Too many options!

[darkhorse970]

I would keep the '71 "as is" and just fix whatever mechanical issues it has and drive it. If a v8 is really important to you, I'd keep an "original looking" engine in it. Very nice example of an original truck!

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by Mister-B

It's definitely personal preference, but I think a lot of it has to do with cost. The 69 has an inner and an outer grille. Just the inner grille for the 69 is $300, and then you're looking at sometimes $500-$1,500 for a proper outer grille with the Chevrolet embossed letters across the front. You can get a 71/72 grille for $300. There are other odds and ends like the driving lights that are in the 69 grille. Of course, finding a used grille for either is an option, but not always available when needed

I'm more going on what people have said on polls here, and what I've seen people do on this board and out here in the real in 20+ years of fooling with these trucks. Jerry Brown that restores these truck in Tennessee (who restores a lot of SWB BBC trucks) says the 69-70's and much softer on price after they are restored than the 71-72's are.

Again, I'm not knocking 69-70's, I'm just saying what I've seen and heard from people who really know the trends of these trucks.

Heck, the 67-68 front end is my favorite of all of them, but I like all of them!

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

I'm more going on what people have said on polls here, and what I've seen people do on this board and out here in the real in 20+ years of fooling with these trucks. Jerry Brown that restores these truck in Tennessee (who restores a lot of SWB BBC trucks) says the 69-70's and much softer on price after they are restored than the 71-72's are.

Again, I'm not knocking 69-70's, I'm just saying what I've seen and heard from people who really know the trends of these trucks.

Heck, the 67-68 front end is my favorite of all of them, but I like all of them!

How much of that is the grille though, and how much is because of disc brakes and a newer truck that has less miles and potentially less rust? Hard to say

Everybody is different. I like 67-70 trucks the most. With the later years, your typical more modern GM plastic conversion can be seen. I still like 71/72's though. They're all such great trucks

[davepl]

If it belonged to both your Dad and Grandfather, restore to 100% stock like when they had it, inline 6 and all. If you want to modify a truck, hide that one away until you get it out of your system, and find another one.

[burnin oil]

If you are happy with the power of a 283 my vote is to rebuild the 250 6 cylinder. Those things are like a timex, take a licken and keep on ticken. There are several performance parts out there that will make it run strong. A cam, swap intake manifold, and drop a 390 CFM Holley on that old 6 would make an intersting hood pop for a cruiser.

[hebbard]

I think I will probably bring them both home and work on them for a while - the 71 should be easy to get running as it was running in 2007 or so when it was put up.


the 69 will take more work.. so we will see how many parts the 71 will need from it and go from there.

Would there be any benefit to swapping the rear ends for the positrac read end? I will not be using this truck for farm stuff so I don't know that it would be necessary, but might be nice to have?

Also, how would you fix the paint bubble on the 71 driver inside door without primer? Sand it down and wax over it?

[zeldman]

Originally Posted by hebbard

So considering the options

A) rebuilding + keeping all original with i6, +/- rear end. "old school"
B) rebuild 283 and front clip swap, rear end swap, maybe move some other pieces. "period-correct"
C) 350/350 from chevelle rebuild and swap, front clip and rear end from 67 or chevelle if salvageable "frankentruck"

There is a lot of good advice here, but have you considered option D?

D) Sell everything to me.!!