This is the chevy when we pulled it out of the leek field.  It had been sitting for about 3 years at this point.  This truck was ordered from the factory by my father-in-law for a farm truck in '82.  When this photo was taken, the truck still ran, but the tranny only had 3rd gear and reverse.  After years of abuse on the farm it was left to rot, sunk up to the doors in mud.  We pulled it out, swapped in a different battery, swapped out the three tires that were off their beads and drove it up the street to the garage, where we power washed it as best we could.

Beginning the tear down process with a little help from friends (L-R Jim Hewitt, Chris Lillia & Dan Stanker).  Hey where's my beer?

Preparing to yank the tired 305.

The engine has been yanked, the dana 60 and 14 bolt are in place, the 12" National Spring leafs are installed and it is resting on 46s for now.

The motor is just waiting for new valve covers that are back ordered.  The block was painted thunder purple as a compromise for my wife giving up the "purple show truck" she always wanted.

Dropped the engine in the compartment. Just waiting on headers.

This is how she stands now. Need to install the front bumper, headers, exhuast and driveshafts.

As I said, this truck was originally ordered by my father-in-law as a farm truck.  It actually became my wife's first truck when she got her driver's license in high school.  After graduation, the truck returned to it's previous life on the farm.  After my father-in-law passed away, the truck was left where his nephew got it stuck in one of their farm fields just down the road from their house.  After 3 years of sitting in the mud, I rescued the unwanted orphan with plans to turn it into a show truck for my wife.  However, after 5 years of staring at it in the garage, that plan has changed and I decided to build the truck with a lot less show and a lot more go.  After being off the road for nearly 8 years, she will get a chance to stretch her legs again soon.

Specifications (so far)...

Engine:  Spec sheet coming soon...  Built by Raytech

Trans:  Heavily modified Turbo 400 with ORD Doubler kit, NP 203/205 transfer case with triple stick kit

Lift:  14" National Spring leaf spring suspension lift

Front Axle:  Dana 60 with 35 spline inners and outers, Warn Premiums 35 spline hubs, 5.13 gears and Detriot locker

Rear Axle:  GM 14 bolt full float, 5.13 gears and Detroit locker

Steering:  Custom cross-over steering by Shakerbuilt

Tires & Wheels:  15" x 14" Eaton beadlock wheels with 42" TSL Swampers