How To Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973 - 1987

             The rounded-line Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road-duty trucks. But before you can build a specialty truck, you need to have a solid, reliable, restored truck. This book provides the invaluable information and step-by-step instruction to return these trucks to their original glory. An authoritative and comprehensive restoration guide for the 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC trucks has not been available until now.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Chapter 1: Finding a Project Squarebody

• Overview of the 1973–1987 Chevrolet Pickup
• Year-by-Year Changes
• Trim Levels
• Special Editions
• VIN Decoding
• The Right Truck for You
• Ownership Documents
• Customized Versus Stock Trucks
• Rust Versus No Rust
• Engine and Transmission
• Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
• Beater Options
• Determining Your Skill Level

Chapter 2: Getting Started 

• Organizing Your Process
• Choosing the Level of Restoration
• Setting a Budget
• Preparing Your Workspace
• NOS Versus Reproduction Versus Aftermarket Parts
• Purchasing a Parts Vehicle
• Organizing and Cataloging Your Parts
• Tools and Equipment
• Welding and Metalwork
• Consumable Materials and Supplies
• Making Your Own Tools

Chapter 3: Bodywork 

• Installing New Cab Mounts
• Body Trim
• Stripping the Finish
• Inspecting for Rust
• Panel Replacement Procedures
• Repairing Bed Rust Damage
• Repairing Cab Rust Damage
• Repairing Dents and Dings
• Applying Body Filler
• Gapping the Panels
• Fixing Factory Issues
• Prep for Paint

Chapter 4: Paint 

• DIY Versus Paying a Professional
• Equipment
• Paint Types
• Paint Colors
• Priming
• Sealing
• Painting Basics

Chapter 5: Engine 

• Analysis of Work Required
• Engine Removal
• Engine Installation
• Rebuilding Basics

Chapter 6: Transmission 

• Transmission Types
• Tools and Equipment
• Removing the Transmission
• Disassembling the Transmission
• Rebuilding Basics

Chapter 7: Drivetrain 

• Axle Identification
• Gearing
• Rebuilding an Axle

Chapter 8: Brakes

• Remove or Replace
• Brake Lines
• Front Disc Brakes
• Wheel Bearings
• Rear Drum Brakes
• Bleeding the Brakes

Chapter 9: Suspension 

• DIY Versus Paying a Professional
• Removal and Installation
• Rebuilding Basics

Chapter 10: Electrics 

• Tools and Equipment
• Full-Chassis Harness

Chapter 11: Interior 

• DIY Versus Paying a Professional
• Trim Removal
• Interior Disassembly
• Interior Reassembly and Refurbishment

Chapter 12: Miscellaneous Mechanicals 

• Fuel System
• Badge and Emblems
• Long-Bed to Short-Bed Conversion