1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**pjmoreland** · 08-28-2024, 03:24 PM

**pjmoreland** · 08-28-2024, 03:29 PM

It hasn't been on the road since 2001. The VIN tag, the partial VIN on the frame, the VIN on the SPID and the VIN on the door sticker all match, which will be nice when it comes time to get a VIN verification at the DMV.

**pjmoreland** · 08-29-2024, 12:45 AM

Air brakes

**68bowtie** · 08-29-2024, 09:43 PM

I like the truck, and good plan.

**pjmoreland** · 08-29-2024, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

I like the truck, and good plan.

Thanks. I'm on the fence about going with an NV4500. An SM465 with big tires and 3.73 gears would probably be just fine on the freeway.

**jerry moss** · 08-29-2024, 10:03 PM

Pat,
my old 69 K10 that i restored back in 95 had a 350, 465, 205 combination with 3:07 gears with 35 inch tires and on flat ground it got 18+ mpg, in the mountains i seldom used 4th gear pulling hills but off road in 4low first gear it would crawl fine.
looks like a solid project and a good plan you have.

**pjmoreland** · 08-29-2024, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry moss

Pat,
my old 69 K10 that i restored back in 95 had a 350, 465, 205 combination with 3:07 gears with 35 inch tires and on flat ground it got 18+ mpg, in the mountains i seldom used 4th gear pulling hills but off road in 4low first gear it would crawl fine.
looks like a solid project and a good plan you have.

That's impressive gas mileage. I'd be ecstatic if I got even close to that.

NGN · 08-30-2024, 03:11 AM

Cool truck, I'm a more of a 67-8 we'll more 67, don't get me wrong I would have all 67- 72 if possible, not one I don't like. 69 and 70 4x4 to me, look the strongest, had a meaner tougher look, well that's me. Nice project you got there it Especially looks killer next to your 98. Caught my attention, had me curious for a spilt second, air brake LOL 🤣🤣.
NGN
Nick

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGN

Cool truck, I'm a more of a 67-8 we'll more 67, don't get me wrong I would have all 67- 72 if possible, not one I don't like. 69 and 70 4x4 to me, look the strongest, had a meaner tougher look, well that's me. Nice project you got there it Especially looks killer next to your 98. Caught my attention, had me curious for a spilt second, air brake LOL 🤣🤣.
NGN
Nick

I prefer the 67/68 trucks as well. My first truck was a 67 C/10 stepside that I drove every day for 12 years. Second choice for me is the 71/72 grille. I like the bowtie in the center of the grille instead of on the hood. The one downside in my opinion is the use of plastic for the inner grille. For 69/70 at least the majority of the grille is metal. Isn't it funny how much better the 67-72 trucks look compared to the newer stuff??

**57taskforce** · 08-30-2024, 11:08 AM

Nice find! For what it’s worth my K20 has a 5” lift with 4:11’s, 35’s, with a 465 and it runs 65 mph at around 2500. With the assumed numerically lower half ton gears you’ll be even better than that. The shift spacing/RPM drops can kinda suck on the 465 with bigger tires, but with that L31 you should have the torque to do what’s needed. That looks like an excellent start to me. Get rid of the cobbled together crap on the hangers and you’ll be in business. Make sure and check around the steering box for cracks in the frame and also the front crossmember and engine cross member for loose rivets or bolts. The 4x4 trucks are pretty notorious for this. I’d add an ORD steering box brace that ties that area of the frame to the front crossmember, which triangulates the whole area. If the frame is cracked, several places sell the plates to fix it. The swb K10 and blazers have thinner/weaker frames than the lwb K trucks do so they do have the potential to crack more than the lwb K’s. Both my swb K10 and my K20 had cracks in the frame around the steering box.

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Nice find! For what it’s worth my K20 has a 5” lift with 4:11’s, 35’s, with a 465 and it runs 65 mph at around 2500. With the assumed numerically lower half ton gears you’ll be even better than that. The shift spacing/RPM drops can kinda suck on the 465 with bigger tires, but with that L31 you should have the torque to do what’s needed. That looks like an excellent start to me. Get rid of the cobbled together crap on the hangers and you’ll be in business. Make sure and check around the steering box for cracks in the frame and also the front crossmember and engine cross member for loose rivets or bolts. The 4x4 trucks are pretty notorious for this. I’d add an ORD steering box brace that ties that area of the frame to the front crossmember, which triangulates the whole area. If the frame is cracked, several places sell the plates to fix it. The swb K10 and blazers have thinner/weaker frames than the lwb K trucks do so they do have the potential to crack more than the lwb K’s. Both my swb K10 and my K20 had cracks in the frame around the steering box.

Thank you for the guidance! This is my first K truck. I will inspect the frame once I've removed the hidden shaft-driven winch and can look around in there. I added the ORD brace to my long, long parts list.

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 11:21 AM

Looks like it had had some repairs done to it.

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 02:15 PM

Picked up a windshield yesterday, and received a Precision seal for it. Sprayed the opening black in preparation for install.

**57taskforce** · 08-30-2024, 02:40 PM

Yep that definitely has had some work done. You have the factory brace so that is a good thing. Neither of my trucks had it. Some got it some didn’t.
My suggestion… strip it down and be really sure of what you’ve got. If it wasn’t repaired correctly those cracks will continue to spread. This is the repairs I did to my K10 last winter just so you can see what it entails. Mine had been poorly repaired in the past and had several cracks that had still spread after the repairs. I drilled both ends of every crack I found and then “V” beveled them as deep as I could without cutting thru the rail then filled them back in with the Mig and flap disked almost smooth; I always try to leave the top a little high when I can so as not to thin the metal out too much. Then once that was done I welded the repair plates over top. Be really sure you get every one. They can be hard to see at times. Mine got ran for a long time with no front crossmember so it was really bad compared to my K20 because of the extra flex and movement in the frame rails.

Note the washer welded to the top of the frame where the front crossmember is now bolted. I did this on all the holes for the front crossmember and the engine crossmember. The holes in the washer a drilled ever so slightly undersize of 7/16 so I could ensure a tight fit in with every thing and do my best to eliminate all chances of movement in the frame.

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 02:43 PM

Thanks! I will pull off the steering box and give it a thorough inspection.

**57taskforce** · 08-30-2024, 02:58 PM

These two cracks actually opened up with a loud “pop” as I was welding another on the side of the rail in an area near by. I ended up wire wheeling the rail to bare metal nearly a foot on both sides of the repair area as much as possible to make sure I got them all. This is the bottom view of the crack circled in black above.

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 03:02 PM

Dang. Hopefully any cracks in my frame will be visible from the steering box side. It would be a real challenge to remove the plate someone welded to the inside.

**pjmoreland** · 08-30-2024, 03:10 PM

I can see one crack directly forward if the steering box.

**57taskforce** · 08-30-2024, 05:02 PM

I’d bet it probably goes from one of the steering box holes to that bottom rivet. Definitely look all that over really close. I got my plates for my K20 from ORD and for my K10 I got them here. Same identical parts but 1/2 the cost.
https://www.amazon.com/G-PLUS-Suppor.../dp/B09WMBFC1C

**pjmoreland** · 08-31-2024, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

I’d bet it probably goes from one of the steering box holes to that bottom rivet. Definitely look all that over really close. I got my plates for my K20 from ORD and for my K10 I got them here. Same identical parts but 1/2 the cost.
https://www.amazon.com/G-PLUS-Suppor.../dp/B09WMBFC1C

I will get those plates. Thanks!

**Ol Blue K20** · 08-31-2024, 03:23 PM

I'm glad you got it. It looks like decent start..Welcome to the K club!!

**pjmoreland** · 08-31-2024, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I'm glad you got it. It looks like decent start..Welcome to the K club!!

I think it will be a fun project.

**Ol Blue K20** · 08-31-2024, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I think it will be a fun project.

I think so too! Let me know if and when you need help.

**pjmoreland** · 08-31-2024, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I think so too! Let me know if and when you need help.

Will do!

**Ol Blue K20** · 08-31-2024, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Will do!

08-30-2024, 02:15 PM	#13
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Picked up a windshield yesterday, and received a Precision seal for it. Sprayed the opening black in preparation for install. Attached Images

08-30-2024, 02:43 PM	#15
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Thanks! I will pull off the steering box and give it a thorough inspection.

08-30-2024, 03:10 PM	#18
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy I can see one crack directly forward if the steering box. Attached Images

08-28-2024, 03:24 PM	#1
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy I've been looking for a 115" wheelbase K10 at a reasonable price and in need of rehabilitation for a while now. I bought this one locally from a woman who owns a body shop. It appears to me that she and her husband were buying and restoring classic trucks as part of their business. Sadly, her husband, who was young, passed away recently, so she is selling off some vehicles. I hauled it home a few days ago. The truck is stripped down pretty far. It has no engine, transmission, transfer case or driveshafts. The body, however, appears to have no rust holes anywhere, and that's the main reason I decided to go for it. A Chevy Truck Red Book I've got says there were 1438 of these short wheelbase stepside K10s build in 1971, so it's definitely worth keeping. My initial plan is to focus just on getting it roadworthy. I'm also going to undo the crazy high lift it's got right now. It's got a 4" body lift, and the leaf brackets have been welded to the frame with sections of box tubing between them and the frame. I will be grinding all of that off so that the brackets can be reinstalled in their original locations. My plan is to find an NV4500 transmission and an NP205 transfer case. I've got a used l31 Vortec 350 that's in decent condition that I'm going to throw in it. The one bummer is that I'll have to install an electric fuel pump since the l31 block isn't machined for a mechanical pump. It's going to be a bit slow going at first because I have some other projects I need to finish up. The transmission is removed from my '68 stepside right now, and I'm going to be rebuilding the 4L60 transmission in my '89 over the next couple of weeks. I ordered a windshield yesterday so that I can get the cab sealed up before the rain comes. Table of Contents Windshield Installation #33 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...7&postcount=33 Old Rear Bumper Removal #54 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...2&postcount=54 Rear Leaf Spring Perch Restoration #71 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...5&postcount=71 Front Leaf Spring Perch Restoration #76 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...4&postcount=76 Radiator Support Replacement #92 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...5&postcount=92 Clutch Rod Firewall Hole Repair #98 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...7&postcount=98 Frame Crack Repair #103 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=103 Steering Column Rebuild #104 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=104 Drag Link Rebuild #108 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=108 Fuel Tank Clean, Reinstallation #118 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=118 Rear Axle Rebuild #126 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=126 Front Axle U-Joint Replacement #146 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=146 Front Axle Rebuild #148 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=148 Rear Axle Reinstallation #163 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=163 Front Diff Rebuild #172 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=172 Rear Brakes #193 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=193 Front Hub Rebuild Attempt #205 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=205 Inner Fender Rust Repair #215 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=215 Battery Tray Rebuild #226 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=226 Tail Light Rebuild #230 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=230 Driver Door Speaker Hole Repair #238 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=238 Front Hub Rebuild Attempt 2 #258 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=258 Passenger Door Speaker Hole Repair #260 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=260 Passenger Rocker Panel Replacement #269 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=269 Driver Rocker Panel Replacement #286 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=286 Frunt Hub Final Rebuild #293 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=293 Dash Patch & Rust Repair #294 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=294 Rear Window Replacement #317 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=317 Clutch Rod Repair #334 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=334 Cab Support Rust Repair #344 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=344 Cab Floor Undercoating #345 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=345 Frame Rail Paint #348 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=348 Front Brake Calipers #351 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=351 Brake Lines & Hoses #358 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=358 Clutch Pedal Install #361 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=361 Brake Booster & MC #362 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=362 Brake Pedal Rod Modification #368 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=368 Parking Brake Front Cable #369 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=369 Engine Mount Repair #380 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=380 Parking Brake Intermediate Cable #381 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=381 Dash & Floor Paint #394 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=394 Clutch Safety Switch Bracket #400 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=400 New Shocks #401 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=401 Steering Box Brace #402 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=402 Fuel Lines #417 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=417 Firewall Insulation #423 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=423 Dash Pad #424 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=424 Heater Controls Rebuild #432 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=432 Wiper Motor Install #434 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=434 Heater Box Install #435 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=435 Transfer Case Input Shaft #440 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=440 Radio Install #454 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=454 Transmission Tail Housing Machining #456 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=456 Transmission Tail Shaft Replacement #459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=459 Fresh Air Door Rebuild #485 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=485 Bed Wood Dimensional Drawing #495 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=495 Tach Rebuild #498 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=498 Bed Wood Cutting #502 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=502 Transmission Reassembly #518 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=518 Tach Rebuild Finished #526 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=526 Transfer Case Shifter Mount Design #527 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=527 Engine Refresh #532 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=532 Transfer Case Shifter Mount Fabrication #534 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=534 Transmission Shifter Slop Repair #541 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=541 Rear Main Seal #548 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=548 Engine Install #550 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=550 Transmission Crossmember NV4500 Adapter Fabrication #557 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=557 Lockset Installation #571 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=571 Driveshafts #590 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=590 Transmission Hump Modification #593 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=593 Exhaust Manifolds, Spark Plug Shields #600 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=600 Bellcrank Engine Mount #601 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=601 Transmission Hump Modification Complete #602 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=602 Clutch Linkage #612 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=612 Power Steering Pump Bracket Repair #622 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=622 Alternator Bracket Repair #623 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=623 Steering Box Frame Brace Repair #624 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=624 Transmission Hump Install #635 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=635 Power Steering Pump & Alternator Install #636 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=636 Distributor Rebuild #637 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=637 Grille Install #643 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=643 Front Bumper Install #657 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=657 Battery Tray, Charcoal Canister Install #660 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=660 Spark Plug Wires #665 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=665 Inner Fenders #668 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=668 Fuel Pump #674 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=674 Wiring #679 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=679 Gauge Cluster #732 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=732 Charcoal Canister Hoses #751 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=751 First Startup #758 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=758 First Move Under Own Power #765 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=765 Coolant Overflow #768 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=768 Windshield Washer #769 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=769 Cowl Screen #770 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=770 First Drive #785 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=785 Carpet #794 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=794 Mirrors, Antenna #798 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=798 Rear Bumper #799 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=799 Speedometer Cable #800 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=800 Exhaust #812 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=812 New Power Steering Pump #817 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=817 Starter Brushes, Solenoid #821 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=821 Bed Wood Tung Oil #825 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=825 Old Bed Wood Removal #829 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=829 Bed Angle Strip Repair #834 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=834 NV4500 Shifter Stub Straightening #838 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=838 Transmission Removal #850 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=850 Transmission Synchros Replacement #863 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=863 Transmission Test Drive #879 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=879 Valve Seals Replacement #885 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=885 Throttle Cable Shortening #890 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=890 Dual Horns #892 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=892 Bed Wood Install #902 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=902 Leaf Spring Bushing Replacement #912 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=912 Driver Door Interior Dent Repair #928 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=928 Tie Rod End Replacement, Steering Stabilizer #940 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=940 Passenger Door Rebuild #984 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=984 Driver Door Rebuild #992 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=992 Steering Arm Replacement #1002 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1002 Vent Window Rebuild #1022 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1022 Pitman Arm Replacement #1031 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1031 Door Reassembly #1040 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1040 Shock Upgrade #1045 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1045 Seat Tear Down #1057 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1057 Hitch Receiver #1068 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1068 Side Mounted Spare Tire Fender Prep #1076 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1076 Seat Upholstery #1078 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1078 Side Mounted Spair Tire Carrier #1091 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1091 Dome Light Door Switches #1125 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1125 Spare Tire Installed #1130 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1130 Tow Hooks #1142 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1142 Tall Front Bump Stops #1152 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1152 Carb Offroad Mods #1155 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1155 Cruise Control #1161 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1161 Road Trip to Moab #1169 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1169 Speedometer Gear Seal #1190 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1190 Carter Fuel Pump #1194 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1194 Hickey-style Skid Plate #1195 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1195 Trailer Hookup #1197 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1197 Door Hinge Friction Pads #1198 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1198 HEI Weight Bushings #1203 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1203 Vacuum Advance Stop #1207 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1207 Under Bed Fuel Tank #1212 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1212 Vintage Air A/C #1257 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...postcount=1257 Attached Images Last edited by pjmoreland; 03-27-2026 at 01:47 PM.

08-28-2024, 03:29 PM	#2
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy It hasn't been on the road since 2001. The VIN tag, the partial VIN on the frame, the VIN on the SPID and the VIN on the door sticker all match, which will be nice when it comes time to get a VIN verification at the DMV. Attached Images

08-29-2024, 12:45 AM	#3
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Air brakes Attached Images

08-29-2024, 09:43 PM	#4
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,960	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy I like the truck, and good plan. __________________ Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project “Faded Glory” (71 c10 med bronze original paint refresh) Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) SOLD Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh) SOLD

08-29-2024, 10:03 PM	#6
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 5,019	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Pat, my old 69 K10 that i restored back in 95 had a 350, 465, 205 combination with 3:07 gears with 35 inch tires and on flat ground it got 18+ mpg, in the mountains i seldom used 4th gear pulling hills but off road in 4low first gear it would crawl fine. looks like a solid project and a good plan you have. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

08-30-2024, 03:11 AM	#8
NGN Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Old Bridge,NJ Posts: 850	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Cool truck, I'm a more of a 67-8 we'll more 67, don't get me wrong I would have all 67- 72 if possible, not one I don't like. 69 and 70 4x4 to me, look the strongest, had a meaner tougher look, well that's me. Nice project you got there it Especially looks killer next to your 98. Caught my attention, had me curious for a spilt second, air brake LOL 🤣🤣. NGN Nick

08-30-2024, 11:08 AM	#10
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,975	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Nice find! For what it’s worth my K20 has a 5” lift with 4:11’s, 35’s, with a 465 and it runs 65 mph at around 2500. With the assumed numerically lower half ton gears you’ll be even better than that. The shift spacing/RPM drops can kinda suck on the 465 with bigger tires, but with that L31 you should have the torque to do what’s needed. That looks like an excellent start to me. Get rid of the cobbled together crap on the hangers and you’ll be in business. Make sure and check around the steering box for cracks in the frame and also the front crossmember and engine cross member for loose rivets or bolts. The 4x4 trucks are pretty notorious for this. I’d add an ORD steering box brace that ties that area of the frame to the front crossmember, which triangulates the whole area. If the frame is cracked, several places sell the plates to fix it. The swb K10 and blazers have thinner/weaker frames than the lwb K trucks do so they do have the potential to crack more than the lwb K’s. Both my swb K10 and my K20 had cracks in the frame around the steering box. __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

08-30-2024, 11:21 AM	#12
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Looks like it had had some repairs done to it. Attached Images

08-30-2024, 02:40 PM	#14
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,975	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Yep that definitely has had some work done. You have the factory brace so that is a good thing. Neither of my trucks had it. Some got it some didn’t. My suggestion… strip it down and be really sure of what you’ve got. If it wasn’t repaired correctly those cracks will continue to spread. This is the repairs I did to my K10 last winter just so you can see what it entails. Mine had been poorly repaired in the past and had several cracks that had still spread after the repairs. I drilled both ends of every crack I found and then “V” beveled them as deep as I could without cutting thru the rail then filled them back in with the Mig and flap disked almost smooth; I always try to leave the top a little high when I can so as not to thin the metal out too much. Then once that was done I welded the repair plates over top. Be really sure you get every one. They can be hard to see at times. Mine got ran for a long time with no front crossmember so it was really bad compared to my K20 because of the extra flex and movement in the frame rails. Note the washer welded to the top of the frame where the front crossmember is now bolted. I did this on all the holes for the front crossmember and the engine crossmember. The holes in the washer a drilled ever so slightly undersize of 7/16 so I could ensure a tight fit in with every thing and do my best to eliminate all chances of movement in the frame. Attached Images __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s Last edited by 57taskforce; 08-30-2024 at 02:54 PM.

08-30-2024, 02:58 PM	#16
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,975	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy These two cracks actually opened up with a loud “pop” as I was welding another on the side of the rail in an area near by. I ended up wire wheeling the rail to bare metal nearly a foot on both sides of the repair area as much as possible to make sure I got them all. This is the bottom view of the crack circled in black above. Attached Images __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s



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08-30-2024, 03:02 PM	#17
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 7,024	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy Dang. Hopefully any cracks in my frame will be visible from the steering box side. It would be a real challenge to remove the plate someone welded to the inside.

08-30-2024, 05:02 PM	#19
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,975	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy I’d bet it probably goes from one of the steering box holes to that bottom rivet. Definitely look all that over really close. I got my plates for my K20 from ORD and for my K10 I got them here. Same identical parts but 1/2 the cost. https://www.amazon.com/G-PLUS-Suppor.../dp/B09WMBFC1C __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

08-31-2024, 03:23 PM	#21
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,863	Re: 1971 K10 Stepside - Getting a Roller Roadworthy I'm glad you got it. It looks like decent start..Welcome to the K club!! __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

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