1971 Stepside LS Build

[1971Stepside]

FYI -- I am going to mock the whole truck up and then going to disassemble for all the paint. My gut says if I painted everything ahead of time I would be needing to cut and weld something already painted. With that being said you are way ahead of me.

Mine is going back on the frame one last time to do a final fit before it gets paint. I was planning my last removal to be it, but I have gone this far I might as well check it one more time

[bikertim]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Mine is going back on the frame one last time to do a final fit before it gets paint. I was planning my last removal to be it, but I have gone this far I might as well check it one more time

No doubt, it looks great now but all it takes is one thing!

[1971Stepside]

Didn't make near the progress that I had hoped for this weekend. I did get all the surface rust cleaned off the bottom of the cab and it sealed it up. One more test fit coming up and then a little CRE Epoxy.

[TA_C10]

Progress is progress, looking good! Is that POR15?

[MDPotter]

I know the feeling. But like TA said, progress is progress. It's never quick enough!

[1971Stepside]

Progress is progress, looking good! Is that POR15?

Well, I call it RichMan15 at $50 a quart

I know the feeling. But like TA said, progress is progress. It's never quick enough!

Agreed. I spend the first 10 minutes sanding off surface rust that formed since my last round. Hopefully we can get the primer down soon. It's so rainy and humid here that even in an ac garage it is fun to keep it off.

[MDPotter]

[QUOTE=1971Stepside;8571079]Well, I call it RichMan15 at $50 a quart

I use Chassis Saver, it's the same as POR15 but cheaper. I buy it from Amazon and they have a couple different sheens. I've used it on all of my frame components and it is nasty to work with, but incredibly tough.

[beaterku]

Looking good! This humidity has been down right oppressive.

[my kids toy]

Nice build, I have not read all of it yet but I want to comment on the cold case rad, I am shocked to hear about what they did to you , I purchased mine a year ago and I complained about the steam port problem back then and they should have fixed it then but I see they did not and they went ahead and still shipped off the stock they had on hand, shame on them for thinking it would be OK.
I have a Holley pump set up and it had the steam port in the pump so I cut the steam port off the rad and welded the hole shut to make it work.
You made a nice rad mount for the cold case , would you like to sell it to me ?

[1971Stepside]

You made a nice rad mount for the cold case , would you like to sell it to me ?

I think I have $22 in it. How about $20 and you pay for the ride? Glad to help out. I need to fab something similar for my Entropy. PM me your address and I will get a quote on what shipping is.

Thanks for the compliments on the build.

[my kids toy]

Message sent

[Flubyu]

Project is looking great, I need to come check it out!

[my kids toy]

I sent message but did not hear back from you incase you replied.

[1971Stepside]

Project is looking great, I need to come check it out!

Let me know when you would like to see it. Hoping to have the primer on and doing the final test fit by Labor Day.

I sent message but did not hear back from you incase you replied.

I sent you a message.

[1971Stepside]

Got some time out in the garage this weekend. Had a little help sanding which was really cool. While the boys were inside playing video games the girls came out and worked on the truck.

Planning to put some primer on her this week and start re-test fitting all panels for final prep.

I also worked on the tailgate a little by installing these so called hidden latches. They need more work. I'm not sure I really like them, but I haven't seen better options for the stepside gates. Hopefully once it is all painted I will like it better.

[MDPotter]

My hat's off to you for having the ability to get the ladies in your house to sand on your truck!

[67C10GS]

subbed for the amazing info, cant wait to see it finished.

[TA_C10]

Interesting. Do those slide metal on metal or is there a bushing of some kind that will keep them free sliding for many years down the road?

.

[1971Stepside]

Interesting. Do those slide metal on metal or is there a bushing of some kind that will keep them free sliding for many years down the road?

They are designed to be greased. The pin holds the whole thing in place so if you ever need to re-grease it you can simply unscrew the pin lever and lube it up. The newer versions of these have a chrome knob instead of the lever pin. I'm going to shorten these and see if they will work. Going to paint it all and hope they aren't super noticeable.

[1971Stepside]

Finally got her loaded and to the body shop so we can use a booth. Hope to get primer sprayed sometime in the next week depending on their schedule and when I can jump in.

Started the preliminary body work on the bed. It is mostly new, so not a whole lot to do. I cut the side marker out of the passenger fender because at one point I was going to remove them all. I have now decided to keep them, so I have to weld it back in. One step forward...two steps back.

[MDPotter]

That's exciting! I've only spent about 3 hours sanding on my cab so far and I already hate it.

[beaterku]

Looks great! I did body work and paint "one" time. I apparently was not blessed with the patience to do body work. I get way to frustrated way to fast. Another step closer!

[TA_C10]

Lol, all this sounds like the hell I went through and didn't realize it till you guys say it in writing... I'm crackin up. That is exciting stepside, hope it goes quickly for you man.

[1971Stepside]

Long night, but we got three coats of epoxy down. Will have to flip the panels and do the other side tonight. Should be able to start test fitting panels this weekend. Overall, was pretty happy with my initial filler work. Found several spots on the back of the cab that will need more work when blocking. Was exciting to see it back in one color and looking fairly straight. Couldn't go to sleep last night after getting home...maybe it was the paint fumes

[67C10GS]

im dreading the day my project gets to the point of bodywork, but i take solace in knowing plenty of people have walked the tedious path of body and paint and that countless more will follow me.