Just changed oil in the old 390 and waiting for the remainder of the parts for the brake rebuild. Putting on new shoes, wheel cylinders and springs on all four corners, also a master cylinder. I think I have the beginning of a plan for getting this old truck reliable.

Looking at the build thread for old blue I saw them using TR-3 so I got a can and will be shining what's left of the paint.


There is oil leaking everywhere from everything. The transmission looks like it is covered in fur.

I'm thinking a TCI trans to replace this old tired one, with a mild stall converter. The FE is getting a stroker kit and end up around 450-500hp. Swap out the third member and some stouter axles. 17 or 18 inch custom steel rims, like the look of US Wheels haven't even looked at tires yet. I'm thinking the suspension will just get rehabbed. Clean what I can and paint it, replace what is broke or wore out. The cab corners, supports, mounts and floorpan on the drivers side will need fixed at some point. Haven't decided on carb or EFI.

1. Polish.
2. Rebuild the brake system.
3. Wheels and tires.
4. Replace the third member and axles.
5. Cab repair
6. New transmission and converter.
7. Suspension
8. Motor work
All the miscellaneous in between stuff here and there.

Rough outline subject to change.

 

Be careful spending money on stuff that you will soon upgrade. Like the brakes. You are probably going to at least want stock type front discs so don't waste cash on the current drums. Just go ahead and do the discs now.

 

2, 4, and 7 should be done as a system to avoid disassembling and assembling things twice. ... maybe #3 at the same time or shortly thereafter.

 

I appreciate the advice, I'm not planning on upgrading to discs any time soon. I plan on driving it as much as possible and the brakes don't stop real well right now. Just going to use what's in place until the motor work gets done. There is slack in the rear end so I will start there. The trans is leaking out of each end so it needs work soon. With those out of the way I will feel better about putting some miles on it. Get it to the point I have a leak free trans, rear end that works and brakes that will stop it are the first goal. The motor seems to run ok, it will need plugs and filters and new fuel lines. Good call on suspension work while the axle is out.

The TR-3 brought out the shine and really made the primer and fading of the paint look cool. I'm digging it. Pictures coming.

 

You're going to replace the axles? Why? Are they bent or fubar'd?

 

Shined up.

TR-3 working good.

 

Looking ahead to when the motor gets built. Figured if the third member gets beefed up and the trans, don't want a weak link in the driveline.