1981 GMC Sierra 2500 in decent shape. New to restoration. Where do I start?

[81GMCSierra]

Got it for $800. Not sure where to start. I don't have any tools yet but I do have the space and time.

Body is perfect. It needs a buff and polish though. There are like two small places that could use a paint touch-up.

The interior is in B+ shape. There is a seat cover that I haven't taken off yet to see what is underneath. The AC vent plastic is broken and needs to be replaced. The turn signal lever is loose and the whole thing probably needs to be replaced. No horn. The dash has been covered in some sort of padded vinyl. I'd like to get that back to stock. The Instrument panel has a few cracks and I would like that replaced. Windshield has a crack. Tailgate is frozen shut. Has a nice bed liner, not sure what is underneath.

I took it to a shop before buying it. Front brakes are real bad. Thermostat housing has a leak. Radiator has a small leak. Intake manifold gasket has a slight leak. Hoses, belts, and air filter need replacing. Battery is for a sedan and the contacts are loose. Alternator is in unknown condition.

That being said I drove it 40 miles home and it ran like a champ.

Here are pictures... http://imgur.com/a/nFy7C

 

[89Suburban]

Cool truck, welcome aboard. Any worries about smog inspection?

 

[skysurfer]

If it were mine...

1: Brakes.

2: Minor engine issues.

3: A truck without a working tailgate isn't much good so I would fix that and lose the bedliner at the same time.

Beyond that, take care of what bugs you the most as your wallet permits.

 

[81GMCSierra]

Cool truck, welcome aboard. Any worries about smog inspection?

Smog was done 2 months ago. I am new to California so not really sure how all that works.

 

[highdesertrange]

brakes first. then just start fixing stuff in order of importance. like the cooling system leaks. highdesertranger

 

[Old77]

I always start with getting the mechanicals in shape first and get it reliable then go from there

 

[81GMCSierra]

Thanks for the tips guys. I get my manuals and tools this week.

 

[MadOgre]

That thing looks pretty sweet for $800 !

I would take off those running boards. They are just a trap for moisture which inevitably causes rust.

 

[350runner]

$800 is an awesome deal for that! Way to go man!

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[Speakfordadead]

I agree with the masses..... my pops always said... "Gots to make it whoa before you make it go"

 

[81GMCSierra]

I agree with the masses..... my pops always said... "Gots to make it whoa before you make it go"

That seems backwards...

 

[highdesertrange]

that is not backwards. that brakes are the most important system on any vehicle. you can always make it go but if you can't stop you are dead. think of it this way you don't even need a engine or trans just get to the top of a mountain pass and give her a push you will go but if you can't stop you are in trouble. highdesertranger