Build that 71 402 already

[Getter-Done]

Is that the door panel screw under the floor mat? JK

Great job.

Hope your Bumper shows up in Pristine condition Soon.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Something about my kit's document. My excuse is I hadn't gotten to the license plates yet promised a guy I'd be done with the kit by Nov. Turns out the part number listed for the rear plates is baloney, I'd say GM's error. And what a dealer sells for attaching the lamp to the rear bumper bar bracket is baloney too, they even show the wrong screw.

Anyway, I can send a fresh copy of the guide by request; the last 1-2 orders reflect the changes. It's really not a big deal, otherwise I'd send via email automatically. This amends the parts on topic, blue font.

BTW, no reviews of the KIT yet? I'm going to get a complex

The rear license plate mounts to its bracket with two clear finished slot truss head screws with dog point tips, and nylon nuts. The screw threads are 1/4 x 5/8”.

The kit is available on EBAY through jcapartscom.

The lamp assembly installs onto the license plate bracket’s top with two 1/4” hex flange head tap screws and star lock washers inserted from below. The screw threads are #10 x 3/4”.

As for attaching the lamp assm., I was lucky to find the info., finally. Course there are other ways to mount it. I remembered I had a spare lamp that was on the bracket I'd picked up long ago, and there they were. Looks right to me. I thought the lamp installed with #8, which is an option as well. Also thought they'd be dog-pointed (or b-pointed?) like the len's screws, which a certain dealer advertises, but nope. They send pointed tips that you can buy anywhere. Perhaps some lamp assm. screws are dog or B pointed, similar the lens screws.

I've read that at times the lamps don't work due a bad ground at the bracket, some folk suggest removing some finish from the brackets. Didn't doubt it for a second, everything is powder coated, or primed & painted, and the plate's frame has a clear coat too. Only surfaces I roughed up are for ground strap terminals, and there's only one for the bed.

Until today I'd never seen a plate lamp on my truck. Inspired me to drive her, and play the same square and corny AM station I grew up with. They play the same music, it hasn't changed at all and >>>> most radio stations. What a pleasure, I have serious object-what-the term is, it's a sickness Has 300 miles and an oil change on her.

I needed to reword the following...Not that the prior info. was necessarily wrong, but it was surely unclear in regard to years and GMC. Now reads as...

1967-1971 Chevrolet trucks have a 12 character VIN. The first six characters designate the Chassis, Engine, GVW, Model, Year, and Factory. The last six characters designate the truck’s serial number. For example;

C = 2WD
E = V8
1 = 1/2 ton
4 = Pickup
1 = 1971
Z = Fremont
XXXXXX = Serial number

The SPIDS in Chevrolet trucks differ from GMC trucks, for the years 1967-1971. For one example, 70-71 GMC trucks have a 13 character VIN. One character is a designation of some type, or a dash if blank.

The SPIDS in 1972 Chevrolet and GMC trucks have the same data framework. The first of 13 VIN characters designates GMC (T) or Chevrolet (C).

The 1967-72 Chevrolet truck model ID provides the chassis, the engine, the GVW, the wheel base, and the body style. For example;
C = 2WD
E = V8
1 = 1/2 ton
07 = (SWB, 115")
34 = fleet side

The model ID for GMC trucks is different then that for Chevrolet trucks.

The RPO (regular production option) codes for a truck are displayed on SPIDS and build sheets. Reference images for the codes, or most of them.

Also worth noting, I'd sure hate to see someone sand a 69-71 door panel trim piece, because dummy wrote they're stainlessChromed steel.


Bookmarked. Yeah, my steering box was rebuilt by reputable. But leaks at the pitman. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=619634

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I'm happy to say my insurance company increased the guaranteed value on my truck to 125K, which is what I asked for. Was 80k, I was real uncomfortable with that, but that's all they'd give, I suppose because the truck wasn''t quite done. Anyway, I gave them a 196 row punch list in Excel, broke down in various categories. And 15 images, that included pics of the spid, build sheet and vin plate. That did the trick, no questions asked.

I added some of my labor, which apparently they take into consideration. I figured 2184 hours at a measly $15 an hour. The punch list totaled 114K, but that doesn't account for parts that didn't have to be replaced or restored, never mind the truck only cost $2800 in the first place. Few images of my punch list, covering OEM and NOS purchases, moderately interesting.

Edit: Just for the heck of it, I spent:

NOS parts: $11,000. Wow, I really didn't expect that. That was when you could still buy stuff, almost reasonably.
OEM parts: $6,500. That includes a bed and front bumper I bought over a decade ago for $1200, I'm not complaining.
Replacement parts, and materials: $15,500.
Rebuilt parts and buying the truck in the first place: $11,250 combined (Truck portion $2800, in 1989).
Services: $37,000

[Louisvillekytruck]

Great details and very nice truck

[IronCanine]

I just received one of Tony's guides and it is fantastic. I haven't even had time to do a deep dive, but what a resource. Even though I'm building a 70 K20, there is a lot of overlap, and to be able to have a resource like this compiled of such an original and unmolested truck is invaluable. Unbelievable amount of effort and detail put into it. If you like em how they came from the factory like I do, this is awesome.

Great work Tony. Thanks for doing it and sharing it with the Board.

Brad

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

I just received one of Tony's guides and it is fantastic. I haven't even had time to do a deep dive, but what a resource. Even though I'm building a 70 K20, there is a lot of overlap, and to be able to have a resource like this compiled of such an original and unmolested truck is invaluable. Unbelievable amount of effort and detail put into it. If you like em how they came from the factory like I do, this is awesome.

Great work Tony. Thanks for doing it and sharing it with the Board.

Brad

I appreciate that a bunch Brad, wow, and glad you're happy with it.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Represents the last of the restoration, the bumper was left well over a year ago. The last part to fall under a covid mentality economy. Yeah sure, "6 weeks". I dropped the front and rear off 260 miles from me. 5-8 months in they tell me the rear is done, but not the front. Then, "front is done, but it's scratched."

Months later, "they're perfect, come and get em." So I did. I had a hunch the front was an imposter, confirmed by images when I arrived home. Plus I found the imposter had 5-6 part number stamps, not GM. Let me know if you ever find an OEM front bumper that's GM stamped. I believe they only had stickers. Anyway, I raised heck, and the boss found my bumper. 1-2 guys claimed that gee, the imposter was in better condition so we refinished that for you. BS. So the wait continued.

January 23rd. "Your bumper is done", call back in an hour and well report our inspection. Well, since I was in an ambulance I didn't make that call, which happens when you break a femur and damage the pelvic socket. I took a real hard fall, the hip took all of it, just as well have struck it with a sledge hammer, not good, full hip replacement.

Anyway, the shop said a guy could meet up 150 miles from me for the bumper swap, and since my girlfriend lives there perfect. So we agree on a date, which was 4.5 weeks after my accident.

Oh great, "storm of the century over the Sierras", exactly where I need to travel. I'll be dang if I miss the opportunity. I ended up traveling on perhaps the worst day of it, couldn't help it, but I found a window of "65-75% snow" for 2 hours instead of 100%, and headed out.

I've driven worse, but 5-6 times I had to immediately stop due to white outs, twice someone was behind me. Happy to say they were careful. Lucky there wasn't too much wind and gusts, 190 MPH recorded a prior day(s). Drive was fine, I was comfortable. After 3.5 hrs., and on the other the other side of the mt., I stopped for a pee and snack. Get out of the car; oooops, unexpected, I can't move without real pain, hmm, don't have a cane, baby steps across the parking lot. Eventually loosened up with a Tylenol and such, though not much improvement until morning. Other than that I've gone this pain killer free since after the first week, I suppose the trip called for something.

With that day being the exception, there's improvement everyday; nearly lost my limp, gym-time, PT. Pain is tolerable or nothing. You tend to think twice about falling again. Still can't tie a shoe, and have learned to like slip-ons. I'll get there, blessing I was in good shape from start. Just thin, no padding for the hip. No more jumpin' rope, did that 40+ years, I'll miss it. No more runs with my girlfriend, funny, I never ran before short of sports, but at 60 my girlfriend talked me into it for occasions, despite smokes I found it pretty easy. Well, that lasted two years....ha ha haaaaaa. What a coincidink, my first SS check too, hmm, hexed, "destiny, destiny, no escaping that for me" I'll learn to like and respect my new hip, and I like the bumper, time will tell. Will install it soon, and stamp the project done.

[68bowtie]

Crazy story! I can’t believe they tried to pull one over you with a reproduction bumper. Glad you caught em.

Almost there!!

[CG]

Glad the bumper issue got worked out. More glad you're on the mend after that crazy fall.

Ill be 65 in October, my wife wanted to wait a couple years before I signed up for SS. I told her at my age fellas start dropping like flies (haha?), and I want to at least get something from SS. Finally convinced her =)

Thanks again for the fantastic build thread and for putting together all the info that goes along with it.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by CG

Glad the bumper issue got worked out. More glad you're on the mend after that crazy fall.

Ill be 65 in October, my wife wanted to wait a couple years before I signed up for SS. I told her at my age fellas start dropping like flies (haha?), and I want to at least get something from SS. Finally convinced her =)

Thanks again for the fantastic build thread and for putting together all the info that goes along with it.

I waited till I was 70 cause I could ...got all the 8%ers and still haven't retired @ 72 like what I do besides all I have ever done is workglad to hear your mending the INFO STICK is awesome your truck is awesome stay healthy to enjoy

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Tribute to my dog, which previously belonged to my mom and dad. Man this fellow had a ferocious bark. But he was a baby, strong personality to all that knew him, and then they fell in love with him. He was a rescue dog as a pup, found running loose in the hills. My parents figured in their 80s they had to have a third German Shephard, previously only a set of two. One was 120 Lbs. BTW. Anyway, bad idea, Lucky was by far the most rambunctious and wild of the six Shephard's they'd adopted past.

We knew I'd end up with him, even Lucky knew that. I gave him my best, and rec'd that back, he minded me quickly, aimed to please and protect. I had him half his life, cut too short, before his 10th birthday. He became weak after breakfast Thursday morning. No change throughout the night into the early morning. I took him to the ER - Large tumor on the spleen and heavy bleeding, that's it.

He had a auto immune disease some sort. A year after I adopted him he went blind during a month(s) of smoke in the air. Detached retinas. Man, 2020 was a miserable year, but blessing we brought vision back with a stint of steroids and anti-biotics. Lucky, for sure, we were so happy.

Gosh I loved this dog, what he meant to me, and my parents. I'd sure like another Shepherd someday, but I don't know, I don't own anything without his hair on it. I had his "sister" as well, put her down 2020. Had to clean floors every 2-3 days. Could get a poodle instead, hmmm!........NEVER. I still have my lab, he's 12. I think he has some Pit Bull, hind legs and some white spots. Anyway, here's Lucky. One picture with his "brother", the big guy, and his "sister" approx. when my parent's first adopted him. Hmmm, I'm guessing he was 6 months old. Lucky was pretty big too, and was real handsome.

[chewychevy67]

Congratulations on giving your dogs a great place to spend their time here. I as well have multiple dogs and hate the hair but I could never replace them.

[Shifty One]

Beautiful GSD, I wish I could have one, but nature blessed me with very bad allergies, and a lot of love for dogs.

[Getter-Done]

This brings back memories of my Childhood.

Daddy always kept us a German Shephard as a Guard Dog.

They were Very Protective of there Own.

I have story,s

Now I have a Wife a She talked me into getting a Golden Retriever.

The 1st one we got Was Already at 7 years of age.

She was great and we had some Adjusting to do.

She made it to the Ripe old age of 14 years old.

That was Hard. losing her.

So, After a little time past.

We bought the first DOG I have ever Paid money for.

She is my Shadow and Nothing moves in or out of the House without Her knowing about it.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Yeah, Lucky was the most protective and loyal combination dog I've had, and I've had a bunch. I'd say he was my best friend really, not to mean I love my other less, it's a long story.

I've always wondered what it would be like to have a Golden Retriever. I did for a short time as a teenager. One cold night I opened the door, and the cutest pup slid up the sidewalk toward me, how could I resist? I think it was female. Anyway, maybe 2 weeks later I was going to discipline for potty on the floor, front door was open, I scared the pup and she took off. Two days later a friend saw her in the tennis court (Condos) and closed the gate. The pound came, discovered she had distemper and immediately put her down.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Yeah, Lucky was the most protective and loyal combination dog I've had, and I've had a bunch. I'd say he was my best friend really, not to mean I love my other less, it's a long story.

I've always wondered what it would be like to have a Golden Retriever. I did for a short time as a teenager. One cold night I opened the door, and the cutest pup slid up the sidewalk toward me, how could I resist? I think it was female. Anyway, maybe 2 weeks later I was going to discipline for potty on the floor, front door was open, I scared the pup and she took off. Two days later a friend saw her in the tennis court (Condos) and closed the gate. The pound came, discovered she had distemper and immediately put her down.

A German Shepard/ Lady named Queen was my 1st experience.

She would cuddle with the Kittens from my (Childhood) cat Named Kitty.

I would stay in the Dog house with Each German Shepard we had during the Thunderstorms.
I was Young then.

They did Not like The Thunder at All.

Seems each of them had Hip issues.

My Golden Retriever (Dolly) is a Smaller retriever,
Hope this will minimize this issue.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Smaller is good, I want to travel, just seems easier. Lucky didn't mind the thunder or fireworks, but my lab Eli shakes with adrenaline during fireworks, scared to death. I wouldn't want the front door open, oh snap! Dog "weed", what-called does the trick, but only once or twice. Last time(s) I just closed my bedroom door and cranked the tv. We're 3-4 miles away, but the valley echoes well.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I didn’t imagine it would take nine years from start to finish this truck, to the month. I still have the otherwise useless contract I had with the paint/body man, more on him later. Most of this project was in Greek to me, put mildly. Along the way, I learned how the truck called for everything we could throw at it. Really great parts and such. Mostly unaltered.

This is parked (image) in the same spot it was when I bought the truck in 1989, for $2900. More on that later too. It was white, painted over Ochre (OAKER), nicked “Spanish Gold”. I can see it, but then again, my mom implied that because I wanted to repaint the truck (aka Baby Squirts Gerber Squash), then that was proof enough I was colored blind. In fact, for decades everyone but the painter and his wife said NO OCHRE. Anyway, the salesman told me this truck had a big block. I didn’t know much, so, “neat, it’s got a big block”.

This didn’t have side and rear belt moldings, and was a “standard” paint scheme, which is now “deluxe”. This is going to get long winded, so perhaps it’s a good time to jump ship now☺. Really, 99% of this was done in seven years, the last few services took so long. The front bumper being the last of it.

I delivered my bumpers 250 miles from me, for replating, a“six week” turnaround. Long story short, I didn’t get the high sign for about one year, “problem with front bumper”. Yeah, I’ll say. So 250 miles from me, I picked them up. Front bumper suspicious, but weighed correct, hmm, that’s odd, doesn’t seem right. Got them home, looked at my pictures………NOPE, they “replated” a knock-off, and declared it original. So I was pissed. They soon “found” my bumper, and another five months later………

I was supposed to call at 12:30, to confirm it was nice, after their inspection. But I missed that call, because I was in an ambulance instead. &*(%*&% me, broke a leg, so it would be another three months before I could finish.

The area of town where I bought the truck means a lot to me, it’s kind of uncanny. The area has the first place we lived, and my first school, when we first moved to this city, in 1972. It’s home to my favorite job, which was a drive-through car wash. I was the last manager and attendant of that lot, in 1983, for Western Mountain (Energetix/ Barry Hinckley). Good people. It’s now Flyer, for unattended gas. Like where I bought the truck, the lots are very small and useful, thus they're mostly empty.

Home to my favorite restaurant and ice cream stop, which was next door to that car wash. I caught perhaps 300 twist cones at that Carousel Drive-in, 15 cents for a small, 25 for large. Hey man, I worked hard, time for an ice cream, at 25 cents☺, after my afternoon route. Home to my first girlfriend, a beautiful blond, and tomboy, in a sundress, what’s not to like. And home to my favorite ex-wife☺, who worked a few lots down from where I bought the truck. She was there 18 years or so, from the time our first was a one year old. Home to my first job, as a paper boy, which was the morning route, where I looked away from the graveyard for dark winter mornings, and where my parents lay today.

Nearby I lost my innocence as well, I should probably stop now. Boy in the plastic bubble was on the TV too, for its premiere, the irony sometimes. Raise your hand if you know the date you..............

I’m second owner of this truck, with a dealer (image) between us. A couple named Bergevin bought it new. I have all the orig. paperwork and such, short a window sticker of some sorts, and their sales contract. Anyway, they owned the truck 18+- years; they passed long ago. When they bought it, they were a few years younger than I am today. I’m old. Well that’s BS☺. I suspect they traded it in because it was damaged, which is one reason it was painted white, and so poorly, it was a “Maco” job. I removed lots of paint, myself a contributor too, lots of rattle cans and such over the years, gross.

The couple special ordered the truck though a place called COD Garage, in Minden. Unconventionally, it’s a short wheel base, but they ordered it for all things recreation. Camper mirrors, fifth wheel, camper, step bumper with hitch, saddle tanks. Between that and gravel the bed was toast. He cut the front bumper favoring a boat launching hitch too. I won’t mention the rock he hit though☺, but I hit one too, so I guess we’re even.

For more/less 20 years, I’d put up an ad on occasion, looking for a truck bed. About 15 years ago a Guy called one day, and the bed was 5 miles from me. Imagine my surprise, and he had a good front bumper too. Smoking. The old bed served me well though, lots of landscape. More appreciations…………….

Nine years ago I met Josh. I liked him before I met him, because his wife is the best. I floated the idea he take on the body/paint, and he was all over it. He’s something, and a motivation, first rate work and ethics. Lightly put he went well beyond my expectations. We ended up going in deep on this project. He led building the body, twice. During the dry run, without paint, we discovered where the truck was damaged. Another five hours later he had the RH door fit. Josh finished far more than just the body, and he took the job to heart. I could not have done this without him, no question. If I didn’t have kids, I think I’d leave this his side☺

Thank you Grease for finishing some specials. Thank you Outback Dave for setting me up on the seating and flooring. Big thanks to John with Tri-fusion, LLC. He finished about 100 parts, powder and cerakote, very meticulous. And Russ who does welding, no charge, and the drunk locally who refreshed and balanced the driveline☺ I nearly forgot this board, who without them my research would have quadrupled, if I could get the information, and parts at all. This board and members are the best. Thank you Wes for the telephone calls, where I learned so much, and scored so many parts.

Thank you my family and friends, who among other things had to put up with this BS. I have a 12 room house, but only the hallway and one bathroom were spared of parts. Imagine my girlfriend’s surprise intro. to a master bedroom stacked with parts☺. I thought the bench seat was a nice touch, surely that was a win☺

Thanks for the Chevy I bought for the Chevy, I never imagined it was a match made, can’t believe it had so much what was otherwise lost, and difficult to find. You wouldn’t know by looking at it. Thank you Sherri, for using your charm to buy that truck, for me (cough). Ha! Explain how a random license plate has the same number as the fender badges, on both trucks, hmm.

And finally, thank you Dana and crew for setting me up, including the maiden start. Dana was the best, RIP. Those who know the bull-headed☺Basque miss him. If I remember right, his mom or grandma had a shop behind that COD garage, in Minden. Come to think of it, he had a shop two lots down from my car wash, for decades; it’s where we met.

Another major chapter closed, one nearly every year since 2017.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

...

Thought I'd add a Muriel of the garage this was purchased from new. Coincidence my dear friend owned it, RIP.

[68bowtie]

Great recap. And thanks for taking us for the ride. I know for every post there’s another 20, 30, maybe 50 of us that read and follow along without posting.

Truly an impressive build.

What’s gonna keep you busy next? Surely this kind of motivation and attention to detail can’t just stop abruptly…

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

Great recap. And thanks for taking us for the ride. I know for every post there’s another 20, 30, maybe 50 of us that read and follow along without posting.

Truly an impressive build.

What’s gonna keep you busy next? Surely this kind of motivation and attention to detail can’t just stop abruptly…

Thank you so much. I put that on social media, and added "Anyway, say, I do some handy-work, clean-up, and such, what you got? What else am I supposed to do?"

At some point I'm installing NOS door latches, and when I do that I have to apply new chrome foil on the door panels. Better not drink any coffee that day, boy howdy. I also need to have the horns rebuilt. The finisher blasted sand into the high note on the low side, and finished her. "They're due" anyway. Boy that cerakote on them sure look(ed) great. Bad idea, that stuff is bullet proof. I got one to go yet, but figure to ask the guy who blasted one dead to do it. Talking hours and hours otherwise.

Oh, and the front bumper looks unfinished to me. This has my vintage license plates, think I'll put a rubber sheet on back the front one. I put RTV on the rear one, for nearly OCD, I mean CDO. I think the front takes 1/4 slot truss head screws, and figure stainless will match nicely.

Edit: FWW, and note to self...... Not a fan of tower clamps for water hoses, so I opted for band clamps for all water hoses, like what GM installed for the Bypass hose. The 5/8" and 3/4" hoses all got OEM Wittek band clamps, and I like them a lot. But the upper and lower radiator hoses got turd "Sure-Tite" (cough) reproduction #28s and #32s. Didn't like them to begin with, and the lower stripped today, at the radiator...JUNK. I think I'll give these a shot, #28 and #32, https://www.fisheriessupply.com/scan...cart&fslsid=cl

[IronCanine]

Amazing Tony. What a wonderful result. Thanks for sharing. I have learned a lot and been inspired by this project. These trucks are so much more than trucks. They're relationships and experiences.

Congratulations on reaching the summit. It has been so much fun following along.

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Wow.. Such great info.. love the build..