0 to 3 Projects in less than 5 weeks

[BadDaddy]

Well just a few weeks ago I made the decision to jump into my dream of building a 58/59 truck. With my son turning 16 this summer I thought it would be great to build one together. Fast forward a few weeks and we have now acquired three truck projects thanks to the all mighty Criagslist. The first is a 58 Fleetside that is pretty much cancer free and is only missing a seat and the engine. Truck #2 is a pretty rusty GMC factory NAPCO truck that was practically given to me by a coworker. Rounding out the pack is a complete 58 Shortbed with a Camaro front clip that was just too good of deal to pass up. Our first build will be to get the Fleetside running so we can some quick enjoyment from our work. Then we'll just have to see what comes next.

[Highsider]

Holy workload, Batman!

Can't wait for progress reports and more photos

[yossarian19]

I would pick the best long-term project candidate, the one you really would like to work on / modify / drive later on.
Then pick the one closest to running & driving. Cobble it together from the other two and enjoy it a while. See what you like about driving one of these old trucks and what you don't. Use the experience to refine your goals for the first truck, the long-termer.

[Jaik]

Congrats!! I absolutely love the look of the fleetside. I would love to come across a box close to me and swap it over. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[Hilljack51]

That NAPCO is pretty slick, and I love the modern 49er logo on the door. I think you're making a good choice going for the easiest way to get cruising, but you definitely got yourself quite the workload.

[BadDaddy]

Yea, throw in that I do not know how to weld yet and that I've never done body work or painting, these are definitely going to be long term projects. Looking forward to getting lots of advice from this board.

[OrrieG]

gmc napco would be cool but those gmc grille parts are not cheap. If its already a long bed frame you could swap the FS bed to it.

[_Ogre]

hi big daddy, we are all in various stages of the truckaholics anonymous 10 steps to recovery
you have it bad and may need the 14 step program, we are here to support you

congratulations on 3 four eyed beauties
i do like the fleetside truck, it looks like the easiest one to get back on the road and for you
the short stepside is sportier for your son
and why i do like the napco, it is the least streetable of your fleet due to the gearing for highway speeds

the options are endless depending on your budget and time constraints
read some builds here, we vary from 'get it on the road' to full custom

[Softpatch]

The napco is the money
the fleatside is your uncle bob
and the shorty.?well........Just let me know when you want me to come and get it
......S
.

[dubds10]

First thing - pressure wash the blue one inside/out. Then scrub it down with CLR, clean it real well. Rust will turn black & the paint will look good. Then you could buff the paint out as it will look decent. Then paint engine bay, frame, suspension if you want. Rebuild brake system or swap it all out for newer stuff like a disc brake kit, then new wiring harness, engine/trans & wood bed, interior, and drive. See nothing to it!!! Get the blue one road worthy then do a long term build with the other two, that way you always have a driver. Otherwise it'll feel like you're going no where fast.

[BadDaddy]

Haha Ogre, when I told my wife that I was heading out of town to buy a third truck I started the conversation with "Hi, my name is John and I have a truck problem"

Yes OrrieG, I've already done some looking and it looks like finding the GMC turn signal assembly is going to be an issue. Thought I'd post a picture on here soon asking if anyone has one lying around. Been trying to determine if they are the same on all the trucks, i.e. 1 ton etc. Other than replacing the rusty doors it looks like I've got most of it covered. I also stumbled across a big window deluxe GMC cab that is in really good shape.