Doing just that! He is doing the bulk of the work together with his friend who is also 16. I am getting the new engine ready to drop in while they pull the old one. I know it is taking longer than if I were to turn the wrenches myself, but he is certainly getting some worthwhile experience in the process.

Ahh the good old days.
That is probably how most of us got started.
I didn't have a Dad to help.
So here's a Fer ya Pops.
My friends Dads were very helpful and supportive.
He'll learn about responsibility, cooperation, and mechanics.
Nice looking truck.
Whats up with that bumper?

Needs a new bumper for sure LOL

Yeah, my Dad never helped me either when I was a kid, truthfully, he was not around at the time - he had taken a job out of state. And even if he had been there, he just wasn't into working on cars at all. I tore apart my first 1971 Challenger when I was the same age as my son. No help from Dad, No manual, No Internet (of course it was 1983 Al Gore hadn't invented it yet LOL), just a will to make my car better and faster Had help from my neighbors who were Chevelle junkies.

After we get her back on the road, we are going to give her a nice fresh coat of paint (and a new front bumper at the same time). He also wants to add some 4th Gen Ram front seats to make the ride more comfortable.

Sounds like a plan.
Looking forward to the "after" pictures with some smiling faces.
My first time around was a '66 Coronete 500.
Running like crap.
Took it to a shop.
Still ran like crap.
Figured I could do no worse.
Found out the Library had books.
Bought a cheap set of tools and I was off and running.
Turned out to be bad points.
Once I got a replacement for it,
I tore it down to a bare body shell.
Still have some parts laying around.
That was like 1975.
Learned a lot of things not to do.
Neighborhood kids all helped each other out a lot in those days.

While you at it, you should find a 518 so the highway trips are easier on that newer motor.

Started installing new engine yesterday. Hope to have it fired up later today but keep hitting parts snafus...

Coming along very nicely.

I think your snafu is caused by the "Lite" beer.

Always get the good stuff.

I came in late on this one, but I think you have gone the right route. Dogdays idea was good too (318 out of '85 or newer..). I would NEVER have spent the money on the 5.7 route for a sixteen year old. AND, you're having him work on the truck. PERFECT! I like others here was working on cars before I could drive them and had a passion in me. I was born with it because no dad to instill it. Paid for my own '67 D150 ($150), rusted out POS, poly 318, 3 on the tree, sitting rotting in someone's back yard. Anyway, I'd still think that 340 you mentioned is a good buy if it was stored properly.

I'm so glad you didn't scrap the Ramcharger! Any year RC is a collectible. I'm working on getting my '79 Power Wagon short bed 360 back on the road btw. I'm in Melbourne Florida.

P.S. Isn't that just like Scratchinfortraction to offer up something free to help out! Good guy.

make sure that radiator is checked and/or replaced

You can get a new radiator over the counter for a little over a hunert bux. I have one in each of my trucks. They are plastic and aluminum, but so are the modern cars. I see no reason not to use one unless you want a resto deal.

Radiator is brand new - was the first thing we replaced on the truck when he got it. Drove it with the old engine for less than a week before it crapped out. It is the plastic/aluminum version. Seems to be getting the job done.

Too late to talk him into a crate Hemi 392 then?