Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

So I wanted to build my wife a fun kick ass little truck since I have been dropping some serious funds into a crazy 1935 ford truck custom hot rod (don't worry guys it has a altered Bel Air frame and 588 BBC with 800HP..boom!!) but back to the wifes truck. found this cool shop looking truck from back east on ebay. 454 BBC Corvette brakes and wheels fun paint job....nice stance etc...

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Of course thinking I was getting a great deal I shelled out the clams. Upon arrival of the truck to my shop I discovered all of this.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

NO BUENO!! all the rockers, firewall, cab floor, front window, rear window had serious cancer rust...the brakes didn't work and the engine was sluggish...sounded amazing...drove like Jello. poop flavored Jello.. to top it off the wife was not so happy with the "bad ebay purchase" and advised me to just send it to the crusher as did my mechanic, body guy, and friends. When I contacted the seller about my unsatisfied feelings and his misrepresentation of the quality of this truck he told me that he had been ripped off plenty of times and it was about time he got to rip somebody off. I know its my fault for not having a better inspection of the vehicle done before I purchased but man this was a tough one to swallow. Bye bye 8k right? Nope my ego took over. I dismantled the turd pulled engine and sold it kept frame, doors hood, fenders(which had been replaced with new ones) and bed.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

I forgot to mention that the "Bad ebay Buy" was 1987 Chevy truck with Gmc grille. So let the fun begin, I'm not going to let this guy rip me off. Yes I'm starting with a hodgepodge platform but damn it I'm going to make this sickest truck. I love Squarebodys. The first vehicle I owned was 76 Jimmy and I have always wanted to do a pro touring version of the like so I think this truck will be that one. Found a local 1973 flatbed chevy, which was being used as pesticide truck , but had a cab in real good shape for $900. Removed the cab sold the engine to a dude and the rest of it to dismantler...ended up only costing me $200:metal:

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Sent it all to the Blasters came back so clean and ready to begin this build.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Thanks to a Fesler customer upgrading his Chevelle to a Ls platform I scored this 454 RamJet with 4L80E. Thanks Fesler for shipping it so well.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Ridetech Level III system arriving soon can't wait.:flagw:

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

First of all I'd like to say I like the truck and admire your effort on restoring it but with that said.......i can't believe you paid $8k for it to begin with!

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

i think my ego would have started with a long drive with my friend 3.08!!!!

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

You live in LA-and bought a truck from back east? Hmm, usually goes the other way.
Oh well, live and learn. Looks like you got a clean start now! At least it'll have enough motor! I'm in!

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

I know I Know. Dude told me engine was freshly rebuilt sway bars corvette wheels and brakes and I loved the paint job. Really bad impulse buy. But inspired me to build one hell of a truck. Have so many updates just have to get all the pics organized.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

I was so pissed when I got the truck and after the conversation with the rat that sold me the truck I had to stop myself 3 times from going to his place when I happened to be in NY.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

you are a man of much self control!!!

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

For a truck in this area, that is considered only a little rust. I see much worse on much newer trucks on the road every day.

Good start on the build. Its gonna be a beast!

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

This should be an interesting build. Looking forward to it.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

the worst is that the seller replied it was time to rip someone else. jeeeeez

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

I have to admit I trust people a little too much maybe....as jaded as I would like to become I think being a stand up guy will always benefit you as a person in the end.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

^^^^i totally agree

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Ridetech level III installed.... since my other project is beyond my fabricating skills I really wanted to do as much as possible on this build and I have to say for a guy like me installing an suspension system like this Ridetech makes it a breeze .....thanks Ridetech!! Did The Rear and front mounts in a day.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Front mounts. had to cut out the old shock mounts cuase the previous owner had done some crazy hack job welding when he modified it to use shocks that didnt fit...dont worry my boy Rick will fill them in for me before I powdercoat the frame.

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

installed front control arms and rear 4 link...basically in 3.. 6 hour days ..Love Ridetech:metal:

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

mounted the rear airbags put the body on with brand new performance body mounts and set the jack stands at ride height and put in place one of my secret design plans ....I will give you a hint its on the front. The wheels are from the previous owner so they will be going but will do now for...going to run a 345/35R19 in the rear and 285/40R19 up front:sumo:

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

Agreed

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

What type of front bumper did you use? I'm guessing that's your secret design plan

Re: Going for Broke!!! 1973 Stepside Talladega
 

It's off of my 2011 ram 1500. Couldnt believe that it's the perfect width will post more pics soon with my other surprise on the front end