Thinkin' About Doing a Complete Restoration???

Okay, Here is my Pipe Dream...Well, I am thinking about doing a complete Restoration to my 1988 Chevy Blazer K5 350 Silverado.  It's in pretty good shape since it has only 53k origonal mile on it and many of the systems are in good shape but I want it to be my "Truck For Life"!  I really want it to be as new as the day it came off the show room floor again and as dependable, just like a new truck.   Am I asking too much???   I don't know and it be a reasonable price.  Has anyone been through this.  Is a complete restore the answer?  Where would one go to do this with quality work and a value?  What might this cost?  Or is there another way??? Is a frame up restore the answer? Who would someone contact to evaluate the Bazer how much it would cost. I am in the Dallas, TX area and would like to explore the possibalities of this for my favorite truck ever.  Thanks to any help.  Doug  (sorry for any spelling errors).


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I've been working on a restoration of my green '74 Blazer for about 6 years.
I started with the frame because there was a crack where the steering gear bolts on. Then I did the steering box, ball joints and linkage. Next was the suspension, new leaf springs front and rear with new shocks and tires. I rebuilt the engine, carb and distributor and replaced all the hoses and belts, then had a custom dual exhaust installed.
All the rust was removed and then repainted.
I'm sure there's lots more that I can't think of right now, ( I don't start thinking til later in the day).
I've done a lot of the work myself and I figure that I've spent about $8,000 so far on the restoration. I expect to spend about another $5,000

Wow!  I was hoping to get it done for around $10,000 .  But maybe that's not realistic?  I can do much of the work myself but the body work and mechanical systems will be tuff for me since I do not have the facilities to handle pulling an engine and such.  I want it done right so I'll just keep hunting for someone that can do it for a realistic price.
 
Thanks for your input!
Doug