70 SWB BB Stepper Project (Retired Restoration)

[Cash3481]

I decided to start a build-up thread to document the way I ruin a 1970 SWB Stepper.
The Name is Retired Restoration because I will be retiring from the Air Force in July and I may start building some trucks when the new house is finished. This truck will be the starting point for my 40X80 shop if I sell it.

I love these trucks and have several but I need to get rid of some parts and these were all extra parts that will be used to make a nice driver for someone when it’s completed. I bought this truck and another SWB in a package deal but will most likely keep the other one and make it a tow vehicle. These first pics are of the place I bought them from… it took 2 hours to collect and load all the parts lying around the storage area.
Plans include adding 71 Disc brakes
72 402 BB/400 combo
New fixed inner fenders (rust repaired)
Different hood (no bondo)
Rebuild the entire front Suspension
New Brakes
Wire wheel everything and paint suspension
Who know where else it may lead from here.

Enjoy the pics and I will catch everyone up as things get completed/marked off the list or added!
Feel free to comment or make fun, I can take it. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Enjoy!

Mike

[Cash3481]

Here is some additional pics of the included things. The white truck was filled with all kinds of thigs like a 700R4, SB manifolds, motor mounts, Wiring Harness's ect.

[Low Elco]

Cool, are you staying in KS? This oughta be fun!

[Cash3481]

Here is the engine compartment when I brought it home so this is the starting point.

[Cash3481]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Cool, are you staying in KS? This oughta be fun!

Yes sir! One daughters going to KS State and the other will be going to KU in 2 years. My wife retired 3 years ago so Im next.

[Cash3481]

Here is the front/rear suspension during the wirewheel process! Lots of effort on this... Should have had it blasted! I removed the front suspension to add the 71 Disc brakes but will not rebuild the front end until the trucks back on the ground. The welded plates were from an OJ watson utility bed the truck was ordered with when new. I carefully removed them and painted the rear frame rails in preparation for the new 5 lug rearend.

[dmw319]

off to a great start! looking forward to seeing it come along

[Cash3481]

Just getting everyone caught up to current on this truck. Ive painted the engine and replaced almost all the gaskets. Wire wheeled the entire engine and degreesed it for paint. All the brackets are blasted and painted as well as replaced all hardware with grade 8 stuff. new Waterpump, alt, and starter. If the Powersteering pump leaks when running Ill replace that too! Enjoy the pics and Ill add more this week as it comes along. Some of these pics are a little dark so Ill add some better ones throughout the week!

[29od1]

Hey Mike, you're off to a great start! This will make a nice truck when you're finished.

[Cash3481]

Last pic of front suspension and some pics of the repair to the core support. Next is wire wheeling core support and paint. Inners are repaired, wire wheeled and painted. Just waiting on the core support! Should return from Colorado next week and will get some progress then. Merry Xmas everyone. (I hope you all get tools or truck stuff). Lol
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[Cash3481]

Next pic (the before)
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[Cash3481]

Cut out and replaced! (the after)
Thanks for the welding Jody!!!
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[Cash3481]

Painted the core support and attached the inners to the fenders. Complete front end rebuild comming next week. Tomorrow ill get the other SWB stepper a facelift and get the GMC grill attached to it. I'm excited to fire up this motor because its got a bigger cam than my BB fleetside. Oh we'll progress no the less. More pics tomorrow.
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[Cash3481]

More progress this weekend. Better pics of the core support (repair) headlight buckets and core support braces. Attached the fenders and inners to it and ran the wiring in preparation for the front end rebuild next week. Enjoy the pics if your following along and keep in mind that this truck is being built with extra parts that I am refurbishing. I did however buy all new alt, starter PS pump, water pump and rebuilt the carb.

[Cash3481]

Here is the rest of the pics. I added the bed supports that were MIA (not installed) from the service bed this truck was ordered with new. Found a set of 15X7 and 15X8s local for cheap but they will eventually get new tires. I did find its easier to tear these down and sell parts than to put them together. LOL
Ill finish prepping and painting the firewall this week and get the suspension blasted and ready for paint next week. Have a great week everyone all three of you following. LOL Until next post... go get dirty!
Mike

[Xeen]

Everything looks real good, I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the build, have you set a deadline on the build?

[Cash3481]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Everything looks real good, I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the build, have you set a deadline on the build?

I would like to get it done in time for the Sunflower swapmeet (early/Mid Feb). Im not paining this truck and dont want to dare call it a rat rod, just getting it ready for someone else to finish or ride like it is... unless it turns out better than expected. It'll be ready for paint and driving when finished. Rebuilt suspension, fresh paint on everything under the truck and frame. Ive wire wheeled almost everything except for under the cab. Not really looking forward to the dirt in my face but it will get done soon. I found the PO stripped the entire rear brake guts from the axel this weekend so I guess that will all be new as well. Someone will get a fun BB SB Stepper if their hunting for one when its finished. More work to come this week.
Thanks for asking!

Mike