Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Bought some gauges for X-mas.
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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Saw some really cool seats and interiors by TMI.
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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Now I'm back to the frame issue. Come to find out the frame is jacked up in the front. Took it to a frame shop and they had a hard time with it. Pulled a sheet with measurements from these forums and going to try and correct it myself. After I got it all set up, only place I can find messed up is from the front suspension forward. So im going to try and get it straight, make pockets for the sway bar to sit in, then box the front horns to renforce it.
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Cut the frame where I put the cups in for the rack and pinion. Hopefully this is where I can get it all lined back up.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Here is after the frame shop worked on it. Got it up on stands and got as close as I could to the measurements from before mentioned sheet. See that the frame shop tweaked the front the other way.
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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

So I verified all the measurements, found center of frame on all the sections I thought were good and locked the frame down then jacked the front up and pulled it a few times to the side. Now the frame is with in 1/8 of center line and all the heights are with in a 1/4 of each other. put a few tack welds and a temporary x brace in. Going to lower it down tonight and set frame on ground and check all the measurements again before welding it back up and boxing frame.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Got it down on the ground and all looks pretty good. At least I'm happy with it for moving forward. Real sad I couldn't get any frame shops here in town to help me out. Going to weld it tonight and hopefully box some of the frame rails to strengthen it. Then cut some pockets for the sway bar. Tacked the bumper bolts while I was tacking the frame. Going to try and shave the bumper.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

well got the cups for the steering welded back in. Also got the cups in for raising the sway bar in as well. Frame stiffed up really well. Not going to worry about boxing it.
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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Got the motor and cab back on to start welding up the cab floor.
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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Got started on the drive shaft tunnel. Ran out of cutting wheels half way through. Wife was out so waiting on her to bring me some back. Got bored and started filling in holes. LOL. going to need some putty for sure!! I want to fill in that cab seam as well. Would just welding it then grinding it off be the best bet??

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Almost got done with the drive shaft tunnel, but rain came in and had to stop. Got one weld left along the top. The little Hobart 125 does pretty good with sheet metal.I have gas, but going to wait till I do external stuff.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Killer build bud. Just read the whole thing. Can't wait to see more on it. I'm planning to do something similar with my 86 step.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Thank you. Love the step sides. Good luck with your build. Mines been very low up till this past few weeks. Have some free time, hope to get a lot done next few months.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Well, got the drive shaft tunnel finished. Got the tranny tunnel all tacked in. Hope to finish welding it tomorrow and move onto the fire wall. Want to get rid of the plate for the steering column in engine bay and put an 1/8 in plate on inside. Any know of a nice looking polished or billet steering column thing for the firewall?

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

I may be heading back to Carolina in the future...I'd love to see it in person if that happens.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Yes sir.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Good progress! I would switch to gas. So much cleaner, even when you arent going to see it.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Thank you. Ill use gas on all the outside stuff. Just bought a big roll of flux wire, so going to use it for abit. Not to mention cheap when it comes to the gas, and the gas shop is on the other side of town. LOL.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

almost finished welding tranny tunnel. Need to weld from underside. So moving onto the firewall. Breaking out some parts to see where all is going to check what kind of mods are needed.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

got the steering bracket off the wall. Going to put plate on inner wall to add strength back. Also going to make a plate to mount the gas pedal. So tomorrow going to get out wire harness and see how Im going to mount the circuit panel that was in the firewall as well as the hydro-boost to see how it is going to mount to the firewall. Still looking for suggestions for the ring for the end of the steering column.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Going to roll the pinch welds down on the firewall and shave off the bolts for the parking brake to allow for the filler panel to lay flat.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Hey Rip, this is a cool build! I'm more of a 4x4 and static drop guy, but this one has my attention. You have a good thing going and I respect a guy that can go through the "stuff" with the shop that "stored" your truck and keep going. I know of very talented guys with good resources that have quit on projects because they got so disheartened. I am learning how to let go of unfairness so that I can proceed to a place where I can enjoy myself. You are heading that direction, so keep it up! We're (I am, at least) benefiting in ways that go beyond truck building. Thanks dude.

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Thank you

Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

got the plates welded inside the firewall for the steering column and the AC. Welded some studs to the vintage air plate and drilled out the mounting plate to allow me to install the AC unit later. Got everything fairly flate on the firewall to get ready for the Slosh filler panels.
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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Ground some stuff and cleaned a little to prep the firewall for some Chasis saver paint. Painted the firewall and the backside of filler panels for an extra layer of protection. Still need to fill those couple of holes right behind engine. Ill do those when welding in filler panels.

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Re: 83/84 swb stepside long time build
 

Think I like this Chassis Saver paint. Going to finish welding up my tranny and drive shaft tunnel from the underside. Clean the underside of cab and prep the inner cab floor and spray both with this Chassis Saver paint.