How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973-1987
When Chevy released its third-generation C/K pickup trucks, the stout and sturdy performers captured the attention of Chevy and GMC truck enthusiasts. As a result, millions were sold during their 18-year production run. The new cab design featured rounded windshield corners, rounded cab roof, and sloped and rounded doors, so they were called the "rounded-line" trucks by General Motors. Enthusiasts, however, didn’t agree. Because of the overall squarer appearance of the trucks, they were soon called the "squarebody" by enthusiasts and journalists alike. Although the older Chevy/GMC pickups are more exclusive, the third-generation pickups are plentiful, are increasing in collector value, and, fortunately, have parts that are readily available.

As an on- and off-road utility vehicle, Chevy/GMC trucks have been towing, hauling, and operating in a variety of conditions. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, many of these extensively used trucks are in desperate need of restoration. Whether you own a regular, super, or crew cab with a short or long box, this restoration guide provides the pertinent information and instruction to restore your truck to original condition. Seasoned truck magazine writer Kevin Whipps explains real-world techniques for restoring classic Chevy and GMC pickups at home. You are shown how to comprehensively inspect, properly assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are also guided through each major portion of truck restoration, including engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Special coverage is dedicated to the replacement of body panels and the repair of box, cab, and other body parts. When pro-caliber bodywork has been performed, you have an excellent foundation for the paint, and in turn, you’re shown to prep, shoot, and buff the paint job.

The rounded-line Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road-duty 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. An authoritative and comprehensive restoration guide for the 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC trucks has not been available until now.
1143952237
How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973-1987
When Chevy released its third-generation C/K pickup trucks, the stout and sturdy performers captured the attention of Chevy and GMC truck enthusiasts. As a result, millions were sold during their 18-year production run. The new cab design featured rounded windshield corners, rounded cab roof, and sloped and rounded doors, so they were called the "rounded-line" trucks by General Motors. Enthusiasts, however, didn’t agree. Because of the overall squarer appearance of the trucks, they were soon called the "squarebody" by enthusiasts and journalists alike. Although the older Chevy/GMC pickups are more exclusive, the third-generation pickups are plentiful, are increasing in collector value, and, fortunately, have parts that are readily available.

As an on- and off-road utility vehicle, Chevy/GMC trucks have been towing, hauling, and operating in a variety of conditions. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, many of these extensively used trucks are in desperate need of restoration. Whether you own a regular, super, or crew cab with a short or long box, this restoration guide provides the pertinent information and instruction to restore your truck to original condition. Seasoned truck magazine writer Kevin Whipps explains real-world techniques for restoring classic Chevy and GMC pickups at home. You are shown how to comprehensively inspect, properly assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are also guided through each major portion of truck restoration, including engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Special coverage is dedicated to the replacement of body panels and the repair of box, cab, and other body parts. When pro-caliber bodywork has been performed, you have an excellent foundation for the paint, and in turn, you’re shown to prep, shoot, and buff the paint job.

The rounded-line Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road-duty 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. An authoritative and comprehensive restoration guide for the 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC trucks has not been available until now.
29.95 In Stock
How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973-1987

How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973-1987

by Kevin Whipps
How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973-1987

How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973-1987

by Kevin Whipps

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$29.95 

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Overview

When Chevy released its third-generation C/K pickup trucks, the stout and sturdy performers captured the attention of Chevy and GMC truck enthusiasts. As a result, millions were sold during their 18-year production run. The new cab design featured rounded windshield corners, rounded cab roof, and sloped and rounded doors, so they were called the "rounded-line" trucks by General Motors. Enthusiasts, however, didn’t agree. Because of the overall squarer appearance of the trucks, they were soon called the "squarebody" by enthusiasts and journalists alike. Although the older Chevy/GMC pickups are more exclusive, the third-generation pickups are plentiful, are increasing in collector value, and, fortunately, have parts that are readily available.

As an on- and off-road utility vehicle, Chevy/GMC trucks have been towing, hauling, and operating in a variety of conditions. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, many of these extensively used trucks are in desperate need of restoration. Whether you own a regular, super, or crew cab with a short or long box, this restoration guide provides the pertinent information and instruction to restore your truck to original condition. Seasoned truck magazine writer Kevin Whipps explains real-world techniques for restoring classic Chevy and GMC pickups at home. You are shown how to comprehensively inspect, properly assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are also guided through each major portion of truck restoration, including engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Special coverage is dedicated to the replacement of body panels and the repair of box, cab, and other body parts. When pro-caliber bodywork has been performed, you have an excellent foundation for the paint, and in turn, you’re shown to prep, shoot, and buff the paint job.

The rounded-line Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road-duty 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. An authoritative and comprehensive restoration guide for the 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC trucks has not been available until now.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781613254868
Publisher: S-A Design
Publication date: 04/19/2018
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 240 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Author Kevin Whipps has a diverse and varied work history, but he is a car and truck guy at heart. As a freelance writer based in Tuscon, Arizona, Whipps has written for a wide range of motorsports magazines and websites including Classic Trucks, Diesel World, Euro Tuner, Game, Lowrider, Muscle Car Power, Sport Truck, Street Trucks, Super Street, Ten Trucks, and Truckin’.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Finding a Project Squarebody

Overview of the 1973–1987 Chevrolet Pickup

Year-by-Year Changes

Trim Levels

Special Editions

VIN Decoding

The Right Truck for You

Ownership Documents

Customized Versus Stock Trucks

Rust Versus No Rust

Engine and Transmission

Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes

Beater Options

Determining Your Skill Level

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Organizing Your Process

Choosing the Level of Restoration

Setting a Budget

Preparing Your Workspace

NOS Versus Reproduction Versus Aftermarket Parts

Purchasing a Parts Vehicle

Organizing and Cataloging Your Parts

Tools and Equipment

Welding and Metalwork

Consumable Materials and Supplies

Making Your Own Tools

Chapter 3: Bodywork

Installing New Cab Mounts

Body Trim

Stripping the Finish

Inspecting for Rust

Panel Replacement Procedures

Repairing Bed Rust Damage

Repairing Cab Rust Damage

Repairing Dents and Dings

Applying Body Filler

Gapping the Panels

Fixing Factory Issues

Prep for Paint

Chapter 4: Paint

DIY Versus Paying a Professional

Equipment

Paint Types

Paint Colors

Priming

Sealing

Painting Basics

Chapter 5: Engine

Analysis of Work Required

Engine Removal

Engine Installation

Rebuilding Basics

Chapter 6: Transmission

Transmission Types

Tools and Equipment

Removing the Transmission

Disassembling the Transmission

Rebuilding Basics

Chapter 7: Drivetrain

Axle Identification

Gearing

Rebuilding an Axle

Chapter 8: Brakes

Remove or Replace

Brake Lines

Front Disc Brakes

Wheel Bearings

Rear Drum Brakes

Bleeding the Brakes

Chapter 9: Suspension

DIY Versus Paying a Professional

Removal and Installation

Rebuilding Basics

Chapter 10: Electrics

Tools and Equipment

Full-Chassis Harness

Chapter 11: Interior

DIY Versus Paying a Professional

Trim Removal

Interior Disassembly

Interior Reassembly and Refurbishment

Chapter 12: Miscellaneous Mechanicals

Fuel System

Badge and Emblems

Long-Bed to Short-Bed Conversion

Source Guide

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