1972 Stepside SWB

[whiteyandreddy]

The filler neck in its new location will allow the fuel door to be hidden in the bed.

[whiteyandreddy]

Other progress made today was to complete the rear electrical. The side marker lamps, tail lights and license plate lights were routed and wired up. All of the lights are now working on the truck. I also installed the license plate bracket and ran stainless steel over braid (aka "Expando") over the tail light wiring. I used a NAPA insulated clamp to hold wiring against the bedside. The tailights are not original obvioulsly. I bought them at a swap meet, and believe they are from a '37 to '42 Ford wagon or truck.

[mcbassin]

Very nice work on the filler relocation. Good progress.

[Tinkermc]

very nice

[baldwinc]

Me likey!

[whiteyandreddy]

A little more progress and a roadblock. I have several leaks on the HDPE plastic gas tank, the most severe of which is at the fuel sending unit. I have some more work to do! I will try to repair the leaks at the welds and let you know how they turn out. The sending unit may be harder. I can't see if it is leaking at the seal or at the screw holes which hold the cleats down. Progress was made on the interior. I was persuaded to move away from the original AM radio to a more modern one. It's very nice and was very easy to install. Speakers will be mounted once I have the seat in, which hopefully will be soon. I also removed and repainted the left inner fender and a bunch of bolts that needed some touch up. I also had a chance to finish the washer pump hose installation and repainted the washer nozzles. I will be reinstalling the cowl this weekend along trying to pin down and fix the leaks.

[67c10rustbuket]

Looking good! Nice fuel tank mod too, The tailight wire covering/mounting is slick as well. You have a lot of nice detail in this truck, keep it up!

[Tinkermc]

it really does look nice

[whiteyandreddy]

Updated progress over the past two weeks:
I am still having trouble with the plastic tank sealing at the sending unit. The welds are holding water fine. I have replaced the o-ring, adjusted the fuel strainer up so its not hitting the bottom of the tank, teflon-taped the screws for the hold-down clamps, and reduced the diameter of the retainer ring all to have it tight when the hold-down clamps are tightened. I still have a leak at what I believe is the o-ring. I set a deadline of June 17th to have the truck on the road, so I switched paths to an aluminum tank from ProPerformance in AZ, who represents Boyd welding of Florida. I received the tank today (8 business days after ordering-amazing) and mounted it tonight. Travis at ProPerformance was simply excellent to work with and the tank is impressive. It fits perfectly in the frame. I will be filling the tank this weekend after priming the engine oil and fuel lines. Many thanks to my friend, Joe, who stopped by to help tonight.
Other tasks completed recently:
Finished the kick panel install using the vent door lever mounting screw holes, installed the dash pad, glove box & steering wheel I also finished interior wiring, windshield wipers, and re-mounted the front bumper. I also got the bench seat recovered in black vinyl. Here are some pictures. I will try to post agin this weekend after working on the truck again.

[whiteyandreddy]

Some more pictures of other recent progress. When I purchased the truck, I didn't realize the seat was not original. I believe it is an early '80's Chevy truck based on a truck I used parts from.

[whiteyandreddy]

And one of the interior. The kicker panels from Custom Auot Sound only needed minor modification. I used an ultrasonic tool to cut the plastic and used #10 black trim screws to mount them along with the door vent levers. The emergency brake is really close to interfering with the face of the driver's speaker.

[67cheby]

looking good !

[Pro Performance]

Truck looks great, and you're right, that filler neck is in perfect location. You will have to post some pictures when you get the "door" finished. Thanks for the good words.
Posted via Mobile Device

[whiteyandreddy]

My brother stopped by Saturday to help on the truck, and then a couple of other friends (Thanks Don, Rob and Leon!), so we really got a lot done this weekend and early this week. We managed to finish the bed wood modification, bolt replacement, the interior door panels and handles, fixed some small wiring problems, and clamped down the fuel lines to the chassis. We also primed the oil pump, finished the fuel line attachment, filled the gas tank and got the truck running! It ran well considering the last time I had run it was September 2011. We are very close to having it ready for the Father's Day weekend drive!
Here are some images.

[whiteyandreddy]

Here are a couple more pictures of the nearly finished truck. There are a few more things to finish up, particularly in the engine bay, and detailing. I will be working to carpet installed next week. I want to make sure all of the wiring is OK before we cover it up with carpet. I am starting to see why people say the projects are never truly done.

[VA72C10]

Truck looks GREAT! Nice job!!!

[67cheby]

Very nice !
Posted via Mobile Device

[67c10rustbuket]

Congrats ! that is awesome I have one of those Boyd tanks also, they are VERY nice!

[mcbassin]

Your truck looks great! Love it!
Posted via Mobile Device

[whiteyandreddy]

Thanks for the kinds words. Sorry I haven't posted for a while. I have been working a lot, had computer problems and the truck was getting the carpet installed. I will post some new photos this weekend after some detailing.

[whiteyandreddy]

Here are some photos of the truck after a lot of detailing, taken on Saturday, at a local car show.

[Pro Performance]

Truck looks great!

[insane04]

dam i love it!!

[67c10rustbuket]

PERFECT!! Excellent job man, must be great to be able to cruise it to a show!

[Kregb]

Great to see the truck in person and talk to you. The pictures don't do the truck justice it looks much better in person. Thanks for letting me know you would have it at the show. I will make it a point to see any time I know you have it out, inspires me to work a little harder on mine.