Im looking for some input from you guys that have or are doing a rebuild on these trucks. This is a budget build, I have time and energy but not alot to throw at it. I did my first car, a 79 RX-7 over a few years from the ground up. But it was a lot smaller and not a huge deal. I did the mechanical work, the under body, body work and the paint. So I kinda know what Im getting to, but I guess the size and unfamiliar area (Full Size Truck and piston engines) have me a bit reluctant to start. So here is what Im thinking and please any advice or direction is greatly appreciated. As the truck sits, its a 76 F100 4x4 360 4speed with a Dana 21. I just did the suspension in the front to get it drive able, but have found I need to do the alternator upgrade and at the same time I will add an electric fan.

I just picked up a bed, tail gate, doors and grill. The bed floor in the front is rusted and will need patched up. Other then that from the outside the parts look solid. Time and sanding will uncover the truth.

So I here is what Im thinking

1) Sand the bed and patch the floor, then prime and coat the under body and inside the bed.
2) Sand the doors and tailgate and prime
3)Pull my fenders and hood, sand and prime.

Now here is where Im not sure how far to take it or whats the best plan of action.

4) How to sand the frame and prime/coat??? Do I pull everything completely apart and go pcs by pcs or coat over everything?
5)Do I pull the motor and tranny now to rebuild them (seems to leak some oil and is pretty nasty looking, I know nothing about these drive trains)
6) Sanding the cab (one rust spot will have to be patched) and priming, I plan to do this while still on the frame.

Then once the hard work is done I figure I will paint the body parts individually and the cab. Once its cured and good to go, reassemble.

Im want to get it looking as good as I can, with as little outside work as possible. Then end up with a truck I can trust and use. Its not going to be a show truck, but I want it to be in good shape.

Any input, suggestions, ideas, advice, or random bs is welcome. I will be starting something VERY soon. Ive got the bug again. It took a few years after building my RX7 to get back into working on something.

 

If you have the time and space id take it all off the frame and build it back up from there but thats just my very humble opinion

 

I would do it all...why have part of your truck rust free? but only do it if you have the space and time.

 

I thought about leaving the cab on but that may change. Just don't want to get too deep and have the truck tied up for a year, I guess I will leave the option open to a full frame off. If that's the case I will have truck parts every where imaginable.