Hello,
For my first post here I have some questions. First a little background. I have an '07 Corvette and an '09 Subaru STI. I do some track days and I do a bit of Motorsports photography. I was given a 93 Chevy short bed regular cab from my inlaws. I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it is the most basic of trucks. The body is good except for some minor dings and dents and two rusty areas in the cab corners. The trouble is it's a 4,3/5sp with no air.
I'd like to build it as a project vehicle. My use for it when done is to tow my car to the track day, or tow an ATV I use to get from corner to corner on road courses when I photograph. I know it would be simpler to buy a more suitable truck, but I am looking forward to the project and I don't want a stock truck. I would like to use it to promote my photography business.
My plans are to swap in an LS motor, probably a 6.0l and auto trans. I need air too, so I will either do a junkyard swap from a donor truck with A/C, or use an aftermarket kit. A drop is a requirement too, but I don't know what to do about a drop. My brain tells me a 2/4 drop would be the most practical, but my heart wants at least a 4/6. Bear in mind I will be doing some, but not a lot of, towing and the infields of some tracks can be a little rough. I also wonder about the frame strength after cutting a C notch in it. I guess I could always box that area. Of course, paint, interior and music will need to be done also.
As far as ability, I have the skills to do all of the work less the paint. I need to learn more welding, but that's what the project is for anyway. I have a fairly well equipped garage with a 10,000 lb scissor lift, air and a bearing press along with standard hand tools. So I think I have everything to complete the truck. All I need to do is buy a welder and I've wanted to do that anyway. This will be a good excuse.
After all of that, what is everyone's opinion on the A/C swap and the drop issue?
Thanks for reading this long post!
Scott
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