77 Stepside Project

[80stepsideguy]

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

[77chevystepside]

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

[77chevystepside]

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.

[77chevystepside]

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://picasaweb.google.com/mtnriderlinc/77ChevyStepsideRestoration#5346897340057958994

[oldwhity]

Now that's some great progress.

[77chevystepside]

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. 

[Captkaos]

Your attachment didn't work so I removed it.

[77chevystepside]

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!!

[77chevystepside]

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.

[77chevystepside]

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

[77chevystepside]

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!!!

[77chevystepside]

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. 

[77chevystepside]

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.

[choptop]

Truck looks great. I really hope you meant 2-1/4" exhaust pipe tho

[77chevystepside]

2 1/4 is what I meant. Can't type well this early in the morning. LOL Thanks for catching it.