1971 Stepside LS Build

[1971Stepside]

what exact motor mounts did you use ?

I used the POL engine stands. I really like them.

Thanks I thought they were but wasn't sure. That's the size I'm leaning towards but it seems like the tire selection is a little thin. I have 18 now just looking for a change

I really like 18" wheels on these trucks. You are right though on the tire selection. I wanted a little more sidewall and just couldn't find it. At some point I will go with an expensive set of wheels and will probably go to 20" wheels for that reason. I bought the current wheels local at ST Motorsports. They did my daily as well. Good kids.

[1971Stepside]

Hit a wall this weekend. I thought I would rebuild the vent windows while I was waiting on the truck to come home. Ordered all the parts, watched the videos, and had the tools. I was disappointed to find the chrome was not as nice as I had remembered it being. Lots of small scratches that would not polish out.

I called Mr. Koop and discussed with him and he gave me his chrome shop contact. I called this morning, to find that they are not taking any new work at all right now due to the virus. I called another shop at you would think I asked him to chrome the entire truck.

I also discovered one piece of glass had several tiny chips. I went ahead and cleaned them up and shot some epoxy on the frames. Not sure what the next step is. I have all the new parts and solid frames. I hate to buy rebuilt ones at this point and not use these. I sure wish you could buy the chrome pieces new.

This seat box is making a handy work bench though.

I then pulled out my side glass and rear glass and gave them a good scrubbing. I had purchased them from a member in Arkansas a year or so ago and when I picked them up the were covered in dirt and I was a dummy to not check them. They all three have scratches in the glass. All driver quality, but not want I want for this build. So, I'm going to sell all 5 pieces of glass and order some new stuff at some point. One step forward and a dance backwards

[MDPotter]

Sorry to hear your expectations were shattered on all that. I'm getting a better understanding of just how nice your truck is going to be. It's going to be next level!

I hope you got the quality vent window rubber! And what's your plan of attack on the rivets? The rivets are by far the most frustrating part of it for me.

[1971Stepside]

I hope you got the quality vent window rubber! And what's your plan of attack on the rivets? The rivets are by far the most frustrating part of it for me.

I did. I purchased the ones from Classic Parts. As for the rivets...I have several of them and a helper that has done them before. Trial and error is what I'm saying

[MDPotter]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

I did. I purchased the ones from Classic Parts. As for the rivets...I have several of them and a helper that has done them before. Trial and error is what I'm saying

Glad to hear it! That's where I got mine too. As much of a pain these are to restore, it's a cool feature on these trucks. It's as close to air conditioning as you can get without factory AC or aftermarket!

[Custom 68]

I will go check out ST Motorsports. I have been in there before and saw they are a dealer I am finding that these affordable one piece are very limited on backspacing. for my suspension and rear I need 4.5 BS. Those don't seem to exist.
Also let me look at my wing windows, I will try to tonight. I removed them a few years ago and swapped to 1 piece. We will see if mine are any better than yours. I don't remember what condition the chrome is in.
Dave

[Twisted71c10]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

I used the POL engine stands. I really like them.



I really like 18" wheels on these trucks. You are right though on the tire selection. I wanted a little more sidewall and just couldn't find it. At some point I will go with an expensive set of wheels and will probably go to 20" wheels for that reason. I bought the current wheels local at ST Motorsports. They did my daily as well. Good kids.

the ones that bolt to the block

[1971Stepside]

We will see if mine are any better than yours. I don't remember what condition the chrome is in

That would be Huuuuuge! Thanks.

the ones that bolt to the block

Yes and No. You still need the adjustable plates that connect to the engine block. Then you connect the POL stands to the plates. Wish I had a better pic. Here are the stands themselves. In the second pic you can see it all bolted together.

[1971Stepside]

Paint shop called me today. They have tried and tried to make the chrome grill fit and have it close, but don't feel like it is going to get my approval. I told them to order an aluminum surround to see if it fits any better. Looks like I may have a really expensive garage decoration...

[derotoreut]

I've heard this horror story before and it frightens me since I also have mine sitting boxed in the garage. I did not want to use an aluminum one. Yikes!

[1971Stepside]

I've heard this horror story before and it frightens me since I also have mine sitting boxed in the garage. I did not want to use an aluminum one. Yikes!

It doesn't seem like it would have issues. The other parts (fenders, hood, radiator support) all fit nicely. This grill isn't even close. They are going to make one more run at it and if it won't go then I am going to try an aluminum grill. Keep you posted.

[1971Stepside]

Took a road trip to KC Saturday and picked up all new glass for the truck. Weird driving through KC and not having much traffic. Curb side service at LMC and 10% off for ordering 24 hours in advance.

Went by the shop on Friday to see the progress. They are really working on seams and making sure it is straight. Happy that they are picking up and fixing small things that will make a big difference. Of course, I would like to see it moving faster, but I know it will be worth the wait.

Didn't take any pics, but I decided to go ahead and try to install the new rubbers in the vent windows. I read that they are a bear to get back in, but I put a little Dawn soap on them and they took all of 5 minutes to put on. Once I get the chrome pieces figured out I can tackle the rivets.

[MDPotter]

It's going to be one straight truck. Good bodywork takes time...and more money...and more time...

[beaterku]

Looking good buddy!

[1971Stepside]

Thanks Nick! It was good to see you on Saturday. Always love checking out your truck. KC was weird feeling with no cars and people out and about.

[beaterku]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Thanks Nick! It was good to see you on Saturday. Always love checking out your truck. KC was weird feeling with no cars and people out and about.

Makes getting to work easy .

[TA_C10]

I bet your ready to get the truck back all this time. Looks like it going to be laser straight and well worth the wait though. I'm a little worried about my wings as well. They were painted by the P.O. and so I have no idea what kind of shape underneath that paint they are. Seeing your post just made me realize I have no plan with that. I bought new rubbers for them years ago but no idea if they are good ones.. They came from AMD.

Of course I'm only building a driver over here though, so I'm not in the same "quality" boat your in. Anxious to see what you decide to do on those. Good luck!

.

[1971Stepside]

I bet your ready to get the truck back all this time. Looks like it going to be laser straight and well worth the wait though. I'm a little worried about my wings as well. They were painted by the P.O. and so I have no idea what kind of shape underneath that paint they are. Seeing your post just made me realize I have no plan with that. I bought new rubbers for them years ago but no idea if they are good ones.. They came from AMD.

Of course I'm only building a driver over here though, so I'm not in the same "quality" boat your in. Anxious to see what you decide to do on those. Good luck!

Glad to see you are back at it! I fought those inner fenders as well. I had to weld up several of the holes and drill new ones where the bolt needed to go.

I am super anxious to get the truck back, but I don't want to push them. I started out building a nice driver, but it has morphed into something entirely different. I should be able to just about get the rest of the parts I need to make it driveable once she gets home. I'm out of budget for the stereo system, but that can wait.

I am sending off my chrome on the vent windows to be re-chromed. 6-8 weeks out. The seals I bought from Classic took all of 10 minutes to slip on the frames. If the rivets don't fight me it will not be too bad of a job.

[1971Stepside]

My new grill bow tie showed up. I had to modify the blue to match the truck.

[KMC3420]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

My new grill bow tie showed up. I had to modify the blue to match the truck.

Looks awesome

[TA_C10]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

My new grill bow tie showed up. I had to modify the blue to match the truck.

Bowtie looks great, but I hope you don't forget to paint match the mini-me in the background

[derotoreut]

That looks great. Awesome idea.

[MDPotter]

You were the source of inspiration to do a similar treatment on my fender emblems! I had been thinking about buying new reproductions, getting custom made, but decided for the money and result that painting my factory emblems would be the best route.

[1971Stepside]

You were the source of inspiration to do a similar treatment on my fender emblems! I had been thinking about buying new reproductions, getting custom made, but decided for the money and result that painting my factory emblems would be the best route.

I wasn't sure I would like the painted look. I ordered some red carbon fiber 3M decal to put over the bowtie hoping to tie it in with the carbon fiber on my intake and gauges, but when it arrived (finally) it was more maroon than red so that wasn't going to work. At that point I decided to paint it and see how it turned out. I like it. Will see how it looks once I get the truck back.

It looks like I am officially in paint prison as the shop that wanted my truck during the PPP time is now slammed with insurance work. Eight weeks in and I bet I don't see it for at least another 4. I was afraid of this.

[TA_C10]

That sucks man, hope they get a window soon...