Modifing/repair step bed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Palf70Step** · 12-26-2003, 07:07 PM

I was finally able to get back to working on this. If you are trying to use a 73-87 step bed with one of our trucks, this is one of the mods you'll have to do if you want to use the stock fenders.

Bear in mind...I didn't listen enough to my dad's welding instructiuons when I was a kid, so this is a relearning curve for me with a welder.

One of the mods that has to be done is lengthen the front sides so they will match up to the steps. Total height from top of bed to where the step meets is 22 1/8 in.

Clean up the side of the 84 bed

**Palf70Step** · 12-26-2003, 07:10 PM

You'll need to put a stripp a couple inches wide to lengthen the bed side. I opted to try and reuse part of the old bed side that wasn't rusted. I cut the old step part off. Unfortunately with this one I goofed and the cut was to thin, so I am going to have to add about a 1/2" strip to make it the proper height.

here is the piece from the old bed

**Palf70Step** · 12-26-2003, 07:12 PM

Like I mentioned, I nee to fill the gap. I decided to use some 18 gauge backer to step and weld against. Notice those fine welds. Thank goodness from grinders

**old Rusty C10** · 12-26-2003, 07:12 PM

lookin good bill

**Palf70Step** · 12-26-2003, 07:13 PM

Here is the top hooked up now. Again it's 22 1/8 from this edge to the top of the bed side.

**Palf70Step** · 12-26-2003, 07:16 PM

Now the filler strips. Took me a while playing with welder feed and amp settings. Found some of my crappy looking wels was because the wire feed was slipping. It helped some, but I still have a lot of practice to get like some of you. Forgot how long this stuff takes.. Slow going for thoser of us with little patience at times.

**Palf70Step** · 12-26-2003, 07:20 PM

Well here is where I stand at the end of the day. I need to clean it up some more, and I'm sure some bondo will be needed, but it came out OK. Hopefully the other side will go in smoother now that I know some tricks.

Thanks goodness for digital cameras. Hopefully my goofups will make it easier on some of you looking at using a nice 73-87 bed for your project.

Gotta go cover it so it won't rust sitting out there.

See ya next go round

**Canadian694x4** · 12-27-2003, 03:35 AM

Good Tips Bill...Keep up The Good Work...

A.P. · 12-27-2003, 04:08 AM

Palf70Step, I have a 74 step side on my 72 chevy and it looks good. But I wish I had the original bed. Good job on your welding.

A.P.

Mrs72shadetree · 12-27-2003, 12:13 PM

Thanks Bill for the great info and pics...Looks good!

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2003, 08:08 PM

Day 2 work
Filled in the old fender holes. I'll be coming back for the final smoothing later.

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2003, 08:08 PM

Cleaned up the other side and primed the bare metal areas since it may be a while till I get back on it again. Sealed the area behind the new step piece and then coated it with spary on bed liner. I think that will keep it protected. least for now.

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2003, 08:09 PM

Side 2

Set up the old bed step piece for marking and cutting.

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2003, 08:10 PM

Tacked in place. It went much faster than yesterday. Welds are better but they still need lots of help. Where is my grinder??

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2003, 08:14 PM

Smoothed it up some, decided to put her to rest for now. It has een a long two days, Man I wish this welding body stuff went faster. It felt really good though as this is one of the biggest steps I've been able to do so that I can get the 70 back on the road. Hopefully I'll be able to finish up this bedside next weekend. Thanks for the rambling time.

Oh yeah...don't grind your finger.

It hurts, trust me!!

krue · 12-27-2003, 08:42 PM

Looks good Bill, at least you're getting some work done on yours. I am too busy working on Dammm Dodges to do anything but keep my truck driveable! I'll try to stop by when I go to the junk yard to get the wife's tranny.

EdB · 12-31-2003, 03:15 AM

Looks like you got good penetration. Everything is lined up.
Welding requires practice. It looks good. Keep it up.

EdB

12-26-2003, 07:07 PM	#1
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Modifing/repair step bed I was finally able to get back to working on this. If you are trying to use a 73-87 step bed with one of our trucks, this is one of the mods you'll have to do if you want to use the stock fenders. Bear in mind...I didn't listen enough to my dad's welding instructiuons when I was a kid, so this is a relearning curve for me with a welder. One of the mods that has to be done is lengthen the front sides so they will match up to the steps. Total height from top of bed to where the step meets is 22 1/8 in. Clean up the side of the 84 bed Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-26-2003, 07:10 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	You'll need to put a stripp a couple inches wide to lengthen the bed side. I opted to try and reuse part of the old bed side that wasn't rusted. I cut the old step part off. Unfortunately with this one I goofed and the cut was to thin, so I am going to have to add about a 1/2" strip to make it the proper height. here is the piece from the old bed Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-26-2003, 07:12 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Like I mentioned, I nee to fill the gap. I decided to use some 18 gauge backer to step and weld against. Notice those fine welds. Thank goodness from grinders Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-26-2003, 07:12 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,299	lookin good bill __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-26-2003, 07:13 PM	#5
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Here is the top hooked up now. Again it's 22 1/8 from this edge to the top of the bed side. Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-26-2003, 07:16 PM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Now the filler strips. Took me a while playing with welder feed and amp settings. Found some of my crappy looking wels was because the wire feed was slipping. It helped some, but I still have a lot of practice to get like some of you. Forgot how long this stuff takes.. Slow going for thoser of us with little patience at times. Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-26-2003, 07:20 PM	#7
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Well here is where I stand at the end of the day. I need to clean it up some more, and I'm sure some bondo will be needed, but it came out OK. Hopefully the other side will go in smoother now that I know some tricks. Thanks goodness for digital cameras. Hopefully my goofups will make it easier on some of you looking at using a nice 73-87 bed for your project. Gotta go cover it so it won't rust sitting out there. See ya next go round Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-27-2003, 03:35 AM	#8
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,308	Good Tips Bill...Keep up The Good Work... __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 22 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada!- 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 3 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 17 Yrs- 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 8 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

12-27-2003, 04:08 AM	#9
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Palf70Step, I have a 74 step side on my 72 chevy and it looks good. But I wish I had the original bed. Good job on your welding. A.P. __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

12-27-2003, 12:13 PM	#10
Mrs72shadetree YES ITS MINE Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 241	Thanks Bill for the great info and pics...Looks good! __________________ 97 Lumina 69 short step i got it and no he cant drive it!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO DALE JR.!!!! I love chihuahua's Bassett, Va

12-27-2003, 08:08 PM	#11
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Day 2 work Filled in the old fender holes. I'll be coming back for the final smoothing later. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-27-2003, 08:09 PM	#13
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Side 2 Set up the old bed step piece for marking and cutting. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-27-2003, 08:10 PM	#14
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Tacked in place. It went much faster than yesterday. Welds are better but they still need lots of help. Where is my grinder?? Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-27-2003, 08:14 PM	#15
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,997	Smoothed it up some, decided to put her to rest for now. It has een a long two days, Man I wish this welding body stuff went faster. It felt really good though as this is one of the biggest steps I've been able to do so that I can get the 70 back on the road. Hopefully I'll be able to finish up this bedside next weekend. Thanks for the rambling time. Oh yeah...don't grind your finger. It hurts, trust me!! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-27-2003, 08:42 PM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Looks good Bill, at least you're getting some work done on yours. I am too busy working on Dammm Dodges to do anything but keep my truck driveable! I'll try to stop by when I go to the junk yard to get the wife's tranny. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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12-31-2003, 03:15 AM	#17
EdB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport Ms Posts: 401	Looks like you got good penetration. Everything is lined up. Welding requires practice. It looks good. Keep it up. EdB

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