Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

I purchased this truck July '07 just before I deployed for six months. This is the truck when I first got it.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

When I got back from my deployment I began installing the stuff I ordered when I was gone. The first thing I installed was the one-piece window conversion. The second was the rear disk setup and the power brake booster. The rear wasn't too hard to install, except for the bolt that holds the center pin in on an open diff was broke in three places. Getting that out was a pain in the butt. I ordered the kit from brothers and I think is a CPP kit. Same with the brake booster.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

1st of all Wecolme Back & Thank You for Your Service.............

Truck is Looking Good, What Else do you have Planned for it? Look's Pretty Good as Is.....

Thanks, Rick

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Yeah, what Rick said! :)

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

love the project name! and love the truck, i have a 71 stepper too! very nice truck!

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

After the brakes I jumped to the bed. One of the PO had welded steel diamond plate over the rotted out pine bed. The bed was more than a little loose and out of wack. When I picked the truck up the PO gave me the oak bed kit he had bought.

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Heres the bed with the new Polished SS and finished oak.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

I almost forgot, before I finished the bed I re-wired the truck with an American Autowire 18 circuit kit. Don't have any pictures though, sorry. While i was waiting for the millionth coat of Spar finish to dry I started to replace the grill assembly.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

nice job on the bed, looks really sharp. NIce to hear you made it home safely.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Well, I was content riding on the steelies for a few more months until the tread seperated or busted a belt or something while driving home from work. So instead of buying new tires for the old rims, I got new tires AND rims...

Front: Foose Nitrous, 20x8.5 with 4.5" B.S. (I think) Nitto NT555, 255/35ZR20
Rear: Foose Nitrous, 20x10 with 5.25" B.S. Nitto NT555, 275/35ZR20

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

I knew I had some lower control arm issues so upon closer inspection I figured I might as well rebuild those. Then I thought to myself why spend the money to have them rebuilt when I could get new uppers and lowers for a couple hundred more? I'm sure everyone can figure where this is going now.... yep, it's gettin bagged.

I ordered the 73-87 ART Strongarms and 3" drop spindle from Stylin Trucks. These guys were pretty good to work with. I called him up with some questions and instead of giving me some B.S. answer he called up DJM (spindles) and AirRide Technologys (UCA/LCA) to have them answer my questions on a three-way conference call. Plus I had signed up to get emailed their newsletters and DJM had a 20% off special and the guy gave me a discount on the control arms also, $1000 fro everything shipped to my door.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Thanks everyone so far for the compliments and for welcoming me home.

I called around to a few of the normal places for the rest of my suspension needs.

I called Nathan Porter of Porterbuilt Streetrods with a few questions. He helped me figure out what I needed for the air ride since I have never done one before. If you guys ever have questions, Nathan is one of the most professional guys I had dealt with up to now. So I ordered the rest of the stuff I needed through him.

Here are a few pics of the Strongarms being installed.

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I took a little time off of work and flew out to Pheonix to visit my family out there. While I was there I drove out to Porterbuilt Streetrods to meet up with Nathan and take a look at his shop. This guy is brilliant... He will be the next Foose, Boyd, or Jimmie Shine. Keep an eye on his work if you wanna see where our hobby is heading.

Anyways, here is how, hopefully, the truck will look when it is airred out.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

this is such a slick build! the truck just looks perfect! subscribed!

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

WELCOME HOME AND THANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.

The truck is looking great. I going to convert over to the strong arm set up. I was also thinking of getting the same wheels, except with the grey spokes.

Keep the pics coming.

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Yeah, I like the looks of the gray centered ones also, I was seriously torn between the two. I figured if I changed my mind I would have the spokes powder coated.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Very nice! Always good to see new stepside members with sweet builds! Keep those pictures coming.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Subscribed:D The step beds are taking over:lol: Nice build, I'll be watching the progress:D

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

lookin good:flag:

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Wow... what a transformation!!!! Great work, I love the wheels/tire combo and the bed turned out nice.

Welcome back to the US by the way... and thank you for your service!

Any recent progress?

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

No updates yet guys, but soon I hope. :metal:

All the pics have been from the last month and a half, since I got home. I finally got myself motivated to show all of you guys my work. It's a little intimidating knowing a lot of people will be checking out my truck.

Thanks for the support on the truck and about coming home.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Man, that thing is looking fine. It started out better than most end up!
Keep the updates coming.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Sweet truck. I love the foose wheels. Stepsides rule.

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

good job.we'll wait 4 u in nc

Re: Project Step Aside, 1971 SWB/Step
 

Man you started with a great truck! Nice to see you "makin it yours" as that is what these trucks are all about!

BTW, you forgot to mention the one piece window upgrade!

The ride looks sharp!