Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I fought with my 700r4 and never could get it to quit.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I like what I'm seeing.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I think that I finally got the transmission to stop leaking, swapped out the power steering pump, and got the new gas tank installed. I had tried a edelbrock 750, it seemed to run real rich, and had less throttle response, so I put the 600 back on. Now the heater core is leaking.....

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

The fun of old trucks.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Dam heater cores always leak at the most inconvenient times...I replaced mine when I swapped my new motor in, at least its a pretty easy job on these trucks.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Sometimes the heater cores can be a bear.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Made a little progress this week. Sand and buff tomorrow. The bed strips are rusted out, I just spray painted them and put them in, I'll order up some new ones.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Nice work ....

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Nice work ....

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Looks great

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Man you work fast. That's a great looking truck. Like the gray one a lot too. At this speed you can build a six pack of them, ha.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Man that's nice, love the color.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Thanks guys, I'm anxious to start driving this old truck. Now that the bed floor is in, I realize that there isn't much clearance between the floor, and the top of the differential. I had to notch the rear floor cross member to clear the lowering shackles. Might have to raise the rear a little. I just finished putting in the 5 million nuts,and washers under the bed, I wish I would have ordered new strips right away. Now I'll get to do it all again!

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Sanded, buffed, polished, and washed!

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

very nice

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Well, after I got it all cleaned up, I took it out for a drive, seemed to work good, but started a little hard when hot. When I got home, I pulled the top of the carb off and checked the float level. Float level was good. Put the top of the carb on, and started it up. Forgot to hook the fuel line up, and had a nice flame thrower. I shut the engine off, and lucky I had a fire extinguisher right there. I was feeling sick, I had to make sure the fire was out, and go to work. It took all day Wednesday to clean up the mess, I learned that the powder in a extinguisher is pretty corrosive, and it covered my new motor, my freshly painted truck, and my 2 harleys. After I cleaned up the mess, it looks like the only damage I have is a few damaged wires, and I will have to touch up a small spot of paint on the bottom of the hood. I also had to pull the carb off to polish it up a little, as that fast it already started to tarnish. All in all it could have been alot worse.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Truck turned out nice. Sorry for your fire and issues. Like you said, it could have been a lot worse. Glad you did not get hurt!

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Got the interior almost done. I upholstered the door panels, and dash pad out of a parts truck. Not perfect, but only cost about $40. Seat was upholstered, heat shield, and new carpet. Still have map pockets, kick panels, and visors left to do. I also have to dye the seatbelts, and install the carpet door bottoms.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Had a nice full day to work on the truck yesterday. I put it on the lift, detailed the frame and undercarriage, touched up any scratches on the suspension, painted the rotors and calipers, and cleaned and undercoated the front, and rear fenders. I also painted, and installed a new oil pan. I am hoping to wrap this project up this weekend.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

What was your method on upholstering the dash pad?

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I use a 4 way stretch upholstery vinyl. It's stretched around the top, and glued around the back side. I use the same stuff for the door panels. Works well, I used the same stuff on my k10, and it has held up very well.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Do you have any before pics of the dash? Just curious how bad it was. What prep work did you do?

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I didn't take any before pics. It was pretty cracked up, all I did was trim around the cracks, the vinyl stretches over the cracks.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Got the truck all done. Me and the wife drove it around all day today, it was awesome. This afternoon a friend came over to check the truck out, and we went for a ride, and ended up shooting a little video. It was fun!:metal:https://youtu.be/F0B_LWj6E2Q

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Here are a few pics.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Few more.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Somebody in MN done built my dream stepper! Fantastic job, you show that square bodies rule.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

That came out really nice !!

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I know, I know, olde thread.....but that's a beauty! :metal:

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Agreed. Wish Jayson still posted here. He always had a cool project going for himself or someone else.