Truck Restoration Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Show: Gears
• Main Challenges for Gearheads:
  • Reliability
  • Cooling
  • Budget
• Three Key Solutions:
  • Plan the project
  • Spend money on the right parts
  • Do the work yourself

Affordable Vintage Vehicles

• 70s, 80s, and 90s vehicles (e.g., Monte Carlos, Mustangs, El Caminos, Camaros, trucks) are cheap options.
• Example: 1973 Chevy pickup (problems: worn-out motor/transmission, no brakes, bad suspension, outdated stereo)
• Project Name: Knuckle Buster
• Goal: Modernize and restore for everyday use.

Adjusting the Stance

• Issue: Large wheel wells require bigger tires and a lower stance.
• Plan: Lower the truck 3 inches in the front and 4 inches in the rear for a mean look without losing utility.

Suspension System

DJM Suspension System (Ordered from Stylin' Trucks):

• Replaces stock upper and lower control arms with heavy-duty tubular control arms.
• Features:
  • Preinstalled urethane bushings and ball joints
  • Performance shocks
  • Reuses stock spindle and spring
• Installation Process:
  • Remove wheels, shocks, rotor, caliper, brake hoses.
  • Support spring with a jack and remove the spindle.
  • Replace old control arms with new ones.
  • Clean up frame and cross member.

Brake System

*Stainless Steel Brake System:

• Includes modified spindles for big brakes, 4-piston calipers, 13-inch slotted rotors.
• Advantages:
  • New bearings and hardware
  • Improved braking performance

Rear Suspension

*Components:

• Drop shackles and relocation bracket
• Stainless steel brake conversion kit (includes rotors, calipers with emergency brakes, hoses, hardware)
• Installation Process:
  • Remove old parts
  • Install new shackle and relocation bracket
  • Replace drum brakes with new disc brakes

Engine and Transmission

• Old engine: worn out 350 with leaks
• New engine: GM Performance 350 crate engine (350 horsepower)
• Accessory system from GM Performance:
  • Alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, Serpentine system
  • Additional accessories: valve covers, air cleaner, oil pan from Summit Racing

Steering and Cooling

• Replacement parts from LMC Truck:
  • Power steering box, center link, tie rod ends, sway bars, stabilizer
  • New brake master cylinder and power booster from Stainless Steel Brakes
• Cooling system from Flex-a-lite:
  • Aluminum radiator, dual electric fans, auxiliary transmission cooler
• Installation Process:
  • Replace steering box and linkage
  • Install the new sway bars

Rear End

*Locking Differential Installation:

• Remove old gears and replace them with Powertrax locker
• New parts: axle shafts, bearings, seals, pinion shaft and retaining bolt
• Added polished aluminum cover from Summit Racing
• Completed painting the frame and axles

Interior Makeover

**Components:

• Sound deadener: heavy-duty asphalt-based material
• Heat shield: reflective mats
• New carpet, steering column, stereo system, air conditioning vents, gauge cover, seat belts, door panels (from LMC Truck)
• Installation Process:
  • Remove old interior parts and clean up
  • Install sound deadener, heat shield, and carpet
  • Replace wiring harness with a new one from Painless Performance
  • Install new steering column, gauges, dash, door panels
• Seat Reupholstering:
  • New seat cushion and upholstery from LMC Truck (process: install new foam, attach new cover)

Exterior Enhancements

*Components:

• Cowl induction hood from LMC Truck
• Billet aluminum grille, Euro-style headlights, turn signal lenses, chrome bezels, bumpers from LMC Truck
• Exhaust system from MagnaFlow (stainless steel, dual exhaust system, pre-bent tubing, polished mufflers)
• Installation Process:
  • Attach new grille, headlights, bumpers
  • Install show deck in the truck bed from Bruce Horkey's Wood and Parts

Conclusion

• Finished product: 1973 Chevy pickup, restored and modernized with significant cost savings.
• Motivation: DIY approach makes it affordable and achievable.

Final Note

• Returning the truck to its owners after adequate road testing.