71 Chev SWB

[awhite4557]

I finished with the A/C install and installed the dual fan setup from Brothers. The fans move a lot of air. Since I had to take the grill out, I went ahead and changed it out with a billet grill from LMC. I also had to take the radio out and since I was not too happy with the sound it had, I replaced it with an AM/FM/CD player. I hated to cut the dash but it does sound alot better. The A/C is a Vintage Air Sure Fit system and I opted for the factory A/C controls. I also used the 1995 factory pancake rotary compressor. The A/C works great so far. Here are some pics....

[awhite4557]

more photos

[awhite4557]

I am in the process of updating the dash with a new dash panel and Dakota Digital instrument system. They are blue digital with a clock. I also bought the transmission sender so the gear indicator in the instrument system will display the gears. I mounted the control boxes on an aluminum panel that I mounted to a brace I welded onto the trottle pedal brace under the dash. It looks and works great so far, I haven't driven it yet. I am also installing an IDIDIT stearing column, so I can't drive it until I get it all back together. I am trying to decide on a steering wheel to go with it. Here's the pics I have so far.

[awhite4557]

more pics with the dash installed and in demo mode

[awhite4557]

Here's the steering column. There is no gear indicator on the column since I have the digital readout for the gears. The column is aluminum. I am trying to decide if I want to leave it aluminumn or paint it black. I have to wire in the back-up lamps and neutral safety switch and then I can install the column.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like your off to a great start makeing an already nice truck much nicer..

[Riveted1]

Lookin good man! I've gotta get me one of those serpentine setups for my truck. And the A/C would be nice too

[awhite4557]

I finally got the steering column in. I ordered a Billet Specialties steering wheel with 1/2 rap black leather. It looks and drives great. Here's the pics.

My next project is a hidden hitch. I already have the hitch, I just have to cut my exhaust off since it is in the way of the hitch. I have the fold down license plate brack to install and then have the exhaust put back on.

[GKsport67]

I like the Dakota Digital Dash! i will get me 1. I like the blue hue!!!

[Cyclone44]

Nice truck...Looks great...

[chevy_mike]

Looks great!!! Nice work on what you have done.

My last '68, I put the same Dakota Digital dash in but did not have the shift selector part. Overall was really happy with it outside of being a little hard to read in really bright sunlight.

Keep up the good work.

[awhite4557]

I finally got the time to install the hidden hitch. I had to cut the exhaust tips off since they were in the way of the hitch. I mounted the hitch, installed the fold down license plate bracket and then had the exhaust put back. I had Midas do the repairs to the exhaust and had them install a set of short rectangular stainless exhaust tips. They look better than the round ones I had.

[awhite4557]

I bought a 2006 Chev 1500 4X4 LWB PU for the motor to install in the 71. It has a 5.3 vortec with 148,000 miles. I paid $500.00 for it. I was going to pull the motor and get a 4L60E Trans for a 2 wheel drive and put the combo in the 71. However, I cleaned the 4x4 PU up, spent about $500.00 on the brakes, front wheel bearing and pitman arm and I have decided to keep it. I guess the 71 will have to wait for a 5.3 transplant. Here's some photos of the 4X4, I have about $1,000.00 invested and it runs and drives great.

[mcbassin]

would you like your money back for the 4x4? I can bring cash!

Nice build up of an already real nice 71!

[awhite4557]

The 400 SB chevy motor that came in the truck when I bought it had low oil preasure and used oil, about a quart every month. The oil preasure finally dropped too low to drive. I pulled the 400 out of the 71 and I am going to put the 350 from my 65 Chevy in it for now. Since I bought the 2006, I really don't drive it much and would rather have a dependable truck than a hot rod.

[awhite4557]

I tore the 350 Chevy SB down. It was apparently rebuilt in the recent past and all of the bearings looked good. I replaced the timing chain and gears with a double sprocket set-up and replaced the front and rear seals. The oil pan was bent up from the 65 PU being lowered so I bought a new one. I am going to clean the motor good, paint it Chev orange and start putting it back together.

[weircc]

how do the boots work and far down on the door did you drill the hole compared to cab

[67cheby]

did you sell the radio you took out, i would be interested in buying it , nice truck

[awhite4557]

Originally Posted by weircc

how do the boots work and far down on the door did you drill the hole compared to cab

The boots work great and I mounted them about 1-2 inches below the dome light pin mount.

[awhite4557]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

did you sell the radio you took out, i would be interested in buying it , nice truck

I still have the radio but the quality of the sound was very bad and would not recommend it to anyone.

[awhite4557]

I got a little more done tonight on the engine. Installed a new Performer intake and some accessories.

[awhite4557]

Finally got it back together, the 350 runs good. Maybe it will last awhile.

[mcbassin]

Looks like super clean install on the 350! Keep the pics coming!

[awhite4557]

I finally got a 5.3/4L60E combo to install. I bought the combo from Pete's Auto in Odessa. It came out of a 2001 GMC Suburban. I have ordered new motormounts from CPP and as soon as they are in, I will remove the 350/350, put it back in the 65 and start the install. I am going to remove the wiring harness and send it to Speartech to be reworked. I'll post picks as I go.

[awhite4557]

I got the wiring harness and accessories removed and steam cleaned the engine today.