The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk What should the next steps be in my restoration?

Hi. I've been away for 2 1/2 years and have finally gotten back to my project. Doing a frame-off on my '50 3100. This is my first ground up. Reworked the frame and upgraded the torque tube rear end with better gears and did a disc brake conversion on the front end. Dropped in a rebuilt 235 out of a '55 Bel Air. Everything mechanically has been rebuilt, repainted and repaired. About 2 years ago I raised up the frame and started the engine and made sure the wheels turned and tranny shifted. For the sheet metal I ran the body panels thru Ready Strip and welded in new metal where needed. My body guy is in the process of painting and reassembling the body. He should drop the truck off next Saturday. I have everything to finish her up except some interior stuff. My question is what should be the next steps to take in finishing this project? Yet to be done is wiring, interior, exterior trim, bumpers, , etc. I've been away from this for so long I'm having trouble getting focus. Thoughts and advice greatly appreciated

My simple logic, save the interior for last, wiring first, exterior trim next, and your almost done except for the "ect". Your so close to being done, so what ever order you choose!!!

I had problems getting focused this year on my truck. The best thing I've done is to make a spread sheet on my computer listing "TO DO" items. I review the list almost daily, reprioritizing and modifying the sequence of items and checking off items as I do them with a date.

I am amazed with how much this has helped me. This has more than doubled the speed of my progress, I feel more accomplishment because it's going much faster. I know WHAT I'm going to do each day and I get it done.

Sounds like your doing well.

Don

I know what you're going through, I just about threw in the towel myself this year but after the encouragement of several people here I reluctantly dragged my butt out there and within a few hours my enthusiasm returned.

You're a LOT further along than I am and have come WAY too far to give up now. My suggestion would be to get the front end sheet metal on for inspiration... once it starts looking like a truck you'll get your enthusiasm back.

You're so close... don't give up now.

I can only tell you what I did. When we were at the same point as you, we painted the bottom of the cab, set it on the frame and attached it. Then, painted the inside while it was still completely stripped. Next, did all the wiring and put the dash back together (including steering wheel and pedals). At that point, the truck was back to the point that you could move it around, albeit sitting on a bucket. It provided a lot of motivation and has gone a lot faster since.

I'm having my body guy remount the cab and panels. I figured by the time I did it and managed to scratch and nick the new paint I would be money ahead having him do this. So I'll end up with all the sheet metal on the frame. Based on what I've been reading it looks like wiring first, then reassemble door guts and glass. Third would be exterior trim (bumpers, lights, emblems, etc) then bed wood & trim. Then glass & wipers and finally interior. If this doesn't sound right let me know. Thanks for the tips!

If the truck is outside, I'd suggest getting the doors on and all the glass in first to seal up the interior.