project blues

[1983stepside]

hi everyone as some of you know im building a 1983 chevy stepside, ive had since i was 14, and i took it apart down to the frame last summer,( may of 08) and ive been collecting parts for it like a motor, trans, few interior parts, and other misc stuff, and me my dad and a buddy of mine have been working on my truck as much as possible, my issue is tho that i was layed off for 6 months so no money for the truck, finally got a new job (thank God  ) and just stated back in on the truck but im getting to the point where nothing seems like is getting done im still working on the frame since last summer i know sad right? tell me abouti it, im no sure but i think im loseing intrest in my truck and the whole project because im not getting any where with it, id like it to be drivable and leagle by next summer buy idont think i will cuz, im not getting any where with it so im wondering what you guys do when you feel this way? or if any of you ever feel this way? hope youll help me get out of this mood cuz,i would like to see the truck done thanks for your timeand reading my post

[eventhorizon66]

Glad to hear you're back on your feet with a source of income.  The main thing that makes a project drag on forever a weary attitude.  Don't focus on how much work it's gonna take or what a PITA this or that will be, just accept that there will be setbacks and mistakes made.  Use other peoples' projects for your inspiration and keep your eyes on the prize.  If you are motivated and inspired you'll be amazed how quickly you can knock out a major project.

Now, if that little pep talk didn't help motivate you, nothing will

[low budget]

Stepside, stay focused and take it one step at a time.  I have had my truck on the back burner for 4 yrs.  Now that I look back, I could've had it done if I would've stuck with it.  Now a team of horses can't pull me away from it...


Stay with it!!!!

Keep us posted on what your doing...

[choptop]

I haave a friend that took 17 years to built his 57 Belair. Every nut, bolt rivet etc has been redone. You still have time. I havent gone to the extent of a frame off resto because I want to drive it, plus Im fotunate enough that Texas trucks usually dont require it. I think the best thing is to have a second truck if possible to drive and enjoy while you drive the other one. It keeps your enthusiasm up because you can go to cruises and shows to get ideas and its a reminder of why you are b uilding the other one. When you dont have one to drive, it does get frustrating

[smitty77]

I'm in the same boat as you.  I acquired a '79 2wd stepside two years ago and began tearing into it.  The more I took off, the more problems I found.  Then winter rolled around and with no garage, the project sat untouched.  Then I found another '79 4x4 with a 4" lift and 35s with a bad body.  I figured for cheap money I could do a body swap and have a running 4x4 for short dough.  "ALL" I needed to do was strip the truck and paint the frame.  Well, a year and a half and another parts truck later and I'm still doing just that.  Granted I replaced the brake and fuel lines, dumped the questionably functional 700r4/np208 in favor of a known-to-be-working th400/np205, and put on coats of POR-15 and chassis black.  but the progress meter has moved very little.  With a wife, two kids, a house, and a job where my hours in the summer approach 75 a week, I don't get a lot of free time to tinker with it.

Yeah, it's taken some time.  The whole project (rolling chassis plus the original C10 with no front end) sits right outside the back door so I get to look at it several times a day.  But there is hope.  I'm now ready to swap the motor over and bolt it to the tranny, and if all goes well the body will soon follow.  For the last two years I said i would have it running by september.  I'm saying the same again this year.  Will I make it?  I doubt it, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

[JRConnieK10]

Ok don't let the little things get to ya. each time you work on it something gets done and it takes all the little things to make progress. If we all had unlimited fundung for projects we could pay someone, but what satisfaction would that be. You'll get more pride from blood and sweat so when its gets done and people ask you about it you will be ablle to tell them every step, and proably show a cut or scar from where you did it. I've had mine for 22 years and it has never been done and my guess is it never will be.

[SUX2BU99]

Don't let it get you down. I've been building a console for my truck for 3 years in Sept and it's still at least 6 months from completion! Yeah, time is hard to come by. But I've had some other work projects come and go in between time. What you should do is pick something on the to-do list, get it done and then you'll feel better that you've accomplished something and then move on to the next. Taking on a big item first can drag you down. If you are working on the frame, consider getting everything stripped off as being an accomplishment. Next would be to clean the frame, then scratch that off the list, etc etc.

[1983stepside]

thanks guys for all yor input and advice i feel a lil better about the whole thing, the frame is cleaned and painted im trying to take the leave springs off i got one but the other is a pain and driven me nuts i cant get it off, and the front suspension needs to be finished, my plan was to finish the frame,brake lines paint emergency brake cables etc... and have it a roller again then do the motor and trans, (which the motor i just replaced the valve seals and had the valves machined) then put both on the frame, then tackle the body work, which is what i use to do for a living but i like it a lot more when i just do side jobs or my own stuff so im looking forward to the body work, but i hope it dosent take 17 years like some or keep saying september like others i knew this wasnt gonna hapen over night, but man i wish it was done now hope youll all keep me updated with what your doing and keep me ontract with my build

[Captkaos]

I have one I have torn down since 2000, and 3 more on top of it.  It gets frustrating but when you tear one down it takes a while before progress starts showing again.

[Armor]

it may sound corny, but i made a wall length list for my 79, no matter how small or remedial the job was it got written down, then as i went along and had a hour to spare or a day id start in on the stuff i wanted to do at the time. Having it checked off the list made me feel better, by the end of last summer, she was ready to take on the world, and i couldnt be happier with it.

[1983stepside]

wow i couldnt havemy truck torn apart for that long it would drive me nuts, but i think ill try the makeing a list idea sounds like a ood one that way i know what needs done still and ill feel like i got some where thanks guys

[77chevystepside]

I just "finished" my truck and I was going through the same blues you are. These guys gave you great advice. What I found most frustrating was the amount of time some "little" projects took me. Installing new vent window rubber took me  6 hours one day just because I had no experience knowing how to get the rubber into the track, rivet them together again,etc.
What helped my mental health was to move off a project that was kicking my butt and do something easy. That way I always felt I was accomplishing something.
You know by now another issue is having a 9/16ths wrench in one hand and your open wallet in the other. WOW even junk yard parts cost bucks nowadays. I spent about $2,500 more than I thought I would. Kept thinking-I hate to put back old parts on a "new" truck so kept ordering or buying parts.
If you get stuck on a project or can't find a part, get on this or other forums and ask. Most guys are more than willing to help. Take a look at my web page or photo albums and you will see what an rookie restorer went through. I tore mine apart in 06 and let it sit until this spring and put it together in about 3 months working full time on it (I am retired)
Now I drive it at least two or three times a week and love it. Your day will come.