'71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

I’m a little late on posting this build. The truck has already been apart for about 15 months now. It is a slow process but it will be worth it when it's done. I have been trying to find good GM replacement parts instead of patching in aftermarket panels, due to the fact that I am a stickler for detail.

My buddy Raymond and our boys from Lewis Milinich Body Shop of Hanford, Ca are the pros doing the work; the credit goes to those guys.

Now about the truck, it is an original Arizona matching number ’71 swb 4x4 and it even came with all the original paperwork from when it was new. I bought it about 3 years ago from AZ and drove it back to CA.

Please feel free to chime in to my past threads for question help.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447285

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444561

These pictures were sent to me from the past owner before I bought the truck.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Some shots taken during the tear down and of wheels I just got back from the polishing shop. They are Mickey Thompson Challengers that took me two years to find. I’m going to keep the rallies too as a spare set.

I am holding on to everything I do change for originality purposes, so it can be a 100% factory again if I decide to change it back. The body,motor, and interior are going to stay the same as it came from ‘71.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Beautiful truck, please tell me you're keeping the original colors because I think the different colors from the factory look awesome! I would drive that sucker just the way it was :)

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Very nice! Those rims will look good.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Thanks, the paint scheme is one of the reasons I bought the truck, because it is very different. It was my daily driver for a while and then I decided to do a ground up on it. I have always wanted a flawless 71/72 swb 4x4.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Do you mind me asking how much you paid for those rims, and where you found them? I know they stopped making them so i pretty much gave up on trying to find a set for my ride.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Nice!

Those rims are bad ass. Are they 15x10 or 15x12's? Im gessing 15x10. I was looking for a set also. I was able to find them local in 15x10 but the guy was asking way to much for them. The other reason I didnt buy them was because I want them in 15x12's.

Good luck on the build, I'll keep an eye on this one.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Thanks, these wheels are 15x12. How much were the 15x10's going for that you found local?

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Awesome truck! I love the colors. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

I found these wheels mounted up on some 33x15.5 Cepeks used in Santa Maria, Ca (central coast) at a tire dealership. The tires had about 90% tread left on them. I really wanted just the wheels but they would not separate the two. I paid $1800 for the set and was able to sell the tires for $600 later. $1200 is about what they were new.

I also just found a brand new set of 31x13.5 M/T Baja Belted tires to mount up the wheels. That was another near impossible find. I think they will be a sweet combo.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Thanks for the kind words bpeters5814.




I had the tires and wheels mounted last weekend.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

[QUOTE=nick70;4508150]I found these wheels mounted up on some 33x15.5 Cepeks used in Santa Maria, Ca (central coast) at a tire dealership. The tires had about 90% tread left on them. I really wanted just the wheels but they would not separate the two. I paid $1800 for the set and was able to sell the tires for $600 later. $1200 is about what they were new.

S***! I live in SM, nice find. Was the ad on Craigslist for that dealer? The guy with the 15x10's wanted $1,000 no less. I would pay that for the 15x12's no problem but not the 15x10. If you ever decide to sell them let me know.;)

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

[quote=CTENTA1;4552087]The wheels were posted on race-dezert.com from the dealer.

$1,000 bucks is a little high for used 15x10's but a fair price if they were brand new. You will have the first offer if I ever do decide to sell.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

We’re making progress! The frame and axles are back from the powder coating shop. The next steps are to have the suspension and a few of the brake components powder coated, and then axles can be assembled. From their we will focus on rolling chassis.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Great looks awesome!
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Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

very nice truck! that powdercoat on the frame and axles look awesome!

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Thanks guys. The pictures truly do no justice. I was skeptical at first because I was that hard up on keeping the chassis and body original as possible, but I am glad I went this rout instead. Does anyone know where I can find a set of clean OE hubs? (The hubs with the blue plastic centers) I would be willing to trade my warn hubs for the right set, possibly a small amount money too if necessary. -Thanks

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Nice truck never saw that paint scheme before,usually the other way around green with white.I like it,it's different,(KOOL)

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

The powdercoated frame and axles are a class act. You already have an amazing truck here. Keep up the good work and nice find with those rims too.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Axles are assembled with new shafts, bearings, and seals. Now we have a complete roller. The motor is being rebuilt and body work is starting. It’s taking some time, but it’ll be done right.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Nice truck !!!

Mine's at about the same stage as yours & same colors but reversed !

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

Gary
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Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Very nice! Subscribed!

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

The awesome staff at Goodmark Industries hooked me up with a new steel bed floor. The original floor wasn't bad. I just want this truck to be as true and straight as possible. It's all in the detail.

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

It's coming along really nice Nick70. Im glad to see your still going at it. What are your plans for the engine?

Re: '71 Classic 4x4 SWB build
 

Really Nice! Following along for sure.