'67 Stepper "Laymond"

[slowcpe]

Another pic from tonight

[Bennett68C10]

Truck is looking good Ryan, congrats on being able to drive it.

[slowcpe]

Well got the truck all together for a big cruise-in we have every year on the west side of town. They shut the street down for 5-6 blocks and cars/trucks line the street. I think its approx. 500+ cars. Very good time. Truck did well and got more attention than I had expected. Met a few truck guys along with another local board member as well so that's cool. I did learn a few things Saturday:

Most everyone loves old rusty trucks.

Nearly every man older that 65 one of these trucks, some still have 1 or more.

The suspension absolutely needs to be changed. The front rides incredibly rough.

The roads in Evansville seriously need work. Every bump I kept expecting all the body panels to fall off leaving just me, the seat, and steering wheel going down the road.

The headlights are just about worthless. I know I have flashlights that are brighter and shine further. Will be upgrading these soon.

I need a new clutch. Its chattering real bad at every take off. Seems to keep getting worse.

And most important: Jen actually really likes the truck

I had my fun so now its time to lay it out. I'm hoping to get it all done in the next two weeks for the Street Machine Nationals in DuQuoin, IL but I know at my blistering fast work rate that will be a pipe dream.

Proof I was at the show:

[Dobster]

You have a great truck! Stick with it and enjoy the build... 👍👍👍

[slowcpe]

Played around in Photoshop today and I believe I came up with my logo for the doors. Its a variation of my grandpa's logos over the years. The "54" is the truck number as the last one he has was 53.

Now I have to figure out how to get the logo on the doors.

[slowcpe]

No real progress on the truck as of lately and probably not a whole lot honestly as its now boating season. I went to the Street Machine Nationals over the weekend and that got me in the mood to start working on the motor swap. Just when I was starting to feel comfortable with the 250 I go and see and hear a bunch of cammed V8s. After much debate and talking to Bowler, I'm pretty sure I'm going manual in the truck. More than likely a TKO600 Tremec.

I have been driving the truck for local errands and just about everytime I get it out, something that was halfway done by a PO ends up breaking when I'm at the farthest point from the house. Friday the exhaust came loose and shoved itself into the driveshaft. Fortunately it was in Rural King's parking lot so I bought some basic tools to keep in the glove box and some bailing wire.

Last night I had to make a parts run for the Tahoe and HF. On my way to HF the driver's front wheel decided it wanted to try and come off. That left me stranded on the street in town known for drug trafficking and prostitution. Had to wait an hour until a buddy was able to come get me with his truck and trailer. That all went well. Its home in the garage and I still have money and no STDs.

I did manage to rip a hole in my exhaust getting the truck off the trailer. 250s open manifold does not sound nearly as cool as an open header V8.

[swamp rat]

Take it in stride, that kinda stuff will all get worked out.

[Bennett68C10]

Try not to get overly frustrated, its an old truck and like you said, you have to fix the things the PO screwed up. Once you everything fixed to your liking, you will be able to drive and really enjoy it. I'm digging the TKO idea, i thought about that for mine when the time comes to upgrade to overdrive but will probably just stick with an automatic. And I agree, there is nothing like the sound of a cammed V8

[slowcpe]

Oh I laugh most of this stuff off....after the fact. Complaining is a wierd form of my sense of humor.

[slowcpe]

Not a truck update but my evening project just in time for the weekend. Just finished installing Blue LEDs in my boat. Very happy with how it turned out. Truck will be moving slow now as I'll be spending my weekends on the water enjoying some night rides, good tunes, great friends and one or maybe two cold adult beverages.

[keh27]

This is a cool little stepper. Your grandfathers logo is a must.......

[slowcpe]

Thank you!

No new progress. The truck is just sitting in the garage collecting dust as I've been busy with other summertime activities. Plus my boat decided it needed some attention so I've got the outdrive apart and replacing some seals. I do plan to have it out the end of this month to cruise around when the Frog Follies are in town.

[slowcpe]

Update time! Well sort of...

Boat repair took me down both in time and financially. Starting to think it really does stand for "Break Out Another Thousand". Oh well it's worth it.

It's a nice night out here in So. In and the woman and kid are gone so I'm out in the garage with the dog and a fridge full of Bud Lights. Frog Follies is next weekend and one if my best friends dad just bought a 1950 chevy truck so I want to go cruising. Taking a break right now from installing new wheel studs then it's on to patch the exhaust.

Haven't been on here a lot lately due to work is super busy but have been thinking about the truck. Pretty sure I'm doing the motor swap this winter even if it means stock with the auto. I've got most everything I need so it may just happen. We will see.

Truck in its current state

[ATL Powder]

Great looking step.

[MTCHEVY]

I have the twin to your truck and the same PB kit sitting in boxes The white bumper/grill is the only way to go. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!

[kitsbeach]

Yeah love the white bumpers and I'm keeping mine on my 67. Thanks for the thread I'll be following along. I'm also running a 250 6cyl but will go LS and 6-speed one day.

Tell me do the two 4" speakers bolt into the stock dash speaker location.?

I want to go stealth with my tunes and keep it looking stock so figure some kind of dash speaker the 6x9's and a subwoofer behind the seat once the tank is moved.

[slowcpe]

Thanks. I made a plate out of a piece of MDF and painted it black. I then bent a bracket to mount under the dash in the stock location. Don't have any pics of the bracket as it was trial and error to get the right angle.

I originally planned on 2-3 8"s behind the seat but the 6x9s really produce about all the low-end I really need in this truck. Plus I'm 6'5" so I need all the seat space I can get.

Here's the dash speakers before install:

[kitsbeach]

Pretty slick.!!

[slowcpe]

Took off work today and hit the local street rod show that is going on this weekend. First time I've ever been on a Friday and spent pretty much the whole day in the swap meet/vendor area. Tomorrow will be spent admiring the over 4000 cars and trucks.

Being the show is only 4 miles from the house I decided to drive the truck despite a hole in my exhaust manifold at the collector. Didn't sound bad sitting in the garage so I decided what the heck. Pulled out onto the road, gave it a little gas, and WWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Wow that was a loud ride but still enjoyed it. Pretty sure its the first time I've taken it somewhere where something didn't break.

Anyways, picked up a few things for the truck. Auto high hump, fender emblems, grill bowtie (didn't need it but the guy threw it in), and a 1967 Indiana plate in the county I live. I will be running this as my tag on the back of the truck. All for $60. Didn't think I did too bad.

Inquired on a set of sold buddy buckets. Guy said he sold them for $325. He then told me he had another set. Needs to be recovered but oh well. More than likely going to be buying those in the morning.

All in all a pretty good day. Here's a few pics as always

Today's score


Proof I drove my truck
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Good looking short bed in the parking lot.

[Bennett68C10]

Nice scores, especially the buddy buckets if you get them.

[slowcpe]

Well I had a special delivery last night. Was talking to a buddy of mine and mentioned the deal on the BBs and he said he knew a set that I could get cheaper. He went and bought them, sent me pics and delivered them to me last night. I'm beyond stoked. The frame is in near perfect shape. Can't wait to get these recovered in all red houndstooth.

Jen came out in the garage to look at my new purchase. She said "don't tell me what you paid if it's any more than $20". I kept my mouth shut. She's not nearly as excited as I am. Lol

While reading I discovered there is a small bracket for the center seat back that mounts to the back of the cab. Anybody know where I can get one?

Here they are:

[Bennett68C10]

Nice score on the buddy's.

[GAc10boy]

Killer progress since I last checked in. Keep your head up! The buckets are awesome.

[awaterguy]

Great Project...I'm new to the truck scene, starting my first project a 68 lwbss and am digging this...keep the Missus happy and it'll go WAY smoother!

[BigDaddyV]

Lovin' the direction of this build and the Sweet red Stepper!
I'm along for the ride.