86 Stepside Project - The Old Man's Truck

[Hossjoe]

I'm just in the beginning stages of reworking this 1986 stepside. The old man bought it new and I've been after it ever since (I was after his 73 El Camino he had before the Silverado too). He passed last Sept, so this will be a tribute build...a daily driver custom that dad would be proud of...






THE PLAN
Initially I will just be getting this truck caught up with some needed TLC. Pops kept his truck in good order, as you can see, but it's still 1986 technology...a funky half OBD1 and half OBD2...half electronic and half mechanical. Anyway, phase one will be to remove, clean and simplify as much as possible. Already have the interior out and working on a custom dash.

Phase Two will be a full late model donor conversion. I'm tossing around the idea of a SS or Escalade concept. I'll probably keep the small block, but fuel injection and super charger will be included. Haven't decided on conventional or air bag suspension yet, but I'm leading rear 4 link with bags and conventional (LASA) front with rack and pinion conversion.

[RussAwana]

Nice truck project! I too am about a third of the way through my 86 stepside rebuild. My brother ordered it new back in 86 and had it till he passed away three years ago. My sister in-law gave me the truck last year and I needed to replace the windshield. There was some rust around the edges so I had that fixed. Long story made short, I found more rust than you could tell from just looking at the surface, and I ended up stripping most of the paint off sanding to bare metal and repainting the entire truck. Now that I got the top all nice.........maybe I should re-do the frame? Not sure yet! But i can't wait to put in an all new wood bed with polished stainless steel hardware.

I like your idea about your project as being a "tribute build" for your old man. I don't think I would put this much effort into my own Chevy Truck but to keep my brothers truck going.........yeah! Good luck on your project! Aloha!

[Hossjoe]

Mahalo brother...sounds like you have a tribute build of your own. If you are keeping it stock, I may have parts for you down the road. This truck has always been in California and my pops toke good care of it. Many of the interior and trim pieces will not be re-used but are in great shape...figured I will have a eBay sell of at some point.

I know what you mean about the wood. I'm thinking of milling the wood myself out of walnut with the strips coated with charcoal gray Linex...think it would look good against the blue.

Good luck with your build.

Ash

[pcwillsie]

I dig your truck. My first pickup was a grey 86 2x4 stepside that i kick myself all the time for selling. (19 years ago) I hope you post lots of pics on this build.

[menace121978]

nice truck! what part of sac are you in??

[JohnC]

Looks like a nice truck. Good luck on the build, and I look forward to seeing the progress. What all are your plans for it?

[79gmc5.3]

Nice Truck!! 2x on your plans. Step sides are a great looking truck. Keep the Pics coming!!!!! I restored my dads 79 Sierra and money can't buy it. Make your dad proud!

[Hossjoe]

Why...you aren't looking for parts at the Midnight Auto Supply are you?

[menace121978]

Originally Posted by Hossjoe

Why...you aren't looking for parts at the Midnight Auto Supply are you?

[Driveway Dreams]

Ahh, tribute builds. I love the idea. Just always keep him in mind as you build the truck, as it sounds like you do. Looks like a very solid truck as would be expected. Also curious about the plans for it.

[Hossjoe]

Amazing what some wet sanding, a bit of detailing, and getting air into the engine will do. Need to sort the suspension out soon, long trips are getting rough...

Do I build my own or go with Air-Ride? Hmm...I keep hearing my welding instructor's lecture about buying bolt-on parts. I swear I'll fabricate as much as possible Mr. Calhoun.

[Hossjoe]

Tear down began yesterday...interior and most of the trim has already been removed. It was really hard to start ripping into such a clean truck...but it must be done. Now I'm wrestling whether or not to use a donor dash, and if so from what? A trip to Pick-a-Part maybe in order...weee.