Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Tinydb84! Doesn't feel like I'm moving fast. August is my deadline.

So got some new goodies delivered today. B&M Truck Megashifter. Went this direction because I wanted something a bit more sporty than a Lokar. Plus it comes with Neutral Safety and Reverse Switches. And also a Line Lock kit.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Couple more pics. Really liking the shifter. Gonna fit perfect.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

You really can't go wrong with the classic B&M for our trucks.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So I feel like I've finally taken some huge leaps forward this week. I got the interior mostly wired. But my biggest visual progress is getting the motor and tranny back in. It fits perfect with the Cab on. Plenty of room all around. But now I can get the engine and front end harness wired, fuel and brakes plumbed up, and shifter linkage hooked up. Gonna be a busy month, but my plan is 4 weeks to get all that done. Then the motor comes back out and gets a cam and heads.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So Out with the old, In with the New! Got my new gauges in finally after a 6 week waiting period. I Love Them! I custom designed everything on them. Not every bodies cup of tea, but the American flag and Gadsden flag fit perfect with my build. Can't wait to get them installed.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Are those Speedhut gauges? Interested to see how they work out. I have been looking at all the various brands and the Speedhut are at the top of my short list.

Looks great!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Yes, they are from Speed Hut. I ordered them through a local shop I've got a lot of parts from. They use them on a lot of builds, no issues. Mine are not installed yet, I'm still working on new lay out and mounting on Aluminum plate. Only thing I've heard is that it takes some getting used to a GPS Speedo. I'll put up some pics when there in. I'm being delayed a bit. My area in California got hit pretty hard during the last couple storms. So I've been rebuilding fence and cutting trees out. Now my job will be taking me to the East Coast back and forth over the next few months. Sad to say but my truck is on hold at the moment.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

WOW, interested to see the forward progress on the build. looking really good thus far.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So, sad to say that i did not meet my August goal. With having to do repairs around my house plus work taking me to Dallas for more than 6 weeks, I didn't get close to finishing what I wanted too. However progress was made when I had a few minutes to spare.

I got my new Corbeau seats installed. They fit like a glove and are in really nice position from the shifter and steering wheel.

I also got my rear end center section installed for the 1st time. Double checked my rear end position and measured for my driveline. This thing is a beast and looks badass just sitting there.

Finally got my rear brake caliper brackets welded in place. Now just need to run brake lines.

After all the putting together and taking apart I finally disassembled the rear end completely and got the last bits to powdercoat. I wanted to break up all the black so went with Red on the 4 Link, Parhard, and front Sway bars. Came out awesome! Also decided to powdercoat the Aluminum fuel tank. Just went gloss black, but now it looks too damn good to put back in the truck. I wasn't looking for a show piece, but just good protection better than paint.

I'm finally gaining some momentum again after these last few crazy months. More progress and pics to follow.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Quick update,

I'm moving forward once again. I decided not to powder coat the rear end as I will be welding on brake line brackets at some point. Plus if I ever feel the need to change something I will not be wasting the money on powder coat. That being said I am not cheaping out on my paint job. I had the rear end media blasted by the same guy that does my powder coating. Brought it home and gave it some love with a sanding wheel to knock down all the rough edges (and some welds that didn't come out so nice after a few beers!). Hit it with a good coat of Etch Primer followed by a coat of High Build. Looks pretty damn good to me. Pics don't do it justice. Tomorrow morning I'll shoot some black and hopefully have the rear suspension reinstalled by tomorrow night for the final time!!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Love those guages

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Nightly update.

Got the rear end housing painted today. Came out pretty nice I think. I finally got to assemble the rear end for the last time and I'm so happy I went with red on the bars. Just sets it off in my opinion. This is by no means a show truck, but it's looking really good.

Tomorrow I'll get the calipers back on, fuel tank in, and start plumbing brake lines.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So some more visual progress made tonight. Tank back in, Diff set in, and reinstalled the front Sway bar. Also got my rear brake lines measured and ordered. Be done tomorrow. All in all a good night!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

The back axle came out really well. Very high quality build on this truck. Thanks for all the updates and the pictures.