Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Made some big progress today. Got almost all the front end together. This is, hopefully, my final assembly. Just need to get the brakes and Coilovers in. Funny how much longer assembly is when your taking your time and not trying to damage the powder coating.

Side note: It is mentioned in the installation instructions, but I missed it, the steering rack threaded rods do need to be cut to get correct Toe angle. I put it all together and tried to figure out what I missed because both spindles were pointing back with the rack centered.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

For the 1st time my new front end is sitting on its own tires! Looks amazing. Completely happy with this kit. Can't wait til the cab is back on. But 1st the motor and tranny are going in for rear end pinion angle setup.

Side note: the rack and pinion had to be trimmed to get the Toe correct. I started by cutting 1" off each threaded end. Got it set damn near perfect for a tape measure alignment.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Had a couple hours to do some work tonight. Was hoping a buddy would show up to give me a hand setting the motor/tranny in place but he couldn't make it. Had to pull a solo mission to get it done. Not impossible, just having a second set of hands would have made it a bit easier.

Either way, got the motor and tranny bolted together and set in place. The new truss mounts were a bit tricky. Just like the instructions say, keep all truss hardware loose. After the motor mounts were in, tightened everything down. Set in the transmission mount plate and just set the Energy Suspension mount in place and removed the jack. The bolts I had for the mount are not correct, nothing a trip to the hardware store can't fix.

Hopefully tomorrow get the rear end pinion angle set and start welding up the rear 4 Link brackets.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

This part by far has been the most stressful of this whole project. I think it's because I'm merging two kits together (Porterbuilt Rear 4 Link and the Schriener 9" housing). I must have measured at least 20 times at every point possible. Maybe it's just me overthinking things again, but I was nervous.

So far, got the rear end perfectly centered, 4 Link brackets straight, and pinion angle set. The engine and transmission mounted was at 5 1/2* Down, so I set the rear housing 4 1/2* Up. I was told by Nate at Porterbilt I should have a 1* difference between the 2.

I ended the nights work by getting it all tacked in. Double checked that all my measurements were still dead on. Hopefully tomorrow I will have time to burn in the brackets fully.

On a side note, the Panhard bar Porterbuilt sends is only welded on 1 side, it's tacked on the other. They send the bars a little long to account for differences in frames and possible assembly deviations. After my rear was tacked, I set the bar in on the drivers side mount and measured on the lower passenger mount. I will be removing 1" from this bar. That will put me right where I need to be plus give me some room for adjustment. (Pics of this to follow)

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

It isn't as critical on a lowered truck as it was on my rock crawler, but have you cycled the suspension fully? straight up/down, right up/left down, left up/right down. Now is the time to ensure everything moves as it should before you burn everything in for good.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Actually, no, I have not yet. It is on my list of things to do. Had to measure my Panhard bar last night and shorten it by 1". Installing it tonight and will be doing travels. Hopefully everything goes well. Just picked up a new bottle and wire for the Mig and gonna burn in all the brackets tonight also. Then a full mock up on the rear, tear back down and off to powdercoat.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

That's a nice work

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Higgie!

So I ran into my 1st big issue, and Nate from Porterbuilt is working with me to correct it. When installing my rear Coilovers, my lower mount were about 1" off from sliding fully on the studs and my coil was actually hitting my lower crossmember. It looks like they may have sent me the incorrect lower crossmember/Coilover mount. I will know for sure tomorrow.

In the mean time, I decided I need to keep moving forward if I'm going to meet my August goal. So tonight I got the new fuel tank mounted. Took about an hour. I gotta say, I like the bare Aluminum. But for protection from road junk and debris, I think I'm going to get in powdercoated.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Wow, time flies when you have a 3 year old. Can't believe it's been 6 months since my last update. Had some design changes with the rear end Coilovers from Porterbuilt. Finished up some frame work. And bottom of the cab prep before it goes back on. Pics to come!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So, after months of lagging on this build I'm back at it hard again. Nate from Porterbuilt has been a huge help. It took about 2 months to get this rear Coilover setup straightened out. But between family, vacations, work, and life, Nate and I finally had some time to get it right. We decided it would be best to change to an Outboard Coilover setup rather than Inboard. My Ford 9" caused some issues with the larger center housing and the lower bracket when fitted would have been too close to the ground for my liking. Nate got me the New brackets at the beginning of the week, I got them on and Coilovers installed. I must say it looks Awesome. Beefy as always and fit perfect.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

While I was waiting for the rear brackets to show up I started Plumbing my Fuel system. I purchased a fuel kit from Pacific Fabrication, same shop I got my motor and tranny from. It includes a Walbro Fuel pump, pressure regulating fuel filter with return line, rubber hose, aluminum line, and all the fittings. I got to the point where I have to wait for the cab to be back on to finish it. Plumbing between the C notch was a little tricky, but I think it came out clean.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Nate also sent me Porterbuilts new front Sway Bar. This thing is beef! It's a hollow bar, made from tubing, but light weight. And from what I have read online, way better than a solid bar. More of a track application. Its not on yet. Need to finish drilling some holes. And get the bar to Powdercoat. But you get the idea.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So at the moment I have 2 big tasks in front of me. 1, finish getting the bottom of my cab sanded down and sprayed with undercoat. And 2, get my Header situation figured out. I have gone back and forth on headers. Porterbuilt does make there own headers but they do not fit with my kit. Only their passenger header fits. I found a company out of South San Francisco, Sanderson Headers, that make application specific and custom headers. I picked up a set of their LS Swap Headers, and only the drivers side fits. So right now I have a Sanderson on the driver and a Porterbuilt on the passenger. Not really going to work. Both of these are Shorties. So I think when the time comes, I will be having Sanderson Custom make a set of Long Tube Headers and also run the entire exhaust, since the center Chassis Stiffener does cause some routing trouble. Sanderson wants the entire truck together, so I will not have any exhaust for a while.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Not sure what has lite the fire under my Ass lately, but I feel like I have actually been getting some stuff done. Today, I finally got the Cab ready to go back on. Over the last week, I have spent hours under it with a wire wheel grinder cleaning up everything. Today I got to tape it all off and lay down the Undercoat. Came out good. If everything goes right this week at work I should have the Cab on by the weekend. We shall see.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Made some more progress tonight. Been making a big push to get ready for the Cab to go back on, and tomorrow is the day! Finally got the Sway Bar bolted in. Had to shave off the shoulder of the bushings at the bar ends, but not a big deal. Also got the Forward and Rear Cab Mounts on. The center bolt on the rear mounts were a little tricky because the Chassis Brace mounts share some of the same holes. Had to shave some washers to make them look clean. It was a good few hours of work buttoning up some loose ends.

Also ordered the new American AutoWire Fuse box and Harness kit. The new Hydro Boost Brake booster and Wilwood Master Cylinder and Proportioning Valve. New Tilt Steering Column made for floor shift and a badass Keyless start kit with Fobs, remote start function, push button start and a key pad if the batteries die. Pics to come soon!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Looking damn good! Inspiring

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Shugalou!

Well, I met my goal for the week. The Cab is back on. And I must say, after the initial shock was over of going from stock height to lowered, I am loving the stance! Had a buddy come over and help work a jack. We took our time and made sure everything lined up right. I can't wait til the bed is back on. But 1st I have a lot of plumbing and wiring to do. And if the rear is anything like the front, I can stuff some seriously wide sticky tires under it when she's done!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Nice job. Keep it up!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So got a few parts in today. My Hydro Booster, new Wilwood master cylinder and proportioning valve kit, and an Easy Guard security system which gives me a push button start and remote start (which I will try and attempt). I could also have keyless entry but my truck has manual locks not electric.

When I tried to mate the booster and master I was disappointed to find I had about a 1/4" gap. I contacted Performance Online and they referred me to Jeff, at Karps Power Brakes. Jeff recommended that I either drill out or grind down the Aluminum Bullet spacer that comes with the Wilwood master. Since I have a Mill and happened to have a 5/16 Ball End Mill, I chose to drill the hole. I worked it a little at a time until the master sat perfect on the booster. Now just waiting for the Booster to firewall bracket to show up.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Since a new steering column will be going in I decided to completely remove the pedal mount assembly that also is the studs for the Brake Booster. Yes, my truck was a 3 on the Tree manual tranny. So the clutch pedal has to go. I will be reinstalling the clutch pedal pivot spacer just to reinforce the bracket when the bolt it tightened down. Gonna also get it cleaned up before it goes back in.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

End of the week update!

Got my Hydro Booster brackets in today from Performance Online. Good quality and came powder coated in black.

Also, I have decided not to run the Remote/Keyless Start kit. I thought I would be cool, and I still do. It's just not the way I wanted this truck to go. So the kit is now gone.

On a positive note, I just picked up a set of AFR Aluminum Heads. Custom Aluminum Intake, and Custom Cam package to follow shortly!!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

I really like everything you've done, it's gonna be a killer truck.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks 91short!


So I finally received my American Autowire Kit! Looks cool. Very complete. Detailed instructions. It will get rid of 40 year old wiring that has already be cut and modified multiple times. And also get rid of the glass fuses. It comes with provisions for adding my planned Dakota Digital gauge cluster and my LS swap. Just need to finish up my firewall. Hopefully start this tomorrow!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Today I finished cleaning up the firewall. Spent some time with the wire wheel. I had already cleaned and painted the passenger side and across the top a few years back when the motor was installed, so those areas just needed a light scuff and a fresh coat. Came out nice enough. Hopefully tomorrow get the brake pedal assembly back in so I can mount the Brake booster, followed by the beginning of my rewire.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So quick update:
I got the under dash Brake pedal mount/Brake Booster Mount off the get Beadblasted so I could paint it and get it back in. My Powdercoat guy is a hell of a salesman and for a couple bucks he powdercoated the bracket. Even though it will never be seen. Looks good anyway! I got that reinstalled and moved on to the Booster.

It's just the 1st fit of the Booster and Master cylinder, but it's looking good. The Performance Online Brackets fit great and have adjustment build in. I will have to pull it all back out to cut and thread the rod to the Brake pedal to make it longer. Minor setback.

Also finally received my new Steering column. Looks great. I ordered it made for a floor shifter and also shorter to push it closer to the dash and give me more clearance when running linkage to the steering rack. Swapped over my steering wheel just to see. It's brand new, but I bought it 8 years ago.

I'm getting stuff done but need to start focusing on 1 piece at a time and finish it. Hopefully next week gives me some more time to work.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Awesome build brother! Your truck has some serious hardware in it! What's the plan for wheels and tires?

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Moregrip! I'm building a driver, not a show queen, that's for sure. I've been thinking about Wheels for a while. Not sure which way to go yet. They will definitely be wider. From my rough measurements I should be able to squeeze as much as 4" more out back. And I'll probably jump to 18". The 17" wheels on it now barely clear the new steering rod ends off the rack. My tire choice is just going to be "sticky"! My Tuner says the motor combo should make 550-600 HP at the crank so my biggest concern is being able to hook.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

One step forward, and Two steps Back!!

I thought I was going to start installing the new wiring today but realized really fast that the bottom half of my dash (steel part) has been neglected. And also to make the mods to my Brake Booster Rod and install of my steering column go a lot smoother, it would be nice to not have wiring in the way.

So I have now removed the steering column, dash, seat, carpet, ash tray, glove box, and floor kick panels. And tomorrow will start to prep the lower half of my dash for new paint. Well, in my case, Spray on Truck Bed Liner. It's tough, lasts long, applies easy, and looks good.

Might as well get it done. No point in half-assing it now. Besides I would probably be pissed at my self for not doing it when I had the chance.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Made some progress today. Spent a couple hours this morning sanding my entire dash. Ended up also removing the windshield. I needed to replace the windshield seal anyway. Probably the most tedious thing I have done is scrap and sand away 40 years of windshield sealant. But got it all cleaned up, taped off and shot a good coat of truck bed liner. Which is what I have used for multiple areas throughout the truck (door jabs, cowl area, core support).

Also got a couple goodies in today. A Flaming River Steering Column mount and the 1st of 3 Steering Linkage joints.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Outstanding build. I see a lot of love and a lot of dollar signs.

With your hydroboost you had a little issue with rod length (I did too), but did you at all change the location of the factory hole where the rod connects to the pedal? The reason I ask is because I didn't either, and although I haven't been able to try my brakes yet, a lot of conversion guides and posts suggested that hydroboost pedals mount a little differently than stock ones, and many ended up welding tabs and or drilling a new hole on their factory pedals for a ratio that is more suited for hydroboost.

Here's a thread where it's discussed: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=658227

Also, did you just use a factory grommet between your HB and the firewall? Mine would not fit and I ended up doing something custom that I am not really happy with.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Will. It's funny because I have been looking into this for the past couple weeks. From what I find, I should be good with my existing Brake pedal. It has 2 holes already in it. The pin is in the lower hole, so my plan was to try and push the pin out and weld it in the upper hole. Yes, the rod off the Booster is a little short, but I have already decided to cut the end off, weld on an extension and thread it to allow for some fine tuning adjustment. As for the grommet, I'm just not there yet. Only mounted the Booster for mock up so far. But it is on the list. What did you do? Any pics?

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Ended up being a lot happier with the new coating on the dash than I thought. I think it came out clean and goes well with the rest of the truck.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Nice build thread ! My wife and I were just in Hollister on Tuesday. She was born there and lived there until the age of 15. She spent hours catching up with 3 of her girlfriends. Wish I could have ran into you and we could have talked shop so to speak. I was bored out of my mind, lol. Looked on your bio and saw you are an aircraft mechanic. I am also, I work for Southwest airlines. Anyway, great build keep up the good work.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Small world! I grew up here. One of the last small towns not infected by Silicon Valley. I work in San Jose but will never move there. Southwest is cool. I have a buddy that works for Virgin. I've never worked Commercial. I've been in Corporate for 12 years. Different worlds, but gotta love Jets either way. Shoot me a PM next time your in town.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So it's taken a while, and mostly because I get great deals from a local shop, but I finally got my 3rd member home! It looks Awesome! Pics don't do it justice.

-Yukon Gear Nodular Dropout with 3.25" bearings ( Powder coated Black)
-6160 Forged Aluminum Pinion Support
-Yukon 3.89 Ring and Pinion
-Detroit Trutrac Locker
-Yukon 1310 Yoke

It's a show piece in itself. Can't wait to get it installed!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

It's coming together well. If it's going to be a "driver", it will certainly be one that is comfortable at car shows. Liking the well engineered static drop.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Update for the day.

Ive been way to busy this week and have not had a chance to do anything on the truck. However, I was able to get online and order a few new goodies from LMC. They have been a big part of my restomod since the beginning. Today I got the order in, a new windshield seal with rope tool, and new interior under dash courtesy lights, dome light, and dimmer module. Nothing super exciting but little by little I'm moving forward.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Started playing around in the garage today. The new parts in boxes is starting to stack up again. So I pulled out the new Radiator and working on its new home. It's gonna fit great. Fab up and weld on some tab mounts. It's not in its final position yet.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So after a long couple weeks with not a lot of free time I started to get serious again. The core support has been removed. This will make my engine install a lot easier and give me a chance to clean it up.

I got the new windshield installed. Yes, New. I made an attempt to reinstall 25+ year old glass. And on the last corner I pushed a little too hard and it cracked. So I was able to get a local auto glass company to come out and install it for me. Took less than an hour, and looks great. My cost of glass and shipping, I was only out another $20 to have it installed. Kinda a no brainer!

And now the fun part begins! With the new column mounted I got started on the wiring. Mounted the Fuse box and started running behind the dash. This American Autowire kit makes things easy. Great instructions, clean labeling, factory fit with options for aftermarket mods. Moving forward again feels good after 10 steps back.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Moving fast! Looks good.