63 stepside SWB project

[1963chevyshort]

Finally got my truck out of the blasting shop. It came out well for what i was expecting. I purchased Nathan's front end kit and also hoping in the next couple of weeks to purchase the air ride strong arm kit for the rear. Here are the starting pics. I will post more as it progresses. Thanks guys.

[1963chevyshort]

Here are some more pics of the parts and the truck. I sold the bed and have another one that i will put on.

[1963chevyshort]

Now here are some rough spots on the truck. I will have to change the rockers. I have never done that before so hopefully it is not to painfull of a job. Anyone has changed these before?

[LILRED66]

Get you a spot weld cutter (www.eastwood.com Item #11279). Mark each spot weld with a center punch. Drill the spot welds and with some gentle persuasion, remove the old rusty rocker panel. Do the necessary prep to underlying metal with rust encapsulator. Drill new 1/8" holes in the new rocker panel in the same locations as the old spot welds on the old rocker. Install new rocker panel and puddle weld holes to underlying sheet metal. Grind, fill, sand and prime. I have done them several times. With the spot weld cutter, the outer rocker panels are one of the easiest panels to replace. The kick panels, inner rockers and floor boards are a different animal. I have done them, as well, however the process is more involved. Same principal, but not as easy and quick. Good luck.

Tony

[WhippinSaw]

Hey 1963chevyshort where do you get a rear bumper like that, is it just custom bent angle iron, aftermarket, or stock, I like the looks of it with the white stepside.

[gulfcoast66]

Whats up 63CS, looks like you got a really good start with that truck it looks good, i havent done rockers b4 but im sure somebody will get you up to date doing the job. I cant wait to see it when you drop it its going to look bad azz. keep us up to date.

[1963chevyshort]

Thanks gulfcoast66. I have not finished a truck in a long time so hoping to really get this one going.

[slammed1966chevy]

Nice Goodluck on it !

[BigTruckDriver]

very simple if you have the right tools. The top of the cab will give you some major problems though.

[1963chevyshort]

Wow really. The top of the cab i will not even try. I will probably find a really good body shop that can redo it. So we will see.

[Dadsredwagon]

nice what part of Houston are you at? I'm in Spring area

[1963chevyshort]

Thanks I am in southwest houston near dairy ashford and beechnut.

[L0WRIDE]

looks like your of to a good start

[hammered65]

Looks like you got a nice project going. Are you going back with a stepside or are you going to put a fleetside on it?

[ClassicAutoResto]

I have done many rockers for customers (and myself) and the best way I that I do them is to tack weld a 1 inch square tube from front to back on the pillars. I also put the vehicle on jack stands at the frame. This keeps your cab from flexing out when you cut out the old rocker. When done with welding in the new one, cut and grind down the welds you tacked on the square tube and you are back in position without flexing. GOOD LUCK!!!!! - Jerry

[Frizzle Fry]

Looking forward to this build. Can't wait to see it with the dropmember installed.

[1963chevyshort]

I am going with the hips . I like the stepsides for some reason but i do have another bed in the garage. Once i put the air ride c-10 stong arm kit on the rear i will put the other bed on. I just do not know where to putt the tanks for this project? Any ideas

[1963chevyshort]

Thanks Jerry for the info. I will get the rockers next week and also part of the floor plan and let you know how it comes out.

[1963chevyshort]

Yeah Mike I cann't wait either

[1963chevyshort]

Well tonight i was able to talk off the front end and everything came out great. I was wondering if anyone knows if 20x10 or 20x9.5 would fit on rear of my stepside. I am installing a 1972 rear end and i know it is 1 1/2 short total i think. Since i will have to air ride strong arm kit in the rear i was wondering what is the biggest tire i can put in the back. Anyone can lend me some insight? I will be posting pics soon of the installed front from Nathan it is being powder coated and picking it up tomorrow.

[62ChevyStep]

Originally Posted by 1963chevyshort

I was wondering if anyone knows if 20x10 or 20x9.5 would fit on rear of my stepside. I am installing a 1972 rear end and i know it is 1 1/2 short total i think. Since i will have to air ride strong arm kit in the rear i was wondering what is the biggest tire i can put in the back. Anyone can lend me some insight? I will be posting pics soon of the installed front from Nathan it is being powder coated and picking it up tomorrow.

Actually the 72 rear diff will be 1 1/2" wider overall (3/4" each side). I have a 72' 12 bolt 5 lug rear and was able to only go with 20X8.5 with my stepside. hope this helps.

[1963chevyshort]

Here are some new progress of my Truck.

[1963chevyshort]

Installation part complete

[David Flores]

Very nice!

[1963chevyshort]

Thanks now it is time for the rear. I will be ordering the Rear from Air Ride which is the C10 strong arm kit.