Shucks First Build

[Shucks]

Hey guys, this is my first truck build/restoration. I'm just a 17 year old kid who wants to be proud of something that hes built. The truck body will be mostly at home work and the motor will be a project in my auto tech class in school, mainly because my teacher knows a motor inside and out and my dad really never got too into that stuff. So, since that I am 17 and may not do things right, hell or even get it done, I still came here so I can get some input from you fellas!
Heres what I got goin on...
The truck was free, its a 1979 Chevy 2wd reg cab Stepside with 75,000 original miles with no motor and transmission. The truck is a 2 owner pickup and sat for a long time. But this truck will get me experience with all the bushings, cab mounts, welding panels, motor and trans installation which I already know the basics... just about everything I want to know.








Todays first process.


Hopefully sandblast the frame before it gets too chilly. If you wonder why I'm starting the frame clean up now, its because I dont have a motor and tranny to work around, so Ill clean the frame in sections, rear first, then the front last. I really want to take the cab off but I'm not sure how to without a cherry picker..

My free 1978 4 bolt 350 and free motor stand. Motor runs but needs rebuilt, Main bearings are probably shot. Its my school project.

Also came with free shorties!

I know I have a handful of stuff to do and its gonna be a slow process. I have a good paying job at John Deere so I dont plan on running out of cash, unless I get fired and Im trying to stop chasing girls around so I dont have to pay for movie tickets
So far I havent payed for anything! So I cant complain too much at this point...

[muffintop]

going to drop or raise the truck?

[Shucks]

Here's how I want my stance.

[StarDust]

Originally Posted by Shucks

Here's how I want my stance.

im guessing a 3/5 drop?
edit:4/6 lol

[TheBlueBomber]

Sweet truck man. Got to love '79s. Almost done preparing for my motor build. Should be ready to yank it out in the next 1-2 weeks.

[Shucks]

The 4/6 stance is what I'm looking at! Haven't gotten too serious on my search yet, still looking for the right one, All I know is, I just want to go as low as I can without having to run bags. Cant afford those...

[StarDust]

Originally Posted by Shucks

The 4/6 stance is what I'm looking at! Haven't gotten too serious on my search yet, still looking for the right one, All I know is, I just want to go as low as I can without having to run bags. Cant afford those...

you can go as low as you want without bags just that you wont be able get back up there's a guy in houston 7/10 with no bags lol
i second the 4/6 though nice stance

[TheBlueBomber]

Originally Posted by StarDust

there's a guy in houston 7/10 with no bags

That is insane...

[Shucks]

Well I started the tear down in class today. So far everything looks pretty decent. Teacher was impressed that this motor was free for how clean it is...

Not too bad, the crap sitting inside came from the intake when I pulled it off.

Rockers dont look too nasty.

This is basically the only 2 pistons covered in carbon, its been burning some oil.



Cylinders are actually pretty good, the ones covered in carbon have smooth walls also.
Don't mind the coolant coming from the holes, I flipped it over just a little to fast and didn't realize there was still coolant in the motor, the oil was drained so I figured the guy I bought it from got that out as well.. Oh well, I'm just too anxious to get it done...
Now, the washer/bearing thing not sure what its called, that sits between the nut and the rocker would get stuck about 3/4 of the way up the stud. This happened to 2 of the rockers and they both were the ones that were on top of the carbon covered piston. Does that mean anything at all?

[aggie91]

First of all, your truck looks like a good starting point for you. It will be a great learning experience for you and something that you will enjoy and hat at the same time. LOL.

Originally Posted by Shucks

...Now, the washer/bearing thing not sure what its called, that sits between the nut and the rocker would get stuck about 3/4 of the way up the stud. This happened to 2 of the rockers and they both were the ones that were on top of the carbon covered piston. Does that mean anything at all?

Most likely it really only means that those 2 cylinders where using oil and it was just some build up on the threads/stud that kept the pivot ball from coming off easily. I had a few before that needed a little effort to get off, but no real damage to the engine.


Enjoy it! I'm guessing your a Junior in HS, so do you plan to have it "finished" for your Senior Year?

[77ChevySharkBite]

Got a sweet looking project there man going to look sharp!! Good luck!!

[Shucks]

So today I learned why the motor was free...
Started tearing into the block.

My 3rd cylinder had a spun bearing.



This is why I hate that its winter and I dont have a place to work on the truck. Its already dark by the time I head home...

Anyway.. I'm probably getting a new crank just because it cut so deep. Anyone have a recommended cheap and solid crank?

[nekkidhillbilly]

no but..............i figured that speedo would be at higher number than that lol. you should paint like it is when you get done.

[truckfan]

another local will lurk

[Shucks]

Tiny update
Block is now bare and fresh from the washer... Going to the machine shop Monday for new cam bearings, rods and a head job.


My poor sandblasting job with the schools blaster. My frame will turn out better...


hopefully invest in some billet pulleys in the future. This'll do for now!
And this is basically as much work as I can do out in this insanely cold weather, and I even dressed like poor Randy on The Christmas Story

[TheBlueBomber]

Yall get hit by that winter storm weather? By the time it hit the east coast, all the excitement was virginia and up. Getting work done on my '79

[Shucks]

Well it was intended to hit us but just disappeared when it got to my city... A lot of Kansas got hit but not me.
Your 79 is looking good, I peak into that build every now and then.

[Shucks]

Okay I really don't have an update other than my motor is back from the machine shop. But I have more of a question.
My question is, in what steps should I do the body and frame? I get focused on suspension parts then I remember I have rust I need to patch up on the cab, then I worry about body work. Then I get focused on what to paint the frame with then I remember I haven't done anything about the suspension, ect.... Should I patch the rust then remove the cab to be ready for paint? Or should I be worried about getting the truck driving and safe on the road first? I just want some advice is all.

[Squareforceone]

If i were you i'd get a dual plane intake instead.. Do some research on dual vs single plane intakes. Single is good for the drag strip at higher rpms not so much on the lower end of things on the street.

[Shucks]

I found a shortbed for sale for $500. Are these a direct replacement for a Stepside or does some work need to be done? Also is this a good price? Because not often do you come across shortbeds separate from the truck in good shape. No rust, and is in primer because the guy has done patch work to the bed. I really want to know because I'd like to ditch the stepside.

[TheBlueBomber]

Haven't done it myself but shouldn't be too hard. Might need to move the gas tank and install a harness for the taillights among other things.

[bigblock73]

Nice project, good work so far.

If I were you, I would do the following...

Finish them engine rebuild, get the truck running and driving. Inspect/rebuild the suspension (perhaps drop it at this time), cheap tires/wheels, clean up the interior...and drive it!

I would put the body back together, and keep it a stepside. Enjoy it for a while, then start doing bodywork as you drive it.

Start tearing it apart, and you will likely have it apart for a while, because restos can gt expensive quick....plus you have school to contend with, which is more important.

[Shucks]

You're right. After I posted that and sat and waited I thought of the exact same thing. I get caught up in looking at guys trucks on the forum all torn apart and once its done, they drive it for the first time after a few years...
Thanks for the reply.
The motor is going back together right now (super excited), I found a 700r4 to bolt up to it and then I need to find a new ignition, I bought it without keys...

[Cape Codder]

A lock cylinder with keys shouldn't be much more that 20.00. It's not that difficult to install.

[TheBlueBomber]

Bigblock73 is right. When I was 16 I bought a 79 K5 (which started my square body addiction) and I started tearing into anything and everything. I got so caught up in doing multiple projects that it just sat for a while and I lost interest. I learned from my mistakes and am a lot more calculated in the projects that I do. I'm still learning myself after all these years. Make sure you have fun with it and enjoy every bit of it.