1st Timer 72 Slow Build

[msgross]

$190 is well worth it for all new stuff installed... My local shop charged $175 with my gasket, they wanted $75 for a gasket and I already had one...

I spent about 5 hours once trying to get a windshield in, safelite did it in 1 hour by himself!

[imholte]

The tech said that these old trucks sometimes can be a very tight fit and possibly end up cracking the glass, luckily they didnt break it. I think it was a good investment having them do it.

Next up is fixing the ball joints and exhaust.

Going to go with duals out the rear...I think. It needs everything new back from the horns.

[imholte]

Things have been pretty slow on working on the pickup. Its kinda hard to get things done on it when you live in an apartment.

I have been driving it everyday now to work, I just enjoy driving it. Took it to Les Schwabs today to have the upper and lower ball joints replaced, it was drifting all over the road. They just called me and told me my front brakes are toast and i need new rotors too. All in all the total price for the ball joints and brakes is going to be upwards of $900. Ouch. Wish I was still living in my rental house, my labor costs would be slightly cheaper than having them do it.

Also ordered some random parts from LMC, armrests, fan shroud parts, and little screws and small parts that need to be replaced.

Last month I took the steering column apart and replaced the turn signal lever and switch....got rid of my turn signal demons.

It seems like every time I start saving money to get something cool on the truck like new exhaust or rebuild the engine, something expensive pops up like the steering and brakes. Uggggh I wish I had about $5000 to drop on this truck right now to get it to a respectable point in the restoration.

[propanemudtruck]

That is still a very nice truck, and nice work so far! As far as the exhaust goes, if you want loud you could start with some nice headers and go from there. Usually to have an exhaust shop run the pipes for you it doesn't cost much. I didn't see if you have converted to HEI yet, that will boost performance as well. Also, if you're interested in doing the engine yourself check out northern auto parts. (www.northernautoparts.com) They have a very affordable 350 master kit, along with 383 kits. You should be able to have the block machined and build a nice healthy powerplant yourself for less than $1000. I've ordered many parts from them, 3 master engine kits and a couple performance cam kits. Very nice company to deal with.

Good Luck!

[imholte]

Yeah I have been debating how I want my exhaust. Was thinking about replacing everything from headers all the way back, but then was thinking of just going with the stock horns and making a decent mild sound to it. Can always go louder right?

I converted to HEI right after putting in the new edelbrock carb.

Never done a engine rebuild, or the place to do it, so I will probably be having someone do it for me.

Thanks for the comments, it a fun process, but I have found you need lots of patience.

[imholte]

Just got my pickup back from the shop and what a difference a few new ball joints make. It actually drives straight down the road. Used to be a chore to keep it in your lane, people probably thought I was a drunk on the road. It is now even better to drive now.

[Chevymaniac]

It's good to hear that you got some of the problem areas fixed and it runs 100% better. Now you can enjoy it that much more when driving.

Is the color of your truck factory orange? Throw some more pics up, can never have too many of these beautiful trucks.