Over the last couple of weeks I have been beating down doors at places that have dent sides just sitting, rusting away, trying to find a diamond in the rough for a donor bed and cab. After examining literally dozens of dent sides over the last few week, I have come to the realization thay my truck is in pretty damn good shape. I have decided to work with what I already have rather then find donor parts. So my question is... where do I start?

This is planned to he a full on, ground up restomod. All areas will be addressed. I have ordered most of the interior pieces, but want to wait until after paint to install it. Should I just begin to purchase as much as I can accumulate over the next year so that when I finally pull the trigger on the body work, I will be ready for a somewhat speedy reassembly? I enjoy drivong the damn thing too much to pull it off the road right now, but my Mustang will be ready for the roads by next weekend, so I can start driving it again.

What would you do first?

 

Ground up??? Start here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9170662

 

Just start taking shìt apart. Do a good job labelling stuff And bagging the little stuff... Even if you plan to replace I like to save old parts until I know the new works.

Any parts will have to be pieced together; good cab here, good tailgate there.... Be the opportunist on that stuff.

 

Since it is a running, driving truck, should I just dive in or should I build my resources first as stated in HiHo's link?

 

I would start buying what you will need to build your inventory. This will help spread out the budget plus it will be ready to go. Also, whenever I take anything apart, I take "before" pics in case you forget how to put it back together. I too bag and label everything. Good luck!

 

It's something you'll need to decide for yourself. Do you have the facilities to have a garage queen for a few weeks/months or do you need to have it as a running re-build? Do you have the time and money to successfully pull it off? Do you have family commitments (like time-eating soccer/swimming practices!) that will eat your weekends up? Be realistic!!!!

To me a well laid out plan, including contingencies, makes for a better project. Doing so also keeps you on track and provides milestones towards reaching your ultimate goal.