74 k10 step side rebuild

[bake74]

  New to this forum and new to this year of Chevy truck.  There has been 2 vehicles that I have not been able to build yet and a Chevy step side being one of them.  So I decided to go out and get one and start the rebuild.  Found this 74 in a field in the county (2 hours away from highway), and it runs and drives.  2 major problems with truck, cab is rusted from rocker to rocker, and Billy Joe, and Bob worked on it.  (sorry to all you backyard mechanics out there), but this truck is a mess.
  So I have spotted an 78 3/4 ton 4x4 that is going to be my donor truck.  I bought an 80 3/4 ton 4x4 for $600.00 that I am trading for the 78.  The 78 has a way better body and the guy wants the engine out of the 80.  So my plan is to turn it into a 3/4 ton 4x4 and in the process do frame up restore.  Lucky for me my best friend owns a powdercoating, sandblasting, and a paint company, so I can do all the painting and powdercoating at his shop.
  I have to say for the last month since I have picked up the truck, this site has been a tremendas resource for me and I want to thank everyone for their helpful post, they are very informative, thank you all, and I will post pics as soon as I get the other truck and start the tear down.               Tom in Sacramento, California

[BigHemi353]

Nice find. Ive always wanted a stepside to redo!    If was you I would just leave it a half ton if its practical for you. If your just going to street it than why would you need all that extra strength?

[bake74]

  Actually plan on towing with it, my wife also with the boat, she is a water skier.  I always end up towing stuff for my friends, and since I got rid of my 1 ton ford, I kinda need it.

[BigHemi353]

well man, its all about what you want to do. lol if you got the parts then use them. either way im sure it'll be a great looking truck. good luck!

[Chevalade]

  Actually plan on towing with it, my wife also with the boat, she is a water skier.  I always end up towing stuff for my friends, and since I got rid of my 1 ton ford, I kinda need it.

How big is your wife that you have to tow her with your boat? 

[Lucky73]

I would upgrade if I were pullin stuff.

[bake74]

     Here's the deal, I have always wanted a step side older chevy truck all my life.  I finally got to a point where I got one and want to redo it from ground up.  First thing, I am not building a show truck, and it is not going to be a mud truck, mostly street with the occasional fire road for camping.  I plan on having a 6" lift with 35" or so tires.
     The plan so far, truck is going to be bright yellow and black with some chrome accents.  I plan on painting the firewall and inner fenders to match the truck.  Not sure if the bumpers will be new chrome or I will build custom bumpers and then they will be black.  The step on the step side will be chrome, either chrome wheels or shiny at least with black wall tires.
     So to the reason for this poll.  I have a very close friend of 20+ years that own's a powder coating/sandblasting/painting company ( they specialize in trains and buses).  He said he would hook me up on sand blasting and powder coating for my truck, so what colors should I do the frame, springs, axle's, and drivelines in ?
    Any questions or comments are welcome, thanks in advanced.

[1980c10]

how about something like a dark cast iron gray it would look new and somewhat unpainted at the same time.

[thirsty]

I prefer all black frame and running gear. I'm sure whatever you decide on will look cool.

[slammed79]

As much as I am not a fan of yellow, black frame and yellow springs would be the way if I was doing it. It'll be the highest impact short of yellow axles

[beastie_3]

Keep drivetrain black, yellow should only be on the body. IMO.....Chrome bumpers, not black...IMO

Search around for trucks with different color combos. Doesnt matter if its a ford or dodge, just look at the combos. That will help you out in deciding.

[jaredts]

Undercarriage should be black.  Easy touchups and replacement parts will match.  Don't get me wrong, other colors are cool but if its not for shows I don't think its practical.

[Grim 82]

All black.

[Gilby959798]

all black...

[bake74]

     Trying again.