Heavy Half Ton needs a facelift

[karll]

1977 Heavy Half Ton Bonanza

I have had this truck for probably two years. It is a complete rust bucket, but I love it to death. More than anything I would like to restore this truck, but I can't seem to take the jump. Everything needs to be replaced except for the cab, but even that needs patching. In the end I would like to get all new body panels for it, but who knows if that will happen.

Some more practical upgrades I am considering this time or lowering it, exhaust, or maybe a new carb.

Exhaust will probably be one of the first things I tackle. A set of headers will start me off. Nothing fancy. There is a pair of Summit Performance headers on summitracing for cheap. Not worried about incredible performance, anything will be better than those stock manifolds. Mufflers will follow after headers. 40 series come to mind but people have told me bad things about them. I would have no problem using Magnaflows, or something else for that matter, I just don't know what to get. Some help might be needed in this category.

As for lowering the truck. To me, 4x4s should be jacked up. 2wd trucks can sit regular, or squat down a bit. Not sure how low I want to go. Something noticable, but I definitely don't want it slammed. How hard is it to lower these trucks? I found some kits for aroun $300.00. I was hoping to get something a little cheaper.

Redoing the body is something I just need to make myself do. I need to get my hands on a decent MIG welder and at least make the cab solid again. Any ideas to inhibit rust for the time being. I really don't feel like finding a new cab.

Over the next few years I would like to pull the engine and do a complete overhaul. Bore/hone the cylinders. Deck/plane the entire block. New internals. Hotter cam and a bigger carb. This is way down the line though.

Sorry for the rant, just trying to get my ideas out there. Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks.