73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: 77chevystepside on March 31, 2009, 12:34:19 pm
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I am new to this forum but really enjoying the posts and information. I bought this truck in 93 after it was totally restored. 70,000 miles later it became a project again due to cab corners, rockers, fenders and floor pan rusting. Engine was tired too. Engine has been rebuilt and sitting on a stand awaiting the body work being completed. Will have all new fenders, box and oak bed with stainless strips. Paint will be the same 77 Vette yellow. Check photobucket link for old and new pictures as I put it back together. Hoping to have it on the road by June. http://s651.photobucket.com/albums/uu237/Chevystepsidepu/
I made a mistake putting this in members rides and trying to delete and put it under projects. Help with delete please. Sorry
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Nice truck and welcome from Maryland.
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Nice project you have there and welcome.
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Thanks for the welcome!! I think it will be a nice truck when it is done. Trying to get it back to being just a good looking and running truck. Never had aspirations that it would be a show truck. These trucks all seemed to rust away and end up junk so I thought I would keep it. Had a buy offer of $4,500 by a guy 4 years ago and didn't sell it. Now that I will have way more than that in it I wonder what I was thinking to keep it. LOL
Anyone know the production numbers on the 4X4 Stepside? I wonder how many are still alive and well.
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Anyone know the production numbers on the 4X4 Stepside? I wonder how many are still alive and well.
No one can answer this question on any particular setup. Several of us have questioned GM on it and they aren't talking.
These were the longest running series of Chevy's ever, I can assure you there are a TON on the road still..
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I imagine there are a bunch out there. Years ago I had a book I bought that had chevy car production numbers. I had a 68 SS 396 Chevelle at the time and I was able to get the numbers for that year on that particular car. Not sure where the book is now. Had been 20 plus years ago and not sure where the publisher got the numbers.
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I decided to store some of the pictures I took when doing the tear down in a Picasa Web album. I have somewhere around 400 detailed pictures now. I knew I would never remember how each piece went back together. I have Chiltons but thought I could just set up the laptop in the garage and when I got stuck, look at the pictures. If anyone is interested, here's about 90 pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideProject# (http://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideProject#)
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Woke up early this morning thinking about this project and decided it was time to organize all of the photos I have taken since I started on this in 06. Took a couple of hours to get rid of duplicates and put the pictures in some sort of order. I decided to update the album on Picasa so the old link in the last post is likely defunct. Here is the new one if anyone is interested. Hope to keep this album clean and add new photos as the truck comes together. http://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideRestoration#
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Added a link in my signature to a Google web site I created for my truck. Nothing special but there is some narrative on the home page. I am sure by now you know this is not a high $$$$, show truck restoration. Just rebuilding an old friend back to respectable appearance and driveability.
I hope I am not being a pain with my posts!! May have too much time on my hands. LOL
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Well, after many months the body shop guy and I are finally going to strip the cab and doors on the truck. Talked to him yesterday and he wants me to be there Monday to start on it. This is the last big hurdle on the way to getting it painted. One more coat of varnish on the bed boards and they are ready. Have to paint/dye interior pieces and then decide what to do about the seat. Although excited about the truck being painted, I realize I have a long ways to go and lots of $$$$ before the key is turned but there is light at the end of the tunnel.;D
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Took the doors off the truck and got the primed. Drivers door was worse than we thought so Randy ended up having to use a little bondo to repair the bottom of the door. Had been banged up somehow and had dents that had to be filled. He welded the mirror mounting holes so I can put on some different mirrors. Since I am new to body work, I am learning. I was intimidated by body work but after spending a little time at it, I find it is not that tough. If I ever do another project, I think I will be able to do more of the work myself.
We didn't get to the cab because he has other jobs that he committed to doing. He also drag races so he was in Spokane, Washington last weekend with one of his cars. New track and the car hooked too well so he did wheelies and couldn't get it dialed in right to keep in on the track. Runs an 800 plus hp 502 in a Mustang II. We have fun because he is all about Fords and and of course, I am all about Chevy's.
Heading back to Lincoln on Monday to start on the cab. New tailgate arrived yesterday so I now have all of the parts for the box. One more coat of varnish on the bed boards and they are done. More later.
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;D Spent a couple of days working on the truck this week and I am pleased with how the cab is turning out. I decided to remove the cab lights so the holes were welded up and the roof looks really good. Sandblasted the firewall and got all of the undercoating off that had been sprayed all over it in the last restoration. Came back home and working on cleaning up the brake booster and master cylinder and other parts. The fresh air vents need new gaskets so I have them all apart too. Minor detailing or sanding and painting parts seems to be endless. About the time I feel good that I am making progress, I notice something else that needs attention. >:( Oh well, you guys have all been through it so I am preaching to the choir. Sorry. Heading back to Lincoln late next week for more block sanding and prep work. Going to cut in the doors and jams. Have the base coat paint and clear now so should not be too long before the "real" painting begins. Whew!! (http://s651.photobucket.com/albums/uu237/Chevystepsidepu/?action-view¤t=image11.jpg)
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Got any pics of the progress?
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Yes, click on the google web link in my postings or use this. http://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideRestoration#
There are photos of the body work and interior color changes. I have painted all of the interior pieces and they turned out great in my opinion. Heading to the body shop on Thursday to cut in the doors and firewall with single stage. Body guy says we will have it all painted in two weeks in between his other jobs. Watch for some of those pictures the week of June 1st. I have revised my finish date to mid July. Darn. Wanted it done by the 4th but unlikely.
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It's coming along. Looks great!
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Looking pretty good man,
i just got done putting 1 of my door skins on my stepside.Had to do a little bit of body work on the outside and hoping to have it done by this weekend so i can start on the other side...
Keep the good work comming and pics as well.
thanks
pat
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Yes, it is coming along. Spent a few hours on the vent windows and got the new rubber in one. I am finding it hard to believe that I am getting this close to putting it back together. Cleaning up the brake master cylinder and booster today and one more vent window and then done with ALL prep, clean and rattle can work I needed to do on small parts, engine compartment pieces and interior. I think all I have to get for under the hood is a new battery and heater hoses. Have a pile of new parts on shelves and in boxes. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Do not want to total the receipts yet. LOL
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Quick update. Have been around the body shop for the last 10 days and everything is painted except for the box and a few small pieces. A couple of guys dropped by with their toys. One is a 40 or 41 Ford coupe on a 70's Monte frame and the other is a stepside the guy bought after it was restored (forgot the year-tossed down too many with these guys that afternoon). Pictures of progress on my truck and these rigs in the web album. http://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideRestoration#
Will be back on it Monday morning. Cut and buff what is painted so far and then painting the box sides and tailgate. If all goes well, it will be loaded into an enclosed car hauler and brought home on Thursday or Friday. Still shooting for July 1st roll out.
Camera lense has a little overspray on it so pictures don't do the paint justice. Like the color or not, it will be noticed.
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Truck is painted and we hauled it home Thursday. Web album has some new pics of it painted. Taking the weekend off from it and will start putting it back together Monday. (http://)http://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideRestoration#5346897340057958994
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Now that's some great progress.
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I am quite pleased. I have never been around to help paint a vehicle and had no clue how much work it is. I got lots of experience sanding, mixing paint and setting up stuff for Randy to paint. I can see why body shops are reluctant to take on restorations. Too much work for what they get paid.
Anyway, will start putting it together today. Wish me luck.
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Your attachment didn't work so I removed it.
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Thanks Chris, I will work on that when I get some time. Will read the procedures and get after it when the truck is "done". Engine in today!!
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Engine is in and ready to be started next week!!! Check web album for pictures. I thing it is coming along rather nicely. Gas tanks, shocks, rear tail lights and bumper tomorrow. Not putting on the front fenders, inner fenders, hood, etc until the engine is up and running. Nice to have the room to work. Took the seat in for upholstery and will be done Wednesday. May beat my 4th of July goal to have it on the street.
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Engine running as of yesterday afternoon. Got the start on 8mm video which I will convert to dvd.
Anyone interested in a play by play narrative of what is happening can go to the last link in my signature-it is the truck Google web site. There is history on the truck and I am more or less keeping a log of events of the restoration. Did the web site a while ago so family, friends and others can follow along. Nothing elaborate but may be of interest to stepside fans. First show with it is on July 18th, Altered Classics Show at City Motors in Great Falls, MT where I live. Not a show truck but will show it off. From what I understand it is a very relaxed outdoor car show for local club members and anyone who wants to drive up and enter. Wife and I are looking forward to showing it before the paint gets chipped. LOL
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Made good progress today. Finished aligning the fenders, got the hood on. picked up the carpet and threw it in as well as the seat. Starting to look like a truck again. check picasas or photo bucket for new photos!!!
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More done!! Got the door windows and vent windows in. Both fenders, steps and entire box is now bolted together. Engine has been a pain. Gets to the red on temperature gauge before the thermostat opens so replaced the thermostat today. Will start it Friday to see if that was the problem.
All that remains is: oak bed, side marker lights, front clip chrome and headlight bezels, hang tailgate and chains, license plate light, door panels, dash pad, visors, seat belts and some other minor interior work, new Flowmaster 2 1/4" exhaust and detailing and on to it's first car show on July 18th. Will post some pictures next Sunday or Monday when I get it out of the shop.
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Backed it out of the shop today!! The interior is done other than door panels and carpet trimming. All that I have left is mirrors, oak bed and lots of detailing.
Check any of the links for more photos.
Hope the muffler shop can do my 1 1/4" with Flowmaster 40's some time this week.
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu237/Chevystepsidepu/web76.jpg)
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Truck looks great. I really hope you meant 2-1/4" exhaust pipe tho 8)
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2 1/4 is what I meant. Can't type well this early in the morning. LOL Thanks for catching it.
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Looking Good!
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Thanks
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Looks like a new truck again. Looks great!
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It sure does. All of the work and now I am reluctant to take it for a ride. That first rock chip or scratch is going to hurt. But like other new one's I have had, it will happen and I can touch up. We have been having severe thunderstorms with hail too so that gives me an excuse to keep it in the shop. :)
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Quick update!! Flowmasters and 2 1/4" exhaust with H pipe installed last week. Incredible sound and it does turn heads. Made it a different truck. Sounds bad when it really isn't. LOL
Oak bed in yesterday and it looks great. Door panels, behind the seat finish and stereo speaker installation today. Then mopping up the buffing compound and detail work and ready to ride. Not done by any stretch. Ended up with driver's fender and hood alignment issues my body guy will have to fix. I just don't have the skills to do that. When I called him he just laughed. Mid 70's Chevy factory tolerances were so loose it probably looks like it did when it left the factory. LOL
Will post some new pictures in a day or two. Too busy getting ready for Sat. show.
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Took the truck to the Altered Classics Car Show yesterday and it was well received. Lots of comments about the smell of new paint and the oak bed. A 72 Black, 2wd, shorty Cheyenne won Best Truck and there was no doubt about that. Peoples Choice was a "Super Bee" yellow 62 or 63 Ford, 289, 1/2 ton 2wd. I had a real problem getting beaten by a Ford. Just kidding. A perfect truck and the people loved it.
I learned a few tips. A guy told me my truck was great but I parked in the wrong spot. He said get there early and park near the registration and voting boxes. People walk around and forget about what they have seen and if your car or truck is near the ballot box, it is easier for them to do a quick vote. Sounds logical to me. I did the same thing.
Only one problem I need to work on now. The fuel switch valve or in dash switch is not working. Thought I was on a full tank and was running on the nearly empty tank on the way home from the show. Died in the driveway. Will check wiring, fuse and valve (new) today and find out why it did it. Other than that, ready to drive and enjoy.
A bunch of recent pictures on Photobucket and Picasa. Picasa has more.
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Looks great, well done!
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Thanks!!
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Truck looks great! You done an awesome job on it. The inside of your bed looks sweet, I can't wait till I do mine.
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Just checked everything out, Quick progress, and it looks top notch. Great work! :o
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Thanks, am now able to relax a little. Making reservations, etc for drags in Vegas in October so have that to look forward to. Always minor things to do on the truck. Long range is tires and wheels and mirrors. Got to get some miles on the motor too so will be driving it every sunny day we have.
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I hear you on the driving it part, that is the best part of building a truck in my opinion. I know mine is not much to look at right now but I love taking it out for a nice long cruise with the family. ;D
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Lots of fun today!! Just topped 60 miles total on the motor. Hot day though and no AC. She's back in the garage and I am sitting in cool comfort again.