1969 D100 - Open to suggestions

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

I have owned this 1969 D100 for about 10 years, my granddad order it, and was the origonal owner, my Uncle got it from him, and I am the 3rd owner. Let the restoration begin!

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

These are the "before," I am open to any and all suggestions.

[ufo]

Decide on how much of a restoration do you want to do?
Just get it safe and reliable or complete top to bottom shine and shine vehicle?

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

The immediate goal is street worthy. The engine was rebuilt less than 3000 miles ago, tranny was rebuilt less than 10 miles ago. The problem is that it has been sitting for nearly 10 years with me just starting it every few weeks and moving it around the yard. I figure I will need to start with going through all of the seals, especially the break system.

Long term goal, I am going to go through it top to bottom - I am just trying to decide if I want it stock, or want to make it more daily driver friendly. I have looked at the options of 4wd conversion, bucket seats, mild cam, intake, and 4brl, relocating the gas tank to under the bed, power steering, and 4 wheel disk breaks.

I have $500 invested in the truck as it sits, I want it to be something I can drive on a regular basis - just have to decide which way to go.

[Hobcobble]

Have you pulled the floor carpeting up yet?

On your brake system, I'd suggest all new
wheel cylinders, shoes/hardware, master
cylinder & line hoses. If the brake lines
look questionable, replace them as well.
John

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

Thanks John. The last time I had the carpet out was about 9 years ago, but it was solid then, and has been garage kept for most of that time. I do not expect to find any problems under there - but who ever expects problems - I guess we will see soon.

As for the breaks, I believe you are right - that is one area that it does not pay to cut corners. What are your thoughts on converting to disk breaks, or power? I am sure there are plenty of discussions on here, but I have not gotten to them yet.

Thanks for the help!

[Dood]

There are a number of threads on the 'scarebird' conversion to disk breaks for the front. There is a recent photo essay here.

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

Thanks for the link to the other thread - I have been looking at it and others today (while I should have been working). It looks like that might be a good way to go - I really want to drive it now, but it would be a waste to sink any money into the current breaks to get them going if I am just going to do a swap, and for long term - disks are the way to go.

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

This would have been somewhere in the late 70's - I am the little guy with his back to you on the driver's side. That is my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin on that side with me, and Dad and my Brother on the passenger's side - I guess Mom was taking the picture. This would have been take at Lake of the Pines in Jefferson, TX.

[DocsTruck]

I say restore it back to original. Nice truck!!!

[facechicken]

I agree with docstruck....go all original. of course i am not really fond of people customizing older vehicles...i like the look and nostalgia of all original (minus the brake conversion cuz thats about safety)

[Cleanfingernails]

Original. Original. Original. Exception: safety. Good luck.

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

Cosmetically I have definitely planned to keep it origonal - Dodge got it right the first time, and I don't think I am smarter than they were, so don't think I could improve on their design. I was considering a disk break conversion, and power steering. I had kicked around the idea of a 4wd conversion to make it more practical year around up here, but am not sure I want to drive it on the salty roads anyway.

Thanks for the feedback! I am looking forward to hearing more, and to keeping everyone updated on my progress.

[facechicken]

If you do the disc conversion for the front, search the forum for "scarebird" they make the brackets you need and one of our members did a whole topic on it (with the parts list) under "suspension and break help" on the main page

[JACKISBACK]

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/0805c ... ndex2.html

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

From the looks of things, the scarebird conversion seems to be a good way to go. Could anybody give me an estimate cost on doing the conversion?

[facechicken]

When I figured mine up it came to around 400. You can save some cash if you have extra gm calipers for the core charges

[1969IndianaDodgeMan]

Well I don't have the extra calipers, but I would say that is pretty reasonable for the conversion.

[JeepersCreepers]

Nice truck

[JeepersCreepers]

Have you pulled the floor carpeting up yet?

On your brake system, I'd suggest all new
wheel cylinders, shoes/hardware, master
cylinder & line hoses. If the brake lines
look questionable, replace them as well.
John

Re: I agree my '64 has been down for the count for a lil' bit because I have to nearly completely rebuild or replace my whole brake system.