Project 71 k20 retro

[doug70]

Ok, just pulled the 71 into the shop to start the build.

Plans:
remove longbed (done)
remove eaton rear end (will replace with corporate 14 bolt with disc upgrade)
strip down to frame
clean and duraline the frame
A lot of work has already been done to the cab, unfortunately some will have to be re-done. The PO did a horrible rocker installation. Cab corners and floors are good. (high Hump Cab)
Strip and clean (rebuild dana 44)
Use late model flatbed
I have a 91 suburban parts vehicle and will be using the TB350 pretty much as it is. The 700R4 and all the wiring I can. Using the rear mounted fuel tank with internal fuel pump to mount under the rear of the 71 frame.
Will use the 91 brake booster and ps parts. Makes for easy computer mounting since it mounts on the brake booster bracket.
The truck has parts from many different color trucks. It will end up teal green and pearl white.
It had some nice aluminum wheels and I will keep those. I also have some 16.5's with 33's that I may later get rid of.
I will use the power seats, tilt column... from the suburban. I may use the entire dash and transplant it in the 71. That should be fun.
I will get rid of the behind seat tank and original seat and use the Suburban seats and console. Anyone know of a good storage system to put where the tank used to be?
I had a cowl hood from another project that will go on this truck.
Will need to replace the plastic grill insert and maybe the grill. I have a nice 70 grill so I may use it.
I have an extra battery box from a parts longhorn so this will have dual batteries.
The A/C from the suburban is coming over too.
Well thats the plan.
Just got started this weekend so I don't have any pics yet.
I 2001 or up rear end, but lack of money means the corporate 14 bolt is going to have to work.

I am in north central texas now.

Anyone else doing something simular?

Doug

[doug70]

ok, I am starting the rearend build. I tore apart the first corporate 14 bolt and found good and bad news. The good news is that it was a posi. The bad news is that the spider case is busted. pulled the second out of a 77 3/4 ton yesterday and will take it apart when it is a little warmer. The severe cold hit here during the night and it will likely be the weekend before i can work in the shop to tear this one down.

I will be converting to disc brakes on it using this procedure.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ble/index.html

I will be using eldorado calipers so I can keep the parking brake. Changed my mind on the trans and will be converting to standard using a NV4500 as soon as I can find a complete setup. I want the hydraulic setup.

I will pull the cab off next week. It is in very good shape except for the botched rockers. I have a new set but I am no body man so I will farm that out. I also have a nice 67 cab and powdercoated SB frame if someone wants to do some trading.

Doug

[sdailey]

Picture for Doug.

It all begins once the first bolt is removed.

Good luck with your build. Holler if you need anything.

[doug70]

Thanks for your help with the picture. I joined photobucket so I will learn to do this. I am going over to the welding shop to see if it is warm enough to tear down the 14 bolt.

Doug

[doug70]

ok, I don't know how to get these pictures in here, but I added a few to my photobucket. Can't wait to get the new heater hooked up in the shop. Waiting on the plumber to get the city inspection before the gas company will set the meter.

http://s824.photobucket.com/albums/z...ug70/71%204x4/

Doug

[doug70]

a try at some pics. I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.

Doug

[sdailey]

Looks like you figured it out Doug.

Now post more pictures. Do you have any pictures of your truck before disassembly?

[doug70]

I bought the truck several years ago from someone that started this for his son and the son didn't want it. It came to me in boxes. He had bought most of the restoration parts for the suspension so I have all that still in the boxes. It just took me this long to have a goop spot to build it. Can't tell you how many people have stopped by trying to buy it.

I have several more trucks that I bought for parts for a 72 stepside build. The 72 is mostly finished and has won several shows.

Doug

[my67chevytruck]

Doug,

looks like your making progress. post pics of the '72 as well. best of luck with your build.

[doug70]

ok, pretty cold today, but got the ho52 and springs removed. got the latest corporate torn down. Looks ok, but not a posi. removed the hood too, weather permitting should have the front clip removed tomorrow and maybe a little more. Should have the frame ready for blasting this weekend. I have the paint ready for the frame and differentials.

Doug

[doug70]

I found a 1993 k3500 with a nv4500. I have not gone to see the truck yet, but someone was telling me that I can't use the 93 Tcase because it is on the wrong side. Can someone tell me if this is true? What can I use from the 93?

I have a np205 27 spline and the adapter costs more than the 93 truck.

Thanks,

Doug

[doug70]

ok, I think I have a plan for the trans.

1993 NV4500, 1993 bellhousing with passenger side slave, clutch and brake pedals from 93, flywheel from 93, new clutch,pp,flywheel,pilot bearing
1971 NP205 8 bolt style(racetrack)
1983 TH400 to NP205 adapter with integrated mount and new special gasket
rebuild np205 and machine for large bearing, install 32 spline input shaft

Put it all together and hope for the best. I have read there may be some driveline clearance issues with the passenger side slave, but not everyone has experienced this problem. I will have to deal with that if it is a problem.

I expect it will tank driveshaft modification.

Did I miss anything?

Doug

[doug70]

I think I found a name for the project. Since it will be the lime green, I will call it "grasshopper".

Doug

[doug70]

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

Doug,

looks like your making progress. post pics of the '72 as well. best of luck with your build.

Here is a pic of the 72 before it was taken apart.

Doug

[doug70]

Ok, a little warmer the last couple of days. The plumbing still hasn't thawed in the shop, but I got a little done. Completely disassembled the 2 corporate 14 bolts. I took the springs apart. The 3/4 ton had 5 leafs with overloads and I think the 1 ton had 9 springs. I am doing some swapping and building new spring packs from the 2 sets. Cleaning up the 81 14b and using that case. It had the broken posi in it. Still looking for a replacement. May have to buy a new Detroit locker.

I can put it in the open carrier that was good.

Tomorrow I go after the nv4500 so little will get done.

Doug