Should I start a 72 Cheyenne project?

[Cyier]

I am needing advice on either starting a restoration/mod project for my 72 Cheyenne or sell it to fund something already restored. I do like the look of a truck restored to it's close to factory glory but I also like the look of something more modern, stealthy and near show quality.

This is my first vehicle and over the years I've started to miss the sound, feel and simplicity. Unfortunately it is not how I left it when I moved away for 15 years. The damage on the truck was the result of my parents divorcing and my dad going crazy. My dad beat the crap out of the truck, cut the brake lines, stabbed up the interior and flattened a few tires. So there is a lot of work to be done for the truck to look decent. The truck runs well and now its to fix the cosmetic issues. I am also not well versed in automotive repair but I am willing to put in the time to learn.

The truck will be more for cruising than hauling anything really.
I want to:
1. Convert it from LWB to SWB
2. Replace/fix the body damage
3. Relocate gas tank to under the bed
4. Paint (thinking black or flat black/nothing too shiny).
5. Replace interior
6. Get new wheels, brakes, suspension
7. Motor and trans swap (probably in 3 years)

With the list of things I want to do to it what would be your recommendation? Thank you for your time and help!

[69Tom]

I think you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1) Do you have the ability to do the work yourself?
2) Do you have the space to do the work?
3) Do you have the tools to do rust repair?
4) Do you have the time to undertake a complete restoration?
5) Do you care if your truck is a part and undriveable for an extended period of time?

Depending on your responses, it might be time and/or cost prohibitive if you don't have the time to devote to it or deep pockets to pay for someone else to do the work. Personally, unless you really have an attachment to the truck or really want to tackle a restoration, seeing as you're not only going to change the length of it but also the color, I'd say to sell it and pick up one that is either mostly done or completely done. However, if you really want to learn how to work on these things and don't mind having your truck in pieces for a while, give it a go.

[Cyier]

Tom,

Thank you for the reply. 1=Yes, 2=Not for extended amount of time, 3=No, 4=Not really (it fluctuates), 5=no. So I think the answer will be to sell it and pick up something more complete.

[69Tom]

If the truck is otherwise driveable, it might be a good idea to fix the brake lines, get some good used tires, and put a new seat cover on (or fix whatever is stabbed inside if not too big or expensive of a job) before trying to sell it. Some people out there might drive it as is and not worry about the rust repair.

I hate dissuading a person from getting into restoration. I do think most people are able to handle it. However, it can get super expensive, even when doing the work yourself, and is incredibly time consuming. Also, while doable, if you don't have the space, it can get pretty frustrating. I've been on the end of it (with cars) and I've read enough build threads on here that never get completed due to what I've mentioned above. As a result, I'd recommend the route of picking something up that is mostly done. Then you can add stuff that you like, change the color, all while still driving the vehicle.

[skrenly]

Sell it and buy this one.
Money Green!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131603736921...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[harrisoncole4]

Im in a Similar boat as you are, so this is very helpful

[bill3rail]

Originally Posted by skrenly

Sell it and buy this one.
Money Green!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131603736921...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Can you say Shill bidders?

[Ironangel]

I dont know anybody who has owned one of these trucks in the past, and didn't say "I wish I had kept it"...It's your truck your call. ~Ghostrider~

[Security guy]

My opinion is that if you want a short bed, then sell this and buy a short bed truck. It can be overwhelming to try to shorten one if you don't have the place, skills, and tools to do it. You can always find a short bed beater to tinker on and learn on. Half the fun of these trucks is learning and having fun with them.

[HeavyD]

Just dont tear it all apart..keep it driveable and do one thing at a time or you can easily burn out on the project.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Just dont tear it all apart..keep it driveable and do one thing at a time or you can easily burn out on the project.

Sage advice here^^^^

Sounds like you will be better served by selling it after you at least get it running and buy something more complete. You would probably get over twice as much as a non-running project especially if you tore it apart then decided to sell it.

[skrenly]

Originally Posted by bill3rail

Can you say Shill bidders?

I hope not, was thinking about bidding on this one.

Anyway, to cut your short bed, I recommend shipping your truck to Mark.
He will shorten the frame, the box and repair the rust.
Best in the business at a reasonable price.

https://www.facebook.com/McIverCustomFabrication

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Just dont tear it all apart..keep it driveable and do one thing at a time or you can easily burn out on the project.

^^^this^^^

[Advanced Design]

It can be less expensive to find one done rather than building one. If you look through some build threads you will see it often takes years to finish one.

Good luck which ever direction you take.