Project: Between The Lines

[Sherman Snouts]

This has been a long time coming. And I think its finally time to start a build thread. I wanted to accumulate a good amount of progress and photos to make the build look more appealing.

The '71 C10 Cheyenne was my step brothers when he was in high school (many years ago). A few years ago he got a DWI that he couldnt afford. His only option was to give the truck to his dad as payment. His dad didnt have a use for it, since it didnt run, so he gave it to me free of charge. I was an up and coming mechanic, going to trade school for the profession, and I was very excited to start my first build.

So the truck is a '71 Cheyenne C10, two tone, long bed, 350 (not original), th350, factory p/s and a/c. The plan is a mild custom, frame off resto. Full disc brakes, overdrive trans, 450 horse small block, modern wheels, and fresh paint of course. Since I am staying between the lines of custom and factory design, and since my step brother COULDNT stay between the lines It seems natural to name this project:

Between The Lines:

Now, time for the build! Enjoy.

[Sherman Snouts]

Towing it to my school. Was able to get it running with a new carb and a jump, but the motor was pretty much dead. The pistons were pinching the spark plugs shut it was only a 2 bolt main so good riddens!

[SCHRUMGMC]

Awesome looking truck man
Not a big fan of the grille though

[Sherman Snouts]

After I graduated, I worked as an intern at a franchise Goodyear. The manager was new and never ran a shop. He ran a Buffalo Wild Wings so all he knew was how to push a pencil. He didnt care if I left my truck in the shop to get it going, so I took advantage. So over 5 months my truck sat, occupying an empty bay. I got shop discounts on all parts, and the labor was free of course! First thing was brakes and to scrap that engine. Not numbers matching though.

[Sherman Snouts]

If you got the money, every day can be Christmas morning. Fresh 4 bolt 350 from Jegs (260 horse) and all the goodies to make it look good. All paid through shop prices. Mild Edelbrock cam and carb.

[Sherman Snouts]

SCHRUMGMC, yeah the grille was pretty ugly. Nearly half the body had junkyard markings on them, so Im sure the truck was pieced together. But who knows where a 40 year old truck has been.

[Sherman Snouts]

Now that it runs, I finally get to have some fun. But it still wasnt enough. I wanted to tear this thing down completely and start over. Heres a shot my truck out and about, and one with my two trucks. Dont worry, Im not a Dodge guy anymore!

[whitels1]

Looking good, great progress so far!

[flashed]

That is a nice looking truck ,I want to see what you do next.

[Sherman Snouts]

I have plenty more pics. It gets pretty hairy lol. More to come.

[BlackedOut67shorty]

That truck looks really nice, paint looks pretty good too for being under a tree, can't wait to see what will happen next

[Sherman Snouts]

Okay I am back. Now here is where the build gets interesting. Lets get right to it. Bed comes off, following is the rest of the body.
The tear down process moved very quickly because one, I was excited to start. And two, it was FREEZING outside!!

[Sherman Snouts]

Front clip comes next. There is really not much to these trucks once you start digging into them. Fairly simple.

[Sherman Snouts]

Now its cab time. This was a tricky situation because I had no help. Everything you have seen has been done by myself. Help would have been nice but now that it is done I feel much more accomplished.

Now I did lots of research on cab removal processes, but none of them seemed to be effective in my situation. So I improvised. I dont know if anyone has done it like this but it was very easy, and you can do it by yourself.

Run two tie straps (mine are cheap walmart ones) between the frame rails and cab floor. I made a wide X with the straps to add stability. Simply put the hoist right in the middle of the X and pump away. The only thing to watch out for is keeping the cab up-right. It is very top heavy in this state and will literally turn completely upside down! I know this because it happened lol! No pic of that by the way.

[Sherman Snouts]

Whew!!

[flashed]

You are pretty destructive for one person ,you got a lot done.

[Sherman Snouts]

Okay, its been a while since my last post. My girlfriend left me a few weeks ago so I've been busy trying to sort out my expenses. But being broke or not, there's always money for the project.

Drive train gets pulled next.

[kjdolphins]

Great looking start to all of this! Looking forward to see where this goes!

[Sherman Snouts]

Motor and trans:

[Sherman Snouts]

I think my alignment is out

[Sherman Snouts]

Frame teardown:

[Sherman Snouts]

More pics:

[Sherman Snouts]

Finally a rolling chassis.

ECE 4,6 drop. ECE trailing arms. Brother's rear disc brake kit.

[Sherman Snouts]

Few more:

[Sherman Snouts]

C notch is next. And before anyone says it, I know I should have done these mods before paint, but I was too excited to jump in. The job will get done none the less.

I've done a lot of reading about cutting and drilling rivets, and I don't know what all the fuss is about. I used a cheap set of drill bits, and never broke one! Shock mounts, cross member in the way of a rear mount gas tank, and bump stop rivets. All removed with two different sized bits.