My 65 step build and first chevy

[step65]

I have been visiting this site for awhile getting ideas and information. Thought I would join and share what I got going and hope to get insite from some of you guys. I bought this 65 stepside to build a respectable driver. Always wanted one of these trucks and finaly got one to make my own. I should add my wife decided to go all in on this project as well so makes it a little easier and much more fun.


Started to tear down the engine was weak and in need of attention as well as suspension. You hit the smallest bump and sounded like the front end was going to come apart.

[Ta2Don]

and welcome aboard...

Lots of great people and info here...

[step65]

Thanks Don I am trying to figure out how to add more photos and the progree I have made. Not able to upload anymore photos.

[step65]

Got the front end off and engine pulled here. The springs rattle around inside they are cut so short. The disc brakes are 5 lug 5 X 4.75 I am going back to 6 lug using the McGaughys 6 lug disc brake kit. All rebuilt front suspension as well.

[Ta2Don]

The site will only allow one pic per post loaded through the site, but if you use a photo hosting site such as Photobucket or Imageshack you can uploaded multiple pics. Plus that bypasses the size restrictions as well... Have fun with your truck, looks like a Solid start!!!
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[step65]

Here is the front just about done just need to mount shocks and calipers will do that later when I run new brake lines just want to get front on ground so I can start on rear suspension. Has the HD front disc brakes on it now with 2 1/2 inch McGaughys drop spindles and 1 inch drop coil and all new ball joints ect. Suspension now has way more travel than the old. Ended up having to replace the cross member the old one was pretty banged up. Also replace lower control arms put in Moog bushings.

[step65]

Got the rear end apart now. Had a old impala diff in it that was modified to fit it was a peg leg. I picked up a 68 rear end that I had rebuilt at Ramjet in LA. It has the 3.73 ratio I had a Auburn HD limited slip installed as well. This should work well with the 700R tranny I am putting in. Cab is up so I can put in the McGaughy cross member with the cutouts for exhaust to run through.

[step65]

Here is the Cross member installed was not to difficult but took a little longer than I thought it would.

[step65]

Here is a mod I got off another site for relocating the upper shock bracket to get the correct angle after lowering 4-5 inches. These are pretty easy to fab. My thanks to Lakeroadster for a detailed blueprint. Photo of old and new bracket.

[step65]

Here is a photo of the rear end back on the ground with the shock brackets on. This puts them at the correct angle and you can still use your stock lower brackets. Cost about $13.00 for me to make.

[step65]

I also added the sway bar in rear I have heard this makes a big difference in handling from guys I talk to with these trucks. Figured easier to do now than later. Does anyone know if I can use the stock 65 rear brake line and be able to hook to a 68 rear end brake set up? Also would the e brake cable be the same coming off rear wheels? There was no e brake set up on this truck so trying to get all the pieces together.

[step65]

Here is the small block we built. I used the serpentine system off a 93 GMC truck this is suppose to give about a extra 10 HP as well as updates my power steering pump, altenator and AC pump. Vintage air said I could use stock pump with their system. I have a pulley right now where the compressor will go. To soon to spend on AC system still way to much to do first.

[step65]

Here is side view before I put on pumps and stuff.

[Ta2Don]

I'm doing the same serpentine setup on mine, Love the Valve Covers...

[step65]

Thanks I picked up the valve covers and matching 14 inch air cleaner at the Pomona classic swap meet. Not bad price I think the covers, PCV, oil cap breather and air cleaner was about 150. I did also pick up a K&N filter for it. Still gonna be a while before I hear it run. Spent all day today working on body of the bed takes longer than you think. Had to patch the rear fender was very time consuming. Will post pics of what I had to do. I could not find any patch for rear fender.
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[Ta2Don]

Here's a shot of my 350 nestled in the frame...

[Jeff La]

coming along nice

[step65]

This is my first patch job. I could not find a patch for rear fender but you can see by the step where the problem is on fender.

[step65]

If I was to do this again I would not of worried about the holes on bottom. I would just Drill them once I got fender mounted. Using the step as the guide. The second plate I added does not have holes. I will wedge this in place using the metal in next photo This should be close enough as the metal is thin to almost gone.

[step65]

Just shaped these pieces close to shape of fender. Put them in and thin lightly tapped them to match contour. Tacked in a few spots to hold in place will grind and remove some when I cut both pieces.

[step65]

Here is how it looks on outside before I cut.

[step65]

I used a thin cutting wheel and cut all the bad stuff out cutting through both pieces. Then on Inside removed the spot welds of the excess patch. I then used magnets to line up the 2 pieces at the cut line. Made sure to have tacks that held everything together before I cut.

[step65]

This was the old stuff that fell off after cut.

[step65]

I add the second strip on base to have two pieces like original. The patch does not fold over edge. The second strip line up to outside as best I could going a little over and finishing with grinder to match fender contour. I tacked all over edge and grinded again. I tacked all the way across inside seem to stop any water getting in between. Will use some type of undercoat on inside as well.

[step65]

Here is after grinding readt for body fill.