Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

AJohn6 · 05-14-2008, 11:03 PM

I purchased this truck July '07 just before I deployed for six months. This is the truck when I first got it.

AJohn6 · 05-14-2008, 11:11 PM

When I got back from my deployment I began installing the stuff I ordered when I was gone. The first thing I installed was the one-piece window conversion. The second was the rear disk setup and the power brake booster. The rear wasn't too hard to install, except for the bolt that holds the center pin in on an open diff was broke in three places. Getting that out was a pain in the butt. I ordered the kit from brothers and I think is a CPP kit. Same with the brake booster.

toomanytoyz · 05-14-2008, 11:14 PM

1st of all Wecolme Back & Thank You for Your Service.............

Truck is Looking Good, What Else do you have Planned for it? Look's Pretty Good as Is.....

Thanks, Rick

Blue'72 · 05-14-2008, 11:24 PM

Yeah, what Rick said!

Ol'Rover · 05-15-2008, 12:21 AM

love the project name! and love the truck, i have a 71 stepper too! very nice truck!

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 01:07 AM

After the brakes I jumped to the bed. One of the PO had welded steel diamond plate over the rotted out pine bed. The bed was more than a little loose and out of wack. When I picked the truck up the PO gave me the oak bed kit he had bought.

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 01:09 AM

Heres the bed with the new Polished SS and finished oak.

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 01:24 AM

I almost forgot, before I finished the bed I re-wired the truck with an American Autowire 18 circuit kit. Don't have any pictures though, sorry. While i was waiting for the millionth coat of Spar finish to dry I started to replace the grill assembly.

PipsC10 · 05-15-2008, 01:30 AM

nice job on the bed, looks really sharp. NIce to hear you made it home safely.

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 01:32 AM

Well, I was content riding on the steelies for a few more months until the tread seperated or busted a belt or something while driving home from work. So instead of buying new tires for the old rims, I got new tires AND rims...

Front: Foose Nitrous, 20x8.5 with 4.5" B.S. (I think) Nitto NT555, 255/35ZR20
Rear: Foose Nitrous, 20x10 with 5.25" B.S. Nitto NT555, 275/35ZR20

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 01:44 AM

I knew I had some lower control arm issues so upon closer inspection I figured I might as well rebuild those. Then I thought to myself why spend the money to have them rebuilt when I could get new uppers and lowers for a couple hundred more? I'm sure everyone can figure where this is going now.... yep, it's gettin bagged.

I ordered the 73-87 ART Strongarms and 3" drop spindle from Stylin Trucks. These guys were pretty good to work with. I called him up with some questions and instead of giving me some B.S. answer he called up DJM (spindles) and AirRide Technologys (UCA/LCA) to have them answer my questions on a three-way conference call. Plus I had signed up to get emailed their newsletters and DJM had a 20% off special and the guy gave me a discount on the control arms also, $1000 fro everything shipped to my door.

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 01:54 AM

Thanks everyone so far for the compliments and for welcoming me home.

I called around to a few of the normal places for the rest of my suspension needs.

I called Nathan Porter of Porterbuilt Streetrods with a few questions. He helped me figure out what I needed for the air ride since I have never done one before. If you guys ever have questions, Nathan is one of the most professional guys I had dealt with up to now. So I ordered the rest of the stuff I needed through him.

Here are a few pics of the Strongarms being installed.

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 02:01 AM

I took a little time off of work and flew out to Pheonix to visit my family out there. While I was there I drove out to Porterbuilt Streetrods to meet up with Nathan and take a look at his shop. This guy is brilliant... He will be the next Foose, Boyd, or Jimmie Shine. Keep an eye on his work if you wanna see where our hobby is heading.

Anyways, here is how, hopefully, the truck will look when it is airred out.

Ol'Rover · 05-15-2008, 03:30 AM

this is such a slick build! the truck just looks perfect! subscribed!

jugernot · 05-15-2008, 03:33 AM

WELCOME HOME AND THANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.

The truck is looking great. I going to convert over to the strong arm set up. I was also thinking of getting the same wheels, except with the grey spokes.

Keep the pics coming.

AJohn6 · 05-15-2008, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jugernot

WELCOME HOME AND THANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.

The truck is looking great. I going to convert over to the strong arm set up. I was also thinking of getting the same wheels, except with the grey spokes.

Keep the pics coming.

Yeah, I like the looks of the gray centered ones also, I was seriously torn between the two. I figured if I changed my mind I would have the spokes powder coated.

kyull67 · 05-15-2008, 04:15 AM

Very nice! Always good to see new stepside members with sweet builds! Keep those pictures coming.

BACKYARD88 · 05-17-2008, 06:18 AM

Subscribed

The step beds are taking over

Nice build, I'll be watching the progress

68 short step · 05-17-2008, 06:23 AM

lookin good

72BlckButy · 05-17-2008, 03:23 PM

Wow... what a transformation!!!! Great work, I love the wheels/tire combo and the bed turned out nice.

Welcome back to the US by the way... and thank you for your service!

Any recent progress?

AJohn6 · 05-17-2008, 10:18 PM

No updates yet guys, but soon I hope.

All the pics have been from the last month and a half, since I got home. I finally got myself motivated to show all of you guys my work. It's a little intimidating knowing a lot of people will be checking out my truck.

Thanks for the support on the truck and about coming home.

Putter · 05-17-2008, 10:25 PM

Man, that thing is looking fine. It started out better than most end up!
Keep the updates coming.

bw4sale · 05-17-2008, 10:28 PM

Sweet truck. I love the foose wheels. Stepsides rule.

**ERIK D** · 05-18-2008, 12:57 AM

good job.we'll wait 4 u in nc

whatnow123 · 05-18-2008, 08:14 AM

Man you started with a great truck! Nice to see you "makin it yours" as that is what these trucks are all about!

BTW, you forgot to mention the one piece window upgrade!

The ride looks sharp!

05-14-2008, 11:03 PM	#1
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step I purchased this truck July '07 just before I deployed for six months. This is the truck when I first got it. Attached Images

05-14-2008, 11:11 PM	#2
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step When I got back from my deployment I began installing the stuff I ordered when I was gone. The first thing I installed was the one-piece window conversion. The second was the rear disk setup and the power brake booster. The rear wasn't too hard to install, except for the bolt that holds the center pin in on an open diff was broke in three places. Getting that out was a pain in the butt. I ordered the kit from brothers and I think is a CPP kit. Same with the brake booster. Attached Images

05-14-2008, 11:14 PM	#3
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step 1st of all Wecolme Back & Thank You for Your Service............. Truck is Looking Good, What Else do you have Planned for it? Look's Pretty Good as Is..... Thanks, Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

05-14-2008, 11:24 PM	#4
Blue'72 Skinned knuckles Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longview, Washington Posts: 1,126	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Yeah, what Rick said! __________________ '72 C-10 longbox soon to be short step! '72 Chevelle (sold in January) '07 Sebring '01 Ranger (I've gotta long commute..) If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? My build thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=276904

05-15-2008, 12:21 AM	#5
Ol'Rover Project: years too late. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte,ON,Canada Posts: 550	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step love the project name! and love the truck, i have a 71 stepper too! very nice truck! __________________ 1971 C10 Stepper LSX 5.3/4L60E 3.73 12bolt posi. Father Son Project. In Memory of Bruce C. Shorten. Rest easy Dad. Ill take it fryom here.

05-15-2008, 01:07 AM	#6
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step After the brakes I jumped to the bed. One of the PO had welded steel diamond plate over the rotted out pine bed. The bed was more than a little loose and out of wack. When I picked the truck up the PO gave me the oak bed kit he had bought. Attached Images

05-15-2008, 01:09 AM	#7
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Heres the bed with the new Polished SS and finished oak. Attached Images

05-15-2008, 01:24 AM	#8
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step I almost forgot, before I finished the bed I re-wired the truck with an American Autowire 18 circuit kit. Don't have any pictures though, sorry. While i was waiting for the millionth coat of Spar finish to dry I started to replace the grill assembly. Attached Images

05-15-2008, 01:30 AM	#9
PipsC10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oakdale, Ca Posts: 655	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step nice job on the bed, looks really sharp. NIce to hear you made it home safely. __________________ 1970 2wd short/fleet 350/350 Project "iced green dream" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=272702 2006 Toyota Tacoma double cab 4x4

05-15-2008, 01:32 AM	#10
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Well, I was content riding on the steelies for a few more months until the tread seperated or busted a belt or something while driving home from work. So instead of buying new tires for the old rims, I got new tires AND rims... Front: Foose Nitrous, 20x8.5 with 4.5" B.S. (I think) Nitto NT555, 255/35ZR20 Rear: Foose Nitrous, 20x10 with 5.25" B.S. Nitto NT555, 275/35ZR20 Attached Images

05-15-2008, 01:44 AM	#11
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step I knew I had some lower control arm issues so upon closer inspection I figured I might as well rebuild those. Then I thought to myself why spend the money to have them rebuilt when I could get new uppers and lowers for a couple hundred more? I'm sure everyone can figure where this is going now.... yep, it's gettin bagged. I ordered the 73-87 ART Strongarms and 3" drop spindle from Stylin Trucks. These guys were pretty good to work with. I called him up with some questions and instead of giving me some B.S. answer he called up DJM (spindles) and AirRide Technologys (UCA/LCA) to have them answer my questions on a three-way conference call. Plus I had signed up to get emailed their newsletters and DJM had a 20% off special and the guy gave me a discount on the control arms also, $1000 fro everything shipped to my door. Attached Images Last edited by AJohn6; 05-17-2008 at 11:12 PM.

05-15-2008, 01:54 AM	#12
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Thanks everyone so far for the compliments and for welcoming me home. I called around to a few of the normal places for the rest of my suspension needs. I called Nathan Porter of Porterbuilt Streetrods with a few questions. He helped me figure out what I needed for the air ride since I have never done one before. If you guys ever have questions, Nathan is one of the most professional guys I had dealt with up to now. So I ordered the rest of the stuff I needed through him. Here are a few pics of the Strongarms being installed. Attached Images

05-15-2008, 02:01 AM	#13
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step I took a little time off of work and flew out to Pheonix to visit my family out there. While I was there I drove out to Porterbuilt Streetrods to meet up with Nathan and take a look at his shop. This guy is brilliant... He will be the next Foose, Boyd, or Jimmie Shine. Keep an eye on his work if you wanna see where our hobby is heading. Anyways, here is how, hopefully, the truck will look when it is airred out. Attached Images

05-15-2008, 03:30 AM	#14
Ol'Rover Project: years too late. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte,ON,Canada Posts: 550	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step this is such a slick build! the truck just looks perfect! subscribed! __________________ 1971 C10 Stepper LSX 5.3/4L60E 3.73 12bolt posi. Father Son Project. In Memory of Bruce C. Shorten. Rest easy Dad. Ill take it fryom here.

05-15-2008, 03:33 AM	#15
jugernot Life, Be In It..... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Novato, California Posts: 1,498	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step WELCOME HOME AND THANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO. The truck is looking great. I going to convert over to the strong arm set up. I was also thinking of getting the same wheels, except with the grey spokes. Keep the pics coming. __________________ Project Name: LEMON DROP. Reconstruction started "December 2000". Projected completion date "Who knows" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200082



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05-15-2008, 04:15 AM	#17
kyull67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Springfield/Kansas City Posts: 1,842	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Very nice! Always good to see new stepside members with sweet builds! Keep those pictures coming. __________________ The first '67 The current '67 '63 Biscayne

05-17-2008, 06:18 AM	#18
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Subscribed The step beds are taking over Nice build, I'll be watching the progress __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting

05-17-2008, 06:23 AM	#19
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step lookin good

05-17-2008, 03:23 PM	#20
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Wow... what a transformation!!!! Great work, I love the wheels/tire combo and the bed turned out nice. Welcome back to the US by the way... and thank you for your service! Any recent progress? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 05-17-2008 at 03:23 PM.

05-17-2008, 10:18 PM	#21
AJohn6 Knuckle head Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC Posts: 283	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step No updates yet guys, but soon I hope. All the pics have been from the last month and a half, since I got home. I finally got myself motivated to show all of you guys my work. It's a little intimidating knowing a lot of people will be checking out my truck. Thanks for the support on the truck and about coming home. __________________ Adam '71 SWB/Step http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=291750 2017 Crew Cab Silverado LTZ with 6.2l, 8 Speed tuned by RPM in Garner, NC '00 Chevy 1500 6.0l Silverado Reg. Cab Short Bed '09 Chevy 1500 5.3l Silverado Crew Cab Short Bed (SOLD) 1971 LWB on 2014 1 ton chassis, L96 6.0LS / 6L90E http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=796785 1969 LWB C10- Future project, possible AWD C10 on a 2002 Escalade Chassis.

05-17-2008, 10:25 PM	#22
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Man, that thing is looking fine. It started out better than most end up! Keep the updates coming. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

05-17-2008, 10:28 PM	#23
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Sweet truck. I love the foose wheels. Stepsides rule. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

05-18-2008, 12:57 AM	#24
ERIK D Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: EAGLE PASS,TX Posts: 269	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step good job.we'll wait 4 u in nc

05-18-2008, 08:14 AM	#25
whatnow123 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 835	Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step Man you started with a great truck! Nice to see you "makin it yours" as that is what these trucks are all about! BTW, you forgot to mention the one piece window upgrade! The ride looks sharp! __________________ 67 Short Step, 355, 700R 4.11 posi rear, 4/6 drop Discs on all 4 corners. Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219094

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