My new '71 Project Truck

[cruisinthe34]

Just acquired this pretty clean '71 straight 6 truck. Looking forward to learning from the experts here. Planning Split intake manifold and headers to begin.

[Bomp]

Pretty clean looking truck.
Welcome.

[Ol Blue K20]

Welcome, nice looking truck and I'll be the first to ask more pics please..we like pics

[tim's68gmc]

nice truck

[Cmvcruiser]

[QUOTE=cruisinthe34;7429538]Just acquired this pretty clean '71 straight 6 truck. Looking forward to learning from the experts here. Planning Split intake manifold and headers to begin.


Nice looking straight truck
I'm also new to the forum
Been doing a lot of reading and learning lately
Is it a auto or stick on the tree transmission?
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[cruisinthe34]

Thanks for the welcome. It is a 3 speed standard on the column. My plan is to lower it 4/6 and go to a 700 R 4. I'm looking at the Clifford split manifold setup, and then and then and then...... I've learned, these projects are never finished.

[jocko]

welcome to both of you - nice lookin trucks. Yes, the projects are endless...

[YBNORML]

Sweet little truck, I like that you plan on keeping the 6!

[midniteblues]

sounds like you got a great plan for a great truck ya cant go wrong with a swb 5 lug stepper
although i'm quite the third pedal person i vote for a t5 instead of the 700r4.

[70cst]

Hey cruisinthe34 ...

to the forums and from Ohio.

That is a

Keep us updated with more pics

[70cst]

Hey Cmvcruiser ...

to the forums and from Ohio.

Glad to have you on board

[flashed]

Welcome from Ga ,nice truck.

[stsalvage]

Welcome to the site.

I'm one of the guys that like to point out the things most people over look.And seem to shy away from But it looks like you have cancer on the rocker panel.If your truck is a running truck and its drive able.

Its like Mold in a house Cancer should be address probably sooner then later.Fist thing are safety brakes fuel leaks lights and wires.But with the wet times approaching us.It might be time to find a teck school that are looking for trucks like yours to work on and learn how to weld rocker panels in and floors in.

After you take care of the cab you will be more into fixing up your truck more to suit your needs.

All I ask is Don't cheat your truck out of much needed work that would make it more enjoyable to drive having cold air or water entering your cab from holes in the floorboards or a roof If your truck is water Tight your on your way to a nice investment that will be handed down to your family.Nice truck good start

[cruisinthe34]

StSalvage......your insights are appreciated and quite valid. I've been building cars in my garage for years, and respect the value of having a plan and progressing as time allows. My sequence is basically:

1.) Disassemble the truck, address all frame issues by sandblasting repairing and prepping the frame.
2.) Address Body rust issues, new door skins and inner lower door, floor pans as needed, cab corners, stepside boards. New bedwood and strips.
3.) Front Power disc brake upgrade.
4.) Power steering upgrade.
5.) Lower the body..... thinking 4/6
6.) Gas Tank relocation.
7.) Drive train (Split Manifold and Headers, 700R4)
8.) Interior, Dynamat, jute Seat swap upholstery and carpet.
9.) Reassembly and paint.

That's not the complete list, but this isn't my first Rodeo. Some of these phases naturally over lap, But I am equipped and blessed to have the required tools and a 4 post lift in my main Garage.

I build all my vehicles to a high safety level and have them state inspected yearly.

Examples of some of my work:

My 1941 Ford Pickup......



My 1934 Cehevy Master Sedan.....