1971 GMC lwb to 1968 chev swb project

[chevy88]

This is my first build thread on 67-72, I've hung out mostly on the 1988-98 side. So here goes, I hope this build is complete by spring. If this GMC cab wasn't in decent shape, I would of looked for a chev and swb, but both are rare up here. It needs new passenger fender, and core rad support/grill as both are beat up real bad/rust so why not go with what I like. I'm still looking for a used core rad support for a 1967-68 and fenders to start with so until then build will be slow. I will try and get some interior shots later today. I only paid $800 for truck, and mechanically it is pretty decent. The nice thing about a 1971 is at least I don't need power steering and a front disc brake conversion.

[Normy71]

Good luck fellow Sask truck person!
get in touch and we can swap some parts and lies

[chevy88]

Passenger fender before and after wheel rusted right through
Don't you just love buick rims; those are from previous owner
Rad core support rusted right off where inner fender should bolt up to, This all I got done today as driver fender I had to grind off three bolts that wouldn't come out, and tomorrow I will look@ 67 rad support and order new fenders, and one inner wheel well
Previous owner put in recovered seat/new gas tank, paint inside is good. This truck also use to have 6 cylinder and three on the tree hence no auto shift indicator on column

[b.eddy's72]

I know your gonna leave the Buick wheels on it when completed. A truck just isnt a truck without Buick Rims. I can joke like that because I have a 79 k5 2wd Blazer that has them only on the front. Now how Getto is that. Thats a pretty good start truck....I have seen ALOT worse. In fact ive had had alot worse. Good Luck

[chevy88]

I'm gonna polish those Buick rims and put them up for sale it should pay for most of the rebuild. LOL

[CheyenneShop]

Welcome over to the 67-72 side of things. Those Buick rims look tight by the way

I am in the middle of doing the same thing, you can check out the build below - good luck with her!

[chevy88]

Here is picture with gmc rad support and grill removed.

Also can some one tell me if I can paint over this surface rust with primer or should it all be removed?
Also I need to know if I can wet sand this eggshell out and make this paint shine, and what grit 2000?

[project 67 sub]

no over the surface rust, it needs to be removed. and i cannot say on the paint, but im sure someone else will chime in on that.

[chevy88]

Got the fenders on today, painted under windshield cowl, now back to my real job for a week.

[chevy88]

I am going to install front roll pan. I cut off 2.5 inches of front of frame according to instructions but it still looks like I could cut off right up to rad support so it can clear, anybody else run into this?

Also I was going to use urethane one stage paint, do I have to sand in between primer and paint when it was sandblasted on the grill? it is just hard to sand the grill, that is why I sandblasted it in the first place.

[chevy88]

Front roll pan turned out nice but on grill I should of used a primer that filled and sanded as it looks rough. Tomorrow I will install grill and front roll pan/shine up chrome grill inserts and bezels. Then watch Grey Cup Go Riders!!!!!!!!!

[chevy88]

Put grill back together and installed on truck.

[OARNGESI]

Really nice job its looking good

[chevy88]

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

Really nice job its looking good

Thanks, its coming. I think the next step should be to get the cab ready for paint, then paint the whole front half, then cut the frame and then put on swb box? I want to cut the frame and put on the swb box on next but we'll see, It would just look so much better, and keep up my interest.

[chevy88]

Now off to work again until Monday night.

[kyull67]

looking good!

[Normy71]

Took your advice and started at Build
Check it Out !!

[mcbassin]

Great looking project! I like the look of the chevy better than the GMC....no offense to GMC guys. Now, is there that much snow up there now or is that from last January? You might need to change the date on your camera. Keep it up!

[chevy88]

Originally Posted by PHAT TONY

Wish I'd seen this thread before; a couple swipes with some 180 grit paper would've smoothed the grill out enough to shine when painted. I spose you kin paint it again with the hood etc. Glad to see more Canadians around here!

I was thinking the same thing, I was originally going to go with dupont paint/primer but I am now going to cover everthing with single stage urethane paint and will do front end over, I can't live with that dull paint on the front It would stick out like a sore thumb.

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Great looking project! I like the look of the chevy better than the GMC....no offense to GMC guys. Now, is there that much snow up there now or is that from last January? You might need to change the date on your camera. Keep it up!

I like Chevy too, my 1988 is a Chevy also, and for the snow it just came last week hopefully we don't get much more than that.

[Normy71]

What's the details on the new paint and primer your using?
Pictures? and who sells it?
Thanks

[chevy88]

Great West Auto is where I got my self etching primer. I can't remember the kind, just ask them and they will hook you up.

[PHAT TONY]

Wish I'd seen this thread before; a couple swipes with some 180 grit paper would've smoothed the grill out enough to shine when painted. I spose you kin paint it again with the hood etc. Glad to see more Canadians around here!

[chevy88]

Tomorrow I will order cab corners then I can cut front of bed and put back on.

[Normy71]

Looks Good!
Did you use the reciprocating saw to cut your box?

[chevy88]

No it went to fast and I was getting off line, but used it where jig saw didn't fit. Jig saw with metal blades went fast enough and was easier to control.