Quick update for those who have been asking

[bigblock73]

Some of you have been asking how the truck has been coming, here is a quick update. Got the bed back last night from the painter, all bodywork has been completed, and is awaiting final paint when the rest of the truck is ready. The underside has been final painted as has the rear bed panel between the cab and bed. The floor only will be line-x'd, color matched yellow, everything else will be painted body color. What has been done to the bed? Obviously gas door mod, new GM front bed panel, stake pockets, both gas doors, and 20+ other holes (PO additions) have been welded shut. The cross sills were notched to clear the shackles and fuel sender, and were also boxed in the give it a finished look. As you can see, the tires fit perfect...BIG thanks to all of you who helped me pick the right size...I am VERY pleased! I will get some more daylight/outside pictures this weekend, as these were taken at 10PM last night.

[Slonaker]

Looks good, Jeff!

Slonaker

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by Slonaker

Looks good, Jeff!

Slonaker

Thanks man.

I got your E-mail a while ago, but haven't replied...been busy with this, work, and house stuff. I actually haven't done anything 73-87.com recently.

I hope this post answered your questions.

[killthewabbit]

As someone who's been a reader of your site since the Ervin days (even before it was named 73-87.com), I say congrats on making big progress on ol' Yeller. It'll be nice to see that truck back on the road.

[hiway]

I love that color! Nice work.

[boatpuller]

wow,thats looking good.

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Thanks man.

I got your E-mail a while ago, but haven't replied...been busy with this, work, and house stuff. I actually haven't done anything 73-87.com recently.

I hope this post answered your questions.

No problem. I'm glad to see you are making progress.

Slonaker

[N2TRUX]

Progress is good...

[84 400]

looking sweet!!!

[SCOTI]

Jeff..... Refresh my memory: What were the final tire/wheel sizes selected?

[boxrodz]

Jeff-
It's really coming along. I dig those clean build-up pics.
It's gonna look real nice when done.

BTW, cool door decor hanging on the wall.

[boxrodz]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Jeff..... Refresh my memory: What were the final tire/wheel sizes selected?

Scoti-
225/70 and 275/60s. Check the 40th post on page 2 of his thread, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=198616&page=1.

[7T7]

WOW! That’s looking GREAT!!
Isn’t it going to be nice to reclaim your garage and have a completed truck?

[bigblock73]

Thanks for all the compliments guys, much appreciated! It looks like the front will have to come down a little lower, about an inch or so. Right now the back sits lower than the front...no good! I will however wait until the truck is assembled completely before I go and make suspension adjustments. Chris, if you are reading this, you were right.

killthewabbit, WoW...you have been a visitor of the site for quite some time! That is cool, hope you are still enjoying it and pleased with how it has evolved over time.

Scoti & Marcus, both of you were very helpful in my tire selection process...I am tickled pink with how they look and fit in the wheel wells...can't wait to puch it outside and get some better pics of them.

Frank, everytime I bolt something on the truck I grin from ear to ear and say to myself "Ahhh...more garage space AND one less thing to reassemble!"

[Eyegore]

Jeff, like what you've done, never really been a big fan of yellow, but yours looks awesome.Is it a 73? do you know how hard it is to locate a 73 short bed? I've been watching the papers and craigslist for some time now w/o any success, keep sending updates.

[bigblock73]

Eyegore, yes, my truck is a '73. I don't know how hard it is to locate a '73 shortbed, but I do know it is pretty hard to locate a good '73-76? tailgate.

I never noticed how much Chevrolet tailgates changed thruought the 73-87 years...I bet there are at least four different variations...plus the GMC counterparts.

[Eyegore]

I've seen a couple tailgates pop up around here on craigslist so i'll keep my eyes open and let you know if i find one (no rust out here).
Were still waiting for my sons truck to get back from the paint shop-going on 3 months now. He installed two of those gas doors you mounted in your bed so were anxious to see how they turned out.
Take care.

Tom

[Low84]

Looks sweet! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[f.monroe]

Do you mind me asking where you found a new GM front bed panel ? I tried to buy one at the dealer and they said it was discontinued . I havent been able to find one on Ebay either . Frank

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by f.monroe

Do you mind me asking where you found a new GM front bed panel ? I tried to buy one at the dealer and they said it was discontinued . I havent been able to find one on Ebay either . Frank

I purchased it at a dealer about three years ago. Have you tried calling a different dealer? I say that because I get different answers from different dealers sometimes...some say some parts are not available, while others say they can still get it. I also find prices vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer. Makes me curious as to what the real deal is when placing my orders.

Oh, one more thing. I wouldn't hesitate to buy an aftermarket bed panel. Even though this panel is a GM part, it was still made in Mexico and the fit was not that great for my '73 box. I had to hog out a couple holes, and the bed panel had two less mounting holes than my stock '73 had...I am assuming this panel is designed for a later 80's type box.