Today I began some interior work on the truck. I am thinking I should replace the "resto" name tag with "Rusto." I knew all along that this truck had rust in the usual places (rocker panels, kick panels, etc.). Knowing it is there, and removing flooring to see it, are two very different things. I can put my hand through some of these holes! well... once the shock was over with, after removing the rubber mat, and all the sound proofing on the floorboards, I got to taking the seat out of the cab. It all came out pretty easily, no surprises.... UNTIL I actually got the seat out and into the driveway. In the framing of the seat, on both the back and bottom, I found these build sheets! these are documents placed into vehicles as it is on the assembly line. Build sheets note every little detail about each vehicle, including build dates, model numbers, trim package details, which GM plant, etc.
Cleaning everything down to bare metal allows me to line up a gameplan for what to replace, what to refurbish, and how to prep for paint. I am starting to enjoy the challenge of doing a full restoration while leaving the truck a 'driver.' As for the cab, I am going to cut out all the rusty pieces, and weld in new "patch panels" (replacements). Under the dash, I will replace all the duct work, reinsulate everything, and I will install a product called Hushmat. Its a soundproofing mat that goes under the carpet and along the firewall. This will help make the cab nice and quiet while allowing me to get my loud exhaust fix everytime I set off any and all car alarms in a given radius :)
now that the holidays are over, and I am done having the road trip of a lifetime, (more to come on that later), the updates here will be a little more frequent. thanks for keeping up, and look out for ugly trucks with a lot of horsepower! oh-and the cute... chick? is apparently Rhonda... she has been under my seat for a LONG time, clearly!
