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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 12:03:58 pm

Title: My 73 short bed conversion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 12:03:58 pm

I'm gettin ready to make my lb a sb.No frame cuttin here.I'm changin the whole frame,and best part is the new frame was free.I've got the bed at a local junk yard,and its in prety good shape.I'll be starting,so ill be posting pix soon.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: beastie_3 on February 10, 2010, 12:05:51 pm

Cant go wrong with free! Keep us updated!

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: 1HI4x4 on February 10, 2010, 12:14:45 pm

That's alot of work, It was about 3 hours from the time we lit the torch to the time I drove it out of the garage.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 01:00:16 pm

before pix.These are older pix,but ill have new ones soon.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 01:05:07 pm

The thought hes crossed my mind,but I've always wanted to tear it down and clean it up(fix some rust holes under the cab).

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: 80stepsideguy on February 10, 2010, 01:14:58 pm

Id say if your going to do a total teardown and want a shortbed i say do the frame  swap thing since it is your truck.Looks like a real nice foundation to build... But dont throw the old frame away someone may be willing to buy it for their project...

thanks
pat

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 01:25:31 pm

Some better NEW pix

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: ipetero on February 10, 2010, 02:30:23 pm

I think it is beautiful how it is... im fond of longbeds but itll be a cool transformation! good work.  8)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: team39763 on February 10, 2010, 02:55:52 pm

I agree, the truck already looks good.  But good luck anyway.  Are you swapping over all your suspension parts too?

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 05:31:34 pm

Im swapin every thing but the leaf spings.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 10, 2010, 08:05:29 pm

I'm in the market for frame paint.I'm leaning toward por 15 chassis cote.Cost isn't a huge issue just cause I only want to do it once.Any opinions?

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: the dan on February 11, 2010, 08:01:08 am

My friends and I have had good luck with rustbullet as a base then their black shell as well

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: bobcooter on February 11, 2010, 11:53:19 am

I like the small mirrors. I just bought a set to replace my "Dumbos" since I don't ever tow anything. Good looking truck. Good luck with your project.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: 1983stepside on February 11, 2010, 12:01:32 pm

nice truck with those small miriors i use the top 2 holes in the door and get rid of the bottom one right? my truck has the big mirriors and i dont want them on there any more thanks and keep up the good work 8)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 11, 2010, 12:19:10 pm

Thanks for the comments ;DI like the small mirror's because they look good,and they don't move every time i shut the door.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Captkaos on February 11, 2010, 04:59:35 pm

I have used Chassis Coat and POR15 with success.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 12, 2010, 12:27:05 am

Cool,thanks im gona go with the por 15

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 12, 2010, 10:31:28 am

Burnout before the new tires
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/cell%20pix/th_matthewsburnout3.jpg) (http://s982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/cell%20pix/?action=view&current=matthewsburnout3.flv)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: 87OldYeller on February 12, 2010, 10:09:00 pm

Nice B/O

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 19, 2010, 10:39:03 pm

Well I got a job,so now thers no more delay due to lack of money.Im ready to spend it all :D

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on February 24, 2010, 03:35:23 pm

I got my inner rockers today.There only rotten at the front of the panel, but when I did the floor it left an ugly gap under the cab.I hope I can address that when I do the new patch panels.any advice.   

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on March 07, 2010, 03:49:34 pm

Got the new frame at house today ;D.I took out the stock riveted exhaust hangers.Im thinkin ill have it to bare frame this week.(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0003.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0004.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0002.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0001.jpg)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on March 14, 2010, 11:49:31 am

I bought a gun to spray the por 15,so if the weather is good ill paint next weekend

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: VileZambonie on March 14, 2010, 11:51:48 am

Be careful spraying that stuff

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on March 17, 2010, 12:07:11 am

why is that vile.is it because the paint is so thin ???

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: MetalMan1975 on March 17, 2010, 02:57:50 am

Quote from: Lucky73 on March 17, 2010, 12:07:11 am

why is that vile.is it because the paint is so thin ???

POR15 - It's stays on whatever you spray it on, I did my frame last fall before the winter came. It took 2 weeks before i was able to get it off my hands. My jeans I was using at the time are never going to get it out. I brushed it on instead of spraying,  I was told by the shop I bought it from was to be very carefull with POR15, once on it never comes off. Plus water makes it dry.

Wear gloves, old coveralls you don't care about, same goes for the foot wear. Brush don't spray or you'll regret it.

Leigh.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on March 17, 2010, 10:02:17 am

capton says hes sprayed it and never had a problem.just be carefull not to get it on anything but what you are spraying.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Captkaos on March 17, 2010, 01:25:32 pm

I have sprayed it and I didn't have problems, BUT I was wearing a mask (you don't want to breath it in)
I had a thin plastic hazzmat suit on with hood and goggles and rubber gloves.  This is because the first time I had work clothes on and the t shirt I was wearing still has it on it and the jeans still do also Along with the shoes and socks I was wearing and a cap which were trashed.  Not to mention specs and spills all over my hands and anything else that wasn't covered.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: someday on March 17, 2010, 06:20:22 pm

nice to now I'm geting read to do mine with por15 this weekend :)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on March 17, 2010, 07:55:44 pm

Well its sprayed ;Dcheck it out(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0009.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0010.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0011.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0012.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0014.jpg)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: MetalMan1975 on March 18, 2010, 05:36:10 am

Looks great. Mine is all dusty now that it has been sitting all winter. But i'll get it cleaned up to look like yours soon enough ;)

Not sure if you were told when you bought it that POR15 doesn't like sunlight, thats why it is great for frames and such but not for insides of boxes. It fades away and looks like crap in a hurry.

Hope to see more once you get a chance.
Leigh

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on March 18, 2010, 11:52:16 pm

Its not the reguler stuff.its the top coat(chassiscoat black).One thing is I didnt thin it and it spayed like poo,and gun got all pluged.when I do the front suspention,and cab ill thin it ::)Oh well it still looks good

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on April 18, 2010, 04:30:01 pm

I've made a little progress :)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on April 18, 2010, 10:23:37 pm

(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/1.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/2.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/3.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/4.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/6.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/7.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0017.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0018.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0015.jpg)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: beastie_3 on April 19, 2010, 01:13:17 am

Nice progress!

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on April 21, 2010, 03:10:38 pm

More pix ;D(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0021.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0020.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0016.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0019.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0022.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0023.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0024.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0025.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0027.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0026.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0028.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0029.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0030.jpg)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Layne on April 21, 2010, 08:32:07 pm

Lol. I like the street parking! I wonder what people driving by would think.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: beastie_3 on April 21, 2010, 09:08:26 pm

Its the new hybrid...

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: 2502 on April 21, 2010, 10:21:28 pm

that didn't work for me, the second i even PARKED my trucks at home to start tearing into them, the codes inspector was there the next day. my rottie chased him off, but he returned the day after that. neighbors complaining about the "junk" being an eyesore.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on April 26, 2010, 06:20:15 pm

im not the only one in my neighbor hood who has parts in there yard

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: 2502 on April 26, 2010, 10:32:49 pm

well i'm screwed i have til friday to move them. the weather's been bad, paintwork is getting me to the point i barely have time for the gym let alone work on the truck. grrrr

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on April 27, 2010, 11:20:23 am

Well I got alot more done over the weekend.steam cleaned the front,and rear end.got those painted,and put in the new frame.Shes a roller again ;DI also orderd the rest of my parts today,so progress will have to wait till i get um.By the way ill have more pix soon(when I get the camera back)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on May 02, 2010, 10:58:35 am

There she is in all her glory
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0031.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0032.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0033.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0034.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0035.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0036.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0037.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0038.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0039.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/IMG_0040.jpg)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Captkaos on May 03, 2010, 10:54:23 am

Nice progress, you swapped frames right?  (wondered because there is 2 crossmembers.)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: jaredts on May 03, 2010, 11:00:20 am

Nice work!  I'm green with envy, wishing I had a frame, control arms, axles, etc. that all looked factory new.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on May 04, 2010, 03:15:08 pm

Yep went from a long bed frame to a short bed frame

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on May 05, 2010, 02:22:22 pm

Got the brake lines and fuel line in today.will have pixs soon

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on May 23, 2010, 11:43:02 am

Got the motor and trans in but I need to take the trans back off because when I built the trans some of the front pump bolts pulled the threads out.it leaked ever sense from the bolt holes so I need to pull the pump off and get out helicoil kit out.  (http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/g1.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/g2.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/g3.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/g4.jpg) ::)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on May 31, 2010, 10:57:09 am

getin ready to do the cab repair.My slow pace is driven me nutts.im ready to drive it again >:(                                                                   

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: beastie_3 on May 31, 2010, 03:35:52 pm

Slow=Done right (or at least better...)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on June 02, 2010, 12:04:52 pm

I know,I'm shootin for havein done before the 4th next month so I can show it off at a party I go to ever year.betwean work and the redwood run next week I dont have alot of time to work on it.I did get the headers painted and in.The drive shaft should be done today,so ill only really have the cab left to do.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: hotrod24 on June 02, 2010, 01:30:44 pm

Looking very good, funny how some post can just make you want to do another project but wait i never finshed mine ;D But i got way over my head. Next will be slow and i will have all the right tools and have a close in area.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on June 16, 2010, 08:49:28 pm

Sorry I havent been keepin up.Ive goten alot done.the chassis done and ready to go,and I got the old inner rockers out,and the new ones fited on the cab.ill have lots of pix soon . ;D

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: hotrod24 on July 08, 2010, 03:27:40 pm

Wheres the pics  ;D any up dates...

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Lucky73 on August 07, 2010, 04:11:48 pm

Hay I know its been a while,sorry.But betwean work and not having internet at my house I haven't had the time.the truck is for the most part done.theres still a lot I NEED to do,but I can drive it now.Now ill have those pix you all wanted a few minutes (http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/30.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/31.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/32.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/33.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/34.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/35.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/36.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/37.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/38.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/39.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/42.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/43.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/44.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/45.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/46.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/47.jpg)(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Lucky73/73%20project/48.jpg)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: beastie_3 on August 07, 2010, 06:12:49 pm

Coming together nicely!

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: fitz on August 07, 2010, 06:58:49 pm

Looking good. Whats up with the stepside parked across the street?

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: bake74 on August 07, 2010, 11:36:05 pm

 
looks real nice.  Nice job on the small details, going to make it look very professional when done.

Title: Re: My 73 short bed convrtion
Post by: Grover 1 on August 08, 2010, 12:37:47 am

Very nice!  A bit warm in Yuba City about now isn't it?

Title: Re: My 73 short bed conversion
Post by: Lucky73 on August 12, 2010, 07:45:56 pm

I didnt take any pix,but I did replace the inner rockers,and under coat the cab.the bed is on it,but its orange.ill have pix soon.the stepside across the street belongs to the neighbor.Its an 83 1/2 ton diesel.As for the temp here,its nice i dont even have my A/C on.
I have questions about av gas.Yes the blue gas.Im going to start a post in general

Title: Re: My 73 short bed conversion
Post by: omero956 on August 15, 2010, 08:33:16 pm

I got the same mirrors on mine :)..love the look only part i hate is that you cant even see a trailer if it got in your way... Good thing the window is right behind my head :)

Title: Re: My 73 short bed conversion
Post by: junkman. on October 23, 2010, 01:30:18 am

hey lucky 73 hows your truck coming, is it finished. I'm doing about the same thing hope to see more pic's  

JM