1980 shortbed frame off restoration. started in highschool.

[akc226]

hey, this is my first thread so sorry if something isnt right. on that note i started this truck my senior year thinking i could get it done in a couple months... year and a half later and way more money than i thought this is where its at...
1980 single cab short bed.
crate 350 produced in 2001 with around 10xxx miles on it
turo 400
208
stock half ton axles with 4 inch skyjacker lift and schachle flip in the rear
the color is mitsubishi evo grey

this is the truck i started with.

[akc226]

after i got it down to the frame i wire wheeled the whole thing and used rustoleum rust prevention and then undercoated it.

[akc226]

one of my buddys did the painting and helped me with the patch work(not the best but it will do, and turned out not half bad)

[akc226]

more patchwork

[akc226]

i tore the motor down and re-sealed it and painted it. i also wire wheeled the tranny and t case.

[akc226]

a few random photos from the build

[akc226]

on tthe inside of the cab i did some undercoating and dyna mat

[akc226]

after searching and searching i finally found a decently priced cowl hood

[akc226]

the first picture is the rims i originally ordered but after sending me the wrong lug pattern/hole for the hub 3 different times i chose to order rims from someone else. and i ended up with a set of 20 inch moto metals and 35 inch nitto trail graplers

[akc226]

heres some pictures of it progressing over the months

[akc226]

i shaved the marker lights for a little cleaner look. its finally getting together.

[akc226]

i traded a set of 35 mud tires i had for some grey seats out of a 99-07 chevy hoping i could make them fit and after some sawzaw and torch work i got them to fit pretty comfy with the fold down center console and everything

[akc226]

i didnt want all the ac and the cabs are different from the ac/ non ac. the heater cores are in different spots so i couldnt find a box that didnt have all the ac bs so i built me one. note that i taught myself how to weld on this truck starting with the patch work

[akc226]

heres a picture of how it sits now. its been a long build but well worth it. i still have lots more work with the audio system thats going in it and getting all the lights how i want them. let me know what you think and any suggestions?

[72longhornTX]

Looks great. I like the color choice. I know what you mean with the time frame. I started my first project my junior year in high school with a 72 c-20. I told myself I would have it driving and painted in a few months. About a year later it was driving. Never finished it though.
For learning how to weld on this truck I must say you are doing well. It takes time to become great at it. Welder settings help a lot. Keep up the good work.
Keep doing what your doing. It is your project and I'm not going to tell you what I think you should do. I think your doing well on it. Doesn't look like you are going the cheap route at all. That Haynes service manual saves your life. haha

[akc226]

Thanks! Ya I've been doin myu best to buy every part I can new. I've paid for 90 percent of it from buying and fixing cars on craigslist and then selling them. So its been slow.
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[stepside83]

deff a cool truck, thos wheels are sweet looking, i took my truck apart in 2008, and its still no where ready to drive yet, so im with you when the the time just slips away, awesome build keep up the good work and the pics coming

[GuZ]

looks great bud!

keep up the good work, and like many others have said in the past.....pictures pictures pictures!

Can't wait to see it in the sunlight.

[akc226]

thanks again. Tonight I'mgetting the windows in then its just a few things. I need all the interior pieces so when I get time I have to go strip them off a couple parts trucks I have around my house. But that's a chore when there 4 feet of snow and still coming down solid.
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[rocking chevy]

looks good

[ringger14]

I dig the color! I took mine apart expecting a few months to build and ended up doing the exact same thing. Frame came out, body worrk. A year later and most of the stuff is around it in boxes just waiting for finishing touches. What headers did you go with?

[akc226]

I got a set of brand new headman headers that where scratched for 30 bucks. So that's what's on it now. I'm no sure what mufflers I want to run yet though I'm thinking flowmaster shorty race series. I want it to be quiet at cruising speeds but loud when I get after it.
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[Gordonr1973]

Looks good!!!

[akc226]

update: today i had blue braded steel brake lines built and new hardlines on he axle. they turned out great, pics coming soon.

has anyone ever used one of the lmc plasticdash covers? i got one for realy cheap and i havent decided how i am going to hold it on. i was thinking spay adhesive?

[joe231]

Hey KC!!
Truck is looking good!
Those seats look sweet in there, got pics of what you did to make them fit?
Did you cut the floor?
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