Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

matthew20061 · 12-13-2010, 01:43 PM

Picked up this old 71 the other day. It had been sitting for years untouched, and original in someones driveway. It has the classic 6 cylinder and 3 speed on the column. When we bought it the guy said the motor was bad and didn't run right. After we got it home washed off all the tree sap and buildup of leafs we found this:

Original Alaska Sales and Service sticker? Must be an original Alaska truck.

After being cleaned up I dropped a new battery in, checked the oil (looked fine), filled up with antifreeze, and put some new gas in it fired right up!!!

Runs perfect even idles perfectly makes no ticks, knocks or anything absolutely amazing.

50bomb · 12-13-2010, 01:48 PM

nice..Good job bringing that ol' beast to life. Enjoy

Putter · 12-13-2010, 02:05 PM

Power steering AND a 'much desired' air cleaner? Wow!

Vintage Windmills · 12-13-2010, 02:30 PM

Think thats the SPID with the fewest options ive seen so far! They must have added the power steering and brakes later.

Love the green/green.

Stubbs67 · 12-13-2010, 02:38 PM

SWEET FIND, could have been dealer installed options... I guess

also, change the oil, before a bearing spins!

57larry · 12-13-2010, 07:20 PM

what a great find

Mike C · 12-13-2010, 08:20 PM

Cool truck. Amazing the owner didn't think it ran? Makes you wonder why it was parked. FWIW, all '71-'72 trucks had discs standard.

matthew20061 · 12-13-2010, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Cool truck. Amazing the owner didn't think it ran? Makes you wonder why it was parked. FWIW, all '71-'72 trucks had discs standard.

I don't think the owner really knew anything about it, that's why he assumed it didn't run right. It's sort of amazing it doesn't even have a misfire at idle with the ancient cap and rotor and the sanded points and ancient gas mixed with some new. It's got factory front discs so I assume the power brakes are original they sure look like it at least. The power steering looks original as well but who knows could have been added. We really bought it as a parts truck but now we hate to tear into it being so original.

72BlckButy · 12-14-2010, 08:31 AM

Nice rescue!

So what are your plans for it?

Would you mind posting a few pictures of the powersteering setup on the inline? Looking for some detailed pics if possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Cool truck. Amazing the owner didn't think it ran? Makes you wonder why it was parked. FWIW, all '71-'72 trucks had discs standard.

Disc brakes were an option in '71, which is reason for the sticker on the tailgate.

**special-K** · 12-14-2010, 08:11 AM

I like that truck!Good eye on the added power steering and brakes...which required a special air cleaner.It looks like whoever bought that new had the dealer add these by way of the parts dept.disc brakes were introduced in '71,but power brakes remained an option.

Mark B · 12-14-2010, 09:02 AM

I'd like more pics of the power steering set up too!
Mark

**RenoKeene** · 12-14-2010, 09:41 AM

Great RESCUE.....I think it wants to be driven!

**special-K** · 12-14-2010, 11:26 AM

It appears the original steering wheel didn't survive.It's amazing that a blue wheel did better.They seem to not last as well as other colors.I guess it's high heat that gets them and there's not a whole lot of that up there.

Not to differ,but...all '71s had disc brakes.All 5-lugs are disc brake and all '71 2wds are 5-lug.You won't find disc brakes listed on any SPID.The sticker is to show off the new feature.It's like when fuel injection was introduced in '87 all trucks had a fuel injection emblem on the tailgate.

matthew20061 · 12-14-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

It appears the original steering wheel didn't survive.It's amazing that a blue wheel did better.They seem to not last as well as other colors.I guess it's high heat that gets them and there's not a whole lot of that up there.

Not to differ,but...all '71s had disc brakes.All 5-lugs are disc brake and all '71 2wds are 5-lug.You won't find disc brakes listed on any SPID.The sticker is to show off the new feature.It's like when fuel injection was introduced in '87 all trucks had a fuel injection emblem on the tailgate.

Interesting, it's too bad it doesn't have the original wheel, although our other 1970 K20 long bed has a blue survivor wheel as well with some cracking. They definitely don't see much heat up here that's for sure.

Pop's C-10 · 12-14-2010, 12:18 PM

nice find

matthew20061 · 12-14-2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Nice rescue!

So what are your plans for it?

Would you mind posting a few pictures of the powersteering setup on the inline? Looking for some detailed pics if possible.

Disc brakes were an option in '71, which is reason for the sticker on the tailgate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark B

I'd like more pics of the power steering set up too!
Mark

I'll take some detailed pictures of the power steering setup, later today for you guys.

54blackhornet · 12-14-2010, 05:09 PM

Front Disc Brakes where standard in 71. Power, both steering & Brakes was an option.

**special-K** · 12-15-2010, 07:31 AM

That makes sense.I always saw power brakes on '71s and thought all disc brakes had power.Then,I owned a '72 shortbed with manual brakes and have seen others.The only options were gauges and stabilizer bar.Almost everything I've owned has either been 4wd or 20-30 series.They were all power brake.

72BlckButy · 12-15-2010, 08:39 AM

Thanks for those pics good buddy!

swamp rat · 12-15-2010, 09:53 PM

Hey! You have the same windshield option that i have! ok, ok... Subscribed.

matthew20061 · 12-16-2010, 01:40 AM

Here's a funny rim photochop with SS wheels, haha sorry I was bored....

dan76 · 12-16-2010, 03:14 PM

Have you decoded the rear axle data?

Don't use it for a parts truck.......too complete. Post it on here if you decide to sell it whole.....might have to make a road trip.

matthew20061 · 12-16-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan76

Have you decoded the rear axle data?

Don't use it for a parts truck.......too complete. Post it on here if you decide to sell it whole.....might have to make a road trip.

I don't think we will part it out, and I will post it if it is sold, but wow that would be a long road trip for one of these trucks. I havn't done anything with decoding the rear end, but the locker in it definitely works good for trying to move this thing in snow.

bosco200 · 12-16-2010, 04:36 PM

I have that same motor never been rebuilt runs like a tank in my 72 C20.

matthew20061 · 12-16-2010, 05:11 PM

Here's a video of starting it up last night when it was around -10 F. Only reason we started it was we needed to move it out of the way from where it was parked.

YouTube - 1971 Chevy C20 Cold Start at -10...

12-13-2010, 01:43 PM	#1
matthew20061 69' Chevy Stepside Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anchorage, Ak Posts: 526	Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Picked up this old 71 the other day. It had been sitting for years untouched, and original in someones driveway. It has the classic 6 cylinder and 3 speed on the column. When we bought it the guy said the motor was bad and didn't run right. After we got it home washed off all the tree sap and buildup of leafs we found this: Original Alaska Sales and Service sticker? Must be an original Alaska truck. After being cleaned up I dropped a new battery in, checked the oil (looked fine), filled up with antifreeze, and put some new gas in it fired right up!!! Runs perfect even idles perfectly makes no ticks, knocks or anything absolutely amazing. __________________ -Matthew -69' Chevy Custom/10 Shortbed Stepside 2WD "Copperhead" - Restored, 6.0L LQ9 Built. L92 Heads and LS3 Intake with Comp Cam 223/231 .610/.617 112 LSA, 4L60E with Shift Kit and Circle-D 3200 Stall Converter ~Build Thread -1957 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Post Sedan, Full Frame off Restoration done myself - 6.0L with T56 six speed -1957 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Post Sedan - Nearly rust free AK car, Project in the waiting -2003' Chevy Silverado SS AWD 6.0L! - Daily Driver

12-13-2010, 01:48 PM	#2
50bomb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Hemet,Ca Posts: 1,502	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 nice..Good job bringing that ol' beast to life. Enjoy

12-13-2010, 02:05 PM	#3
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Power steering AND a 'much desired' air cleaner? Wow! __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

12-13-2010, 02:30 PM	#4
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Think thats the SPID with the fewest options ive seen so far! They must have added the power steering and brakes later. Love the green/green. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

12-13-2010, 02:38 PM	#5
Stubbs67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Venus, Tx Posts: 121	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 SWEET FIND, could have been dealer installed options... I guess also, change the oil, before a bearing spins! __________________ 67 Short Step Project -My other wife, ya know... (she takes all my time and money and I don't even realize it) 88 Subaru wagon 4wd -Daily driver and workhorse 98 Subaru Forester S - Wife and baby wheels My Build Thread! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433751 Need step tail gate and bed front, driver door, both front fenders (both are bondo'd nightmares). can trade fleetside bed parts real straight (except sides) or pay some cash (i am pretty broke)

12-13-2010, 07:20 PM	#6
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,162	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 what a great find

12-13-2010, 08:20 PM	#7
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,723	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Cool truck. Amazing the owner didn't think it ran? Makes you wonder why it was parked. FWIW, all '71-'72 trucks had discs standard. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

12-14-2010, 08:11 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 I like that truck!Good eye on the added power steering and brakes...which required a special air cleaner.It looks like whoever bought that new had the dealer add these by way of the parts dept.disc brakes were introduced in '71,but power brakes remained an option. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-14-2010, 09:02 AM	#11
Mark B Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 145	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 I'd like more pics of the power steering set up too! Mark

12-14-2010, 09:41 AM	#12
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,026	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Great RESCUE.....I think it wants to be driven! __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

12-14-2010, 11:26 AM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 It appears the original steering wheel didn't survive.It's amazing that a blue wheel did better.They seem to not last as well as other colors.I guess it's high heat that gets them and there's not a whole lot of that up there. Not to differ,but...all '71s had disc brakes.All 5-lugs are disc brake and all '71 2wds are 5-lug.You won't find disc brakes listed on any SPID.The sticker is to show off the new feature.It's like when fuel injection was introduced in '87 all trucks had a fuel injection emblem on the tailgate. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-14-2010, 12:18 PM	#15
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 nice find

12-14-2010, 05:09 PM	#17
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,357	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Front Disc Brakes where standard in 71. Power, both steering & Brakes was an option.

12-15-2010, 07:31 AM	#18
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 That makes sense.I always saw power brakes on '71s and thought all disc brakes had power.Then,I owned a '72 shortbed with manual brakes and have seen others.The only options were gauges and stabilizer bar.Almost everything I've owned has either been 4wd or 20-30 series.They were all power brake. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-15-2010, 08:39 AM	#19
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Thanks for those pics good buddy! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)



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12-15-2010, 09:53 PM	#20
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Hey! You have the same windshield option that i have! ok, ok... Subscribed. __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

12-16-2010, 01:40 AM	#21
matthew20061 69' Chevy Stepside Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anchorage, Ak Posts: 526	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Here's a funny rim photochop with SS wheels, haha sorry I was bored.... __________________ -Matthew -69' Chevy Custom/10 Shortbed Stepside 2WD "Copperhead" - Restored, 6.0L LQ9 Built. L92 Heads and LS3 Intake with Comp Cam 223/231 .610/.617 112 LSA, 4L60E with Shift Kit and Circle-D 3200 Stall Converter ~Build Thread -1957 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Post Sedan, Full Frame off Restoration done myself - 6.0L with T56 six speed -1957 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Post Sedan - Nearly rust free AK car, Project in the waiting -2003' Chevy Silverado SS AWD 6.0L! - Daily Driver Last edited by matthew20061; 12-16-2010 at 01:41 AM.

12-16-2010, 03:14 PM	#22
dan76 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Posts: 441	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 Have you decoded the rear axle data? Don't use it for a parts truck.......too complete. Post it on here if you decide to sell it whole.....might have to make a road trip. Last edited by dan76; 12-16-2010 at 03:16 PM.

12-16-2010, 04:36 PM	#24
bosco200 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ste. Genevieve, MO Posts: 526	Re: Barn Find? 1971 Chevy Custom C20 I have that same motor never been rebuilt runs like a tank in my 72 C20.

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