast up to 47mph at one point going down a freeway on ramp in 4th gear with the gas floored and the wind to my back. the engine seemed ok with it but the transmission sounded like it was going to go Chernobyl on my [censored]. i did the math with the tire size and the stock gearing and figured that the engine was only at 3000RPM's so with a transmission upgrade, an over drive and slightly taller tires i think i could get this thing to cruise 55-60 comfortably.

well that's about it, if this week bonanza build comes to be i will keep the forums updated.

From Achipmunk to a Penquin....for only a weeks work I think you should work on the brakes first. Give it a good going over or tune up, new fluids including tranny and rear end and then DRIVE IT even if it is a slow pace until you see what happens and what you truly want to do with it..or to it.
I know very little about your vehicle but someone will come along with some better advice. But from where I'm sitting I say make it safe and then round up information and parts and then do a weeks worth of work!!
Welcome to the bolt. Lots of knowledgeable folks here....also your questions would be seen and more likely to get more responses in the Engine and DRiveline Forums.....as this is pretty much a welcome center for new members. Put questions in teh proper forum for faster and better answers.

Good luck on what looks to be a nice project and something different than most!

Welcome to the site, penguin. Alvin (chipmunk) gave you some very good advice. Take it one step at a time, be safe and enjoy the journey. Some of us are running small blocks and some of us keep the old inline sixes. I happen to be a fan of the stovebolt six. Let your friend help you out with the engine. If there's anything else you need to learn, just ask.