Restoration -- resto mod 1. Do mechanicals, engine transmission brakes basically get it driving. Then do body work and paint. 2. Do body work then primer and then do mechanicals then send off for painting. 3. Do body paint then do mechanicals. I have heard lots of theories on this..my vote is number 2.
I vote for #1 for several reasons, the first being it's a heck of a lot easier to move around or load on trailer if it can do so under it's own power. If you haven't driven an old truck with it's brakes, steering, smells, and wind noise you may decide it's not for you and it's better to know before laying down cash. From a metal/paint persons point of view you sure don't want oil, grease, penetrating fluid, etc AFTER any primer or paint has been laid down. There is always a chance, no make that a cinch, that the fresh body and paint work will get marred in some way when doing the mechanicals so do those first.
good points coilover. Belt buckles zippers dropped wrenches screw drivers certainly will make you cry. I did my 52 per number 3. At least I put the first scratches in her
Maybe even 1a... get the mechanicals sorted, drive the wheels off of it for a year or two. Decide if she needs: more motor (say 235 vs 216) (or maybe 2 more cylinders), or maybe overdrive or even a 5-speed/open rear conversion, better brakes, a nicer seat, etc. ALL of these questions can be mulled as you actually DRIVE the truck. How nice would it be to actually have it be a "work in progress"? Just my $.02.
Well I'm at the end of a totally frame off restomod . It took 2 years to find right truck. I just jumped in then the more I did I wanted to do more . Make sure you know what the end should be what you like and what you can afford. A strong house starts with a strong foundation I think the holds true for car or truck.
