1971 GMC SWB "No Direction" LS build

[GAc10boy]

Well, after moving my previous build on (see Chalky White) and a small foray into the dark side (73-80 trucks), I've regained a little sanity and am back with a 1971 GMC short wide.

It's a pretty solid truck with a, what I believe, unusual factory motor / tranny combo - I6 with a th350. It's in primer now but has had the rockers, cab corners replaced, a floor patch and some emblem holes and cargo light filled. Mostly original except for the tailgate and the driver door, it was originally 519 Dark Yellow with the D89 paint stripe (think inflation fighter). Virtually dent/ding free but has some rust bubbles I just noticed on the inside headliner above the windshield (yikes), needs some seam sealer put back in the drip rail as well as a new inner fender and battery tray, and upon further inspection I've noticed some rust in the firewall and under a poorly patched floor pan (Geez!) Also, it has a rattle can job on the interior but it has a decent bench seat and newly soundproofed cab floor.

Most of the parts will be sourced either from CL or via board members. I'm trying to keep my eye on the budget but as the title suggests, not really sure where I'm going with the build. Per usual, my good friend and board member biohazardbill will be giving me a hand with the motor swap, etc. Hoping to have my garage at my new house up-and-running soon so I can do a lot of the work myself.

EDIT: Sold the Coys (undecided on wheels) and likely going full Porterbuilt at some level. Motor install in progress.

Now, on to the pics...

[flashed]

It looks great ,I wondered when you were going to reappear .Im all in for this one . I was hoping it was originally green as I let one get away many years a go and still wonder where it went .It was rust free and dent free too ,still mad at myself over that one .

[lowlyfec10]

very nice! i think i've seen that engine setup posted somewhere before.....CL? and tbss manifolds?

[True 67]

Checking in from Austell..I too have a 71 except I have a 67/68 front end (buckets also well) and i'm just going with the jeggs crate 350 look right now..

True

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by flashed

It looks great ,I wondered when you were going to reappear .Im all in for this one . I was hoping it was originally green as I let one get away many years a go and still wonder where it went .It was rust free and dent free too ,still mad at myself over that one .

Thanks, John. Good seeing you this evening. Really enjoyed catching up with you. You've always got some cool parts hanging around the shop.

Originally Posted by lowlyfec10

very nice! i think i've seen that engine setup posted somewhere before.....CL? and tbss manifolds?

Thanks! I bought it off CL from a guy in Columbus. It's an '02 with pretty high mileage but he knew the history on the motor, cleaned it up and painted it GM blue, and I got a steal on it.

Originally Posted by True 67

Checking in from Austell..I too have a 71 except I have a 67/68 front end (buckets also well) and i'm just going with the jeggs crate 350 look right now..

True

That's awesome, True. Think you'd checked in on my other build too. Glad you're checked in here too.

[flashed]

Robbie ,Remind me later on if you need them ,I have front side marker lights somewhere .I will just designate a No Direction spot in the corner for you . Seatbelts needed ?

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like a nice start to me...

[thelonerife]

Nice start!

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by flashed

Robbie ,Remind me later on if you need them ,I have front side marker lights somewhere .I will just designate a No Direction spot in the corner for you . Seatbelts needed ?

Sounds good to me! Thanks, john. It actually has markers attached but I guess they were unscrewed for primer. They're just laying in the fender wells. And to be honest, I can't remember on the seat belts. I'll be glad to take them off your hands either way. Just start that corner and I'll come sift through it.

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Looks like a nice start to me...

Thanks!

Originally Posted by thelonerife

Nice start!

Thanks, Chuck. Means a lot coming from you.

[Blown06]

Looks like you've got a good plan, hopping onboard for the ride.

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by Blown06

Looks like you've got a good plan, hopping onboard for the ride.

Thanks, Jarrod!

[knomadd]

Good looking start! I can't wait to see updates.

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by knomadd

Good looking start! I can't wait to see updates.

Thanks, Duane! Still love your truck. Looks great!

[GAc10boy]

Anyone have any suggestions for an aluminum radiator for this build?

I have read up on Be Cool, Griffin, and Ron Davis and seem to be leaning toward Griffin since they are all hand fabricated but wanted to see if any of you have any thoughts before I go spending $600 on a nice radiator.

Thanks!

[slowcpe]

I somehow missed this one. Doesn't look like I'm too late. For having no direction, looks like you off to a good start. Love the wheels.

As far as radiator, I would lean towards the Griffin but no real reason other than heard nothing but good things. I've got a stock big-block truck radiator I'm going to use in my swap.

[flashed]

Robbie ,there is a local vendor in Acworth ,made to order ,they are members here too .I wish I had known about them when I was looking .I will try to find their name if you like .

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by slowcpe

I somehow missed this one. Doesn't look like I'm too late. For having no direction, looks like you off to a good start. Love the wheels.

As far as radiator, I would lean towards the Griffin but no real reason other than heard nothing but good things. I've got a stock big-block truck radiator I'm going to use in my swap.

Thanks! I really like the satin Coys too. And we're just getting started here. Just starting to compile some more parts for the engine swap (radiator, carb, ignition, flexplate, etc). Should be a fun few months!

Originally Posted by flashed

Robbie ,there is a local vendor in Acworth ,made to order ,they are members here too .I wish I had known about them when I was looking .I will try to find their name if you like .

Yes, John. Would definitely like their info. I'd rather go local if I can. Thanks!

[flashed]

R and D Fabrication
404-954-1662

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by flashed

R and D Fabrication
404-954-1662

Just checked out their website and they seem very reasonable and even tailor them to an LS swap for no additional charge. Fully welded with no epoxy too. Thanks for the recommendation, John. I'll likely be giving these guys a call.

[lowlyfec10]

i have the griffin rad in mine

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by GAc10boy

Fully welded with no epoxy too.

If this is important to you, stay away from Be Cool. I've never used one, but I've heard several times that they use epoxy to hold their radiators together.

I have a factory style copper/brass unit in my C10, but I had an aluminum radiator made for my GTO by PRC http://www.prchotrod.com/ They fully weld everything, and it's made to order as well. Just another option for you. They even made my AC Condenser and a fan shroud (included a SPAL fan).

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by lowlyfec10

i have the griffin rad in mine

Excellent! Thanks for the recommendation.

Originally Posted by knomadd

If this is important to you, stay away from Be Cool. I've never used one, but I've heard several times that they use epoxy to hold their radiators together.

I have a factory style copper/brass unit in my C10, but I had an aluminum radiator made for my GTO by PRC http://www.prchotrod.com/ They fully weld everything, and it's made to order as well. Just another option for you. They even made my AC Condenser and a fan shroud (included a SPAL fan).

Now that is very helpful advice. Appreciate it!

[lowlyfec10]

no epoxy found on mine. ill snap a few pix when i get home today. kinda wish it was the ls conversion model now but oh well lol

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by lowlyfec10

no epoxy found on mine. ill snap a few pix when i get home today. kinda wish it was the ls conversion model now but oh well lol

Yeah, I think the Griffins are fully welded. Post up some pics when you can!

[Hampshire]

If this is important to you, stay away from Be Cool. I've never used one, but I've heard several times that they use epoxy to hold their radiators together.

...Griffin does use epoxy as part of it's process in finishing some of their fully welded radiators - NOT Becool. I hear a lot about the potential for something going wrong with this, but know many who use them and are happy.

This seems to be the main issue in the Griffin vs Becool debate. Both seem to be well thought out designs, however there are others out there that appear to be quality USA made - like PRC Performance, C & R racing and R and D fabrication. (None of these use epoxy).... food for thought.

..also hear lots of comments both ways, positive/negative, about "less expensive" radiators & Ebay radiators - really hard to know what should influence one in making a choice (I'm looking for a new radiator, too).