After 7 years of toying with an idea, I finally pulled the trigger... (1 Viewer)

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davesun

davesun

Joined
Mar 30, 2011
Threads
5
Messages
14
Location
Pacific Northwest
I have no tools, no experience, and apparently no brains. I'd like to change at least two of these things.

warning: long rambling post of a total noob.

Some details...

  • the body is riddled with rust
  • the frame (as far as I can tell, which isnt very far) has surface rust but no holes or anything that failed the screwdriver test.
  • chevy 350 crate engine that runs pretty reliably barring occasional starter problems (so I am told) I already drove it 60 miles home and have taken it around the neighborhood a few times since without issue.
  • unoriginal exhaust but not sure which (magmar maybe?)
  • mismatched tires
  • original 3 in the floor transmission
  • rough seats, only 1 jump seat, leaky roof, non working speedometer, unoriginal tail lights, broken rear hatch handle, no passenger side mirror.
...$6000... I already said I know I'm daft but I have not been able to wipe this stupid grin off my face since driving off the seller's property. I cant wait to get my hands dirty.

My plan:
1. find a vehicle manual
2. buy a wrench set and figure out some other essential tools
3. find a workspace? right now its on the street but I have a one car garage jammed full of crap that could be made to work, though the ceiling may be a bit too low.
4. change essential fluids... after I figure out what the essential fluids are. I can already tell the oil needs freshening. It looked pretty black on the dipstick.

What I want to do:
I want to make the engine that I have more reliable than it is now. I am not afraid to learn to weld, in fact if its not biting off more than I should, I really want to learn how to weld and fix up some of the body. I am not concerned with keeping originality, someone has already seen to breaking that plane for me. I want to be able to take off the top and doors by myself (is that possible? I know they are pretty heavy). Ideally I want to give this truck more life so that it lasts me another 40 years. Would it be crazy to even consider going down to the frame? I know its probably not perfect for that type of restoration but I already feel connected and want to make this truck the best it can be, and it has taken me a very long time to even find one.

Thanks for reading! So happy to finally be a more active member of this community!

fj 1.jpg
 
The body doesn't look too bad in the pic you posted. Post up some more of the bad areas. You have definitely come to the right place if you want to get your hands dirty with your new acquisition. The V8 has pros and cons. one of the biggest pros is that parts for a chevy V8 grow on trees and are very inexpensive. Considering the current market $6k for that doesn't seem too bad. What model Warn is it?

Welcome to the community. Now get out your checkbook and start buying some tools!!
 
That deer killer front bumper kicks ass!!!

I have the same one! It is an old 4plus bumper.
 
bwalker16527 said:
Bought mine 1 1/2 years ago for $6500. My recommendation is get it running and safe to drive and enjoy it. Make a list of things to work on and start crossing them off.
View attachment 1689611 View attachment 1689612
Click to expand...
Thats a beautiful truck! I may be asking you some future questions... like I notice the Oregon plates, I am in Washington, are there groups I can get involved in to meet people?
 
Long as that ‘stupid grin’ works its way back onto your mug after skinnin your knuckles and slinging out some colorful language, you’ll be just fine...... and in good company here!

Welcome!

*Name her and drive that ole girl..... :cheers:
 
Welcome To MUD Dave! :flipoff2:

Congratulations on your acquisition and welcome to the madness!

This is “Ann Marie”, my 71 that I rescued from two and a half decades under an oversized carport on the back side of a gentleman’s property.

44E5BBBF-3256-4916-A6B8-2C02F36A8531.jpeg
 
davesun said:
Thats a beautiful truck! I may be asking you some future questions... like I notice the Oregon plates, I am in Washington, are there groups I can get involved in to meet people?
Click to expand...
I'm in Portland. Have not joined any groups yet. Good luck.
 
davesun said:
I have no tools, no experience, and apparently no brains. I'd like to change at least two of these things.

warning: long rambling post of a total noob.

Some details...

  • the body is riddled with rust
  • the frame (as far as I can tell, which isnt very far) has surface rust but no holes or anything that failed the screwdriver test.
  • chevy 350 crate engine that runs pretty reliably barring occasional starter problems (so I am told) I already drove it 60 miles home and have taken it around the neighborhood a few times since without issue.
  • unoriginal exhaust but not sure which (magmar maybe?)
  • mismatched tires
  • original 3 in the floor transmission
  • rough seats, only 1 jump seat, leaky roof, non working speedometer, unoriginal tail lights, broken rear hatch handle, no passenger side mirror.
...$6000... I already said I know I'm daft but I have not been able to wipe this stupid grin off my face since driving off the seller's property. I cant wait to get my hands dirty.

My plan:
1. find a vehicle manual
2. buy a wrench set and figure out some other essential tools
3. find a workspace? right now its on the street but I have a one car garage jammed full of crap that could be made to work, though the ceiling may be a bit too low.
4. change essential fluids... after I figure out what the essential fluids are. I can already tell the oil needs freshening. It looked pretty black on the dipstick.

What I want to do:
I want to make the engine that I have more reliable than it is now. I am not afraid to learn to weld, in fact if its not biting off more than I should, I really want to learn how to weld and fix up some of the body. I am not concerned with keeping originality, someone has already seen to breaking that plane for me. I want to be able to take off the top and doors by myself (is that possible? I know they are pretty heavy). Ideally I want to give this truck more life so that it lasts me another 40 years. Would it be crazy to even consider going down to the frame? I know its probably not perfect for that type of restoration but I already feel connected and want to make this truck the best it can be, and it has taken me a very long time to even find one.

Thanks for reading! So happy to finally be a more active member of this community!

View attachment 1689341
Click to expand...
Davesun,

Where in WA are you located?

Seattle Cruisersheads is a great wealth of knowledge.
 
looks awesome the way it is speaking from experience don't over whelm yourself small fast projects are more fun and more enjoyable and they will build your skill set and you can still drive it thats what keeps the grin on your face :steer:
 
4x4veteran said:
"Brakes and steering should be first priority.
A great paint job doesn't mean a thing if it will not go in the direction you point it and stop when you get there."
Click to expand...


^^ Quote of the Month, right there! ^^


OP - Nice find and enjoy the process.
 
4x4veteran said:
Brakes and steering should be first priority.
A great paint job doesn't mean a thing if it will not go in the direction you point it and stop when you get there.
Click to expand...

Gospel
 
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