1980 Stepside Build... My first build thread

[ChevDog1]

Got a bunch of the interior installed over the weekend.

Passenger door is assembled with all new felts, door panel, etc.

[ChevDog1]

Drivers door:

[green72s]

Fantastic progress, congratulation! The truck is coming out super nice.

Good luck on the flooring, you may want to take a look at this thread (starting at #206), it describes some of the challenges in installing what looks like the same type of rubber flooring.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=636927&page=9

[ChevDog1]

Thanks for the tip. I may just pick up a heat gun on my way home and see if that makes the install easier.

[rusty76]

Glad to see you getting some stuff done.

[ChevDog1]

Here's a little more.

[MalibuSSwagon]

What brand is that rubber mat?

[Low Elco]

Great lookin interior!

[Low Elco]

Really lookin' good!

I have the same problem in my square. Three rounds so far. This last time, I razored off and cleaned with alcohol then their stuff. Good so far, but it's been up at my dad's, away from the 14 and 12 year old abuse.

What do you use to set your caster?

[ChevDog1]

It was tracking straight before, so i just removed an equal number of shims from the front and rear of the control arm. I'll take it for a spin tonight after I set the toe and see if it's still ok. If not, I may have to get technical and use the formulas to calculate caster by measuring camber at full lock left and right.

[ChevDog1]

Spent some more time yesterday working on the carb. Raised the float level about 1/8" and now the bog is almost completely gone. Floored it from a dead stop in the rain, and it spun 1 tire through first and second gear! Goes pretty good for a little six. If I have time this afternoon before family shows up (we start Christmas today...) I'm going to try and fine tune the alignment a bit, so I can drive it to work tomorrow!

[ChevDog1]

I got a bunch of last minute details worked out in his afternoon. It is now up in my garage awaiting tomorrow mornings commute!

Wish me luck.....

[green72s]

Truck is looking great! Sounds like it's running great too. You should have a perfect commute.

[tinydb84]

Gorgeous truck! I don't know if I missed it but is this the first time you painted? It looks great!

[ChevDog1]

Thank you!

It's not the first time I've painted, but it has been quite a while since I did it last. I did my 72 Blazer back in about 1993, and my 72 GMC in 1997. Comes back surprisingly easy after 17 years. I spent a lot of time worrying and putting it off because I was afraid that I'd screw it up. I have never shot an interior before, and planning that out concerned me.

The pictures make it look a bit better than it actually is. Turns out I can spray pretty decent, but my bodywork skills are a bit lacking. I'm hoping that it gets a bit better after I cut and buff. wasn't trying for show quality (I just don't have the patience for that...), and it looks pretty decent for an old driver.

[tinydb84]

I saw the first build thread title and was thinking...damn everyone is so good at this ****!
lol

[ChevDog1]

Not my first build.... my first build THREAD!

[3drburb]

Your truck came out very nice, you did an awesome job on it and nailed the stance.

I see that you are Banks OR., I picked up a 63 Nova wagon from there about 10 years ago, it was the wildest tow I have ever done but it's was beautiful and quite down there.

[68Timber]

Too cool, especially with the 6.

[ChevDog1]

Thanks for the kind words. Yesterday's drive was a bit of a shakedown run, and I found a few things that still need work. Going to try and get some of the details wrapped up this weekend, as I have four days off for Christmas.

Hopefully I will be driving it full time after the holidays.

[bh86]

I really like this truck. Two thumbs up from me!

[ChevDog1]

Well, I finally got started on color sanding and buffing the paint yesterday. I've been putting it off because wet sanding in cold temps is no fun (it sucks when its warm out, and is way worse when it's cold). So far, I have sanded the hood, drivers front fender, and drivers door. Used 800 sparingly for only heavy peel and defects, flattened with 1200, then finished with 2000. After I got started, I discovered that I'm out of cutting compound, so I tried to buff it with a polishing compound and a wool pad. It wasn't aggressive enough, so I will have to pick up some cutting compound today and go back over it.

[ChevDog1]

The photos showing sanded panels have been finished at 2000

[ChevDog1]

The hood here has been sanded and polished, the fender is just sanded.

[ChevDog1]

Some preliminary polishing - still need to go over this again.