Around 6 years ago, friends 1994 3500 Silverado extended cab, 4x4, 454, auto, blew a brake line.
Been sitting since. Good thing he put it in storage when the reg expired.
Just to busy to work on it.
Now we have some time, so he wants to get it going.
Body is in surprisingly good condition. Front tires flat.
First thing was to see if the engine was still good.
I had a old battery, so charged it up, and installed it.
I didn't think it would start, being the gas was so old.
Started on the third try, and ran good.
Turned it off so as not to suck rubbish and water through the system.
Crawling around it, found most of the brake lines need replacing.
While removing them, fuel line started leaking.
Probably a good thing.
So all the brake and fuel lines are going to be changed.
Later the whole brake system will be changed.
Also noticed the front of the frame has rusted away.
Just before the steering gear box and idler arm.
Bumper and brackets trash.
Got it jacked up, and on stands now.
Found some used tires on craigs list.
Oil and filter has been changed.
Some plans for it.......
Replace all the brake lines.
Might replace the metal fuel lines with nylon lines.
Drop the gas tank. Clean it out and replace the fuel pump.
Gas gauge didn't work before, so got the whole unit.
Headlights need replacing.
Once the main stuff get done, try to drive it to be sure trans is still good.
If drives good, do the brakes, and register it.
Hoping to spend as little as possible on it, but he's buying all kinds of things for it.
Told him we should get it going first, before buying all kinds of stuff for it.
If things go as we hope, should be done before the end of the year.
Lots of people asking to buy it.
Want to keep it.
Much stronger and more reliable than anything newer.

 

Sounds very similar to what I had to do to a lifted 88 Silverado 1500 I picked up. The suspension and body were both lifted. In addition to what you are faced with I had to replace the engine, rebuild the transmission and transfer, rebuild the rear axle, rebuild the front IFS, replace A arms, springs, shocks and all associated hardware. The radiator support was shot so that got replaced. It needed a new fuel tank and all lines since those were rotted and rusted beyond imagination. I also spent HOURS chasing electrical gremlins. She lives though and I use her to haul dirt, rock, mulch, lumber, etc.

Take lots of pictures and make some good memories!