My '70 was bought by my father in 1971 from a friend of his for $1800. Shortly there after the head cracked. It was repaired. Repeat several times. In about 1980 a Chevy 296 was poorly installed. The work was badly done by a hack. For 30 years it was used for deer hunting, every year. Modifications were made, parts were deleted. Things were broken. Body parts were damaged. Repairs were done by shade tree hacks on a shoestring budget. The top was off for 40 years. When I inherited it it was in sad shape. In the last years of my father's life he hired another hack who took two years to do a cosmetic freshing up which included mostly rattle can spray paint and cheap body work. Prep work was minimal, gloss black spray paint wen right over grease and dirt. Knowing I would inherit the truck soon, The tub was done in single phase at my insistence behind my father back. I bought the paint and gave it to the guy. He intended to use non factory color in clear coat. He did terrible prep work leaving lots of nibs and dirt under the paint. The "work" took two years, he refused to answer phone calls, and it was clear he was trying to wait for my father to die and steal the vehicle. His work was terrible.
My father cherished the truck. Unfortunately he was not mechanically inclined. He was taken advantage of. I think he would be proud of what I have done to bring his rig back.
So, I inherited a non road worthy truck that had been worked on my a conga line of incompetent's and crooks. My ownership is a new chapter in it's history. I am fortunate that it is nearly rust free. My goal it to make it attractive looking and practical to drive. That includes repair of mechanical defects, damage and aesthetic problems. I want to preserve it so it will be around as long as possible. So far I have repaired the fiberglass top, top metal, headliner, all electrical and mechanical systems to work properly, including windshield wipers, heater, windshield washer, backup lights, all new rubber, etc. I have done all the paint work in single phase factory color. I am undoing the damage done over the years. As long as I am doing it I prefer that I make everything as close to factory appearance as practical. How far I will take it I am not sure yet. I am not interested in a 100 point concourse restoration. But a beat up ranch truck has no interest to me either.
