1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Saved a '71 burb from an early death as a "Crew cab" donor body a few years back.

Now, doing a 4wd / LQ9/4L65E conversion. Sourced a 8" lifted '70 4wd 'burb chassis that was modded to fit a LWB truck. Unf*cking it so 'burb body fits back on it was step one, and rebuilding everything.

Attachment 2245699

Attachment 2245700

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Drivers side rocker/floor. Very clean

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Roamed the backroads of northern AR

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

3rd door rocker repair

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Passenger door rocker repair

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

I will be doing a conversion on a Longhorn. Got all my parts from a 72 Burb 4X4 that is getting beefed up.

Smitty

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Keep the pics coming Nav, looking good so far!

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Smitty,

The rear body mounts are different in truck VS. 'Burb. I'm looking for 4wd 'burb body mounts for the #4 position(above the front leaf spring mount) forward of the rear axle. Since you won't be using them when mounting the Longhorn bed, I'll buy them from you when you remove them. Let me know

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Pass rocker complete; rotted cowl spot repaired. Damn critters...🤣

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Glad you saved that. Looks too clean to have been cut up for a crew cab. I like the direction that you are taking this. Will follow along for sure.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Good job!

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Spent some "nasty time" on my back with a pressure pot sandblaster, doing some underfloor cleanup. Still need to get under there and touch up some areas again this week, but looking pretty clean so far.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

More underfloor cleanup; qtr panel rot on pass side behind 3rd door; and pass floorboard all cleaned up.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

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That thing still looks pretty clean. It would be nice to find one like that around here....

LockDoc

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Great work! I for one are very glad you saved it.

I'm pretty sure Flynavy30 will be following your progress.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Found a full front sway bar setup off a late 70s square body to install. After sandblasting crossmember and swaybar, got it all mocked up and positioned in place. Had to redrill new holes into the frame for the new crossmember and swaybar mounting brackets. Now to order new bushings all around, and get it all repainted. Will no doubt have to modify the original style front brake lines, due to different mounting angle of new crossmember.

$50 well spent 👍

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

My bad,
I was saying I was converting a 2wd Longhorn to 4WD with a suspension from a 72 Burb. I'm using the Longhorn frame and it is already leafs in the back. The whole front with mounts came off the Burb.

My buddy is doing a conversion and I will see what brackets he is not using.

Smitty

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Been a few weeks since last worked on the truck.

Got the section between 3rd door and rear wheel replaced. Just the outer panel was swiss cheesy.

Patch panel fit reasonably well; but lower contour was more curved than original. Had to make some relief cuts to make it match 3rd door rocker contour.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Sandblasted and painted inner quarter area. Relief cuts on front of patch made it line up with rocker nicely. Welded up patch, ground it down flush, ready for a skim coat to blend in the two panels.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Next up is right rear quarter. Lots of little swiss cheese holes to fix; especially around the reverse light area. Good thing the patch panels cover that area. Didnt get the triangular rear inner patches, but will probably have to replace those as well. Wont know til old lower quarter is cut away

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

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Lookin' good so far....

LockDoc

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Cut away the bad part of the passenger side rear qtr. Still have to trim patch panel, and cut away bad reverse light area. Then sandblast away the rust, prime and paint inner qtr arwa. Will probably take out spare tire well out afterwards and blast/repaint it.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Nice work

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Sandblasting and coating the understructure.

Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd conversion build
 

Fitting, cutting and rewelding of patch panel.

PS. It doesnt fit well around the rear area of qtr near the tailight.