Just realized I've been browsing the site for a while now and never started my own ride thread. Here it goes...
I picked up this '83 Stepper from a guy locally for less than $3000. It was kept in really good shape and runs strong. It came with 2" drop shackles out back to level it down, rally wheels with center caps, and beauty rings. He was prepping it for paint and sold it to me with a black primer coat. Primer looks good but some of the panels could use a tad bit of TLC. All that will come later when it gets ready for paint (late '09 or early '10). Truck has a 350/TH350 setup that isn't original to the truck but runs nicely nonetheless with an Edelbrock 600 carb and a dual 3" Flowmaster setup.
Purchased: October 2008Done so far...All new gaskets (valve cover, oil pan, timing cover, rear main seal, differential cover)
Radiator Flush
Replaced Turn Signal Switch
Replaced all door felts and rubber
Freshened up door panels with black Krylon Fusion
Replaced power steering box, lines, Pittman arm, and idler arm
Replaced air filter with K&N
Removed funky S10 rear bumper and trailer hitch
Removed tailgate chains and just put in bolt/nut
Removed lower front valence
Replaced vent window assemblies and installed locking latches
Replaced master cylinder
Short Term Plans...I basically want to get the truck a little more comfortable and stylish for daily driving. With a baby on the way (wife due in April), I've got a timeline to try and get alot done before priorities shift and the truck takes a back seat. I want to get it to a point where I can take it to some local cruises and shows and get some looks. Overall, I want the short term look to be reminiscent of an Old School Hot Rod with the flat black paint, subtle chrome accents, and lots of character. It should be fun.
(purchased and waiting to be delivered)...4/6 McGaughy's Drop (spindles, coils, flip kit, notch)
Belltech Street Performance Shocks front and rear
New Upper and Lower Control Arm Poly bushings
Reproduction grille assembly
Chrome Rear Bumper
Chrome Front Bumper
67-76 Tail and Backup Lamps
New headliner
New headliner moldings
New carpet
New kick panels
New door sills
New seat belts
Spider Caps from Moon Eyes
Sparkle Red steering wheel with Bullet Horn Button
4" Bullet mirrors
New sidemarker lamps
Replace hinge pins in driver's side door
Probably paint the wheels red???
Long Term Plans...I want the truck to still be very drivable and useful. I see the truck ending up in a pewter/gunmetal finish coat with some brushed aluminum five spokes (probably 20"s), big disc brakes front and rear, and probably on Air Ride (but that's a maybe based on dependability). The interior will likely be all black with red accents with brushed accents in the cab and under the hood, and I'll probably tap Rod Doors for the seat and door panels. The bed will probably have a steel floor, be bedlined, and have a Bruce Horkey show deck to lay in when I go out to local shows. I plan to replace the side saddle tanks with a single rear frame mounted tank. I also hope to do a Cadillac Deville tail light conversion into the stake pockets (should be interesting). I'll probably keep the 350 and do a mild build.
Here are some pics from the day I bought it. I'll be sure to post pics as I install everything up above. I'm going to have a busy few weeks ahead of me.
and a Photochop for good measure...
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