1977 Chevy Stepside re-do

[cubicdollars]

Well It's been a long time since I updated this post, I had a pretty busy summer but not too much progress on the truck.

I recieved an oil pump and oil pan gasket yesterday and my head gaskets are on back order. beside's some more gaskets the engine is ready to assemble and break in on the run stand.

I have the truck over to a friends shop right now, He is installing a new coil over set up with new single adjustable shocks, installing a new drive shaft loop, transmission mount, mid plate, Roll Cage and front plate.

My vision of the truck is to have a total sleeper, exterior all street but as soon as to pop the steel hood all race. There will be nothing cooler that pulling up to the line in a heavy clean truck looking like just another lowered stepside and ripping off a mid 9 second pass .

[choptop]

There will be nothing cooler that pulling up to the line in a heavy clean truck looking like just another lowered stepside and ripping off a mid 9 second pass .

You're right about that

[cubicdollars]

Well I cut my old roll cage out this weekend and removed my interior, I have decided to set the new roll cage higher and have the back bars come through the top of the cab instead of the back glass and I will also be installing a 10 point cage so I can install my front moter plate and eliminate the factory engine mount. as the cage in installed I will add photo's.

[Captkaos]

can't wait to see it.  Why the move on the bars, simplicity?

[cubicdollars]

I decided to move the bars through the cab because I'd like to go back to a solid back window and since I am still doing body work I figured now is the time to make it right. The guy installing the cage is pretty sure he can get the fron bars through the firewall in the top corners so I can retin my window wiper moter as well as the heater box. I am trying to make the cage both functional to satisfy the rule book but maintain the stock appearence as much as possible.

[joesgarage71]

Great Build Dan,
I'm waiting for the Vid. of this truck hooking at the track.

[77stepside]

WOW!! spectacular!!  I love it

[cubicdollars]

Here is some updated picts of my rear end upgrade. Ford 9 inch with a new back brace, new driveshaft loop, and some items that needed fixed.

[1983stepside]

this thing is looking awsome i wish i had the money to tub my stepside and build a hefty motor and turn mine into a prostreet truck keep us posted with lots of pics

[cubicdollars]

Hey Everyone

It's been a while but I got an update on my stepside. I just got it back my friends shop, he finished the rear suspension installing the 9inch with the back brace, fixed a bunch of small things and installed shocks. He also added solid moter mounts, transmission crossmember and a new midplate.

Enjoy

[VileZambonie]

Very nice!

[cubicdollars]

Now that all the fab work of the rear end is complete i'll pull the cab off and front suspension off and sand blast the frame and front suspension so I can prime and paint it. after I get it put back together he is going to build a new roll cage for me

[beastie_3]

Its coming along nicely! Where did you get those motor mounts? I didnt see anything about them.

[cubicdollars]

I got the moter mounts from Competition Products, they are the same as the moroso mounts, I wanted to put a front plate in but the fabicater said these mounts with a midplate would be plenty strong.

[cubicdollars]

Alright Everyone, After the holidays I was able to get started back on my stepside I built a few stands to fol the body on one for the bed, the cab and one for the front clip my plan is to finish the body work and paint them in sections I am using a single stage paint so I will not have to worry about color mismatch, I also have the rear end out and painted and cleaning the frame up. I did a frame up in 1997 and the paint held up pretty good so a cleaning and scuff and the frame will be ready to shoot that savee me a trrip to the sand blaster. I am going to run the frame back down to the fabricator to have the front crossmember cut out  in the center and have it reinforced with round tube, this will shave quite a few pounds of the nose.

well here is some picts of the progress....Enjoy