73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: g2bird on April 22, 2010, 09:53:27 am

Title: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 22, 2010, 09:53:27 am
Just picked this up about 2 months ago.  This truck was built in the early 90's and parked in 98, funny story I'll get into later.  Vin says it was a 6 cyl GMC, Previous owner did the Chevy conversion, as finances allow I'll change the tailgate and grill back to GMC.  Truck has a rear axle flip with a 2 inch drop spindle in the front.  I've made some progress with it, it is amazing how much just not using something can tear it up.  PO was also hard on the truck, reason it was parked is the guy ran from the cops in it twice.  Got away the first time the second time they told him they ever see it on the streets again they will impound it and he is going to jail.  So the guy decided he needed some cash the thing went up for sale.  When I got it needed a new tranny, the driveshaft was bent and front suspension was shot.  well enough rambling on to some pics.
Drug it home:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1085.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1087.jpg)

Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 22, 2010, 09:55:46 am
Started working and cleaning.
Motor before:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1095.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1096.jpg)
Motor now:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1103.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1129.jpg)

Did the electric fan swap thanks to some inspiration from this site.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1131.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 22, 2010, 10:00:03 am
Cleaned up the interior.  It still needs a lot more work.
Before:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1092.jpg)
While working:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1115.jpg)
Just realized I don't have a pic of it now.
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 22, 2010, 10:08:31 am
Recent pics:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1161-1.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1164.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1165.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: Grover 1 on April 22, 2010, 01:43:20 pm
Truck has a cool factor before you even start.  She'll be a looker...
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: 69byrd on April 22, 2010, 09:33:04 pm
Truck looks great like it is!!! I also like the rear bumper with the lights in it 8)
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: VileZambonie on April 22, 2010, 10:02:18 pm
Looks like an El Camino bumper
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: autorepr on April 23, 2010, 06:29:54 am
NICE ride man!!!!!   Good call on the el camino bumper Vile.
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: SUX2BU99 on April 23, 2010, 11:03:25 am
^ Or early 80's Olds Cutlass Cruiser wagon bumper  :D  I've seen lots of those kinds of bumpers on stepsides over the years. Nice looking truck.
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 23, 2010, 03:57:52 pm
Thanks. 
Good eye, that is an elky bumper I think off an 82 or so I'm not sure.  I guess if I ever have to replace the lenses I'll have to figure that out.
Been trying to figure out a way to get some brake lights a little higher since people don't seem to be used to looking that low for lights anymore.  I saw some one time that go in the end of the bed rails, you guys know where I might find anything like that?
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: 69byrd on April 25, 2010, 12:24:35 pm
Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BHCL0RD
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 25, 2010, 10:36:22 pm
Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BHCL0RD

Thanks.  That's what I was thinking of, but I didn't realize they were 90 bucks.  I'm gonna have to think about them a little more.
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on April 26, 2010, 08:45:11 am
So the rear bumper off of a el camino will fit on stepsides? never knew that.  How much customization though?
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on April 26, 2010, 09:11:46 am
So the rear bumper off of a el camino will fit on stepsides? never knew that.  How much customization though?

The bumper was done when I bought the truck.  The bumper is narrowed so its about the same length as the bed is wide, and it looks like the bumper mounts needed a little modification but it doesn't look like major fab work.
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on April 26, 2010, 11:07:17 am
Sweet im gonna have to start looking for an el camino at a bone yard.
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on April 26, 2010, 11:08:38 am
Unles you wanna get rid of yours... ;D
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: 69byrd on April 26, 2010, 06:59:27 pm
Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BHCL0RD

Thanks.  That's what I was thinking of, but I didn't realize they were 90 bucks.  I'm gonna have to think about them a little more.

You can get them cheaper from Mar-K, they are $60.
http://www.mar-k.com/catalog/catalog.asp
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: JDaniel on April 27, 2010, 01:35:11 pm
Nice ride man ,looks awesome!!!
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on May 11, 2010, 01:46:12 pm
Rebuilt the front suspension, bushings, ball joints, new rotors and bearings.  Big thanks to those that have done it before and shared some tips and writups on this forum.  I really hope I don't have to do it again any time soon.
Before:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1225.jpg)
During:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1227.jpg)
After:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1241.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: g2bird on February 16, 2011, 10:00:45 am
So I haven't been on in a while but thought I would update on a little progress.
Added TPI fuel injection to my truck, gotta work out a few little things but it runs.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1468.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/G2bird/IMG_1476.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Stepside
Post by: jaredts on February 16, 2011, 02:42:28 pm
Awesome!  I'd love to hear more about it once you get it street worthy.