1977 Chevy Scottsdale Shortbed/Fleetside - Keep & Restore or Part Ways...

[dads77scottsdale]

It's sort of a bittersweet story. My dad passed away a year ago, and since then I've had the thought of restoring his old truck over time. The problem is, I don't currently have the time or resources to do so, and, the truck is somewhat tired and things keep occurring that need to be fixed or replaced (also a budget issue). So, I'm having concerns about those issues, but wondering if I would regret letting it go. It still belongs to my mother and she said she would hold on to it if I want to restore, but I know it will cost her money to keep and maintain it, and she is also on a budget at this time.

We are undecided what to do considering it needs some TLC both mechanically and cosmetically (some body rust - not sure about underneath yet)?

Just thought I would get some advice from those who know about these trucks and their values.

Thanks!

[sbx22]

You will most likely regret. My dad is still well and with us, but he was going to junk it after having the truck for 20 years. I told him I'd take it in. I heard of too many people sell their trucks then search to buy the truck back. If you have space, just non-op it for the time being.

[thirsty]

The best thing to do is really assess the truck. Determine what you want for a final outcome as far as restoration goes. Make a realistic estimate of what it would take to get the truck where you want it. This is all part of the process and it gets you to know the ins and outs of what you are restoring. Restorations don't always have to be done start to finish asap either. Although I would have liked to have mine done long ago (it's been 7 years) life gets in the way sometimes and I still think about that truck on a regular basis. If you can picture feeling like that about your dad's truck don't get rid of it.

[Boonie]

I sold a truck that I got from my dad several years ago.  75 Chevy Cheyenne, all original, only had 38,000 miles.  I was a kid, and wanted something more.  Still regret it.  Fortunately, I am getting my grandpas truck as soon as I have a place to work on it.  Not quite the same, but still a truck I grew up with.  It wont be leaving once I get it.

[bake74]

     As sbx22 suggested, non op it for now.  In the mean time start a dedicated fund to the truck, but that means you have to be strong enough not to touch the money for something else.

[dads77scottsdale]

Thanks for all the replies.  Not an easy decision, just want to do the smart thing.  If I were more mechanically inclined, I wouldn't be as hesitant to keep, knowing I could possibly fix problems over the years as they surface, but I'm not, so anything that happens, I would probably have to take it in to be worked on.  Non-op would probably be the best option to do right now, if mech. problems keep happening, I just hate to see a vehicle sit un-used for that long, and it has rust issues, but I guess if it were in a sheltered area, that would help.

[Irish_Alley]

You aren't born with mechanical capabilities, if you keep that truck you will learn most things and knowing help is only a click away is something to think about

[Displaced_Txn]

If it has sentimental value it's worth keeping. As Irish said you will learn to work on it and also help is a click away. Being an older chevy parts are easy and cheap to come by and most importatly very easy to work on.  We sold our 80 scottsdale to my late uncle and he totaled it before I had the chance to buy it back from him. It sits in a barn waiting for me to be able to pick it up and restore it to how I most fondly remember it. If it never gets done to me it will always bring back the memories i had in it even if never leaves that barn.

[Irish_Alley]

Not to mention its something that you can pass down or work on with a little one.