1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Well here I go, I've been on this site for some time. I have decided to do a build thread. I started out on this project because my brother-in-law has a 70 model short bed and I thought well they look cool, so maybe I should get me one. And hell I had the room in the shop. Well it was going to be a DD and not to dump a pile of money in it. (I have a 69 Camaro SS X55 car that I total went through the whole car, ground up restore, Matching numbers). I will just add a pic below to show you how that started. My wife says I never do things have A##. It's just the way I do things I guess. I have been doing this project for a few months now, so I will add pictures and try to catch up, please bare with me as I'am new to the truck scene.:metal:

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Sorry forgot to add the pics. This is what I started with, I used the frame under this truck and the PO had taken all the 5-lug parts from it, so basically he was going to scrap this out. I gave him 500.00 for it. I also will be using the bed and front end, which in the pics, the parts are in the bed. Then I went out and bought a donor truck, I needed a better cab and rear end.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Then of course I started tearing her done to get to the frame, so I could send her out to the Powder coating. I sold almost everything I didn't have a use for.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Here's a couple pics of the camaro, 1st pic is her all down to bare frame and the 2nd is with all new sheet metal.

I will add some chassis pics later on today, when it came back from Powder coating.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Some pictures of the frame and front end, I bought some 2.5 drop spindles for the front and stock coils, the back has 4" drop coils. Just got back from picking up the rear end. I will be putting that in later today.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

More pics of the front end.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Man that looks killer. Cant wait to see more. By the way, that Camaro skeleton looked pretty scary! Amazing job on that too!

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Looking great so far, looks like the plan to go daily driver went out the window. That frame and suspension looks too nice to put it back on the road now :)

The Camaro, I have seen that done a few times but man what a chore. at least they make all of the skins now.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Well I got the rear back from my friend after he rebuilt it with new bearings, seals and brake hardware. I did have a 3:08 in it, but replaced it with a 3:73. I will also be using a 700R tranny. Here are some pics.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Good looking project neighbor. Looks like you are off to a great start.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Thanks neighbor!!!

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

The bed was in what I thought to be great shape, So I tore it all down and I think I may just sand on it. The bed floor is in awesome shape, I will sand blast it and go from there.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

The doors were not to bad, had to do some metal work to them. Turned out pretty good. I also had them soda blasted.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Few more door pics..

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Front end parts also were soda blasted, fenders and hood. They need some work done to them, but still in good shape IMO..

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Hood....

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

That's looking good, seems to be pretty solid. What are your plans for the truck?

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Well the plan is to get all these parts so they are ready for paint, that's one thing I can't do is paint. And hopefully make it a ground thumper.:metal: I want to start on the cab soon, it needs a good bit of metal work. Normal rockers, corners, etc...I will post pics of them soon. I have already started this project and just now decided to start a build thread.

Thanks
Tom

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Nice job!!!

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Thanks for the kind words everyone!!!:chevy:

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Here are some pictures of the cab I will be using, needs some work..

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

More cab Pics...

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Looks like a lil rust repair is in order. I'd like to check this thing out the next time i'm out your way. Looks like you've got a nice big shop to work with.

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

holy smokes....you dont mess around good work

Re: 1971 Short Bed (AKA The Money Pit) Build
 

Let me know when you get over this way, show you around...