Arright FTE guys and gals.. I've been thinking of doing this for a while so here it is... a phased guide to reviving /rebuilding a Dent (or just about any vehicle) as a restoration, restomod, or custom. This is what I came up with and I hope it proves useful. Your phases may vary.

First a note, some of the phases can be piggybacked. For example, subassemblies (chassis, engine, etc.) can be done while the bodywork is being completed.

Here we go:

Pre-Teardown Phase
Determine the purpose of your rig... street/strip, trail riding, daily driver, etc.
Determine budget...
Now add another 20 percent to your budget.
Determine sources for tech support and parts.
Build a Dentside Reference Library
Order lots of catalogs!!
Invest in a factory shop manual. Chilton's is better than Haynes.
Get your work area and tools in order
Needs.... Money, time, and patience.

Phase 1 - Teardown
Bodywork / Interior Disassembly.
Catalog, label, and bag your parts!
Engine & transmission removal
Bed & cab removal
Chassis disassembly (including rear axle) and hardlines

Phase 2a - Bodywork
Clean & strip body finish
Bodywork, body mods, and seal with epoxy primer
Door fitment & gaps (rebuild your door hinges now)
Paint job!

Phase 2b - Chassis
Strip & refinish frame
Build axles and install new brakes
Build new suspension & steering
Install fuel tank, fuel line, brake lines.

Phase 3 - Powertrain Build-up
Build engine
Build transmission
Build transfer case

Phase 4 - Cab Assembly
Install cab on frame
Install & adjust door & window mechanicals
Install door window glass, rear glass, and windshield
Install firewall pad
Run all electrical wiring, vacuum hoses, & control cables.
Install under dash components like wiper motor, etc.
Install instruments, steering wheel and column
Install climate control systems
Run any sound-system wiring
Lay sound deadener (like Dynamat) and carpet underlayments

Phase 5 - Powertrain Installation
Install engine/transmission/transfer case
Install brake hydraulics (MC/booster/proportioning valve)
Build exhaust system
Install core support & radiator

Phase 6 - First Run
Perform preliminary engine system checks and FIRE IT UP!
At this point you should have a truck that is driveable but not road legal.

Phase 7 - Front Clip Assembly & Bed Assembly
Install inner fenders, fenders, and hood
Install bed and route wiring to rear

Phase 8 - Interior
Upholstery & headliner
Install interior accessories
Watershields & door panels
Carpeting
Install seat(s)

Phase 9 - You're Almost There!
Dial-in engine tuning
Install exterior electrical components (head, tail, side marker, running lights, etc.)
Perform a thorough vehicle system checks
Detail work (emblems, grill, bumpers, etc.)
Exterior accessories (winch, light bars, auxiliary lights, etc.)

Phase 10 - Celebrate!

 

Phase 11
Sell the truck in order to pay for the divorce.

 

Phase 12



Look for another project dent while you're constantly cleaning and fixing your completed project! Oh yeah, are we ever done with our projects? My dent was completed a few years ago and I'm always finding reasons to continue to upgrade different things on it every now and then.

 

You forgot step 1. Open beer.

 

Phase 13

Bribe the Judge at your trial saying you did not murder that guy in the honda with the big wing and carbon fiber decals for denting your truck with his ****-mobile.

 

NorthwestX360... . Do what you need to do to keep the wife and girlfriends happy. Get the go ahead to rebuild a carb on the dining table if you have to. Use psychology... when she asks why you need 12-inch Wilwood discs just tell her it's for her own safety... same goes with comfort convenience items like the Corbeau seats, Nostalgia AC kit, power windows and door locks, and window tint. The high-dollar paint job? It coordinates with her eyes and she'll look good driving it if she has to.

Showgirl... True. Projects are never done. However, the steps/phases should give you an idea of needs vs wants during a rebuild and at what phase it may make the most sense. Personally, I try to plan ahead and not buy parts twice.

Kendooley... that happens at the end of each day working on the Dent... a cold one is great while picking up and storing the tools.

freakboy... Bribe? Heck, they have never found the bodies...erra... I mean, they would never find the bodies.

 

Thanks, HIO! This is a great outline for someone like me about to embark on the process...

 

Nicely done. VERY WELL SAID!

 

You're welcome and thanks for the positive feedback. That's exactly what I had hoped to accomplish.

 

I wouldn't mind some of the basic tools required to do some of the larger stuff or complicated work; compressor (best type for this work), jack or lift, body work stuff, electrical tools, etc. I know tools can vary by budget, but a basic list, then one can take off on his/her own to get the highend stuff if they want.

Thanks again, though, this is great. I hope to someday be able to restore another dent or maybe a 50's Ford Pickup with my son in the future.

 

I say we ought to Sticky this thread, and possibly have "responses" that break down in detail each of HIO Silver's Phases.

Whaddya say?

 

I second that motion.
Nicely done HIO!
I like the idea of recommended tools too.

 

I "third" the motion!

 

Bump...and Subscribed!

I love this so far, as I am about to jump into a restoration of sorts with my '78. I started with the engine first though!

 

This thread looks like it has a really good grasp to start with.

I would however have to agree that this could use some more info like:

tools, prices, amounts/types of fluids needed during the phases.

the amounts/types of fluids is just as important as the tools suggestion because of how fluently they are required. I.e. Bondo, Compressed Air, Oil, Transmission Fluid, etc..

A price range might be a nice ending touch to this because then rookies like myself my be able to see much further into the future on their project.