78 Stepside Project

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

Has a long way to go, but at least I finally have the foundation for the build. Hung the front and rear bumpers over the weekend in addition to the doors. It is just about time to tear it apart and start bringing it up. Thanks

[cubicdollars]

It's looking great That body work is a real drag. Did you have alot of rust to repair? what engine are you going to be installing? My 77 stepside has a big block too

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

I'm was real fortunate to have located rust free parts to work with, virtually no rust anywhere with the exception of a little surface rust on the floorboards near the kick panels, nothing that won't clean up with little effort. The floors had what appeared to be a factory black plastic coating and when I removed it the floors were like brand new except on the edges by the kick panels. I ran across a set of NOS doors in the box, luck strikes again. I currently have a mild 454 to run with a Turbo 400 that has been a strong and reliable engine, I'm not sure at this point if that is what I'll be running as I have the itch for something a little healthier. Thanks.

[nucknoel89]

You're sure it's a 78?  Then I assume you must have swapped out for an 81-87 front clip....

[VileZambonie]

Did you read the 1st post?

[nucknoel89]

Did you read the 1st post?

D'oh, I retarded....

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

I finally got the engine back together and painted, used all ARP Fasteners (polished stainless steel when possible) and a couple of dress up items such as GM Performance Valve Covers, Milodon Chrome Timing Cover and Timing Tab, topped off with an Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock Q-Jet and GM Open Element Air Cleaner. Not the progess I was looking for over the summer but a good start in the right direction.

[cubicdollars]

Looking good  ,,  BBC and stepside what more could a man ask for 

[fer79]

nice, good project.
that body mount use? 73-80??, having to move the supports of the radiator?
more pics----

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

I have not reached the point of sheet metal alignment, but as far as I know it is not necessary to move the radiator support mounts just use the body mount cushions that are appropriate to the year of the frame. Did you move your mounts? Thanks.

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

Just an update on the project; been collecting some odds and ends, cleaning up some of the misc. parts etc. Ran across a set of NOS hood hinge springs a couple of weeks ago and today scored big, picked up a factory bucket seat 76 K10 with decent seats and a real nice console. Originally I was planning on running buckets as I had a set of the factory highbacks, however did not like the look of the back of the seats in the rear window. The plan is to remove all related seat-console hardware this weekend from the 76 and replace with the bench seat I already have and send the 76 on down the road. So far the year is starting off right!

[cubicdollars]

Can't wait to see some more picts

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

Here's a couple of photos of the seats, console and the donor truck. Pulled the seats, console, all brackets and rear cab carpet and replaced with a bench seat. The bench seat looks at home in the donor truck as it is blue as well.

[69byrd]

Nice find. Those are gonna look good in your truck.

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

thanks, it should set it apart from most and are actually quite comfortable, just need to figure out what to do for upholstery now.