QuestionI have been looking everywhere to find anything protaining to my truck so that i can restore it back to factory show-room condition, but i can not find anything. it has an in-line 6, all the wires are missing, and i need a guide/manual of some kind to get started on my resoration project. please help me?
AnswerThese are very simple vehicles, any mechanic can tell you just about everything you need to know about these trucks. I know, I drove one for over 30 years, identical to yours.
You can contact an automotive literature dealer, like Ed Faxon of Corona California, to buy a factory shop manual, or if he doesn't have one, buy a "Motor's" manual that covers your year. You can use a passenger car manual for just about everything, as they shared most of the engine/transmission and rear end parts with the small trucks. As for details of the things that are unique to trucks, your best bet is to join the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America)and talk to the other members about what you need to learn on your truck. Do a Google search to get the addresses of these organizations.
You can buy a complete replacement wiring harness for your truck from Y and Z Yesterdays in Redlands, CA - that will get your wiring problem solved, if you are able to install it yourself. This takes some skill with wiring, but it is a very simple vehicle, you should be able to do this without much help. The link to Y and Z's is: www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com
To learn how to restore the body and mechanical parts, you need to sign up for an auto restoration course at your local adult education center - they have courses in upholstery, welding, engine repair etc. This takes a lifetime to learn how to do well, you take it as far as you want to go, then hire the rest done, but remember most shops charge at least $50 an hour to work on your vehicle, some are much higher.
Good Luck,
Dick
