[FirstOwner69]

I pretty much agree with the advise presented above.

In my case I was 100% sure of the originality of my truck since I am the only owner. The truck was already loaded for a 69 with A/C, CST package, buckets, 350, TH400 etc.. Everything on the truck was original except for the alternator, some paint, rocker repairs, and normal replaceable/maintenance items such as hoses. I struggled with a decision of whether to just clean it up and keep it as it was, restore it to bone stock or restore it and add some options available in 70-72 that weren't available in 1969. I had previously restored a 1958 Vette to NCRS specs and had received the Duntov and Bloomington Gold awards for that effort. So, my first inclination was to go that route. My main concern was the truck's engine which accounted for most of the receipts in my file. Once I'd made the decision to replace it with a Chevrolet Performance Parts 350 with Vortec heads, the decision was made to restore the truck to what I believe the OP means by "bone stock fantasy build".

Here's what I added with the frame-off restoration.
- Engine
- Correct truck tilt with a leather 1994 S-10 steering wheel. I like the feel of the fatter leather wheel but the appearance of the original.
- AM/FM radio
- Factory shoulder belts
- Fancy oak bed wood
- Gauge dash with factory tach and a clock. The truck was ordered without gauges. The clock is from a square body truck.
- Hummer H2 wheels
- Modified A/C brackets to work with the Vortec heads
- A high note horn which wasn't available in 69
- Deluxe lighted side makers which didn't become available until after my truck's production date in 1969.

All other items are correct including the hose clamps, hoses, retaining straps (no zip-ties allowed), T3 headlights, etc.

Since the purist is still buried somewhere in my being, I have retained everything removed including the original engine, idiot light dash, steel 16.5" wheels (restored), hub caps, steering column with the almost mint original steering wheel and about everything else that wasn't rotted away. My thinking is that it's good to have all this in case I eventually sell (highly unlikely!) to a purist who could replace all this stuff and paint the bed wood and have a correct original truck.

In the meantime, I'll enjoy it as I built it! However, I will never misrepresent it.

So, my advise is build what you want!

Jim