1971 Stepside LS Build - Page 9 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**1971Stepside** · 09-05-2019, 10:46 AM

Quote:

im dreading the day my project gets to the point of bodywork, but i take solace in knowing plenty of people have walked the tedious path of body and paint and that countless more will follow me.

It is like everything. If you have the tools, equipment, and space it isn't that bad. My biggest hassle is the two car garage I'm building this thing in. Having a buddy that owns a body shop makes it possible for me. Just a big pain to haul it all back and forth. If I could do all this work at his shop I would be done with it by now, but I don't want to get in the way of his production. I will be putting off the blocking for awhile and just keep trying to assemble the truck. Need to wait until his shop is a little slower to get back in there.

**MDPotter** · 09-05-2019, 10:54 AM

Looks like we're both at about the same stage in bodywork, but you're a little ahead of me on filler work. Are you using epoxy as your surfacer for blocking or are you laying down a urethane surfacer over the epoxy?

**1971Stepside** · 09-05-2019, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Are you using epoxy as your surfacer for blocking or are you laying down a urethane surfacer over the epoxy?

I'm using the PPG CRE epoxy. It is like spraying a thin filler coat and dries fairly hard and I'm told blocks out really well. I will block it and then do another round of this epoxy. Block again and then go with a urethane primer prior to paint.

TA_C10 · 09-05-2019, 11:39 AM

Looking awesome stepside! I loved seeing my cab go to a single color. Great progress!

**1971Stepside** · 09-09-2019, 09:38 AM

It feels like a truck again! Spent all day Saturday in the garage. Panel alignment is fair, but I want to keep working on it. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome. Ready for the new wheels and tires for sure.

**1971Stepside** · 09-09-2019, 09:40 AM

Worked on the bed a little too. The rear cross sill and tailgate parts came on Saturday.

**MDPotter** · 09-09-2019, 09:46 AM

What a difference some primer and pre-assembly makes! That has to be very motivating.

TA_C10 · 09-09-2019, 04:58 PM

Looking great!

notsolo · 09-10-2019, 07:26 PM

Looking good, truck is taking shape again, body seams look right, epoxy is great stuff....Even with a respirator your face eyes absorb some solvent. I found the same problem you discribed, solvent sensitive, Better to have a full mask if you can stand it, makes it harder to work with.

sprint_9 · 09-10-2019, 08:33 PM

Looks like your making good progress.

**1971Stepside** · 09-16-2019, 09:14 AM

Thanks for all the positive comments. I worked on the tailgate link assemblies on Saturday. Then I tested them out. Work pretty nicely.

**1971Stepside** · 09-17-2019, 03:55 PM

So, I originally was planning to not run side marker lights. I changed my mind now and am having to weld this back in. Before I finished it up I noticed the original army green inside the light bucket. She started life in the Air Force as an airman just like me. Bought from DoD Scott, AFB and then I bought her from that owner.

TA_C10 · 09-17-2019, 10:15 PM

That's just cool history right there. Maybe you should paint the inside of some panels army green

Yerboogieman · 09-19-2019, 06:08 PM

Very cool, just got through the whole thread today.

**1971Stepside** · 09-23-2019, 10:14 AM

Sneak peek

TA_C10 · 09-23-2019, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Sneak peek

That is awesome.

**1971Stepside** · 10-14-2019, 12:08 PM

I've been working on the bed a little. Finishing up the welding and filling. So many pinch welds to fill. Lots of sanding in my future. Hoping to get in primer before it gets too cold.

**1971Stepside** · 10-21-2019, 04:38 PM

Project has really slowed down as the fall schedule as been very busy. I ordered the wheels and tires this morning, so I am pretty excited about having the biggest expense of the build behind me. I worked on the bed a little yesterday, a project that I thought wouldn't take too much time. I was wrong.

**MDPotter** · 10-21-2019, 06:17 PM

I know the feeling. Some days it feels like body work will never end. But then, one day, things are painted and it's a huge relief. You just have to keep pushing through it. Are you going to give us a sneak peek on the wheels?

**1971Stepside** · 10-22-2019, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Are you going to give us a sneak peek on the wheels?

If I were a gambler I would bet you will get to see the ramblers...oops, I just let the cat out of the bag

**MDPotter** · 10-22-2019, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

If I were a gambler I would bet you will get to see the ramblers...oops, I just let the cat out of the bag

Those would be a great choice! I'd like to get a set of Vision 143's eventually.

**1971Stepside** · 10-22-2019, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Those would be a great choice! I'd like to get a set of Vision 143's eventually.

I wanted a set of Polished Schott wheels, but I just couldn't see spending 5k on wheels. Maybe after it is all done and on the road I will upgrade to something more expensive, but the Ramblers are nice and very affordable.

**1971Stepside** · 10-25-2019, 12:26 PM

Well, to say I am happy is an understatement! I was amazed at how new wheels and tires make the whole project seem so much cooler. I highly recommend it.

I'll post more pics once the rain stops and I can roll her outside.

**MDPotter** · 10-25-2019, 12:32 PM

They look great! I bet you felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

TA_C10 · 10-25-2019, 01:17 PM

They look great!!

09-05-2019, 10:54 AM	#202
MDPotter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 1,165	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Looks like we're both at about the same stage in bodywork, but you're a little ahead of me on filler work. Are you using epoxy as your surfacer for blocking or are you laying down a urethane surfacer over the epoxy? __________________ 1964 Chevy C10 - Gen IV 5.3 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768632 1968 GMC C15 - Gen III 6.0 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772047 1969 Chevy C10 - Restoration http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809184 1978 Chevy Scottsdale K20 1993 Chevy C1500 - 5.3/T56 swapped 2008 Silverado Duramax

09-05-2019, 11:39 AM	#204
TA_C10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Texas Posts: 1,353	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Looking awesome stepside! I loved seeing my cab go to a single color. Great progress! __________________ TA_C10 Stage 1 build - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8333444 "It's only money".

09-09-2019, 09:38 AM	#205
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build It feels like a truck again! Spent all day Saturday in the garage. Panel alignment is fair, but I want to keep working on it. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome. Ready for the new wheels and tires for sure. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-09-2019, 09:40 AM	#206
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Worked on the bed a little too. The rear cross sill and tailgate parts came on Saturday. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-09-2019, 09:46 AM	#207
MDPotter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 1,165	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build What a difference some primer and pre-assembly makes! That has to be very motivating. __________________ 1964 Chevy C10 - Gen IV 5.3 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768632 1968 GMC C15 - Gen III 6.0 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772047 1969 Chevy C10 - Restoration http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809184 1978 Chevy Scottsdale K20 1993 Chevy C1500 - 5.3/T56 swapped 2008 Silverado Duramax

09-09-2019, 04:58 PM	#208
TA_C10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Texas Posts: 1,353	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Looking great! __________________ TA_C10 Stage 1 build - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8333444 "It's only money".

09-10-2019, 07:26 PM	#209
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,482	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Looking good, truck is taking shape again, body seams look right, epoxy is great stuff....Even with a respirator your face eyes absorb some solvent. I found the same problem you discribed, solvent sensitive, Better to have a full mask if you can stand it, makes it harder to work with. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605

09-10-2019, 08:33 PM	#210
sprint_9 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: 9 Posts: 862	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Looks like your making good progress.

09-16-2019, 09:14 AM	#211
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Thanks for all the positive comments. I worked on the tailgate link assemblies on Saturday. Then I tested them out. Work pretty nicely. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-17-2019, 03:55 PM	#212
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build So, I originally was planning to not run side marker lights. I changed my mind now and am having to weld this back in. Before I finished it up I noticed the original army green inside the light bucket. She started life in the Air Force as an airman just like me. Bought from DoD Scott, AFB and then I bought her from that owner. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-17-2019, 10:15 PM	#213
TA_C10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Texas Posts: 1,353	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build That's just cool history right there. Maybe you should paint the inside of some panels army green __________________ TA_C10 Stage 1 build - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8333444 "It's only money".

09-19-2019, 06:08 PM	#214
Yerboogieman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Auburn, Wa Posts: 93	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Very cool, just got through the whole thread today. __________________ -Taylor 1971 Chevy Suburban 4x4 Build Thread

09-23-2019, 10:14 AM	#215
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Sneak peek Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

10-14-2019, 12:08 PM	#217
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build I've been working on the bed a little. Finishing up the welding and filling. So many pinch welds to fill. Lots of sanding in my future. Hoping to get in primer before it gets too cold. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

10-21-2019, 04:38 PM	#218
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Project has really slowed down as the fall schedule as been very busy. I ordered the wheels and tires this morning, so I am pretty excited about having the biggest expense of the build behind me. I worked on the bed a little yesterday, a project that I thought wouldn't take too much time. I was wrong. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."



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10-21-2019, 06:17 PM	#219
MDPotter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 1,165	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build I know the feeling. Some days it feels like body work will never end. But then, one day, things are painted and it's a huge relief. You just have to keep pushing through it. Are you going to give us a sneak peek on the wheels? __________________ 1964 Chevy C10 - Gen IV 5.3 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768632 1968 GMC C15 - Gen III 6.0 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772047 1969 Chevy C10 - Restoration http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809184 1978 Chevy Scottsdale K20 1993 Chevy C1500 - 5.3/T56 swapped 2008 Silverado Duramax

10-25-2019, 12:26 PM	#223
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Well, to say I am happy is an understatement! I was amazed at how new wheels and tires make the whole project seem so much cooler. I highly recommend it. I'll post more pics once the rain stops and I can roll her outside. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

10-25-2019, 12:32 PM	#224
MDPotter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 1,165	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build They look great! I bet you felt like a kid on Christmas morning. __________________ 1964 Chevy C10 - Gen IV 5.3 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768632 1968 GMC C15 - Gen III 6.0 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772047 1969 Chevy C10 - Restoration http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809184 1978 Chevy Scottsdale K20 1993 Chevy C1500 - 5.3/T56 swapped 2008 Silverado Duramax

10-25-2019, 01:17 PM	#225
TA_C10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Texas Posts: 1,353	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build They look great!! __________________ TA_C10 Stage 1 build - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8333444 "It's only money".

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