1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread

[Tx Firefighter]

Fantastic work building your own exhaust. It's one of my favorite parts of a project too. Keep Summit in mind for stuff like catalytic converters. They offer free shipping on orders of 99 dollars or more and their prices cut the throat of everyone else anyway. I know that ship has already sailed, just something to store away for future price comparisons when you buy stuff.

And, I hear you on the awkward welds. I was welding the exhaust on my dually the other day. Laying on my back under the truck, sparks falling all over me, welding the top of the pipe, using a mirror in one hand and the MIG gun in the other. Lord, I'm ashamed of how that weld looks. Everything being backward in the mirror, I would zig when I needed to zag. What a mess.

[ChevDog1]

Thanks Kevin, I know I could have saved some money using summit, but I had a three day weekend that was blown by a screwed up carb kit order. It was either grab my parts locally so I could be productive this weekend, or order them and sit around on my thumbs...

I have been trying to keep is on the cheap, but I elected to spend a bit more so I could have something to do this weekend. - I guess I could call it an "entertainment expense"

[ChevDog1]

BTW - I have done the mig welding with a mirror thing before, and it didn't turn out well. This time, I fit and tacked the entire system in the truck, then removed it and welded it on the shop floor. This way the only weld I had to do under the truck was the final two connections to the existing downpipes.

[Tx Firefighter]

I'm sometimes in that same position, where I could save a few bucks by ordering, but I'm standing around the shop with nothing to do so I buy locally so I can at least do some work and maintain momentum.

[Low Elco]

Good lookin' work, can't wait for the running report!

[ChevDog1]

Got the carb rebuilt tonight, but it still has a really bad bog/stumble just off idle. I'm going to call mikes carbs in the morning, and see if he can help. The #42 jets I tried were way too lean. The truck wouldn't run above about 1500 rpm with them installed. Put the 56's back in and it still bogs bad. Runs strong once I get past the bog.

The exhaust sounds pretty sick. Probably too loud for street use, but I'll look into my options for that once I get the carb sorted.

[manimal]

Nice work! Inspiring to see another low buck build!

[ChevDog1]

Spent some time on the phone with mike today, and he helped me sort out my carb issues. Took it back off the truck tonight, tore it all apart, put it back together and back on the truck...

Finally - success! It now runs better than it ever has. Probably still have a little fine tuning to do, but it could be used as a driver now. Following are some pics of a 2GV where it should not be!

[ChevDog1]

My modified air cleaner finally in place.

[ChevDog1]

Overall engine shot. Still need to hook up some more vacuum lines and detail the engine compartment.

[ChevDog1]

Close up of the adapter

[BADAZ chevy guy]

First time I saw duel exhaust on a straight 6 was on my dad's 52 BelAir. He got it NEW from the local Chevy dealer parts counter. It was made for the 53 Corvette.
I still remember the sound of lake pipes.

[Low Elco]

Sounds good! I like the burbling idle. Glad it's running good for ya.

[Wrecked1982]

yeah I like the sound too

[ChevDog1]

Thanks. I like the way it sounds too, but I'm betting that the smog station won't. I also know myself well enough to know that I will get tired of it pretty quick.

I just picked up a pair of 15" glasspack resonators today to try and mellow it out a bit. I'll put them in tomorrow night and see what it sounds like then.

[ChevDog1]

Ok, I added a couple of 15" glass packs to tone it down a bit.

http://youtu.be/Q7ZLvxnwSl4

[ChevDog1]

Well, after several months of no activity, I'm back on the project!

Took it to the DEQ smog station this morning. Took two tries with some tuning in between, but it passed! I'll get plates for it next week, and then I can drive it whenever I want. Feels good to actually be able to drive it now.

I guess the next step will be starting the paint prep. Stay tuned for more photos.

[jpnh]

Cool

[Russ_the_truck79]

Sounds awesome! love the truck

[ChevDog1]

Yesterday morning, I went out to my shop and spent some time cleaning up the mess I made working on some other guys trucks this summer. Then Pulled my truck inside and started blowing it apart for paint. Feels like a big step. I finally made it road legal, and the next day started tearing it apart so that it can no longer be driven. I even got started on some sanding!

I tried to add some pics, but the system won't let me - something about a missing security token?

[ChevDog1]

Try again for photos

[Low Elco]

Cool! Glad you're back. You can do 5 if you upload one at a time. 5 gives the sec code error.

[Mark-L]

Cool truck. I have a 73 long bed with an inline 6 and I am trying to decide weather or not to install Big Block. I have a lot of Big Block parts and no 6 cylinder parts.

[ChevDog1]

I had initially planned on a V8 swap, but once I got the old six running, I decided to keep it. I'm not going to win any races, but it has plenty of power for a daily driver, and since most people swap them out, it will be a little different than most builds.

[InitialBoss]

I had to get my valve gasket replaced on my inline. The shop cleaned up the oily mess too and repainted it. I like the little engine but do wish it had more get up and go. I used to have the 3 on the tree but with the th350, seems like it bogs a little. Meh. Not my daily but like you said, not too many people have one.