Learn to fully repair and restore Chevrolet’s most popular truck in this long-awaited new restoration guide.
When Chevy released its second-generation C/K pickup trucks, dubbed the "Action Line," it was apparent that many changes over the previous generation had been employed. Not only did the truck have a simpler, more clean-cut look but this was also the beginning of an era where modern creature comforts that we often take for granted started appearing in the good old Chevy workhorse. Power steering, power brakes, more-powerful engines, a smoother-riding coil rear suspension, automatic transmissions, and independent front suspension all led to what was the most drivable of any Chevy trucks to this point. Back then and today, this generation of Chevy truck is almost universally considered the most popular. Aftermarket parts availability and auction prices support that assertion.
In How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1967-1972, veteran author Kevin Whipps shows you how to inspect, assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are then taken through each major portion of truck restoration, including the engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Each section shows practical, real-world repair and restoration in general and step-by-step formats. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, most of these trucks are in need of some serious work.
Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road 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.
Dedication
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Chevy Truck Model History
Overview
How to Spot a Fake
What Kind of Truck Do You Want?
Inspection and Evaluation
Projects to Avoid
Customized Versus Stock
Rust Versus No Rust
Paperwork
Determining Skill Level
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Organization
Budgeting
Preparing Your Workspace
NOS and Reproduction Parts
Tools and Equipment
Welding and Metalwork
Consumables and Supplies
Making Your Own Tools
Chapter 3: The Body
Stripping the Finish
What Do You Do with a Bare Metal Truck?
Rust Inspection
Panel Replacement
Dashboard Solutions
Floorboard Fixes
Gapping the Panels
Fixing Factory Issues
Body Repair
Working a Panel from Start to Finish
Prepping for Paint
Chapter 4: Paint
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Equipment
Paint Types
Selecting a Color
Primer
Paint Basics
Wet Sanding
Chapter 5: Engine
Authenticity and Reliability
Analysis of Work Required
Identification
Removal and Installation
Chapter 6: Transmission
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Selection
Identification
Chapter 7: Drivetrain
Gear Ratios
Axle Identification
Rebuilding Differentials
Chapter 8: Brakes
Replace or Repair?
Brake Lines
Removal and Installation
Chapter 9: Suspensio
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Removal and Installation
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Chapter 10: Electrical System
Wiring Harnesses
Chapter 11: Interior
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Installing Carpet
Installing Sound-Deadening Material
Radio Delete Plate
Seat Upholstery
Chapter 12: Other Mechanicals
Long-Bed to Short-Bed Conversions
Buying New Versus Cutting Old Bedsides
Source Guide
Learn to fully repair and restore Chevrolet’s most popular truck in this long-awaited new restoration guide.
When Chevy released its second-generation C/K pickup trucks, dubbed the "Action Line," it was apparent that many changes over the previous generation had been employed. Not only did the truck have a simpler, more clean-cut look but this was also the beginning of an era where modern creature comforts that we often take for granted started appearing in the good old Chevy workhorse. Power steering, power brakes, more-powerful engines, a smoother-riding coil rear suspension, automatic transmissions, and independent front suspension all led to what was the most drivable of any Chevy trucks to this point. Back then and today, this generation of Chevy truck is almost universally considered the most popular. Aftermarket parts availability and auction prices support that assertion.
In How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1967-1972, veteran author Kevin Whipps shows you how to inspect, assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are then taken through each major portion of truck restoration, including the engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Each section shows practical, real-world repair and restoration in general and step-by-step formats. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, most of these trucks are in need of some serious work.
Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road 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.
Dedication
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Chevy Truck Model History
Overview
How to Spot a Fake
What Kind of Truck Do You Want?
Inspection and Evaluation
Projects to Avoid
Customized Versus Stock
Rust Versus No Rust
Paperwork
Determining Skill Level
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Organization
Budgeting
Preparing Your Workspace
NOS and Reproduction Parts
Tools and Equipment
Welding and Metalwork
Consumables and Supplies
Making Your Own Tools
Chapter 3: The Body
Stripping the Finish
What Do You Do with a Bare Metal Truck?
Rust Inspection
Panel Replacement
Dashboard Solutions
Floorboard Fixes
Gapping the Panels
Fixing Factory Issues
Body Repair
Working a Panel from Start to Finish
Prepping for Paint
Chapter 4: Paint
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Equipment
Paint Types
Selecting a Color
Primer
Paint Basics
Wet Sanding
Chapter 5: Engine
Authenticity and Reliability
Analysis of Work Required
Identification
Removal and Installation
Chapter 6: Transmission
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Selection
Identification
Chapter 7: Drivetrain
Gear Ratios
Axle Identification
Rebuilding Differentials
Chapter 8: Brakes
Replace or Repair?
Brake Lines
Removal and Installation
Chapter 9: Suspensio
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Removal and Installation
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Chapter 10: Electrical System
Wiring Harnesses
Chapter 11: Interior
DIY Versus Paying a Professional
Installing Carpet
Installing Sound-Deadening Material
Radio Delete Plate
Seat Upholstery
Chapter 12: Other Mechanicals
Long-Bed to Short-Bed Conversions
Buying New Versus Cutting Old Bedsides
Source Guide