New Project: 1974 2WD Shortbed

[Shady Chevy]

Ok, now for technical questions for anyone whom may know: I want to put different brake rotors on on this truck (1974) that will have a 4 3/4 inch bolt pattern instead of the stock 5 inch pattern. So I saw today that "Maxxxy" had posted about putting 1991 Camaro 1LE "performance package" rotors on his 1981 2WD. The NAPA part number for this 1LE rotor should be PN-NB 4885994. NAPA price? (closed right now) A&A price is $94.23 each. My first question revolves around whether a 1974 1/2 ton 2WD spindle is the same or different than the 1981 1/2 ton 2WD spindle? (what "Maxxxy" is putting these rotors on) Can I use my stock calipers, pads and bearings?

Here is a link to a post that I was reading, that had some good info on the 1LE brake package swap. (On an older Camaro not a truck)
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182800

[Shady Chevy]

First test of color. This is burnt orange metallic laquer. One coat, no clear yet. Need to wet sand out, and spray another coat to start to see what it will look like. Still not sure if I want to go with a metallic orange or not. Yellow and Red are still possibilities. Must play more.

[hopped up]

i like that color!! think the truck would look good painted that orange
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[Shady Chevy]

It is difficult to photograph this color because it is metallic. But what do other people think? Are there other shades of metallic orange people have used in the past that they really like? Any pics? Thanks.

[Shady Chevy]

I called about some prices for pieces to reconstruct the bed: Spoke with Jeff @ Richners Junkyard here in Central PA. (814) 355-3851
Floor $495
Left side $414
Right side $368
Front $99
Tail piece $68

Have yet to find a complete used shortbed here locally.

[Summabish]

Originally Posted by Shady Chevy

I called about some prices for pieces to reconstruct the bed: Spoke with Jeff @ Richners Junkyard here in Central PA. (814) 355-3851
Floor $495
Left side $414
Right side $368
Front $99
Tail piece $68

Have yet to find a complete used shortbed here locally.

Patch panels from LMC truck or other distributors would work great if you have welding skill and or knowledge. It's a lot cheaper than buying replacement panels.
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[Shady Chevy]

I have no problem with welding. The only downside to LMC or others is the high truck freigh costs. I was going to try to pick up what I can at the Carlisle truck show in August. I am still exploring my options to see what direction I want to go.

[spudz]

I like the color, but on the bed. You need to find a bed down south and have a road trip. I get whole rust free trucks for 300-700, you should have no problem finding a original rust free bed for $300.

[Shady Chevy]

Ok, I have finally decided to find another bed. We will see what I can dig up. I found an ad today for a pair of doors for $70, locally. Don't know if I am going to go look at them or not. But I decided to remove the old ones, as I am send these off as scrap for sure. I have been working on cleaning up the frame. I don't have a sandblaster yet, so I have been grinding the rust off down to bare metal, coating with body filler, prime, and sand. It is coming out nice. Removed the gas tank.

[Eagle Custom]

LMC offers free shipping on orders of 1000.00 or more

[flashed]

Where did you find the seat cover ? I need to get one for my new 74 truck. I hope you find a bed pretty easy ,you dont see many of these trucks around any more down here. I have watched mine sitting in a barn for over 20 years before I was able to get it.

[Shady Chevy]

I didn't know about the shipping from LMC. Thanks. I will have to keep that in mind and put together a big order. The seat cover was on the truck when I got it.

[survivingalone]

what color orange is that? what car or truck did it come on? thanks....

[Shady Chevy]

The orange is burnt orange metallic laquer that I bought at Pep Boys. I just wanted something to try. Originally I wanted to try the "Sunset Malibu orange metallic" color that Eastwood sells in a basecoat clear coat system. I still might try that.

[spudz]

Originally Posted by flashed

Where did you find the seat cover ? I need to get one for my new 74 truck. I hope you find a bed pretty easy ,you dont see many of these trucks around any more down here. I have watched mine sitting in a barn for over 20 years before I was able to get it.

They are everywhere here. I can put my hands on about half a dozen for sale locally that are decent. Hell for the right price I Will sell him one of my beds an deliver it to him!

[Shady Chevy]

Ok, another topic. I read somewhere on this forum about supporting the truck roof by spraying expandable foam inside from inside the cab. I read that one should use the type that "won't overexpand". This is what I bought and tried. But I don't feel that this was the right choice. There were three options at Lowes.

[Shady Chevy]

Here is a pic of what I did. I drilled holes up thru from inside the cab. You can see how many and where. But this foam doesn't ever get really rigid, even after drying for a few days. The roof still buckles in when trying to work on the top. I hope someone on here that has done this before, reads this and comments. The first question is exactly what product did they use?

[Shady Chevy]

Working on the roof now. It is very rusty. I had to grind the rust off first with an angle grinder, then start to add body filler. Going to take a lot of work to get this straight.

[Shady Chevy]

It has been about a month since I have had a chance to do anything. Made a trip to trucks at Carlisle event last weekend. Picked up these pieces for the project. Reproduction tailgate for $90. It doesn't have the "Chevrolet" letters on it. That is exactly what I want. Left and right for the rear wheel wells, and the left and right cab corners. I am now getting my MIG welder back up and running after several years of no use. Bought new spool of 0.023 wire, and new contactors. Hope to be welding something soon. We will see how it goes.

[Shady Chevy]

Ok. I have got my Mig welder back in action. Bought a new welding helmet and gloves. Here I am welding the first patch panel in place. I have a long way to go, but showing promise.

[Shady Chevy]

My D/A sander broke Friday night while hard at work. I am now on a search for a new one. Any suggestions?

[Shady Chevy]

Thinking about paint ideas, and I came across this. I really like it. any thoughts? Other sugestions? This would work with my burnt orange metallic idea I have been toying with.

[Shady Chevy]

Another idea........

[Shady Chevy]

Recent progress.....

[Shady Chevy]