Newbie with a few questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GMFamlee · 08-21-2005, 03:58 PM

Well, I got my midlife crisis project, a 1971 Chevy and I have some questions only a novice could ask.

1. How much horsepower can a BigBlock 400 pull?

2. What is the tailgate supposed to have on this particular model? This doesn't quite look right for some reason.

3. Advice: I'm leaning strongly toward restoring to stock, but it has Smitties that I just love and don't want to change. How far can I go and still retain the stock value when it's done. I'm including pictures if I can figure out how here.

Thanks for your advice,

Brainchild · 08-21-2005, 04:20 PM

Nice clean truck you have there.

OLDROCK&ROLLER · 08-21-2005, 04:43 PM

Welcome to the board from the south side of North Carolina. You are at the right place for all your question these guys on here know the answers. Nice solid looking project you got there. About the only limit to horse power on a BB chevy is the amount of $'s you have to put in it. Looks like you are missing the chrome molding on your tail gate. Build it like you want it you can always switch it back to stock. Good luck.

***Liz*** · 08-21-2005, 04:50 PM

welcome to the site. I moved this over to the 67-72 area where your sure to get some great advice.

GMFamlee · 08-21-2005, 05:02 PM

Thanks. I thought I was in the right area. Obviously, still a newbie.

To: OLDROCK&ROLLER: Thanks, Do you know where I can find some pictures of the tailgate?

Thanks to all for the welcome.

TireSmoke420 · 08-21-2005, 05:05 PM

i thought the 400 was a small block. if it was a big block 400 witch i cringe when people call it that wouldnt the emblem say 396

GMFamlee · 08-21-2005, 05:12 PM

I'm pretty sure it's a big block. I'm attaching a picture(not very good in the cramped space in my garage...). Anyway, I bought it from my uncle who drove it off the showroom floor when it was new. He said to specify big block when buying parts.

TireSmoke420 · 08-21-2005, 05:17 PM

yea thats definitly a big block

TireSmoke420 · 08-21-2005, 05:19 PM

you can find pics all over this site for your tailgate dilema but im sure thats the way it sposed to look. not for sure i dont have a tailgate on my truck sum as shole stole it from me

stllookn · 08-21-2005, 05:25 PM

SWEEEEEET! Welcome to the baord from Seattle, WA. Very nice stock "family" truck. Keep it that way but feel free to put any upgrade on it that will make it safer and more user friendly...like HEI, power discs, shoulder belts, etc. Mufflers can always be changed back to stock by anyone so leave the ones on there that you like. Shaving the stake pockets and chopping top make "returning it stock" much more difficult. It is your truck so do what you want to it. It is not like you are destroying a Bugatti!

BTW, I think that color is great!

Longhorn Man · 08-21-2005, 05:33 PM

There was never a 400 small block offered in the 67 - 72 trucks. The 400 badge designates the 402, which was also called a 396 in the muscle cars becouse the 396 already had the performance immage.

Your tail gate is supposed to have a chrome line along just above the handle which would reach to the top of the tail light trim on either side, and then there is supposed to be a wood grain panesl with c h e v r o l e t written across.

As far as value goes, I don't think you'll be sellin uncle's truck any time soon...build it like you want it. I would say go balls to the wall under the hood, and some mild mods on the body, MAYBE swap out a 1/2 ton suspention under it and some added comforts in the cab to make things a bit nicer.

But that's me.... I go against the grain on some of the general feelings of these trucks. What ever you do with it, make sure you have fun with it and YOU like what you have done. And drive the sucker, they are no fun under a tarp in the garage.

Welcome to the board from Central Ohio

PS, stllookn...that already has power brakes!

krue · 08-21-2005, 05:33 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi. That's a good looking truck. Check out our
FAQ page for lots of good info on popular mods and upgrades.

LUV2XCLR8 · 08-21-2005, 07:43 PM

2 the board from west 10-uh-c

GMFamlee · 08-21-2005, 07:52 PM

Thanks again for the welcomes and compliments. To all:

I think I got an idea on the tailgate from the pictures of Demi's 72. Nice Ride!

I'll post with more questions as they come along.

**Yukon Jack** · 08-21-2005, 08:03 PM

Welcome - looks like a great truck.

stllookn · 08-21-2005, 09:28 PM

Andy...when did the discs become standard equipment? My son's '77 had manual discs...no power assist. I assumed you could get every combination like power assisted drums and/or manual discs...maybe not!

Longhorn Man · 08-21-2005, 09:39 PM

71 started disc...no druim option. Power was still optional, and I think it remained optional untill maybe 88.

Bill72BB · 08-21-2005, 10:17 PM

Welcome from So Cal . Here is a tailgate Pic

GMFamlee · 08-22-2005, 12:02 AM

Will that woodgrain moulding fit over the recessed lettering on my tailgate?

BTW, Thanks and that looks really nice.

Longhorn Man · 08-22-2005, 12:29 AM

Yup, the only differance between your gate and the brown one is hols drilled in the metal... that's it.

GMFamlee · 08-22-2005, 12:34 AM

Cool. Thanks again.

67_C-30 · 08-22-2005, 12:35 AM

Yes, it fits over stamped letters in the gate. The original tailgate could have damaged at some point, and replaced with one with no trim. I vote leaving it a fairly stock looking 3/4 ton, and leave the exhaust you like on it. The more you mod the engine, the less you will drive it. But its your's, and you gotta build to suit youself!

BTW, Welcome to the board.

Here a link to a lot of other 3/4 tons, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=147730

72str8flush · 08-22-2005, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMFamlee

Will that woodgrain moulding fit over the recessed lettering on my tailgate?

BTW, Thanks and that looks really nice.

The tailgates with recessed lettering are more expensive (like double) and I think they look better so that's how I would keep it but thats just me.

HeavyD · 08-22-2005, 03:39 AM

Nice truck..nice colors

Longhorn Man · 08-22-2005, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72str8flush

The tailgates with recessed lettering are more expensive (like double) and I think they look better so that's how I would keep it but thats just me.

The flat ones you are refering to here are non correct...thin crappy repros. you'll notice none of them are licensed GM restoration products, while the others are.

08-21-2005, 03:58 PM	#1
GMFamlee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 27	Newbie with a few questions Well, I got my midlife crisis project, a 1971 Chevy and I have some questions only a novice could ask. 1. How much horsepower can a BigBlock 400 pull? 2. What is the tailgate supposed to have on this particular model? This doesn't quite look right for some reason. 3. Advice: I'm leaning strongly toward restoring to stock, but it has Smitties that I just love and don't want to change. How far can I go and still retain the stock value when it's done. I'm including pictures if I can figure out how here. Thanks for your advice, Attached Images __________________ GMFamlee 1971 Cheyenne 20 LWB 400BB 1996 GMC Sierra SL SWB 4X4 ExtCab 2001 Honda Civic EX (Mamma's Ride) "He stops talking only long enough to switch feet"

08-21-2005, 04:20 PM	#2
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	Nice clean truck you have there. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

08-21-2005, 04:43 PM	#3
OLDROCK&ROLLER Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: WHITEVILLE N.C. Posts: 493	Welcome to the board from the south side of North Carolina. You are at the right place for all your question these guys on here know the answers. Nice solid looking project you got there. About the only limit to horse power on a BB chevy is the amount of $'s you have to put in it. Looks like you are missing the chrome molding on your tail gate. Build it like you want it you can always switch it back to stock. Good luck. __________________ 72 CHEYENNE 10 SUPER 468/400/3.73

08-21-2005, 05:02 PM	#5
GMFamlee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 27	Thanks. I thought I was in the right area. Obviously, still a newbie. To: OLDROCK&ROLLER: Thanks, Do you know where I can find some pictures of the tailgate? Thanks to all for the welcome. __________________ GMFamlee 1971 Cheyenne 20 LWB 400BB 1996 GMC Sierra SL SWB 4X4 ExtCab 2001 Honda Civic EX (Mamma's Ride) "He stops talking only long enough to switch feet"

08-21-2005, 05:05 PM	#6
TireSmoke420 One of the few GMC'ers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Des Moines, Iowa sometimes Butler, PA Posts: 146	i thought the 400 was a small block. if it was a big block 400 witch i cringe when people call it that wouldnt the emblem say 396 __________________ 87' Silverado 4x4 "Young, Dumb And Full Of Cum"

08-21-2005, 04:50 PM	#4
*Liz* Catchy title goes here.. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 39,737	welcome to the site. I moved this over to the 67-72 area where your sure to get some great advice.

08-21-2005, 05:12 PM	#7
GMFamlee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 27	I'm pretty sure it's a big block. I'm attaching a picture(not very good in the cramped space in my garage...). Anyway, I bought it from my uncle who drove it off the showroom floor when it was new. He said to specify big block when buying parts. Attached Images __________________ GMFamlee 1971 Cheyenne 20 LWB 400BB 1996 GMC Sierra SL SWB 4X4 ExtCab 2001 Honda Civic EX (Mamma's Ride) "He stops talking only long enough to switch feet"

08-21-2005, 05:17 PM	#8
TireSmoke420 One of the few GMC'ers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Des Moines, Iowa sometimes Butler, PA Posts: 146	yea thats definitly a big block __________________ 87' Silverado 4x4 "Young, Dumb And Full Of Cum"

08-21-2005, 05:19 PM	#9
TireSmoke420 One of the few GMC'ers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Des Moines, Iowa sometimes Butler, PA Posts: 146	you can find pics all over this site for your tailgate dilema but im sure thats the way it sposed to look. not for sure i dont have a tailgate on my truck sum as shole stole it from me __________________ 87' Silverado 4x4 "Young, Dumb And Full Of Cum"

08-21-2005, 05:25 PM	#10
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	SWEEEEEET! Welcome to the baord from Seattle, WA. Very nice stock "family" truck. Keep it that way but feel free to put any upgrade on it that will make it safer and more user friendly...like HEI, power discs, shoulder belts, etc. Mufflers can always be changed back to stock by anyone so leave the ones on there that you like. Shaving the stake pockets and chopping top make "returning it stock" much more difficult. It is your truck so do what you want to it. It is not like you are destroying a Bugatti! BTW, I think that color is great! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

08-21-2005, 05:33 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	There was never a 400 small block offered in the 67 - 72 trucks. The 400 badge designates the 402, which was also called a 396 in the muscle cars becouse the 396 already had the performance immage. Your tail gate is supposed to have a chrome line along just above the handle which would reach to the top of the tail light trim on either side, and then there is supposed to be a wood grain panesl with c h e v r o l e t written across. As far as value goes, I don't think you'll be sellin uncle's truck any time soon...build it like you want it. I would say go balls to the wall under the hood, and some mild mods on the body, MAYBE swap out a 1/2 ton suspention under it and some added comforts in the cab to make things a bit nicer. But that's me.... I go against the grain on some of the general feelings of these trucks. What ever you do with it, make sure you have fun with it and YOU like what you have done. And drive the sucker, they are no fun under a tarp in the garage. Welcome to the board from Central Ohio PS, stllookn...that already has power brakes! Last edited by Longhorn Man; 08-21-2005 at 05:39 PM.

08-21-2005, 05:33 PM	#12
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Welcome to the board from South Mississippi. That's a good looking truck. Check out our FAQ page for lots of good info on popular mods and upgrades. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-21-2005, 07:43 PM	#13
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	2 the board from west 10-uh-c __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

08-21-2005, 07:52 PM	#14
GMFamlee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 27	Thanks again for the welcomes and compliments. To all: I think I got an idea on the tailgate from the pictures of Demi's 72. Nice Ride! I'll post with more questions as they come along. __________________ GMFamlee 1971 Cheyenne 20 LWB 400BB 1996 GMC Sierra SL SWB 4X4 ExtCab 2001 Honda Civic EX (Mamma's Ride) "He stops talking only long enough to switch feet"

08-21-2005, 08:03 PM	#15
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Welcome - looks like a great truck. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14



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08-21-2005, 09:28 PM	#16
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Andy...when did the discs become standard equipment? My son's '77 had manual discs...no power assist. I assumed you could get every combination like power assisted drums and/or manual discs...maybe not! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

08-21-2005, 09:39 PM	#17
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	71 started disc...no druim option. Power was still optional, and I think it remained optional untill maybe 88.

08-21-2005, 10:17 PM	#18
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,980	Welcome from So Cal . Here is a tailgate Pic Attached Images __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

08-22-2005, 12:02 AM	#19
GMFamlee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 27	Will that woodgrain moulding fit over the recessed lettering on my tailgate? BTW, Thanks and that looks really nice. __________________ GMFamlee 1971 Cheyenne 20 LWB 400BB 1996 GMC Sierra SL SWB 4X4 ExtCab 2001 Honda Civic EX (Mamma's Ride) "He stops talking only long enough to switch feet" Last edited by GMFamlee; 08-22-2005 at 12:06 AM.

08-22-2005, 12:29 AM	#20
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Yup, the only differance between your gate and the brown one is hols drilled in the metal... that's it.

08-22-2005, 12:34 AM	#21
GMFamlee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 27	Cool. Thanks again. __________________ GMFamlee 1971 Cheyenne 20 LWB 400BB 1996 GMC Sierra SL SWB 4X4 ExtCab 2001 Honda Civic EX (Mamma's Ride) "He stops talking only long enough to switch feet"

08-22-2005, 12:35 AM	#22
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Yes, it fits over stamped letters in the gate. The original tailgate could have damaged at some point, and replaced with one with no trim. I vote leaving it a fairly stock looking 3/4 ton, and leave the exhaust you like on it. The more you mod the engine, the less you will drive it. But its your's, and you gotta build to suit youself! BTW, Welcome to the board. Here a link to a lot of other 3/4 tons, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=147730 __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!

08-22-2005, 03:39 AM	#24
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,179	Nice truck..nice colors __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

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