Thanks so much guys. It seems like everyone is in the same boat here. Get it on the road first then finish it. This is/will be a bit of a mind shift for me. The goal is to build a truck that is show quality but also driveable. But I have made some changes along the way because of what I seen or learned. The end goal remains the same though. I am working on epoxy primer and bondo right now as I wait for parts or to go back to work. Getting lots done though. Will probably get to bondo then primer stage and then leave it for a bit before doing final glaze and sand.

 

i would do everything to make sure that it is safe to be on the road first.just to be able to drive it around the block one time.that first drive is a great feeling.it takes time but dont give up.you dont need to have all your wiring and gauges hooked up just to take a quick run around the block.once you do that you will know what to do.

 

If you make it show quality you won't drive it very much...

 

That is so true!

My project was a cab off frame rebuild of a 81 F100 flare side that I added a few of my custom touches to.
I did all the work my self paint also and took me 4 years almost to the month to get it on the road.
I also built it to drive and use. Take trash to dump every weekend and to / from work (60 miles round trip), have almost 4000 miles since Nov 2019

I can tell you if you can with any project try and keep it running and moving under its own power even if you cant take it for a spin.
This way it will feel like it at least runs & moves, you can get it outside to clean the garage, where if not running you think it is junk and more so when the wife keeps telling you that. LOL

My first test drive was fully painted and was not with out issues, lost the brakes and the clutch linkage broke pulling in the drive.
Yes it was a little scary working on the truck painted but a good fender cover and being extra careful goes a long way.
There have been little things I have done and still need to be done while I enjoy the truck.
AC compressor install & charge system, trailer brake controller and finish the wiring are the next 2 big things on the book.
Oh install an over drive unit and swap the T18 for a NP435 trans.

I do worry about scratches and dents as I got a lot of time and money into the truck like all you do into yours. I will not park and let it sit in the garage.
Yes that is cardboard in the bed for the dump.

Build it to enjoy!
Dave ----