71 K-20 tow/haul truck - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

webfoot · 02-14-2012, 08:54 PM

I ordered the code 522 basecoat today. I already have all the other stuff. Now still waiting for spring so I can DD the chevelle.

In hindsight I wish I had kept those old wagon wheels and tires so I could leave them on for paint.

Slowly piecing together all the trim too. Still need 1 upper fender spear and both bed pieces, and several of the lower.

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-14-2012, 09:18 PM

Very nice! Are you looking for NOS or just good used stuff?

webfoot · 02-14-2012, 09:32 PM

Good used, although all I have so far is new but that was not my original intent. Ended up lucking out on an ebay auction which ended on christmas. Got 1 NOS fender spear and 2 NOS door trim (all upper) for about $90 shipped.

webfoot · 02-21-2012, 01:30 AM

I started thrashing through the steering components yesterday. Today was crappy and raining. Got the new steering box installed, that can be a bear by yourself. The old one was very sloppy, but not surprising since I believe it to be original. Removed the center link to install new tie rods. Since I already had that inside I also cleaned it up and painted it.

I have been storing a friends power washer and that made it about 1000 times nicer working under there without all the caked up mud and grease.

Most of the upper and lower trim is now on its way too. I think i am missing 3 small pieces and that is all.

litew8 · 02-21-2012, 01:54 AM

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-21-2012, 09:44 AM

Sounds like great progress!

webfoot · 02-27-2012, 06:40 PM

I got all the above mentioned steering parts installed. Drives like a new truck now! I can hardly believe it. Also installed a new rag joint and even had a chance to clean & paint the drag link.

Paint and trim are here, c'mon spring! I suppose I could start drilling out spotwelds on the old rusty rocker panel since it has to be providing about 0 structural support at this stage in its life.

The truck always had some aftermarket front sway bar until I recently removed it. It bolted to the leaf springs. I have not noticed one bit of difference without this installed. It has a rear sway bar too.

webfoot · 03-04-2012, 11:03 PM

Some more progress today, here is a good shot of the driver's side rocker:

Inner is not too shabby!

Cleaned it up and shot a few coats of epoxy primer on it. I still have 2 or 3 spotwelds I couldn't get to, so it looks like I'll have to remove the fender. Anybody know how big of a pain this is?

VA72C10 · 03-04-2012, 11:34 PM

looking good! That inner is nice for an original...
What about just unbolting the lower mounting point of the fender...should let you get to the spot welds...

webfoot · 03-05-2012, 01:03 AM

I'll give that a try, thanks for the tip.

webfoot · 03-05-2012, 10:49 PM

Today I installed a headlight relay kit. It really makes a nice improvement over stock. But it is still 2 daggers of light in front of the truck so now that I have the relays installed I will try out the H4 upgrade.

I removed the bottom fender bolt and the next one up which attaches to the inner fender and that fender would not budge so it sounds like I'll be removing the fender to finish this job. I need to replace the bottom of the kick panel and a little of the floor next to it so it will wait. Parts ordered!

I really need to get working on that GTO again. These projects have got me back in the spirit again. Luckily the rust is gone from the goat and it is sand bondo time.

**Dieselwrencher** · 03-06-2012, 06:17 PM

Sounds like nice work getting done. What H4 upgrade are you going with? My brother just did a 6k HID bixenon kit on his dodge, and I think I'm going that route.

webfoot · 03-06-2012, 06:59 PM

Probably just the cheapie upgrade. I've noticed that if you look on ebay at the ones for 71-72 chevelles they are much cheaper than the ones listed for trucks. A 7" headlight is a 7" headlight.

**Dieselwrencher** · 03-06-2012, 11:56 PM

There are a lot of ugly ricer stuff on there too!

I don't want a halo ring or turn signal in it.

webfoot · 03-07-2012, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

There are a lot of ugly ricer stuff on there too!

I don't want a halo ring or turn signal in it.

You aren't kidding. They come up with some real gaudy stuff but hey, apparently it sells. To each their own.

I have a benchtop sandblast cabinet on order which will be here tomorrow. I am looking forward to removing parts/brackets and painting them. The weather is starting to get nice so I will probably blast the wheel wells (outside) too.

webfoot · 03-23-2012, 11:38 AM

I got the rest of the old rocker off. 3 quick spotwelds were all that was left. Now that I have been under the truck again I see that moving the lower leg of the fender back is and would have been the preferred method but I did not know there was another bolt on the back of it! So I removed 15 bolts and still couldn't remove the fender and ended up using that method anyway.

New rocker panel should be welded in today sometime. I am very happy with the fit of it.

webfoot · 03-25-2012, 08:56 PM

Success! Turned out great. The rocker doesn't really lay flush with the rear part of the cab but what do I expect for a repro taiwan piece.

webfoot · 05-13-2012, 09:35 PM

My truck finally fits in Eastern Oregon. I bought a gun rack.

RINC · 05-13-2012, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webfoot

My truck finally fits in Eastern Oregon. I bought a gun rack.

Sweet ! I needs a gun rack too !

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-14-2012, 03:51 PM

That is funny stuff!

webfoot · 05-14-2012, 03:56 PM

Turns out the guy who posted those didn't actually have them anymore. No matter since I found brand new ones for less on amazon.

Amazon.com: Allen Company Metal Gun and Tool Rack...

Tinkermc · 05-14-2012, 07:14 PM

truck looks very nice

webfoot · 07-29-2014, 07:11 PM

Well, one final update. Almost 2 years ago we had our first child, and the 71 being my only truck it was time for an upgrade. (I got a 2005 2500HD quad cab with the 8100 vortec, it loves gas almost as much as the 71 does)

The truck has mostly sat for the last 2 and a half years and it is finally time to part with it. A guy from CA is taking the bus up and will drive it home, almost clear down to L.A.!

Now I got hunting for a new project - going to look at a 59 bel air.

02-14-2012, 08:54 PM	#51
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck I ordered the code 522 basecoat today. I already have all the other stuff. Now still waiting for spring so I can DD the chevelle. In hindsight I wish I had kept those old wagon wheels and tires so I could leave them on for paint. Slowly piecing together all the trim too. Still need 1 upper fender spear and both bed pieces, and several of the lower. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-14-2012, 09:18 PM	#52
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Very nice! Are you looking for NOS or just good used stuff? __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

02-14-2012, 09:32 PM	#53
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Good used, although all I have so far is new but that was not my original intent. Ended up lucking out on an ebay auction which ended on christmas. Got 1 NOS fender spear and 2 NOS door trim (all upper) for about $90 shipped. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-21-2012, 01:30 AM	#54
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck I started thrashing through the steering components yesterday. Today was crappy and raining. Got the new steering box installed, that can be a bear by yourself. The old one was very sloppy, but not surprising since I believe it to be original. Removed the center link to install new tie rods. Since I already had that inside I also cleaned it up and painted it. I have been storing a friends power washer and that made it about 1000 times nicer working under there without all the caked up mud and grease. Most of the upper and lower trim is now on its way too. I think i am missing 3 small pieces and that is all. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-21-2012, 01:54 AM	#55
litew8 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 3,016	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck __________________ project: "my happy mess"

02-21-2012, 09:44 AM	#56
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Sounds like great progress! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

02-27-2012, 06:40 PM	#57
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck I got all the above mentioned steering parts installed. Drives like a new truck now! I can hardly believe it. Also installed a new rag joint and even had a chance to clean & paint the drag link. Paint and trim are here, c'mon spring! I suppose I could start drilling out spotwelds on the old rusty rocker panel since it has to be providing about 0 structural support at this stage in its life. The truck always had some aftermarket front sway bar until I recently removed it. It bolted to the leaf springs. I have not noticed one bit of difference without this installed. It has a rear sway bar too. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

03-04-2012, 11:03 PM	#58
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Some more progress today, here is a good shot of the driver's side rocker: Inner is not too shabby! Cleaned it up and shot a few coats of epoxy primer on it. I still have 2 or 3 spotwelds I couldn't get to, so it looks like I'll have to remove the fender. Anybody know how big of a pain this is? __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

03-04-2012, 11:34 PM	#59
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck looking good! That inner is nice for an original... What about just unbolting the lower mounting point of the fender...should let you get to the spot welds... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

03-05-2012, 01:03 AM	#60
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck I'll give that a try, thanks for the tip. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

03-05-2012, 10:49 PM	#61
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Today I installed a headlight relay kit. It really makes a nice improvement over stock. But it is still 2 daggers of light in front of the truck so now that I have the relays installed I will try out the H4 upgrade. I removed the bottom fender bolt and the next one up which attaches to the inner fender and that fender would not budge so it sounds like I'll be removing the fender to finish this job. I need to replace the bottom of the kick panel and a little of the floor next to it so it will wait. Parts ordered! I really need to get working on that GTO again. These projects have got me back in the spirit again. Luckily the rust is gone from the goat and it is sand bondo time. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

03-06-2012, 06:17 PM	#62
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Sounds like nice work getting done. What H4 upgrade are you going with? My brother just did a 6k HID bixenon kit on his dodge, and I think I'm going that route. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

03-06-2012, 06:59 PM	#63
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Probably just the cheapie upgrade. I've noticed that if you look on ebay at the ones for 71-72 chevelles they are much cheaper than the ones listed for trucks. A 7" headlight is a 7" headlight. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

03-06-2012, 11:56 PM	#64
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck There are a lot of ugly ricer stuff on there too! I don't want a halo ring or turn signal in it. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

03-23-2012, 11:38 AM	#66
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck I got the rest of the old rocker off. 3 quick spotwelds were all that was left. Now that I have been under the truck again I see that moving the lower leg of the fender back is and would have been the preferred method but I did not know there was another bolt on the back of it! So I removed 15 bolts and still couldn't remove the fender and ended up using that method anyway. New rocker panel should be welded in today sometime. I am very happy with the fit of it. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.



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03-25-2012, 08:56 PM	#67
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Success! Turned out great. The rocker doesn't really lay flush with the rear part of the cab but what do I expect for a repro taiwan piece. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

05-13-2012, 09:35 PM	#68
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck My truck finally fits in Eastern Oregon. I bought a gun rack. Attached Images __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

05-14-2012, 03:51 PM	#70
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck That is funny stuff! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-14-2012, 03:56 PM	#71
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Turns out the guy who posted those didn't actually have them anymore. No matter since I found brand new ones for less on amazon. Amazon.com: Allen Company Metal Gun and Tool Rack... __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

05-14-2012, 07:14 PM	#72
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,026	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck truck looks very nice

07-29-2014, 07:11 PM	#73
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: 71 K-20 tow/haul truck Well, one final update. Almost 2 years ago we had our first child, and the 71 being my only truck it was time for an upgrade. (I got a 2005 2500HD quad cab with the 8100 vortec, it loves gas almost as much as the 71 does) The truck has mostly sat for the last 2 and a half years and it is finally time to part with it. A guy from CA is taking the bus up and will drive it home, almost clear down to L.A.! Now I got hunting for a new project - going to look at a 59 bel air. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

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