Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Great work and progress!

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Thanks guys. Well, I got the transmission pulled, and cleaned up, again. This will be the 3rd time, I pulled it when I bought the truck, and had it rebuilt, I pulled it to clean and paint the frame, and this time. It looks like the o-ring around the pump is leaking. It's all scrubbed down, should I spray a shot of aluminum paint on it, or just leave it bare?

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

When I used to sell transmissions, I would hit them with adhesion promoter, then paint. Some say it traps heat, some say it doesn't matter. I don't think anyone out there is saying, "If only I hadn't painted it" lol.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

I think I'll shoot a little paint on it, that way when I have to pull it out in another few months for some reason, it will clean up easier. There is nothing I hate worse than a leaking truck.

Re: 1980 Short Stepper Budget Build
 

Well, my transmission seals came in the mail today, it's all sealed up, and back in. I hope it's all sealed up!

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?