1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Well, after moving my previous build on (see Chalky White) and a small foray into the dark side (73-80 trucks), I've regained a little sanity and am back with a 1971 GMC short wide.

It's a pretty solid truck with a, what I believe, unusual factory motor / tranny combo - I6 with a th350. It's in primer now but has had the rockers, cab corners replaced, a floor patch and some emblem holes and cargo light filled. Mostly original except for the tailgate and the driver door, it was originally 519 Dark Yellow with the D89 paint stripe (think inflation fighter). Virtually dent/ding free but has some rust bubbles I just noticed on the inside headliner above the windshield (yikes), needs some seam sealer put back in the drip rail as well as a new inner fender and battery tray, and upon further inspection I've noticed some rust in the firewall and under a poorly patched floor pan (Geez!) Also, it has a rattle can job on the interior but it has a decent bench seat and newly soundproofed cab floor.

Most of the parts will be sourced either from CL or via board members. I'm trying to keep my eye on the budget but as the title suggests, not really sure where I'm going with the build. Per usual, my good friend and board member biohazardbill will be giving me a hand with the motor swap, etc. Hoping to have my garage at my new house up-and-running soon so I can do a lot of the work myself.

EDIT: Sold the Coys (undecided on wheels) and likely going full Porterbuilt at some level. Motor install in progress.

Now, on to the pics...

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Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

It looks great ,I wondered when you were going to reappear .Im all in for this one . I was hoping it was originally green as I let one get away many years a go and still wonder where it went .It was rust free and dent free too ,still mad at myself over that one .

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

very nice! i think i've seen that engine setup posted somewhere before.....CL? and tbss manifolds?

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Checking in from Austell..I too have a 71 except I have a 67/68 front end (buckets also well) and i'm just going with the jeggs crate 350 look right now..

True

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Thanks, John. Good seeing you this evening. Really enjoyed catching up with you. You've always got some cool parts hanging around the shop.

Thanks! I bought it off CL from a guy in Columbus. It's an '02 with pretty high mileage but he knew the history on the motor, cleaned it up and painted it GM blue, and I got a steal on it.

That's awesome, True. Think you'd checked in on my other build too. Glad you're checked in here too.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Robbie ,Remind me later on if you need them ,I have front side marker lights somewhere .I will just designate a No Direction spot in the corner for you . Seatbelts needed ?

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Looks like a nice start to me...

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Nice start!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Sounds good to me! Thanks, john. It actually has markers attached but I guess they were unscrewed for primer. They're just laying in the fender wells. And to be honest, I can't remember on the seat belts. I'll be glad to take them off your hands either way. Just start that corner and I'll come sift through it. :metal:

Thanks!
Thanks, Chuck. Means a lot coming from you.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Looks like you've got a good plan, hopping onboard for the ride.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Thanks, Jarrod!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Good looking start! I can't wait to see updates.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Thanks, Duane! Still love your truck. Looks great!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Anyone have any suggestions for an aluminum radiator for this build?

I have read up on Be Cool, Griffin, and Ron Davis and seem to be leaning toward Griffin since they are all hand fabricated but wanted to see if any of you have any thoughts before I go spending $600 on a nice radiator.

Thanks!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

I somehow missed this one. Doesn't look like I'm too late. For having no direction, looks like you off to a good start. Love the wheels.

As far as radiator, I would lean towards the Griffin but no real reason other than heard nothing but good things. I've got a stock big-block truck radiator I'm going to use in my swap.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Robbie ,there is a local vendor in Acworth ,made to order ,they are members here too .I wish I had known about them when I was looking .I will try to find their name if you like .

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Thanks! I really like the satin Coys too. And we're just getting started here. Just starting to compile some more parts for the engine swap (radiator, carb, ignition, flexplate, etc). Should be a fun few months!

Yes, John. Would definitely like their info. I'd rather go local if I can. Thanks!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

R and D Fabrication
404-954-1662

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Just checked out their website and they seem very reasonable and even tailor them to an LS swap for no additional charge. Fully welded with no epoxy too. Thanks for the recommendation, John. I'll likely be giving these guys a call.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

i have the griffin rad in mine :)

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

If this is important to you, stay away from Be Cool. I've never used one, but I've heard several times that they use epoxy to hold their radiators together.

I have a factory style copper/brass unit in my C10, but I had an aluminum radiator made for my GTO by PRC http://www.prchotrod.com/ They fully weld everything, and it's made to order as well. Just another option for you. They even made my AC Condenser and a fan shroud (included a SPAL fan).

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Excellent! Thanks for the recommendation.

Now that is very helpful advice. Appreciate it!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

no epoxy found on mine. ill snap a few pix when i get home today. kinda wish it was the ls conversion model now but oh well lol

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Yeah, I think the Griffins are fully welded. Post up some pics when you can!

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

...Griffin does use epoxy as part of it's process in finishing some of their fully welded radiators - NOT Becool. I hear a lot about the potential for something going wrong with this, but know many who use them and are happy.

This seems to be the main issue in the Griffin vs Becool debate. Both seem to be well thought out designs, however there are others out there that appear to be quality USA made - like PRC Performance, C & R racing and R and D fabrication. (None of these use epoxy).... food for thought.

..also hear lots of comments both ways, positive/negative, about "less expensive" radiators & Ebay radiators - really hard to know what should influence one in making a choice (I'm looking for a new radiator, too).

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Hey Robbie, You done with this thing yet? :D

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Very helpful info. Thank you. I'm leaning toward RnD Fab when the time comes.

Very funny, Jason. :smoke: I'm still buying parts and saving money for more parts. Hope to have the motor in and up and running by the end of the year.

I did score some CPP drop springs from a board member so that helps in the altitude department.

You just keep on making us all look bad with your cool burb! :metal:

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

No huge progress on the truck itself. Still gathering parts.

Today I picked up some CPP drop springs from fellow board member bdeese and a new Hughes flexplate and hub adapter to adapt either the th350 I have in the truck or the 700r4 I have but needs rebuilding.

Baby steps but steps, nonetheless. Next up? Carb and ignition.

http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/...psnigfckkz.jpg

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

I love new parts and old parts . I have had no time to add to your parts pile yet ,need to get to digging .Im trying to plan out a new building for the future but will get out to the shop soon I hope .

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Good luck, and go georgia boys . Good to see another local on the board and doing a build. I've done many ls swaps in 67-87 trucks so let me know if you have any ?'s

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Thanks, John. And no worries. I'll come up and help you dig through it all one day. I just appreciate all your help and advice. Good luck with the new shop plans!

Thanks! I've seen your stepper somewhere recently but can't think of where. Really sharp truck! And thanks for the offer. I've had a lot of awesome board members offer to help and it's much appreciated.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

At least you have parts to show! I've been waiting on mine. Hoping they arrive tomorrow. Not that I have the time to work on the truck. :lol:

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Bummer! Whatcha waitin' on?

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Nevermind, slowcpe. Shoulda known it was Porterbuilt. Worth the wait.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Hey Robbie, any new progress or maybe some more new parts showing up over there?

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

No new progress but planning to order some more parts this weekend

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Progress, progress.

My good buddy and board member biohazardbill got the motor pulled today. He's heading up north for a week but should be getting the new motor in when he gets back. Buying the MSD 6LS this weekend.

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Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Nice. Yore passing me on progress.

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

I'm lucky to have a little help from my friends. :metal:

Re: 1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build
 

Another key part in. Ordered from Summit Friday morning, here on Saturday morning.

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