Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod

[6600DURAMAX]

Silver 7 - I did have the springs and traction bars powdercoated. For the springs I took them 100% apart then had to reassemble them. It was a pain in the @ss but it looks great once done. Again I would have it all powdercoated once you are sure you have everything mocked up and are happy with it.

It will be the best decision you make. I will encourage you to take a look at your local powdercoaters work ahead of time. We have a couple withing 20-30 miles from me that do OK work, BUT I took mine some 3hrs away because their work was flawless AND CHEAPER !!!!! Do some research.

Good luck and keep up the progress

[silver7]

Great advice. The guy I use told me to be sure I took the leaf springs apart so they could be done right.

Did you sand blast or chemically strip prior?

[msgross]

powdercoaters will blast the metal then PC it...

[silver7]

My guy uses chemical stripping. I had planned on taking it to another place for sand blasting but was curious how 6600DURAMAX did his. I've heard pros and cons from both sides.

[6600DURAMAX]

My powdercoater sandblasted all mine. I thought the powdercoat would fill in a little better than what it did or i would have smoothed out some areas better than I did. But in all reality it is just a frame and you have to be about 4'' away from it to see the marks. I also welded all my unused holes shut BUT during sandblasting there were some small pinholes that popped through that you can see now. But again it is just a frame and you have to really look to see them.

One other thing, check and see if you guys puts a top coat of clear powder on. All mine has a base coat then is cleared on top. Makes it look a little sharper

[silver7]

I had to travel to AL for work the last 3 weeks so progress has been slow but steady.

Yesterday I was able to finish the majority of the fab work (4" extended length, 15 degree angled mount towards shocks, holes drilled, shock tabs welded, 1/2" lift brackets on btm because frame is larger in new spot versus original location near rear bumber) on my shock Xmember and mount up my dual shocks on both sides. Other than the boogered welds not bad for a newbie. All I need to do is weld a strip of steel across each set of tabs and it is done.

Today I was able to find a local 4x4 shop which had the right size U-bolts for my truck. I learned all chevys with front leaf springs have 3 u-bolts at one size and a fourth at a larger size. Makes sense once you try putting your front axle on.

Once I got my front axle mounted I was able to mount my passenger side dual shock mounts. Only needed to drill 2 holes. Tomorrow I'll finish the drivers side then begin taking it apart for sandblasting. Oh ya!!

[msgross]

I could have told you about the U-bolts!

I had a local spring shop bend mine for me...

[steelhorse]

subscribed

[my67chevytruck]

nice progress.

[SeventyOne]

What are your plans for this truck when done? Jumping or dune running? Reason I ask is it's going to ride very stiff with dual shocks on all corners.

[silver7]

Got my drivers side front dual shocks mounted tonight. I was about to finish drilling what should be the last holes which need to be drilled in the frame where the front spring hanger attaches to the bottom of the frame when my drill bits died on me. I'll get a few more tomorrow and finish so I can start taking it apart. I could literally be ready to take this thing to get sand blasted in a few days. . .

[msgross]

Are you going to add a front sway bar from a 70's truck? They mount to the front U-bolts and a modified front crossmember... just a though before you are done with a cab.

Also, if you plan to add factory front tow hooks (or others) and a rear reece hitch be sure that you have the holes drilled.

[silver7]

I don't plan to add a sway bar but I will use a steering stabilizer.

You bring up a good point about the tow hooks and a rear hitch. Thanks.

[6600DURAMAX]

I installed my hitch and it also was powdercoated at the same time with the frame. Cleaner look.

Something to think about

[silver7]

Frame is stripped and ready for some sand, with everything else bagged and labeled. Hopefully I can get it moved by Friday.

Also sold my tires and rims tonight. Anyone know of a good deal on some nice 35" tires (12.5 or 14.5" wide on 16" or larger aluminum rims) available for sale?

[silver7]

How do the front tow hooks normally mount to the front of the frame? My frame is a C10 frame so it wasn't set up for any tow hooks. I'm sure I could fab a piece but I would be interested in seeing some pics if anyone has any to share.

Thanks.

[msgross]

your 71 would have had the common 69-72 tow hooks... should be plenty of pics on the forum, 60-68 had one style and there were also a special 72 extreme bend style...

[silver7]

Thanks Mike.

Dropped my frame off in Greensboro today for sand blasting.

[silver7]

Picked up my frame and misc parts from sandblasting today. Cost $160 and he did a great job. Time to give it a light sanding to smooth the rough finish from the sand.

[msgross]

are you painting the frame? Epoxy primer should smooth it out... good price though

[silver7]

Nope. I am having everything powder coated. My resident paint buddy who helped me transport the frame back and forth, is the same guy whose dad runs a powder coating operation at GE. He thought the guy was very agressive with either the pressure used or the size of the grit and thought I should kiss it with 120 grit or higher just to ensure the powder paint covered everything sufficiently.

[silver7]

Originally Posted by msgross

your 71 would have had the common 69-72 tow hooks... should be plenty of pics on the forum, 60-68 had one style and there were also a special 72 extreme bend style...

I found your thread from 06 with a lot of good info. This and a few others were excellent for helping me figure out what I want to do. Thanks man.

[silver7]

I just finished my 2nd 'pony' bottle of MIG gas and it seems like every time I run out it is the weekend. . .I wish I had known to buy a refillable bottle from Northern Tool (about 3 miles from my house) since they are open on the weekend versus National Welders which has bankers hours. . .

[msgross]

np

[msgross]

I have a tractor supply bottle, they have an exchange program too... I would upgrade to a med size bottle if you have a lot left to do.. I've only refilled mine once.