68 short stepside fender braces

[WinDancer]

Can someone tell me where to find a good diagram or clear photos that show the location of the fender braces?
The LMC diagram just shows them away from the fenders...
Trying to get them installed.
Thanks!
Dave

[Zeroman]

I don't have any with me, but I could take some pics tonight when I get home.

[WinDancer]

ANY help would be much appreciated
Thanks,
Dave

[Zeroman]

OK, this is looking forwards from the center of the diff on the passenger side.

The left side is attached to the frame with a nut on each side.

[Zeroman]

This looking forward from the center of the diff and is the second brace from the front of the truck

[Zeroman]

This looking towards the rear from the center of the diff and is the second brace from the back of the truck

[Zeroman]

OK, this is looking towards the rear from the center of the diff on the passenger side.

[Zeroman]

The drivers side is, of course, reversed.

Hope this helps.

Usually the front and rear supports are missing.

If memory serves me, LMC only offers the two center supports.

I have seen many trucks with no supports, so just having the two center ones should be plenty.

[Dustytrix]

Not to hijack but I needed this info too. The last picture can you show a photo of the bolt from inside the bed? I welded up holes and got that one to. Don't won't to drill in wrong spot if I can get a certain location would be great. Zeroman can you do that?

[WinDancer]

Thanks for taking the time for the pictures! And posting them after work
Dave

[Zeroman]

Dustytrix, will do, but it will be later today sometime.

[weq92f]

They don't make 'em like they used to!

Back then they used thick steel panels and thick steel braces ( just like in this thread ). Now they use thin plastic panels and no bracing at all. I find it absolutely astonishing that new cars and trucks right now are going down the road with panels flapping in the wind. Pay attention while you're going by these cars/trucks, particularly of the panels that make up the rear 'bumper cover' and the rear 'wheel covers' on new vehicles when they are at speed. You will notice them shuttering/flapping due to wind turbulence.

Can't be good for the panel/paint/fasteners or anything attached to it.

Cars I know have this condition: Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Cars ( generic to most I think ) and some lexus sedans. There are most likely many others.

-klb

[ohboy321]

This thread is very helpful because now I know that I don't have ANY of these braces on my stepper. Will have to add to the list when I start with bodywork someday in the future.

[Zeroman]

Dustytrix, here is the pic....

The dimension on my SWB Step Side is 13.5" from the front of the rear bed sill to the center of the bolt.

[Zeroman]

ohboy321, as I said in an earlier post, the only Step Side Fender Braces I have seen for sale new are the two center braces from LMC.

I am sure you can find some on the forum sell page.

It would be easy enough to make your own front and rear braces by taking steel rod and flattening out the ends for the rear one, and flattening one end and threading the other for the front brace.

[ohboy321]

Originally Posted by Zeroman

ohboy321, as I said in an earlier post, the only Step Side Fender Braces I have seen for sale new are the two center braces from LMC.

I am sure you can find some on the forum sell page.

It would be easy enough to make your own front and rear braces by taking steel rod and flattening out the ends for the rear one, and flattening one end and threading the other for the front brace.

Thanks Zeroman, they do look easy enough to make. Even though I don't have any, the fenders seem to be stiff enough without them, so for now I am okay.

I am probably a year away from working on the bed/fenders, but this thread (and may others) is bookmarked for future reference.

[72bowtiestepper]

Thank You Zeroman.....great info. & pics ! My stepside was missing one of the supports.

[Dustytrix]

Thanks Zeroman, That is exactly the photo and measurement that I have been needing. Thanks again.

[FL71C10]

thanks for posting those pics. That should help a lot of people.

[BC10]

Originally Posted by Zeroman

OK, this is looking forwards from the center of the diff on the passenger side.

The left side is attached to the frame with a nut on each side.

Maybe I should post on a different thread, but does anyone know where to buy the front brace in this picture?
I am missing the driver's side. Everyone sells the other two, but I have not been able to find the one with the thread on it. Thanks!

[BC10]

Good diagram

[72bowtiestepper]

Originally Posted by BC10

Maybe I should post on a different thread, but does anyone know where to buy the front brace in this picture?
I am missing the driver's side. Everyone sells the other two, but I have not been able to find the one with the thread on it. Thanks!

Both the left & Right side on mine were broken off with the threaded ends stuck in the frame. I drilled them out while the bed was off & threaded a piece of steel rod, then bent and welded a tab for the step end....easy fab job.

[FL71C10]

Old thread but very helpful. Does anyone know what size bolts to use to fasten the braces to the tab on the fender lip?

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Old thread but very helpful. Does anyone know what size bolts to use to fasten the braces to the tab on the fender lip?

They're your typical 5/16" body bolt with a 1/2" hex head.

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

They're your typical 5/16" body bolt with a 1/2" hex head.

Thanks! That worked!