The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk How to plan

I was wondering if anyone has checked out the book "How to restore your Chevy Pickup"? I'm trying to come up with a method for my madness. I'll start on a simple project, and find other problems I hadn't discovered.I get distracted way to easy. Lead time for parts is a pain, the local auto part stores are absolutely useless.

Its a good book, written by Tom Brownell. Its a good starting point before you dig into your truck.

I had the book right from the beginning. Some good info and helpful hints there.

Good book,I got one with the truck.

I do disagree about FLAPS I have a LEE and a CJC in my area and they are both very helpful,I've gotten alot of my parts thru them.

I like to have at least two things on the truck going at the same time.I'm working on a 53 GMC now.I just had the frame sand blasted and then I painted with Cassis Saver and at the same time I had some sheetmetal to finish on the cab that way there is no down time.I had to wait for the new pins and bushings for the springs so I worked on the cab.sheetmetal.I try to plan my next project as soon as I finish one that way I can order parts or start hunting them down so I have them when I start.


Pete

I think the method of madness is a lil differant for each person.
I started with alot o soap, water, and a power washer! Then a GOOD visual inspection. Then a notebook to list missing or broken parts.(This also helps when pricing and/or swap meeting for parts.) Then come up with a plan of attack! Engine building and body repair at the same time (same space) leads to bad results on both ends! Grease and primer are not friends! I prefer
to do all mechanical then all body. My shop is not big enough to do all at the same time. Just my thoughts.

Well, I'd say WE liked the book. Tom Brownell was a super nice guy and seemed to know his stuff. John had a blast working with him on the Big Bolts section.

This Feature is an old one, but the book is still current.

When I read a little of your post, I thought that would make a good Tech Tip -- how to plan the project. But maybe you are right, it's different for each person, each truck, level of ability, your shop -- and are you a type A or B personality?

Best advice: have fun at it at least!

Good luck,
Peggy M

you need to find a better store. i use one NAPA store for 97% of my stuff. in six years and four trucks i have only been able to stump them on two items and both were last week which was a set up on my part from my 1940 one ton. the most time i ever had to wait was three days and mostly if i call in the morning its there by 2 pm. for other truck stuff that napa doesnt carry its jim carter.

During my working career, everything was planned to the nth degree. I find that working on my own project, be it a truck or whatever, I have an incredible sense of freedom. there are no schedules, no detailed budgets and I do it the way I want to do it. That is the way I enjoy the hobby.

Just picked it up from my Local Library last week... about 1/3 of the way through and I've enjoyed it.

I didn't know there was an update and that I had the old copy!
What have they updated? Did they change thier suggestion of a 35mm camera to digital???

A section on bigger trucks interest me. Now that I know I like it, I'll probably seek out the updated version to buy so I can mark it up if I'd like as well...

And of course I ahve to support it as it references my home town of Palmyra, NY!

I have both editions of the book and there's not a lot of difference. If my memory serves, and it seldom does, it's mostly in the photos. As far as the local parts stores, I've found that it all depends on the person behind the counter. All the stores have access to the same parts but some guys / girls / kids don't want to take the time to hunt for them. Most of the young guys working in these stores are only interested in hot rods, goofy wheels, purple lights, etc. Some of the older guys who grew up with these trucks like we did are a little more interested in keeping them on the road and will put forth a little more effort to get you the parts you need.

Thanks everyone, yea its time to look for a different auto parts store. Just as jfnar states its kids that didn't know Chevy was even around in 49. I went in yesterday to find some little screw clips to hold the headlight can in the fender, you'd thought I landed on Mars. What I'm wrestling with is that do evrything in stages is the cost of duplicate parts. Take weatherstripping that needs to be glued in, if I don't do all body work before installing WS, I'd have to rip it out when I'm ready to paint. What about using RTV for the present, then going with gaskets when I'm ready to paint.