76 Stepside Resto
 

Hi All,
After many years I am back. I could not remember my password so I had to create a new account. The link to my previous thread for this project is:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=286267

This project has been a long time coming. A lot has changed over the years as well as my plans for the truck, we'll sort of. The last post of my old thread I had just put the truck back together. Well, it is completely torn apart again, down to frame. The new plans are:

- Porterbuilt Front drop member, A arms, Coilovers, and rack & pinion
- Porterbuilt Rear 4 Link, Coilovers
- Porterbuilt Chassis Stiffener
- LQ9 6.0 swap, cam kit, and prep for Turbo setup
- 4L60E Level 3 built by Bow tie Overdrives
- 9" Full float Rear end with disc brakes built by Schriener Enterprises
- CPP Front Big Brake Kit
- POL Rear mount Aluminum Fuel Tank

All my parts are finally here and I thought it would be a good idea to start a new thread and try to keep a step-by-step of what I've done. And yes, a lot more pictures to come!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

After it was completely striped to a rolling chassis, I took it to a local shop and had it put on a frame rack. They were able to pull it into with 1/8" square. Probably way overkill, but I figure with the money I'm spending might as well make it right.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

I ordered a Schriener Enterprises Ford 9" Full Float Rear end. Custom built for my application. It will be getting 4.10" gears and a Detroit Trutrac. This should handle my 700HP goal!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

If you ever wanna adopt a fully grown kid let me know lol.Looks and sounds like a good build so far.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Looks like this is gonna make me jealous!!! Keep us posted on the progress

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Got the Rear 4-Link kit today! All I can say is this is some seriously high quality parts. Well worth the 9 week wait. Gonna get started on the install tonight. More pics to follow.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So I started to tear down further and prep for the C-notch. Pulled the old 12 bolt rear and leafs. And after staring at all the parts imagining how they go together, I realized the area on the driver side where the stock shock goes has a bent ear for reinforcement, it has to go! It will not allow the top aft crossmember/pan hard bar mount to go into place.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

This one is going to be cool.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So I've decided I'm going to try and put as much detail on here for this suspension install. Nate at Porterbuilt has been very helpful, but they do not have a detailed instruction/guidelines write up for 73-87 c-10 as of yet. They are working on it.

Here is the 1st issue I've ran across. Driver side frame where the factory bump stop was located. The frame is bent down, probably for reinforcement. The new crossmember/panhard bar mount has a channel that goes on top and bottom of the frame and bolts on. This bent section of the frame prevents the the crossmember from going into position. I made the executive decision to cut the piece off. Hours later I while fitting the 2 piece C-notch I realized that was a bad call. The lower bolts holes for the notch and the crossmember are on the edge of the frame with no meat to drill. I will be welding a piece back on and making it right.

Not sure what the correct and easy route might be. Maybe if I had my torch setup, heat it up, bent it straight, trim the extra. Too late now. Don't make my mistake.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Besides that, got some other stuff done today. Driver side C-notch installed. Driver and passenger Front 4 Link mounts installed.

On a side note: The lower forward bolt holes on the driver and passenger side both have to be drilled for the Front 4 Link mounts. The hole in the bracket does not line up with the leaf spring mount holes.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So for today's update, it looks like I accomplished a lot but it's mostly visual progress. I got both C-notches installed. Also got the 2 main crossmember bolted in. And while taking a beer break I decided to mock up the fuel tank. Amazingly perfect fit! Was a little concerned when I bought the tank.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Wow this is impressive - I was just beginning to understand the 4/6 drop and now this...This is looking like some high level setup going on here.

Congratulations on the progress it looks like it will be top notch.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Got my 2nd wind after some lunch. Got the 4 link bars assembled and installed. Along with positioning the rear end and dropping in the panhard bar. Finished off the day with getting the rear crossmember installed. I was able to use existing rivet holes, 2 on each side. Instead of drilling new holes for the other 4 bolts, I've decided to weld in this piece. Between assembly, disassembly, road trip to and from powdercoat, and reassembly, I don't want to throw off my frame that was just squared. Also thinking about welding in the Chassis brace. That will be delivered tomorrow so we shall see.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Shugalou. I have been planning this for years. If you checked out my 1st thread, all the pics from the beginning are there. Started in 2002. I was also looking at just the standard 4/6 drop. But after realizing I wanted an LS swap and big power plans, suspension became a big concern to put the power down. My whole Front End Kit shows up tomorrow, so I'll be getting those pics up soon.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Today's delivery! Once again, amazing quality.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Completely stock 40 year old front end. Installed Energy suspension bushings about 10 years ago. Got the tie-rods and gear box off before I took the pic.

The new drop member is a work of art! Finished off the night by getting the engine mount trusses in place and top hats.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Yeah you gotta love nate he won't sell anything ugly.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

:thud:
frame porn

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Dang son!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Ha, here's today's Frame Porn pics!

Made some progress. Only had a few hours today. Decided to play with the Chassis Stiffener a bit. Not done yet. Also got me rear Coilovers in today.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So while installing the front end top hats, and reading the Drop member installation guide, it says if the 3 holes on the top of the frame do not line up to contact Porterbuilt. My frame only had 2 holes on top and only 1 lined up. I sent Nate some pics and my concerns, he responded quickly and told me to go ahead and open up the existing frame holes and drill the missing ones. Doesn't look like I'll have much time to get stuff done tomorrow but hopefully Sunday I get find some time.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

By far the most time consuming part of this build so far has been the Chassis Stiffener. It doesn't seem like much but after figuring out the rear bracket locations from Nates CAD drawings, positioning the brace in place and locating the center and forward bracket I probably had 4+ hours into it. A big part of it is making sure all the hardware is loose.

But the Stiffener is in. I also finished drilling and bolting in the front Top Hats.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Lookin good TurboLS

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

this is a wesome build so far love where your going with the frame, i have a 83 stepside im planning a LS swap and a turbo, gonna watch this for sure. keep up the work and pics coming

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

I love coming home from work to find surprise deliveries!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psiosct2uv.jpg
CPP Big Brake kit, Modular 2" Drop Spindles, 13" Drilled and Slotted Rotors with 52mm Dual Piston Calipers, Stainless Steel Lines, and my power Rack & Pinion.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So here are a few pics of todays progress!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...ps1frgdsyb.jpg
I think I received too long of bolts for the upper A arms, so I purchased 2 3/4" bolts from my local hardware store. They were still a bit too long, so I ground down one about 1/4", now it fits perfect!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psv4xntsjl.jpg
Upper & Lower installed with upper Ball Joint.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psnlefetxt.jpg
Both sides on, plus Rack Installed and motor mounts.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

I also put together my rear coilovers. Not sure anyone cares, but i could not find a step-by-step anywhere online so....
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psozbwit2n.jpg
Everything laid out.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...ps4jbqu9sv.jpg
Lower ring threaded on and also lower plastic washer.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psbjqdfn4s.jpg
You have to remove the Adjustment knob to install the upper ring.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psdspfllys.jpg
Slide the coil on followed by the top washer.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psn92ae5hf.jpg
Install the top ring, then install the snap ring onto the top of the shock. This locks the top ring into place.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psmth6frha.jpg
Tighten the lower ring until its snug and reinstall the adjustment knob. Not that hard. But took me a minute since I dont play with Coilovers everyday.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...pscr9tblx8.jpg
The lower ring has a screw for a Lock-down once tightened and ride height set.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4...psfrpllnb6.jpg
Also kinda cool, I did not realize these are Fox Shocks. I thought Fox was its own brand.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So now the question of the day. Too Powdercoat, or Not too Powdercoat?

This has been on mind mind for a while. I want to get parts coated, but when? I know I need to mock-up my suspension 1st. It needs to have tires on the ground, engine and tranny installed so i can set me rear pinion angle and finish my welding. But to put the front end on the ground I need the lower ball joints pressed in. So, to prevent me from pressing them in, pressing them out for coating, then back in again for final assembly, im going to get all my front end parts coated now. Does that make sense?

Some of you might say install the motor and tranny, set the rear end at ride height and set pinion angle. And that would work. I just dont think I would be comfortable with that weight on 2 jack stands for days. I do live in California, EARTHQUAKES!! But if i could get the front put together, tires on the ground than the only thing on jack stands will be the rear. No biggie.

I may be over thinking this, but too much money invested to gamble with. Sorry for the rant.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

The reason for the long bolts is so you can shim the upper control arm and set the camber and caster.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

I understand that. But they are TOO long. And do not allow the A arm to be installed. The Coilover mount is in the way. I had to grind down 1 bolt to make the arm actually bolt on.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Nice build.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So I didn't want too, but to prevent an additional disassembly in the future, I torn down everything, boxed it up and dropped it off for Powdercoat. Will have it all back next Tuesday. This gives me some time to clean up and focus on what's next.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So got back all my parts from Powdercoat today. They look damn good! I'll get pics of that stuff up soon.

For now I've started to clean up the frame. Weld up all unnecessary holes basically. I figured I'm here, might as well do it and get to play with the new welder at the same time. Should have all the holes filled and ground flat by tomorrow, then frame off to get Mediablasted.

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

looking real nice

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Checking in for this one, need to see more coilover kits on the 73-87 c10s! Looks sweet so far!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Got a few things done today. I decided the C-Notch that was cut from the frame did not make me feel comfortable. With Porterbuilts Notch installed its major BEEF. But when it's not on there is not much frame left in that area. And I need to transport the frame to and from the Blasting shop where they will be moving the frame around and flipping it over.

So, I took some 2"x3/16" flat stock and bent it to the shape of the notch then welded it in. Yes, I know, the welds look like crap. But I had to run multiple Tack welds instead of continuous to prevent warping. I was planning on grinding the bottom anyway.

Also decided to fix my problem of not enough frame on the bottom to bolt the Notch plates and rear crossmember on. I had to cut a section out completely where the frame originally curved down. Then took the same 3/16" plate and welded that in. I set the notch plates on and it fits perfect!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Thanks Muthstryker. I agree, too many Bagged C10s out there. Bags are cool, but I don't care for layin frame. I'm in it for performance. Bags might be a nice balance between comfort and performance, but there is a reason race cars don't run bags!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

So been busy at work the last 2 weeks, but was finally able to get the frame done. Well primered anyway. Took hours to fill and grind all the unnecessary holes in the frame. Did I have to, No. But I think it's gonna look pretty damn good after I lay down black.

Got the frame to my Powder Coat shop for media blasting. Was expecting it tomorrow. But he fit me in between other jobs and got it done in 2 hours. Even delivered to my house. Was well worth it!

Got 2 good coats of Etch Primer down tonight. Light scuff tomorrow then shoot black. This thing is finally moving forward!:metal:

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Daily update.... The frame is painted! Came out great. Once again proving, prep is key. Yes, the back 1 1/2 feet of frame is still in primer. Once the C notch and crossmember are back in place I'm going to remove the rear crossmember to finish cleaning up that part of the frame. Could not get the grinder in there with it in place.

Also got the forward 4 link mounts installed. And I know the kit was designed to handle the stress but I did not feel comfortable with my whole rear suspension riding on 4 bolts per side. So I went ahead and burned in the brackets. 4 stitch welds per side. They came out clean enough for Mig, and gonna make it that much stronger.

Starting tomorrow, this project is gonna get kicked into high gear!!!

Re: 76 Stepside Resto
 

Looking good! I wouldnt worry about warping 3/16'' steel unless you are running a bead thats really long (I keep most of mine under 6 inches).

The bolts would have probably been enough (something else will break before them). I would make sure you have enough paint or seam sealer (or weld) to make sure no water gets in between the mounts and the frame.

There is a local C10 club in San Jose that has weekly meets (mine isnt running so I havent had the pleasure to join) they are on instagram if you are interested.