New Member with a Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sonic69 · 01-17-2004, 02:37 AM

Hello, I am a new member from Northern Missouri. I have been watching the board for about a year now. I have enjoyed every moment of it! I purchased a 69 SWB Stepside about a year ago, and I am getting ready to start working on it. The truck has had some modifications, but the body is in pretty good condition. My first plan is to attack the suspension and get it down to a lower altitude. The last owner hit two deer at the same time, thus the multi-colored front end. That leads me to my question. The front tires do not set into the fenders the same on both sides. If you measure from the edge of the tires to the edge of the fenders horizontally, there about 1.5" difference. Could this be the frame ends bent, or is the cab not mounted correctly, throwing off the front clip? Thanks.

I am looking for 71-72 parts for disc brake conversion if anyone has any in my general area.

elk hunter · 01-17-2004, 03:29 AM

may be nothing but an adjustment. does it pull to the side that is back? if this is the case then you have caster issues with the alignment or, if it has a diamond in the frame an alignment shop can tell you. it may not pull with a diamond in the frame. if you are concerned take it in to be aligned they can tell you what is wrong

PanelDeland · 01-17-2004, 09:59 AM

If you are going to lower it,you will probably be miles ahead to use the drop spindle kit.Some of the BB members carryy them.It will lower your truck and give you disc using all new parts.In doing it with used parts you may need to replace calipers ,hoses and other parts easily bringing the $$ to more than the kit.Then you would still need to lower it.

Low69CST · 01-17-2004, 10:24 AM

How do the body lines look? Is the door-fender gap same on each side? Does the hood set in it square. I guess it could have knocked the cab crooked, but wouldn't think it wo uld be that much.

Blue Beard · 01-17-2004, 11:08 AM

Check the factory measurements on the gaps too.........

Sonic69 · 01-17-2004, 12:19 PM

The body lines appear to be the same from one side to the other. When you stand in front of it and look down the side, the fenders looks pretty straight compared to the cab. The gaps are close, not perfect but not rubbing or excessive. If just looks like the cab and clip are mounted crooked on the frame. Is that possible? I plan to take it down to the frame and start from the ground up, but I would like to figure out what I need to do so when I put it back together it is right. The truck drives fine, no pulling one way or the other. Thanks.

Gordo · 01-17-2004, 12:23 PM

Welcome to the board from Connecticut!

Rod · 01-17-2004, 12:56 PM

Welcome to the 67-72boards.

krue · 01-17-2004, 03:16 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

lukecp · 01-17-2004, 03:28 PM

Welcome from a fellow Missourian!

I agree....take the truck to an allignment/frame shop to check the condition of the frame. I don't think hitting two deer...even two BIG deer would bend the frame on one of these trucks, but who knows.

You would also have to get an allignment after lowering it and rebuilding the front suspension anyway

Leinie · 01-17-2004, 05:00 PM

Is it possible that the wheel offset is different from one side to the other ? Not likely, but worth a quick look. Nice looking project !!

BtnkBndt · 01-17-2004, 05:29 PM

Measure corner to corner on the frame (left rear/right front...right rear/ left front). If the frame is pushed back on one side it will measure longer on one mesurement than the other.

Welcome from Texas! Nice truck you got.

nu2-72 · 01-17-2004, 07:53 PM

Welcome from NW MO.

**Canadian694x4** · 01-17-2004, 08:34 PM

Welcome To The Board From The Great White North!!!

Jace's68 · 01-17-2004, 09:21 PM

Welcome from Kentucky.

elk hunter · 01-17-2004, 09:43 PM

how is the bed-to-cab gap thats where a diamond in the frame will rear its ugly head! i dont think deer are going to tweek the frame either but thats the story you got from the seller right.....and welcome by the way from another green horn

dinnut · 01-18-2004, 12:17 AM

welcome to the board from houston texas. just check several measurements from side to side and make sure nothing is off and have a good alignment shop check everything out and align it

Sonic69 · 01-18-2004, 01:28 AM

Thanks for all the input. I will get the tape measure out and see what I find out, and see what the alignment shop has to say about it. Thanks again.

Rooster's 67 · 01-18-2004, 02:40 AM

Sonic69
spend 25+shipping with RICKS and get an assembly manual, it can give you all the measure points to triangulate the frame and mount points to see if it is bent or out of whack. very neat book, and yet so very handy

01-17-2004, 02:37 AM	#1
Sonic69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Trenton, Missouri Posts: 7	New Member with a Question Hello, I am a new member from Northern Missouri. I have been watching the board for about a year now. I have enjoyed every moment of it! I purchased a 69 SWB Stepside about a year ago, and I am getting ready to start working on it. The truck has had some modifications, but the body is in pretty good condition. My first plan is to attack the suspension and get it down to a lower altitude. The last owner hit two deer at the same time, thus the multi-colored front end. That leads me to my question. The front tires do not set into the fenders the same on both sides. If you measure from the edge of the tires to the edge of the fenders horizontally, there about 1.5" difference. Could this be the frame ends bent, or is the cab not mounted correctly, throwing off the front clip? Thanks. I am looking for 71-72 parts for disc brake conversion if anyone has any in my general area. Attached Images __________________ 69 Chevy Short Step 2wd

01-17-2004, 03:29 AM	#2
elk hunter Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: oregon city, or Posts: 164	may be nothing but an adjustment. does it pull to the side that is back? if this is the case then you have caster issues with the alignment or, if it has a diamond in the frame an alignment shop can tell you. it may not pull with a diamond in the frame. if you are concerned take it in to be aligned they can tell you what is wrong __________________ yeah, but how's it wheel?

01-17-2004, 09:59 AM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	If you are going to lower it,you will probably be miles ahead to use the drop spindle kit.Some of the BB members carryy them.It will lower your truck and give you disc using all new parts.In doing it with used parts you may need to replace calipers ,hoses and other parts easily bringing the $$ to more than the kit.Then you would still need to lower it. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-17-2004, 10:24 AM	#4
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	How do the body lines look? Is the door-fender gap same on each side? Does the hood set in it square. I guess it could have knocked the cab crooked, but wouldn't think it wo uld be that much. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

01-17-2004, 11:08 AM	#5
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Check the factory measurements on the gaps too......... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-17-2004, 12:19 PM	#6
Sonic69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Trenton, Missouri Posts: 7	The body lines appear to be the same from one side to the other. When you stand in front of it and look down the side, the fenders looks pretty straight compared to the cab. The gaps are close, not perfect but not rubbing or excessive. If just looks like the cab and clip are mounted crooked on the frame. Is that possible? I plan to take it down to the frame and start from the ground up, but I would like to figure out what I need to do so when I put it back together it is right. The truck drives fine, no pulling one way or the other. Thanks. __________________ 69 Chevy Short Step 2wd

01-17-2004, 12:23 PM	#7
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Welcome to the board from Connecticut! __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

01-17-2004, 12:56 PM	#8
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Welcome to the 67-72boards. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

01-17-2004, 03:16 PM	#9
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-17-2004, 03:28 PM	#10
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Welcome from a fellow Missourian! I agree....take the truck to an allignment/frame shop to check the condition of the frame. I don't think hitting two deer...even two BIG deer would bend the frame on one of these trucks, but who knows. You would also have to get an allignment after lowering it and rebuilding the front suspension anyway __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

01-17-2004, 05:00 PM	#11
Leinie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: USA Posts: 2,613	Is it possible that the wheel offset is different from one side to the other ? Not likely, but worth a quick look. Nice looking project !!

01-17-2004, 05:29 PM	#12
BtnkBndt Pennyless Fool Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Forney,Tx Posts: 439	Measure corner to corner on the frame (left rear/right front...right rear/ left front). If the frame is pushed back on one side it will measure longer on one mesurement than the other. Welcome from Texas! Nice truck you got. __________________ "Who owns this car with the peace sign, the mag wheels, and four on the floor?" 67 Short Step 283/TH400/4.11

01-17-2004, 07:53 PM	#13
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Welcome from NW MO. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

01-17-2004, 08:34 PM	#14
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,306	Welcome To The Board From The Great White North!!! __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

01-17-2004, 09:21 PM	#15
Jace's68 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 107	Welcome from Kentucky.



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01-17-2004, 09:43 PM	#16
elk hunter Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: oregon city, or Posts: 164	how is the bed-to-cab gap thats where a diamond in the frame will rear its ugly head! i dont think deer are going to tweek the frame either but thats the story you got from the seller right.....and welcome by the way from another green horn __________________ yeah, but how's it wheel? Last edited by elk hunter; 01-17-2004 at 09:46 PM.

01-18-2004, 12:17 AM	#17
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	welcome to the board from houston texas. just check several measurements from side to side and make sure nothing is off and have a good alignment shop check everything out and align it __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-18-2004, 01:28 AM	#18
Sonic69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Trenton, Missouri Posts: 7	Thanks for all the input. I will get the tape measure out and see what I find out, and see what the alignment shop has to say about it. Thanks again. __________________ 69 Chevy Short Step 2wd

01-18-2004, 02:40 AM	#19
Rooster's 67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: DFW Posts: 765	Sonic69 spend 25+shipping with RICKS and get an assembly manual, it can give you all the measure points to triangulate the frame and mount points to see if it is bent or out of whack. very neat book, and yet so very handy __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

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