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I'm sure there are random videos on YouTube but don't assume they're your best source of information. these are simple vehicles and parts are fairly easy to get and cheaper than most. the quality of some reproduction parts is always an issue so you pretty much have to do your research every time you start your next phase. but it's all doable.
Dennis Carpenter has the best reproduction parts. LMC sells DC also as well as other brands. finding what you want is one thing, finding it in stock is another. much of the time good used original parts are cheaper and better than new ones, it just depends on what it is.
If you're new to these rigs and need help this forum is the best source I'm aware of.
Read every thread on this forum even if you think it doesn’t apply to you. There are lots of restoration threads that do a good job of documenting the process with plenty of details and pictures. We even have our own resident youtube guy who has a channel called “Dentside Depot”. Check it out.
Don’t forget eBay and the good old junk yard. I recommend focusing on manufacturer of the part over the specific vendor selling the part. Electrical, Drivetrain and chassis parts are for the most part easy to source. Body and especially trim can be a little harder.
Act now and get your U-tube Master Auto Technician certification for 1/2 price. Ah heck just call, we will give it to you for FREE FREE FREE. If you call in the next 2 min, you can also get your Muffler Bearing replacement Certified Specialist qualification also. You will be the talk of the car/truck show with these two patches on your truck club jacket.
Whatever you end up doing take a ton of pictures, more than you think are necessary. Document every bolt, every wire, every bracket. Take slow walk through videos of everything as well. It will save you a ton of time in the future. I thought I took enough. Not even close. It ended up costing me hours in research, second guessing myself, and being confused. Thankfully, a few humbling posts on this forum helped me to figure things out, but I could have saved myself the embarrassing questions if I would have put a little more time into photographic documentation.
Also, buy the service manual especially if you’re going to keep everything stock. Although it seems like it would be relatively simple the stock wiring harness on these trucks is a mess and there are hundreds of variations depending on options and model years. The diagrams alone are worth the 20 bucks it costs you to get the manual on a USB stick.
05-01-2024, 10:23 PM
... You have arrived.
