Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Harpie · 03-11-2012, 03:26 PM

He guys just figured I would start off my build and share a few pictures of the ol girl. I promise to get more pics of it before the tear down begins but this is the other day when I got it home. Plans are to tear it down completely and start from ground up. I want a nice driver that looks original except when you pop the hood and that 5.3 is hiding under there. I am thinking black with white top and inserts with all the trim and a 3/4 drop and 18s but may go a lil lower hadn’t decided I just want a comfy ride but a great stance. A little about the truck its a 71 Cheyenne swb originally had a 350 and was dark olive and white. The cab and front clip are excellent and have little to no rust. I will go ahead and replace the rockers since that is the only rusty place I can find. Now on to the bed it is horrible and as you can see is not the bed that came on it originally. The floor is completely rusted out but I have a complete long bed with excellent header and floor that I will be cutting the floor down and making a new one for this. I have been lurking around on the site for awhile getting ideas and information for my build I cant wait to get started I have always loved these trucks!!! And I always welcome all the input I can get from you guys!!!

67c10rustbuket · 03-11-2012, 04:09 PM

Welcome fellow Okie! sounds like a plan, gotta love those 5.3 swaps. Theres plenty of them on here to get info from and even a few in Oklahoma.

Harpie · 03-11-2012, 04:14 PM

Yes sir I have been creeping around looking at them for sometime now and they are full of great info that has helped me a lot in gathering parts and etc... And this build will have four generations working on it so it will mean a lot to me and I can pass it down to my ill man when he is worthy lol.
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Crash_OK · 03-11-2012, 05:15 PM

Looking forward to watching the progress... I am subscribed..

Harpie · 03-12-2012, 09:58 PM

Ok guys got a little progress done today. I noticed the other day the rearend did not look right so I took the bed off today and its a ford 9in. Just love the crap you find that a PO has done. So now I am on the hunt for some original trailing arms and a rearend so pretty much everything that has to do with the rear suspension. Whoever did this sure cobbled it on there and I cant have it like this when I build it back. So if anyone has what I am looking for laying around give me a shout!!! I also took pics of my bed and I am a little ashamed to show it but hey it will be all better once I get the rusty floor and header gone. So here ya go pic lovers...

Harpie · 03-12-2012, 10:02 PM

and a few more...

**lolife99** · 03-12-2012, 10:13 PM

Looks like your cab originally came from a lwb truck.
Was the frame cut down also?

That's not a 9 inch for rearend.
Looks like an old Oldsmobile rearend to me.

**lolife99** · 03-12-2012, 10:15 PM

Almost forgot,... WELCOME to the board!

Harpie · 03-12-2012, 10:25 PM

In ref to the rearend I guess that is what it is I have never seen one and no the cab is original to the frame the guy I got it from got it from the original owner. And the frame has not been cut.
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**lolife99** · 03-12-2012, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harpie

In ref to the rearend I guess that is what it is I have never seen one and no the cab is original to the frame the guy I got it from got it from the original owner. And the frame has not been cut.
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The glovebox decal (SPID) says the truck has a 127" wheelbase.
Shortbed trucks had a 115" wheelbase.

Not to be negative,... just to make you aware of what you have.
There are alot of trucks out on the market that use to be lwb trucks.

Harpie · 03-12-2012, 10:39 PM

Well I may just hafta be calling ol boy up and please no worries on negativity I welcome any and all info or advice. But I know the frame has not been cut so someone may have done a cab swap. But since I'm not trying to build an original spec truck guess it don't matter.
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Low Elco · 03-13-2012, 09:00 AM

Looks great! Check your PM's.

**67cheby** · 03-13-2012, 09:48 AM

great start, looking forward to the progress

Harpie · 03-14-2012, 11:14 AM

Well i scored myself a rearend today from a 72 so now just need to find a good set of trailing arms to go with it and ill be back in buisness.

69gmcc10 · 03-14-2012, 04:35 PM

welcome and thanks for sharing this build with us. What is wrong with the trailing arms, from the photos they look correct to me. I dont know about that panhard bar though? I have never seen one that looks like that! Quick turn around on the rearend, nice job!

Harpie · 03-14-2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69gmcc10

welcome and thanks for sharing this build with us. What is wrong with the trailing arms, from the photos they look correct to me. I dont know about that panhard bar though? I have never seen one that looks like that! Quick turn around on the rearend, nice job!

I could prolly use them but they are not in the best shape the passenger side looks like it cracked between the nuts on the bolt and the genius that swapped the rearend welded everything together and it looks like my two year old did it so I picked up a good clean set from a 70 model that a friend of mine is parting out. So it's been a good day gathering up replacement stuff.
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69gmcc10 · 03-14-2012, 06:22 PM

I would say, Nice Job!

Jerry Jones · 03-14-2012, 08:33 PM

Very cool! Welcome and have some fun.

1970 Bowtie · 03-14-2012, 08:46 PM

Welcome,looks like your off to a good start gathering parts.

Harpie · 03-14-2012, 08:55 PM

Hey guys thanks for all the kind words and welcomes I am having a great time building my dream truck. I know it will take lots of time but looking at some of the rides on here and all the builds gives me a lot of inspiration so glad to be apart of the forum.
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mcbassin · 03-14-2012, 10:48 PM

belated welcome to the board fellow Okie! Looks like a great project you have going. I may have a set of trailing arms you are looking for out in my "bone yard".
Looking forward to progress. subscribed

Harpie · 03-15-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin

belated welcome to the board fellow Okie! Looks like a great project you have going. I may have a set of trailing arms you are looking for out in my "bone yard".
Looking forward to progress. subscribed

Hey thanks if something happens and the set my friend is pulling off for me are in bad shape I may give ya a hollar on your possible set.

Harpie · 03-15-2012, 06:38 PM

Scored myself two 1971 stamped Oklahoma tags today in excellent condition figured it would be a nice touch when the ol girl is all done.
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mcbassin · 03-15-2012, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harpie

Scored myself two 1971 stamped Oklahoma tags today in excellent condition figured it would be a nice touch when the ol girl is all done.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sounds cool let's see some pictures.

67c10rustbuket · 03-19-2012, 06:28 PM

Score on the tags! I want to get some vintage 67 plates for mine too.

Glad my craigslist stalking could benefit someone. That looked like a good deal on the rear end, I just don't have room for any more parts or I may have bought it. I need a warehouse so I can hoard more truck parts. Later

03-11-2012, 03:26 PM	#1
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Harpie's 71 SWB vortec 5.7 build (Project Snowball) He guys just figured I would start off my build and share a few pictures of the ol girl. I promise to get more pics of it before the tear down begins but this is the other day when I got it home. Plans are to tear it down completely and start from ground up. I want a nice driver that looks original except when you pop the hood and that 5.3 is hiding under there. I am thinking black with white top and inserts with all the trim and a 3/4 drop and 18s but may go a lil lower hadn’t decided I just want a comfy ride but a great stance. A little about the truck its a 71 Cheyenne swb originally had a 350 and was dark olive and white. The cab and front clip are excellent and have little to no rust. I will go ahead and replace the rockers since that is the only rusty place I can find. Now on to the bed it is horrible and as you can see is not the bed that came on it originally. The floor is completely rusted out but I have a complete long bed with excellent header and floor that I will be cutting the floor down and making a new one for this. I have been lurking around on the site for awhile getting ideas and information for my build I cant wait to get started I have always loved these trucks!!! And I always welcome all the input I can get from you guys!!! Attached Images Last edited by Harpie; 08-01-2012 at 08:46 PM.

03-11-2012, 04:09 PM	#2
67c10rustbuket Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mustang, Oklahoma Posts: 2,806	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Welcome fellow Okie! sounds like a plan, gotta love those 5.3 swaps. Theres plenty of them on here to get info from and even a few in Oklahoma. __________________ Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car

03-11-2012, 04:14 PM	#3
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Yes sir I have been creeping around looking at them for sometime now and they are full of great info that has helped me a lot in gathering parts and etc... And this build will have four generations working on it so it will mean a lot to me and I can pass it down to my ill man when he is worthy lol. Posted via Mobile Device

03-11-2012, 05:15 PM	#4
Crash_OK Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Edmond, OK. Posts: 1,362	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Looking forward to watching the progress... I am subscribed.. __________________ Mark ----------------------- Crash's 69 4x4 SWB Crash's Roof over Lake Home Crash's 1988 Land Cruiser Build

03-12-2012, 09:58 PM	#5
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Ok guys got a little progress done today. I noticed the other day the rearend did not look right so I took the bed off today and its a ford 9in. Just love the crap you find that a PO has done. So now I am on the hunt for some original trailing arms and a rearend so pretty much everything that has to do with the rear suspension. Whoever did this sure cobbled it on there and I cant have it like this when I build it back. So if anyone has what I am looking for laying around give me a shout!!! I also took pics of my bed and I am a little ashamed to show it but hey it will be all better once I get the rusty floor and header gone. So here ya go pic lovers... Attached Images

03-12-2012, 10:02 PM	#6
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build and a few more... Attached Images

03-12-2012, 10:13 PM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Looks like your cab originally came from a lwb truck. Was the frame cut down also? That's not a 9 inch for rearend. Looks like an old Oldsmobile rearend to me. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

03-12-2012, 10:15 PM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Almost forgot,... WELCOME to the board! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

03-12-2012, 10:25 PM	#9
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build In ref to the rearend I guess that is what it is I have never seen one and no the cab is original to the frame the guy I got it from got it from the original owner. And the frame has not been cut. Posted via Mobile Device

03-12-2012, 10:39 PM	#11
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Well I may just hafta be calling ol boy up and please no worries on negativity I welcome any and all info or advice. But I know the frame has not been cut so someone may have done a cab swap. But since I'm not trying to build an original spec truck guess it don't matter. Posted via Mobile Device

03-13-2012, 09:00 AM	#12
Low Elco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indep, MO Posts: 5,893	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Looks great! Check your PM's. __________________ Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low!

03-13-2012, 09:48 AM	#13
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build great start, looking forward to the progress __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

03-14-2012, 11:14 AM	#14
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Well i scored myself a rearend today from a 72 so now just need to find a good set of trailing arms to go with it and ill be back in buisness.

03-14-2012, 04:35 PM	#15
69gmcc10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 934	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build welcome and thanks for sharing this build with us. What is wrong with the trailing arms, from the photos they look correct to me. I dont know about that panhard bar though? I have never seen one that looks like that! Quick turn around on the rearend, nice job!

03-14-2012, 06:22 PM	#17
69gmcc10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 934	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build I would say, Nice Job!



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03-14-2012, 08:33 PM	#18
Jerry Jones Happy Camper Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 8,408	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Very cool! Welcome and have some fun. __________________ RIP El Jay! Love you brother!

03-14-2012, 08:46 PM	#19
1970 Bowtie It's all in the timing Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Mary,Florida Posts: 600	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Welcome,looks like your off to a good start gathering parts. __________________ The Dude Abides. ---------------------- I aint sayin, I'm just sayin.

03-14-2012, 08:55 PM	#20
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Hey guys thanks for all the kind words and welcomes I am having a great time building my dream truck. I know it will take lots of time but looking at some of the rides on here and all the builds gives me a lot of inspiration so glad to be apart of the forum. Posted via Mobile Device

03-14-2012, 10:48 PM	#21
mcbassin Still Learning Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 10,108	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build belated welcome to the board fellow Okie! Looks like a great project you have going. I may have a set of trailing arms you are looking for out in my "bone yard". Looking forward to progress. subscribed __________________ Mike "69 Short Wide" My Project 86 Silverado Landen's Project Instagram: @mcbassin My Website C/10 Club Oklahoma Facebook Group

03-15-2012, 06:38 PM	#23
Harpie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Durant OK Posts: 372	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Scored myself two 1971 stamped Oklahoma tags today in excellent condition figured it would be a nice touch when the ol girl is all done. Posted via Mobile Device

03-19-2012, 06:28 PM	#25
67c10rustbuket Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mustang, Oklahoma Posts: 2,806	Re: Harpie's 71 SWB 5.3LS build Score on the tags! I want to get some vintage 67 plates for mine too. Glad my craigslist stalking could benefit someone. That looked like a good deal on the rear end, I just don't have room for any more parts or I may have bought it. I need a warehouse so I can hoard more truck parts. Later __________________ Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car

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