72 SWB STEP "Army truck" Budget Build

[WIDESIDE72]

Unfortunately, one of my brothers recently passed away. I "inherited" a 1971 LeMans Sport convertible that he was building into a GTO Judge "clone". He had already blasted rebuilt and painted the suspension and installed a 2002 Tran Am LS1 and 4L60e trans. He had just started on body work. Fortunately, he had found 2 endura front bumpers, and a nice driver side front fender. Unfortunately, the passenger side fender and hood was not as nice and 1971 GTO parts are a one year only deal with no aftermarket support, with the exception of fiberglass cold air hoods. All the more reason I need to move this truck, but not giving it away.

[WIDESIDE72]

I sold the truck about a year ago. Unfortunately, my dad passed away last Friday from heart failure. He was 81 and still living at home. My momma passed away 7 1/2 years ago and he had been heart broken since. He went quickly and now his journey is through. We had also redone a 71GMC that we used in my wedding. He had a thing for charcoal grey trucks. He was a pipeline welder. A good friend of his shared a photo of him with one of his trucks back in the late 80's or early 90's. It was an 80 GMC with a built 454 and a 4 speed. (Dad is on the left.)

[WIDESIDE72]

Part of my love for 67-72 Chevy trucks comes from the fact that he bought a new dark green with white top 72 c10 long bed fleetside soon after I was born. It had an auto trans, ps and pb, but no ac. He had it up into the early 80's and always regretted selling it. I recall many fun times in that truck. He had a camper shell that he would take off and on. Sometimes we would pull his boat to different lakes all over Texas and my brothers and I would sleep in a tent and he and my momma would sleep in the "camper" (she tolerated a lot LOL). Other times he would tow our little pop up camper and my grandparents would follow in their car and camp with us. He drove the truck to work when he worked in a fab shop, before taking up pipeline welding, so he opted for the 307 as a compromise. That was what led to it being traded for a 73 or 74 C10 Cheyenne Super (or Silverado?) lwb fleetside with a 454 (and ac!). It was a sharp truck, black with a red interior, but not as well built and with the feel and smooth ride of the 72.

[WIDESIDE72]

My daughter (7 y.o. now) amd I still have a project that my dad and I bought a few years ago. She likes riding in it. We will see if she shares the "passion" LOL

[WIDESIDE72]

Dad's first new car was a 56 bel air 2 dr sedan, black and crocus yellow, later solid black. He still had a soft spot for them. This is a photo of him at a local fathers day show with a 56 that caught his eye.

[NateK4340]

Cool truck! Can't wait to see more progress.

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

Spid

In my current role as an airport electrician, I have learned that the reference to "Form 139" has to do with the FAA and airfield rules and regulations.

[capt68]

You've done a great job on this build Steve. I love to look at pics of complete builds. It really helps tell the story about all the work that goes into bringing one of these old machines back to life.