1974 C10 Stepside

[406 Q-ship]

My truck is a 1974 C10 Stepside SWB "Heavy Half"

350 GM Goodwrench engine
700r4 out of a 91 G10 van (original TH350)
3.42 12 bolt eaton posi (just rebuilt from 3.73 open)
3/4 drop done from my combination of parts
Converted A/C to R134A

Soon to be added:
Doors from a 85 Suburban with power windows and locks
Front Fenders

[VileZambonie]

Why did you go from the 3.73 to 3.42? You will have to do something about the suburban door panel or you will have 2 extra sets of window switches.

[406 Q-ship]

I went away from the 3.73 to get the RPM down on the highway, with the short tires and the 3.73 the 700r4 couldn't break the engine speed enough.  I also like the drive a bit in the fast side.......hee hee hee.

I have addressed the door panel issue with changing the door panels out along with rewiring the harness to remove the extra wiring for the rear doors.  I am going with the poverty door panels and made my own switch panel with switches from Del City.

[oldwhity]

Welcome to the site. Got any pics?

[406 Q-ship]

Added pics

Yeap it was raining today when I took the pictures

[kfoz]

How do you convert to 134A? What are the EXACT steps?

[406 Q-ship]

How do you convert to 134A? What are the EXACT steps?

You will needed to replace the reciever/dryer, all new ones will work with R134A or R12, you just can't switch once the system has been filled.  The reciever/dryer should be replaced anytime the A/C gets cracked open.  The compressor can be used but the oil in it needs to be drained and replaced with PAG oil (there is another that works I can't remeber the name), I replaced my defective compressor which came filled with a compatable oil.  Change out the oriface/filter, this is another piece that can be used with R12 or 134A.  To improve the performance of the system using 134A, I used a oriface/filter from a 1978+ Ford truck, it has a smaller hole in it to get the system to blow as cold as the original R12 would have.  To be honest my evaporator died shortly after putting the system back together which had nothing to do with R134A conversion but my A/C is down right now will get fixed this spring.

[69byrd]

Sweet looking truck  Welcome aboard.

[ssblu502]

Awesome stepside. Keep us updated.

[got2haul]

I really like the blacked-out 1974 grille and matching (trim-painted) headlamp bezels.  I may do that with my '80 fleetside.  I think this looks best with a dark-colored truck, and it really works with yours.

[406 Q-ship]

I really like the blacked-out 1974 grille and matching (trim-painted) headlamp bezels.  I may do that with my '80 fleetside.  I think this looks best with a dark-colored truck, and it really works with yours.

Being a SS Chevelle guy just about all my rides get blacked out grills.  I want to do something with the bowtie but just can't make up my mind which way to go with it.  I can do a billet insert or paint it a contrasting color.

[jwag30]

nice truck always liked the look of the stepsides. do u have any interior pics?

[69byrd]

Being a SS Chevelle guy just about all my rides get blacked out grills.  I want to do something with the bowtie but just can't make up my mind which way to go with it.  I can do a billet insert or paint it a contrasting color.
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I personaly would go with a billet bowtie or mabye one of those black and red SS bowties if it would fit.  BTW the blacked out grille looks great

[hotrod24]

nice stepside

[lowbucktruck]

Yeah, the blacked-out grille looks sweet.