New Member

[Psycho71]

Hi everybody!

I have posted a few questions here, and received great replies. And I have used the FAQ section to answer many questions. This board is great. Keep it up everyone.

About me: I am 35 yrs old, live in Kaufman, Texas (30 miles E. of Dallas), and have been an HVAC Technician for about 12yrs. Hobbies are Hunting, Fishing, Slot Cars, Nascar, and cussing at my truck.

I just wanted to thank you people for the help, wether you knew you were giving it to me or not.

I know, y'all don't care about me, you want to know about the truck, huh?
Ok an attempt at pics will follow. I was embarrased at first to show ANYONE pics of this truck, or admit acquiring it. But after reading so many horror stories about how PO's have screwed up so many of these trucks, I now know I'm not alone. Thank y'all for that too.

I traded a worn out 98 chevy for this truck. The 98 needed many repairs, and I needed a project. I didn't feel like dumping 3-5k in a truck that wouldn't be worth a dime more when finished so I traded for the 71 and hopefully will get the satisfaction of watching the value of the truck grow with every dollar I spend. Now don't take that to mean that I'm looking to get rich. I know this thing is a money pit. But it is project I'm looking forward to completeing, in time.

The truck is a complete butcher job. I know 10yr old kids with more mechanical ability than the previous owner obviously possesed. The truck has a 350 w/350t, A mild cam, Headers, and some insanely loud flowmasters. The first thing I had to do was replace the rear end. Luckily I found a 72 w/a supposedly good rear end. The housing was damaged on mine. After buying the 72 and pulling the rear end (the only good part on the truck, no Lie) I discovered the pinion had somehow, at some time, came in contact with the carrier. It had scarred it all the way around, breaking the carrier pin retainer bolt (making the axles total H3LL to get out. Mine had an axle bearing go bad and ruined an axle with the housing, but had a good carrier and gear set. Between the two rear ends, I put together one good one and ended up with an extra axle and a bunch of scrap metal. While there I went ahead and replaced every brake part I could. I have since replaced the Quadrajunk, w/a Holley Street Avenger 670 with good results, it really woke the truck up. I have completely re-rubbered the doors-windows. Replaced all locks w/matching key locks. Replace the coathanger that held the radiator in with the proper hold downs. Scraped off cheap purple tint until all of my fingers were bleeding. Replaced the peice of floor edging with the dash pad that is supposed to be there. And put new window and door handles on.

So far everything I have looked at needs to be replaced/repaired. Nothing on the truck is as should be. From the 6? grill to the late model rear bumper. Oh, and let's not forget the hack job on the dash, and lower doors so some idiot couldn't hear a radio over the exhaust. Over time, and money, I will address these things one by one, and eventually end up with the truck I envision.

My eventual plans for the truck.

383 motor, 700r4, 200+hp NOS, 3:73 rear end w/locker. Late model buckets w/console, billet everything inside, Sport Comp Gauges w/clock in the middle, tilt, cruise, A/C, and all that good stuff.

My next project is the tank relocation, followed immeadiately by a new Header and Exhaust system (3" but run over the rear end), then the buckets and console. Followed by knocking of the ugly A$$ paint and doing the good ole black primer job, for now.

This trucks purpose will be to haul the boat to the lake, and me back an forth to the hunting grounds. Along with a few trips to the race track.

Again thank you to everyone here for contributing to this site. It is great to see a group of people dedicated to our habits. I think drugs might be cheaper though.

Here come the Pics.
Jay