1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevDog1 · 03-02-2014, 04:32 PM

And one at the end of the driveway

ChevDog1 · 03-02-2014, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old School Low

Well, dont know at the moment. Does shiny area tell us anything? Looks like 1/2in from bottoming into tranny.

Only way to know for sure is to unbolt the driveshaft at the diff and push it into the trans. For me- I wouldn't want any less than 3/4". It is certainly not enough if it is difficult to remove the driveshaft with weight on the rear tires.

pwradder · 03-02-2014, 08:27 PM

excellent work-it's coming along very nicely! did i see that right? a 12 bolt and a turbo 400? jeez

isn't it funny how when you change the nose over, it's the only thing you focus on for the next week?

after i changed the headlights, valance and trim over on my 80-that's all i looked at every time i walked up to it. such a big difference-love the grill too!

ChevDog1 · 03-02-2014, 08:57 PM

Thanks! And yes, it has a turbo400 and a 12 bolt. Little overkill for the straight six!

Old School Low · 03-02-2014, 09:03 PM

[IMG]

[/IMG]Think I like the grille better than my tube thing. We have 28deg and RAINING?? mY SONs truck after arriving 45min ago.. so I didnt get anything done. All fired up too after all these posts. Yeah, whoever ordereed your truck in 78didnt want to come up short on tranny power.[IMG]

[/IMG]

Low Elco · 03-03-2014, 09:16 AM

Much better with the '73 love! Likey likey!

walkerb · 03-03-2014, 10:26 AM

Nice truck

Old School Low · 03-03-2014, 11:13 AM

What polishing product/buffing machine do u use?

Old School Low · 03-03-2014, 11:23 AM

Okay, its sinking in. Ill really check this out, I know its important, good looking out for me. And my remark about ordering 6cyl w th400, I now get that it was a swap.

ChevDog1 · 03-03-2014, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old School Low

What polishing product/buffing machine do u use?

Just a little tub of mothers metal polish, applied by hand with a rag. It really shined up the old chrome on the front end.

Old School Low · 03-03-2014, 11:57 AM

10-4 Dog. Watch for me to do the same. Perfect job to do in house. We are covered w 1/2in freezing rain ice. Dog cant even stand up trying to walk across lawn. But by Thurs..62deg, Crazy.

ChevDog1 · 03-03-2014, 11:59 AM

yeah - I saw your pics from yesterday - crazy weather. It's 50 degrees here right now and feels like spring may finally be on the way soon... and I'm not that far away...

Old School Low · 03-03-2014, 04:03 PM

Is there a way, process, to make my alum wheels really shine? Ive gone at it 5 diff ways and absolutely nothing. Havent I seen 'polished aluminum" wheels that look almost like chrome? Headed to used tire shops, see if I can get something for the front to start.

ChevDog1 · 03-03-2014, 04:04 PM

Your wheels are likely coated. In order to polish them you will probably have to apply a paint stripper type of chemical to remove the clear coat before you can start on the traditional polishing methods.

Jonboy · 03-03-2014, 04:43 PM

Not sure how I missed this one, but it is looking good. It reminds me a lot of my old '79.

ChevDog1 · 03-04-2014, 12:46 AM

Minor progress tonight. Almost ashamed to post the crappy photos. The previous owner replaced the original 2bbl carb with a Rochester 2jet off of a 1972 Pontiac 350. This resulted in a throttle linkage turned 90 degrees from the original, which he "solved" by zip tying the cable housing to the brake booster!

I cut all of that crap off and welded up a little bracket that bolts to the carb base. It may still need some fine tuning, but at least it won't snap like a zip tie!

ChevDog1 · 03-04-2014, 12:47 AM

And from the passenger side...

ChevDog1 · 03-09-2014, 12:19 AM

Well, so far this weekend, my project has been boring, and not even worthy of pics. Yesterday, I bought a few small parts, so I could tie up some loose ends. Last night was electrical repair. I replaced the wiper switch, headlight switch, and the blower fan resistor. I also replaced every fuse in the panel, and cleaned the contacts on all of the connections in the dash. The PO had told me that at some point during its extensive time in his driveway, yellowjackets had made a home in the cab. His bright solution was to pressure wash the interior to clean out the nest and drive the little buggers away. The net effect for me was that every electrical connection was corroded. After a bunch of cleaning, testing, etc. I now have a truck that functions electrically! I even pulled the blower and cleaned and lubricated it, so that it works somewhat quietly. Also had to dismantle part of the wiper, to get the washers working.

Today's project started by trying to find the rest of the parts needed to re-hang my doors. I cleaned out the supply of hing pins and bushings at three different auto parts stores to get enough to do both doors. Since I couldn't find a hinge spring locally, I will wait until next week to get this done.

The major project for today - fix the leaks in my transmission. Before today, the trans would leak enough over week or two, that I would have to add fluid just to get it to move. Today I dropped the pan, pulled the driveshaft, and unhooked the shift linkage to replace all of the external seals. The pan was the worst I have ever seen. It looks like the trans must have spent a few years sitting out of a truck in someone's backyard (or pool). The inside of the pan had an area about the size of the palm of my hand that was about 1/8" of rust! Cleaned, straightened, and painted the pan. Replaced the pan gasket. Pulled the shift linkage out of the trans, and replaced the shift shaft seal. Installed a new filter. Then I dropped the driveshaft again, and pulled the output shaft seal. Turns out Napa gave me the wrong seal for that, so I will have to go get the correct one tomorrow morning.

Hopefully tomorrow's work will be picture worthy.

Old School Low · 03-09-2014, 11:46 AM

EXCELLENT maintenance work! I need to get confidence tearing apart electrical things.

Bill Bloggins · 03-09-2014, 01:55 PM

That is a nice stance and the grill looks top notch. I think your hands on, thrifty spend over time, and making it mechanically sound up front is the best approach. I have a feeling this is going to be one nice stepper when it is done and thanks for documenting your build.

ChevDog1 · 03-09-2014, 01:58 PM

Thanks bill!

Voltron_77 · 03-09-2014, 02:37 PM

Great looking truck!

ChevDog1 · 03-09-2014, 10:26 PM

I made some more progress today. Started by putting the trans output shaft seal in, and filling the trans back up. Took it for another short test drive and parked it out in the driveway so I could clean up my shop a bit. I had accumulated such a mess that it was getting difficult to work.

After that, I decided to tear into a little of the bodywork/rust repair. First on the list was the trim holes in my replacement fender:

ChevDog1 · 03-09-2014, 10:27 PM

And after a little satin black to cover them back up until the actual bodywork begins...

ChevDog1 · 03-09-2014, 10:28 PM

Next on the list was the typical driver door sill rust. First I cut out the worst of it.

03-02-2014, 04:32 PM	#51
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread And one at the end of the driveway Attached Images

03-02-2014, 08:27 PM	#53
pwradder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: stafford springs ct Posts: 149	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread excellent work-it's coming along very nicely! did i see that right? a 12 bolt and a turbo 400? jeez isn't it funny how when you change the nose over, it's the only thing you focus on for the next week? after i changed the headlights, valance and trim over on my 80-that's all i looked at every time i walked up to it. such a big difference-love the grill too! __________________ 1977 srw cc lb 396/700r/4:11's/6'' bds lift/ 35's. sold 1986 suburban 350/700r/3:73's 31's: parted out. 1980 silverado swb 5.3/700r/ 2'' drop/ daily driver. sold 1985 c10 long bed 5.3/700r/2'' drop/17" wheels/ daily driver. sold 1970 c10 long bed-new project! getting ready for the 6.0

03-02-2014, 08:57 PM	#54
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Thanks! And yes, it has a turbo400 and a 12 bolt. Little overkill for the straight six!

03-02-2014, 09:03 PM	#55
Old School Low Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kennewick Wa. (SE part of state) Posts: 247	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread [IMG][/IMG]Think I like the grille better than my tube thing. We have 28deg and RAINING?? mY SONs truck after arriving 45min ago.. so I didnt get anything done. All fired up too after all these posts. Yeah, whoever ordereed your truck in 78didnt want to come up short on tranny power.[IMG][/IMG] __________________ OLD SCHOOL LOW: 78 Short Wide Heavy Half-Ratty Rod at moment. Old 4blt stroked to 383 Vortecs, Weiand, Scat, Hedman 1 5/8, Howards Roller, .495/500, Scorpion. Leaf flip, cut coils. Make do tires and wheels for now. Slip ahead a year? Sold GMC, bought Harley, got all obsessed doing the biker thing, now starting again w 65 SWB, 283,2bbl, 3 on tree. Last edited by Old School Low; 03-02-2014 at 09:10 PM.

03-03-2014, 09:16 AM	#56
Low Elco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indep, MO Posts: 5,893	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Much better with the '73 love! Likey likey! __________________ Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low!

03-03-2014, 10:26 AM	#57
walkerb Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 831	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Nice truck __________________ 1973 k20 Suburban 350 1974 Custom stepside c-10 250 1975 Chevy stepside 454 1986 K30 Crewcab SRW 350 R.I.P- glimmertwin01- board member and good friend, you will be missed

03-03-2014, 11:13 AM	#58
Old School Low Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kennewick Wa. (SE part of state) Posts: 247	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread What polishing product/buffing machine do u use? __________________ OLD SCHOOL LOW: 78 Short Wide Heavy Half-Ratty Rod at moment. Old 4blt stroked to 383 Vortecs, Weiand, Scat, Hedman 1 5/8, Howards Roller, .495/500, Scorpion. Leaf flip, cut coils. Make do tires and wheels for now. Slip ahead a year? Sold GMC, bought Harley, got all obsessed doing the biker thing, now starting again w 65 SWB, 283,2bbl, 3 on tree.

03-03-2014, 11:23 AM	#59
Old School Low Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kennewick Wa. (SE part of state) Posts: 247	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Okay, its sinking in. Ill really check this out, I know its important, good looking out for me. And my remark about ordering 6cyl w th400, I now get that it was a swap. __________________ OLD SCHOOL LOW: 78 Short Wide Heavy Half-Ratty Rod at moment. Old 4blt stroked to 383 Vortecs, Weiand, Scat, Hedman 1 5/8, Howards Roller, .495/500, Scorpion. Leaf flip, cut coils. Make do tires and wheels for now. Slip ahead a year? Sold GMC, bought Harley, got all obsessed doing the biker thing, now starting again w 65 SWB, 283,2bbl, 3 on tree.

03-03-2014, 11:57 AM	#61
Old School Low Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kennewick Wa. (SE part of state) Posts: 247	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread 10-4 Dog. Watch for me to do the same. Perfect job to do in house. We are covered w 1/2in freezing rain ice. Dog cant even stand up trying to walk across lawn. But by Thurs..62deg, Crazy. __________________ OLD SCHOOL LOW: 78 Short Wide Heavy Half-Ratty Rod at moment. Old 4blt stroked to 383 Vortecs, Weiand, Scat, Hedman 1 5/8, Howards Roller, .495/500, Scorpion. Leaf flip, cut coils. Make do tires and wheels for now. Slip ahead a year? Sold GMC, bought Harley, got all obsessed doing the biker thing, now starting again w 65 SWB, 283,2bbl, 3 on tree.

03-03-2014, 11:59 AM	#62
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread yeah - I saw your pics from yesterday - crazy weather. It's 50 degrees here right now and feels like spring may finally be on the way soon... and I'm not that far away...

03-03-2014, 04:03 PM	#63
Old School Low Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kennewick Wa. (SE part of state) Posts: 247	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Is there a way, process, to make my alum wheels really shine? Ive gone at it 5 diff ways and absolutely nothing. Havent I seen 'polished aluminum" wheels that look almost like chrome? Headed to used tire shops, see if I can get something for the front to start. __________________ OLD SCHOOL LOW: 78 Short Wide Heavy Half-Ratty Rod at moment. Old 4blt stroked to 383 Vortecs, Weiand, Scat, Hedman 1 5/8, Howards Roller, .495/500, Scorpion. Leaf flip, cut coils. Make do tires and wheels for now. Slip ahead a year? Sold GMC, bought Harley, got all obsessed doing the biker thing, now starting again w 65 SWB, 283,2bbl, 3 on tree.

03-03-2014, 04:04 PM	#64
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Your wheels are likely coated. In order to polish them you will probably have to apply a paint stripper type of chemical to remove the clear coat before you can start on the traditional polishing methods.

03-03-2014, 04:43 PM	#65
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Not sure how I missed this one, but it is looking good. It reminds me a lot of my old '79. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

03-04-2014, 12:46 AM	#66
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Minor progress tonight. Almost ashamed to post the crappy photos. The previous owner replaced the original 2bbl carb with a Rochester 2jet off of a 1972 Pontiac 350. This resulted in a throttle linkage turned 90 degrees from the original, which he "solved" by zip tying the cable housing to the brake booster! I cut all of that crap off and welded up a little bracket that bolts to the carb base. It may still need some fine tuning, but at least it won't snap like a zip tie! Attached Images

03-04-2014, 12:47 AM	#67
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread And from the passenger side... Attached Images



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03-09-2014, 12:19 AM	#68
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Well, so far this weekend, my project has been boring, and not even worthy of pics. Yesterday, I bought a few small parts, so I could tie up some loose ends. Last night was electrical repair. I replaced the wiper switch, headlight switch, and the blower fan resistor. I also replaced every fuse in the panel, and cleaned the contacts on all of the connections in the dash. The PO had told me that at some point during its extensive time in his driveway, yellowjackets had made a home in the cab. His bright solution was to pressure wash the interior to clean out the nest and drive the little buggers away. The net effect for me was that every electrical connection was corroded. After a bunch of cleaning, testing, etc. I now have a truck that functions electrically! I even pulled the blower and cleaned and lubricated it, so that it works somewhat quietly. Also had to dismantle part of the wiper, to get the washers working. Today's project started by trying to find the rest of the parts needed to re-hang my doors. I cleaned out the supply of hing pins and bushings at three different auto parts stores to get enough to do both doors. Since I couldn't find a hinge spring locally, I will wait until next week to get this done. The major project for today - fix the leaks in my transmission. Before today, the trans would leak enough over week or two, that I would have to add fluid just to get it to move. Today I dropped the pan, pulled the driveshaft, and unhooked the shift linkage to replace all of the external seals. The pan was the worst I have ever seen. It looks like the trans must have spent a few years sitting out of a truck in someone's backyard (or pool). The inside of the pan had an area about the size of the palm of my hand that was about 1/8" of rust! Cleaned, straightened, and painted the pan. Replaced the pan gasket. Pulled the shift linkage out of the trans, and replaced the shift shaft seal. Installed a new filter. Then I dropped the driveshaft again, and pulled the output shaft seal. Turns out Napa gave me the wrong seal for that, so I will have to go get the correct one tomorrow morning. Hopefully tomorrow's work will be picture worthy.

03-09-2014, 11:46 AM	#69
Old School Low Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kennewick Wa. (SE part of state) Posts: 247	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread EXCELLENT maintenance work! I need to get confidence tearing apart electrical things. __________________ OLD SCHOOL LOW: 78 Short Wide Heavy Half-Ratty Rod at moment. Old 4blt stroked to 383 Vortecs, Weiand, Scat, Hedman 1 5/8, Howards Roller, .495/500, Scorpion. Leaf flip, cut coils. Make do tires and wheels for now. Slip ahead a year? Sold GMC, bought Harley, got all obsessed doing the biker thing, now starting again w 65 SWB, 283,2bbl, 3 on tree.

03-09-2014, 01:55 PM	#70
Bill Bloggins Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Long Beach Posts: 4	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread That is a nice stance and the grill looks top notch. I think your hands on, thrifty spend over time, and making it mechanically sound up front is the best approach. I have a feeling this is going to be one nice stepper when it is done and thanks for documenting your build.

03-09-2014, 01:58 PM	#71
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Thanks bill!

03-09-2014, 02:37 PM	#72
Voltron_77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: LV, NV Posts: 5	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Great looking truck!

03-09-2014, 10:26 PM	#73
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread I made some more progress today. Started by putting the trans output shaft seal in, and filling the trans back up. Took it for another short test drive and parked it out in the driveway so I could clean up my shop a bit. I had accumulated such a mess that it was getting difficult to work. After that, I decided to tear into a little of the bodywork/rust repair. First on the list was the trim holes in my replacement fender: Attached Images

03-09-2014, 10:27 PM	#74
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread And after a little satin black to cover them back up until the actual bodywork begins... Attached Images

03-09-2014, 10:28 PM	#75
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread Next on the list was the typical driver door sill rust. First I cut out the worst of it. Attached Images Last edited by ChevDog1; 03-09-2014 at 10:46 PM.

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