'72 C3500 GMC flatbed project

[JJorgensen52]

Today had much nicer weather than anticipated, so I started tearing down the '72 rather than wasting the sunlight blasting in the garage.

Here's where I started


First off came the side boards, rear deck, and lift frame/hydraulics



Then went the front clip



I knew this truck was clean, but I was still floored when I pulled the fenders. I'm just stunned, this is a lifetime Massachusetts/ New Hampshire truck, I've no idea how the cowl vents are so perfect!



And this will be coming on out tomorrow, provided the weather is nice. I have most of the week off


The basic plan of attack is that once I finish blasting, priming and painting all the frame bits and the axles, I'm going to strip this frame down, prime and paint, then build it back up with the new parts. Once that's done, the engine (which I'll clean and paint while it's out) goes back in, and it's getting a new front clip, rocker shells, driver's kick panel and a partial cab corner on the passengers side. Then on to paint!

Also, I figured you guys might appreciate a peek at this. Everybody is always telling me I can't change the door lettering on this truck (which is awesome vintage), but the folks I'm doing the build for want it re-lettered for their farm. I went ahead and drew up the concept sketch for them Saturday, and I've got the go ahead to lay it out on the doors once the paint is on.

As you can see, I'm still in the midst of digitizing my pencil sketch, then I'm planning to project it onto the doors (which also allows me to mirror the dog to face forward on both sides)