Where to start the build

[Fermentedwaste]

 Gonna be starting a 1st time build here soon 87 short bed. What direction do you guys plan a build as far as doing the driveline/suspension/frame work before or after bodywork. Gonna be c-notching putting in a 454/4l80 and body needs a few panels and a floor pan welded in. Space is kind of limited in a two car garage. Any good info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[hwh]

I would get all underneath done. Frame, suspension, etc. Then paint and body. The motor, tranny. Then interior last. Just my opinion.

[Irish_Alley]

depending on where you live you might need to treat the underside for rust from salt

[srozell]

I think it mostly comes down to your approach.

If it's staying in your shop until it's done, then strip it right down to the frame, and work back from there.

If you plan on driving it while you restore it, then my approach is to start with the most critical issues and finish with the cosmetics.

[Fermentedwaste]

Right. Yea I planned on keeping it in the garage. This helps shooting the ideas out there. Trucks in swfl now was up by you Irish. North east md. Think Ima strip it do the frame stuff and setup the motor n trans then body work. Thanks for some ideas guys.

[VileZambonie]

My suggestion is do all of the major body work, strip it down, build the suspension, drivetrain etc and put body back together. Doing body work over a fresh new engine, frame, suspension etc leads to ugliness.

[Fermentedwaste]

That's a good point vilezambonie. Thanks for the info guys.

[Fermentedwaste]

Might do the bodywork until primer then start the frame a motor then paint it last.