My grandsons 68 stepper

[Mr Chevorlet]

Hey 54belair, your truck is looking beautiful, looks like your not to far from me either. i am south of springfield about 20 minutes. But anyway that color you picked out is amazing. and when you get done sanding and buffing come down and do mine. Its been setting about a month or two because i am afraid too.

[54belair]

Originally Posted by Mr Chevorlet

Hey 54belair, your truck is looking beautiful, looks like your not to far from me either. i am south of springfield about 20 minutes. But anyway that color you picked out is amazing. and when you get done sanding and buffing come down and do mine. Its been setting about a month or two because i am afraid too.

Larry, Thanks for the flowers,, On yours--
Just jump in and do it!!!lol I do understand the fear--I had it too. I hired a painter/friend to help me---I watched him sand a few minutes then watched him buff-------since then Ive done most of it myself (that may be why Im tired of it!!!) My scratches that I have to fix are a result of handling, moving, etc. Whatever the reason though--its aggravating as hell to have to re-do anything. I did let my friend do the Graphics--hope to post a pic of that later today.

[Mr Chevorlet]

like to see them cant wait. maybe we will bump into each other some day.

[54belair]

Well, I finally retired after talking about it for a year or so AND Ive gotten a few things done on the build. My goal this coming year is to Finish it!!!

I just posted an update on "what have you done on your truck today" thread but thought Id do it here as well.

Over the last week or so: I cut and buffed most of the front clip including the grille, the lower valance, and both front fenders.
Then I installed the grille, valance, parking lights and inner fenders. Naturally none of it went this quickly---always seems to be one part or bolt or screw that we cant find or don't have. One example is after buffing the grille I installed the previous grille chrome trim. Looked ok when I took it off, but with the new paint it really looked shabby----so, new rings and clips.
I didn't have any issues with all that----but, when I installed the right front fender--the issues came up.
If you've read the build you may remember I had to cut out both A posts due to rust in the upper cowl area. We braced the cab well so nothing would shift---but Murphy still showed up. The A post was welded in below the lower hinge----In the exact spot where the fender brace comes the closest to the A post.

The solution was not to disturb the welded area on the A post, but to massage the inner fender brace. With the truck painted, solutions require some finesse. I opted to cut the area on the fender brace, gently beat it in and reweld some new metal in making what looks like a pocket in that area.

I soaked some rags in cold water and placed them between the inner and outer fender skin to absorb heat. The modification went very well, no damage to the fender skin and now the fender fits as it should have (on the lower end).

Im really anxious to see if I encounter the same issue on the driver side.

After all the initial fabricating, we did a test fit on the doors---but since I reused the same fenders I told myself "they came off-they will re fit" Mistake----should have test fit EVERYTHING.

So, where Im at now is the right side door is installed, the right fender is on (still have to finesse the door gap), its close, but I personally hate a funky looking door gap, so it will take some more time on that. Im looking for .18" top to bottom and current have .17-ish at the bottom and .195 ish at the top.

Ive taken pics of all this fun and Ill upload several before long.


So, with all that said----Thank you all for reading and waiting on this Loooooong drawn out build. And Merry Christmas, peace and prosperity to you all my friends.

[54belair]

I keep saying Picture to follow--then get busy or forget. Im going to update he build with several pics showing the current state (confusion??). Most recently Ive ben working on the front clip and getting gaps set---quite the job so far. As youll see, I have the pass. side on and complete(?)--not so much, I cant get the front door gap where I need it---so now the right front has to come back off so that I can get to the door hinges--to decrease the rear door gap so that I can get the front where I want it.
Anyway, Im going to show where its at before I tear it down again.

[54belair]

More pics of interior progress, and some general pics of the mess!!!

[54belair]

Just for the fun of it (or maybe to embarrass myself into organizing the shop some) Ill show some overall Mess pics.

The shop is big enough to store 4 cars Or work on One !! Anyway, the project is back moving again---with all the dis assembly , its going slow, but moving.

[54belair]

Ive spent some time finding and buying the connectors I need for the new wiring harness. While I was close(!) I decided it was time to install the accelerator pedal. I had decided some time ago to go with the hanging pedal like on the 71-72 rather than the floor mounted older style.
I had bought the adapter plate for mounting the new style pedal some time ago (now I had to find it), but I didn't care for the throttle "cable" instead of the old style "rod", and I wasn't fond of still another hole in the firewall.

So, while Im waiting on wiring components I decided to marry the two accelerator brackets. I measured the length I wanted, marked both pedal arms for the cut and started whacking.
To make sure the pedal stayed in the correct orientation with the arm while I welded them back together, I slotted both cut rod ends and inserted a pc of sheet metal in the cuts. Then with the rotational placement correct all I had to do was use a magnet while I welded to insure axial straightness.

Before welding the two ends I beveled them quite a bit and built the bevel back with weld. After welding it took some time grinding and filing the rod smooth. Primered and painted the rod to match. Now all I have to do is remove the actual pedal, stick it thru the hole and bolt it up.

I took a few pics along the way----- Im currently waiting on my new glasses--and Im using $2.00 wal mart readers--so the focus wasn't the best. Hopefully you can get the gist of what I did. Start to finish--including paint---bout 1 1/2 hours.

[jlsanborn]

Besides the additional firewall hole, are there any other reasons you prefer the rod v.s. the cable? If you like the rod better, why the hanging pedal?

I have yet to go down this path but I will here soon (soon, ha!). I had first planned on staying stock, then thought about the conversion. Just wondering why you are going hybrid.

[54belair]

Its just personal preference. I like the look of the hanging pedal and actually there is a little diff. in the feel. The floor mount feels more rigid (which it is). As far as the throttle rod as opposed to the cable---just preference again. I like the feel with the rod. Take a modified and threaded rod, add heim joints at both ends and there is no slop, just instant throttle response. Now even I am asking----"why do you need solid response out of a mild engine"?? Just preference!!!!

The down side to doing this is----you have to have both pedals to cut up.

[54belair]

Here are a couple pics of the interior Graphics. Ill have another similar piece under the hood (its not quite finished yet).

The story with these pics: My daughter, son in law and grand kids are tremendous fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and since the truck will eventually be in their family-----it has the razorback theme.

My instructions to my friend was "I want an evil eyed razorback head/face on the glove box door----But dont scare me to death with it", I left the rest up to him. He is a fantastic air brush artist and does alot of bikes and trucks/cars.
I took several shots of it but with interior lighting I cant get it to really "pop" like it does in person. Im really anxious to see it in the sunlight. We (he) used the pearl red color of the interior and added highlights/shadows.

My grandson (he's 8) thought we ought to put a giant face like this on the hood (!), I nixed that idea---Too much pig for me!!!!!!

Under the hood, Im using the old 50's Cadillac air cleaner (about 16" in dia.), he is doing a full on face on the air cleaner----the curve of the tusks sort of match the air intake channels on the air cleaner---should be pretty nice.

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

wow! the build is looking awesome. good job

[Mr Chevorlet]

Nice graphics

[KSWes]

that's pretty sweet air brush work.

[nibs]

I love the color combo you guys are going with. By the way, I'm right there with you on the color sanding... Push through it, the fun stuff is coming

[54belair]

Its Jan. 6 and here in the lower midwest-we are usually enjoying(?) (enduring) a mildly cold winter-----but this year--YUUUUK! I woke up this morning, looked at the weather station on the wall, it was -10.8 deg.--Minus! it doesnt get that cold here! Jeeez.
Dont have anything better to do----so, Ill give a weather update!!!

I have the week off and at home and I was planning on getting re acquainted with my truck! Well, at -10 deg.----aint happening! So, I guess Ill do something else entertaining like maybe do some sexting or maybe catch up on the Duck Dynasty shows that Ive missed--the wife just told me I could watch some soaps with her! Wonder how long it would take the shop to warm up??

Everyone be careful---this cold is no laughing matter seriously. (wonder what it would cost to move to cal.??)

[davischevy]

QOUTE "the wife just told me I could watch some soaps with her! Wonder how long it would take the shop to warm up??"

LOL. I have to wonder when my wife asks that sort of thing, if she's serious, or it's a trick to get me to leave her alone.

[swamp rat]

X2, Yep, i think she wants you to warm up the shop!

I used to live in a place where it hit -20 every winter, the record was -40, used to have to work outside in it, good thing you have a shop.

[54belair]

Have you seen the kind of things that are on soap operas today??
Boys kissing boys, girls kissing everyone and the "average" person has more drama in one week than Ive had in a life tiime!!! Makes working in a cold shop seem not too bad!!

I can remember when I was a kid, cold wasnt an issue,, it was even fun to get out in it, freeze your hands off making snow balls or sledding--------Im too smart for that sort of thing now!!!

[Dean'smeanmachine]

awsome build

[54belair]

1/10/14
Ok the project is finished---------------------I wish!!!!!!!!!!

I dont have much progress to talk about but, I was just notified today that my project is being shown on Stacey Davids (gearz) facebook page. For the fun of it a few weeks ago I submitted the project to stacey Davids website. Today I got an email that it was being posted to their facebook page.
I think it is somethng that the grand son will like--he likes to watch all the Gearz reruns!

I guess its actually posted on two different facebook pages (?)

links are: www.facebook.com/whatareyouworkingon

www.facebook.com/officialStaceyDavid

[davischevy]

It's always nice to be recognized for your work.

[Bennett68C10]

Just read through your build thread, great job on the truck. Love the color. I'm subscribed to see the finished product.

[54belair]

Thanks Keith,

Im a little bummed this weekend about the project-----Its memorial day weekend---the street rod Nats. is going on starting tomorrow here in Springfield-----and Im still months away from completion.

But,, I do have a list of excuses to cover my a**:

1 winter was too cold
2 spring was too cold
3 my work schedule kept me too busy out of town
4 my guard cat crapped on the floor under the truck (many times)
5 I had to play "catch up" on two years of undone Honey-Do's
6 Bound to be something else I can whine about!

Truth is--all the above are true, But the main reason is---temporary burnout.

I have put in about 6 hours on it this month and I have a new list of things to do!!

I do honestly have some time consuming projects other than the truck that I have to do this summer-----so, Stay tuned Man, It will be completed and not shelved!!

[54belair]

Well, here it is almost a year since my last post--wow--time flies!

I do have some progress to report. Spent the long winter working on a couple other car projects but finally got back to my truck.
I have worked on the interior and on re-mounting the drive pullies and steering pump and then the steering wheel. I mainly needed the steering wheel so I can steer it to load it (gotta go get the exhaust done soon).You would think everything would go back on as easily as it came off--not so!! I changed a few things so all the brackets and pulley geometries had to be adjusted/redone.
I have no goals this time as to when it will be completed---but I am past the overwhelmed stage, so slow continued work ahead. If I can remember how to post pics, I have a few to upload of the progress.