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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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1971 C10 - First truck build
I should start by introducing myself. My name is Jim and I live in Green Bay, WI. I found this forum a few months ago and have been reading and reading and reading since. Over the last month I have been actively looking for a decent C-10 to work with.
On Monday, July 8th I purchased a 1971 C10 Cheyenne. Truck is a LWB, 350, Automatic with a posi rear end. My son (will be 16 in a few months) and I are going to build a mild custom. The plan is a lowering kit, body work and paint, and a custom interior. By the time I left the parking lot of the shop where I bought the truck I was convinced that the truck need power steering. Engine runs great, transmission seems smooth, rear end needs a new seal. After getting the truck home we went over it from front to back and top to bottom and created a parts list and a to do list. Started searching Craig's list for parts. Attended the Iola swap meet yesterday and picked up some patch panels and new wheel houses for the bed. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Body is very straight. The only dents are small dings around the tail lights. We will replace the rockers, cab corners and supports and the lower 6" of the doors. We did purchase a used passenger door as the one on the truck is rusted out at the upper hinge area.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Posted via Mobile Device
After we loaded up the patch panels at the Iola swap meet we made an hour drive to buy power steering for the truck. We found a C20 camper special that is being parted out. We were glad to see the truck had the 350 with a short water pump just like our truck. Got the steering box, pump, hoses, pulleys and all mounting brackets for $100. My son and I spent two hours pulling everything apart. I would like to meet the engineer that designed the bracket for the pump. I would like to ask him to explain removing the bolt that goes through the bracket and into the motor mount! That bolt took us longer to get out than anything else. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Posted via Mobile Device
As far as the build plan, my son found several pictures on the web, but the one below really stood out and as we talked about a plan for what we wanted as a finished product he kept going back to the black truck. I really like the stance and look of the truck with the long bed. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
We are planning on going trimless. If someone needs the Cheyenne trim let me know. I do have the upper bed piece that is missing in the first photo.
Today we cleaned all of the steering parts, removed the steering box on our truck and we installed the power steering box and mounted the pump bracket. Took longer to get the motor mount bolt to thread in than it did to change the steering box! The pressure hose had one bad end so I have one coming to the auto parts store Saturday morning. I will post pictures tomorrow. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#6 |
Scrapper 1
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Riverside Calif
Posts: 1,649
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
My one question did you buy a new box or did you use the one from the 1972 is you used the old one your fine the new ones at the auto parts store are junk.you don't get the sharp turning like the old boxes use to offer i have a 1971 Cheyenne 1/2 ton payed 650.00 for mine it needed almost every thing from under the frame replaced.But i'm now left to have my box rebuilt have the front end and the rear leaf springs to be Rebushing and have the front end have all new bushings as well and changing all Ball joints
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#7 | |
Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wake Forest NC
Posts: 5,782
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Quote:
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__________________
--Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
I used all of the used parts. I did have to replace the presure hose and I bought new belts. After about two hours of work this morning we now have POWER STEERING. This thing was great to drive but now - WOW. I got lucky and someone not long ago decided to get this truck up and running. The front and rear brakes were rebuilt and everything under the front end seems to be in great shape. It is rusty and when the lowering kit shows up next week I am sure we are looking at broken bolts and nut breakers. My son and I plan to start cleaning bolts tonight and starting a daily dose of WD40 for everything that needs to come loose. The plan is to clean everything that we have to put back on and I will powdercoat all the parts that I can.
When I installed the steering box I rotated the shaft from stop to stop and counted the number of turns then I turned it back half of that amount to find the center of the box. When we installed the box on the truck we made sure the wheels were centered as was the steering wheel. The truck turns great from left to right and the steering wheel is centered! |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Farmville, Va
Posts: 3,026
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Welcome to the forum, it is a nice lookin ride 4 sure
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Thank You. It is a pleasure to be here. I have been a member of a motorcycle forum for several years and it is always very helpful to have the advice and support with projects that these forums provide.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
I tried to post some more pictures last night but found that when I take them with my camera they are way too big. I will get some pictures with my I-pad today.
We started taking trim off last night and worked until the Mosquitos were biting through the spray. We have the front fender trim and two small pieces on the cab drivers side. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#12 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
I have a couple of photo programs and I find that re-sizing the photo to approximately 1600x1000 (or so) will be easily loaded to the website.
Oh, ![]()
__________________
Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Here are a few more pictures of the truck.
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Pictures of the Steering Conversion parts. I did not need the upper fan pulley. I did take all of the nuts and bolts for all of the parts. One note that the splined end of the power steering box is a larger diameter than the standard steering box. Luckily we kept the splined end on the steering box and removed the two bolts that held the rubber mount to the steering shaft. The one picture shows the difference in size between the two steering boxes.
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: OAKDALE, CALIFORNIA
Posts: 166
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
P.M. sent
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Declo, Idaho
Posts: 6
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Awesome truck!! I'm in the same boat as you are. I'm deep in the restoration of my first truck and it's also a '71 C-10. Great learning experience, You're lucky you found some good donor truck! I had to order most of my new parts from Eklers and from around town. Post more pics
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Declo, Idaho
Posts: 6
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
I gave my truck a 4" front and a 5-6" back lower and I really like the look. Cutting C-notches in the frame was not easy but essential. I also had a huge problem with rust. My truck came out of Utah right next to the !SALT! Lake. Air tools and Knock-er-loose is a must. I STRONGLY suggest replacing as much suspension parts as possible! If a used part is questionable, now's the time when its all apart to replace it with something reliable and not mess with it again.
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Declo, Idaho
Posts: 6
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
I also got new springs for all four corners and drop spindles. They work great and they were easy to install. What company are you ordering from? I don't know what tires I'm going to use yet. I haven't gotten to that point. For now, I am still using the stock wheels. I'm in the middle of bodywork so I don't want to get them dirty, also I don't have a good idea of what to put on. I like the tire size you have, but have you found any rims that you liked?
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#21 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
WELCOME!!! Jim I suggest you toss the WD40 to the back of the toolbox and get some better penetrating oil.I like PB blaster ,Kroil or a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF.WD40 stands for Water Dispersant Formula #40.You'll have a lot better luck with the above.I hope you have a good breaker bar and cheater for the rear spring bolts.The PB will be available at your LAPS(local auto parts store).You might get lucky and find some Kroil but I doubt it.
__________________
The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Posted via Mobile Device
PanelDeland, read you post scripts and this one "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" Reminded me of one of my favorite playground rides! Posted via Mobile Device |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Posts: 21
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Made some more progress over the last few days. Removed all of the wood and rails from the bed. Used a crowbar on the wood and blue wheel to cut the bolts. Made a cart to hold the bed and this afternoon my son and I lifted the bed with the aide of the engine hoist and my wife drove the truck out and rolled the cart under the bed. After some more PB Blaster I was able to loosen all bolts except the U-Bolts that wrap around the axle and the lower shock bolt. The shock mounts are very rust and if I put any pressure on them the mount will snap off. I do have new mounts coming as well as new U bolts. Tomorrow the plan is to remove the drive shaft and block the frame up so we can remove the axle. Then I will cut the u-bolts and we can start cleaning the frame and parts to get them ready for paint. We should have visits from UPS, FedEX and USPS over the next four days! It will be like Christmas in July!
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#25 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Berne IN
Posts: 3,231
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Re: 1971 C10 - First truck build
Will you be going with a Packers matte green? Looks like a fun project!
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