Build that 71 402 already

[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

Edit: Added this, carb, tune, timing - I have to learn how to do some of this. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...67#post9379567

[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..

[RunsWithScissors]

Um, just wow. I know I'm late to the party. I came looking for any info on which nuts on the radiator support panel and fenders take the "long" pointed screw or the "short" pointed screw and end up looking through 17 or so pages of this build.

Still don't know for sure which screw goes where, I guess I'll have to try to do some deduction. I grouped the screws figuring I'd remember, but then the project snowballed into more and more.

[raggedjim]

Great job Tony, I've been reading and referring to this build since you started.

I do have a question though (I hate to ask, I know how much work you have put into documenting). Do you have a spreadsheet of the nuts and bolts you used? I know you had one you used when you sent pieces to be zinc coated. If so, are you willing to share the spreadsheets? You may have already done it but if you have I can't find them.

Thanks, Rg

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Thanks for above. I have a spreadsheet of hardware, but it's not complete and some not even accurate. Whats accurate is a kit developed for building a truck from the ground up. If interested i sell copies on the cheap.

Concerning the pointed tip screws mentioned, most are body bolts, more specifically flange tapered bolts with spin washers. They're usually 5/16 course thread, and 3/4 to 7/8 long measured from the bottom of the washers. The shorter 5/16 at the radiator (marked ELH for instance, i think 5/8 long, notes not handy) are for the upper radiator brackets, and the battery box for the 3 holes next to the radiator. My kit says exactly.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Once a year I shine my 71 Deluxe from the bottom up. I hit the undercarriage a few weeks ago, I just use water and window cleaner at 20-1 or so, for the most part. I'm taking the truck to its first car show, it's local. I guess 500 cars this year, the quality has been real impressive.

Today I hit the engine bay, and thought about the 72 Super I owned during the restoration, and how remarkable it was for parts, and great reference despite by the site of it, it was nice wheels on a run down truck. This is really a tribute to the 72 Super since sold, though the pic is of today's labor.

The 72 Super while tired and run down, I loved and miss it, because despite all the rust, mostly failed components, and parts in a real bad way, it was a blast to drive, and dependable as I needed it. Ironically, the DMV license plate had the number 400, matching the badges on that 72 Super, and my 71 Deluxe too. Destiny destiny, no mistaking that for me. Young Frankenstein.

In 1993, we R&R'd the engine in the 71 Deluxe, it had to be rebuilt. I boxed much what was taken off, such as the A/C compressor and lots of clips, not to be seen again until the restoration maybe 22 years later. While the 71 was primarily original for restoration, much had been lost, so I needed some OEM parts.

Somehow that 72 Super was giving despite its state. Much of the Super was intact, and that was part of the problem, you know, like a remaining 2" x 6" piece of dash pad. In some way I feel it only let me down once, which was a need for a nice OEM RH inner fender.

Anyway, sorry to the guy I sold the truck to a couple years ago, but still a very cool truck. Today I thought to take note what the donor gave me, much of this is hard to come by.

>Vac. Advance Hardline - didn't know the 71 Deluxe even had one. I didn't know much☺ Surprising, because the Super no longer had the OEM intake, carb and distributor.

>Nice, mint AC blower hose connect. Got paint on the old one, paint's unkind to rubber.

>My battery box was toasted badly by above all, a top post battery. Who knew the rusted Super with a side post battery would have a great one.

>Dryer bracket screws.

>2-3 OEM ground straps. They were the only OEM straps on that Super, and exactly what I was missing, shined up to brand new.

>While I managed to save a lot of the AC compressor bracket hardware, about 5-7 bolts were missing, and oh look, the 72 Super, and has the AC hardline clips I was missing too. Actually one clip was an improved GM variance of the former, and matched better too.

>Oh no, my cool restored standard alternator clip won't work with this Delco 10SI. Don't see what I like on-line, let me check the 72 Super.....Perfect and simple restoration late in the game, it was on a regular alternator too, hmm.

>Bummer, my power steering pump I plan to have rebuilt has a dent in it, let me check the 72 Super. It got pleasantly weird after awhile.

>Cool clip at the parking brake, thanks Super, didn't know I needed one.

>Oh no! lost a Neutral Safety etc. switch screw, let me check the Super. Replacement screws simply aren't the same threads. OEM a pinch smaller, IMO, replacements are therefore permanent. OEM > new anyway, less say ARP bolts in places.

>Check out these cool undercarriage clips the 72 Super no longer needs, perhaps I'll restore them > original 1971 clips lower evaporator box, by a lot. I may have stole another 1-2 clips for here or there, don't remember.

>Darn! the OEM vacuum actuator in the engine compartment doesn't test, no way it works in the Super. Shined up like new.

>Missing 6-8 HVAC screws, and a glove box screw, let me check the Super.

>Dang it, while it works, I didn't know a plastic rail in my ash tray bracket is broke, let me check the Super☺

>Last need was perhaps the best of them. The original owner installed a cheap cigarette lighter assembly, and it didn't work anyway. Surely the Super with that run-down interior and failed components doesn't have what I need.....Wow, mint and works too! fo' reals?☺ I sold the truck perhaps 2-4 months later.

Guess I should post of pic. of the 72 Super too.

Place holder for carb. tuning: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...74#post9403374

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

The old metalized tape had flaked off the panels, so today I tried my hand applying new stuff. I've only done the RH panel so far, I always screw up, I mean start on the truck's RH side for some reason.

I'm replacing the original door latches with NOS ones for the project, and I found out my original latches are perfectly legit &^(^^ new weatherstrip still hasn't broken in, still have to slam the (*)^) doors in the cold.

GM built us some nice stuff, almost hard to believe the panels are 54 years now. Looks new to me, same all the original vinyl short maybe the old seat covers.

I used 3/8", if you put it on straight no or limited cuts. Made a spool for a 3rd hand.

[zicc1835]

very nice panels
I put a pair of those in my 72 Cheyenne(pictured below) just because I liked them better than the originals ...if I could find a pair I would put them in my 69 repops are $$$

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

very nice panels
I put a pair of those in my 72 Cheyenne(pictured below) just because I liked them better than the originals ...if I could find a pair I would put them in my 69 repops are $$$

Nice. I like the vinyl panels better than the 72 too. Appears Pony Parts sells a set that looks close, runs about $500 a pair. Not bad perhaps, seems a nice set of OEM might run twice that, not sure.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I mentioned I always start (screw up on the RH side. I became aware of that early on the build side; disassembly was the same. Weird, but then, so am I

I also mentioned I used 3/8" on the first panel. Well, in the exterior light I saw where the lower frame's top was missed, doesn't fly, looks bad. I plan to fix that Monday. Declaring I was lucky on the top frame, center was by eye only.

So I pulled out the 1/2" for the LH door. I still used 3/8" on the frame sides, works great. Sure more cuts with the 1/2". Happy with the results. I see I need to cut some of the lower frame's bottom yet. While it's not seen, best to do it anyway.

FWW, I made a spool out of a box, paper towel holder and magazines. Wrapped everything with clear packing tape so I could clean them for the occasion, because the spool was placed on the frame, as needed. I found the spool necessary for a 3rd hand, slow and steady. Better hands than mine may not need one.

That spool wont work when I repair the RH panel, which is already hung up, not taking it off again. So I made another spool out of a handy PVC pipe, heavy foam rubber to maintain the height, bucket and pillows for an anchor☺

FWW, I started up the middle, used two credit cards tapped together for the center, then a single one for the center's sides - pressing everything of course. Pressed the top on, followed by the sides with a credit card, and thumb nail. About 4" at a time to avoid bubbles. Worked really well.......... Ideally, it would be nice to start on the top edge for the upper and lower frames, but I don't think I can do that with success, ()^, I'm old and too much coffee.

Almost forgot. Removing the old stuff from the RH panel was so easy. A pencil eraser did a lot of it. OMG the LH side was a bear, not a pinch left would flake off. I may have spent four hours with primarily a tiny brass brush and 600 grit sand paper.

Anyway, here's the LH panel. The stuff looks white in pictures somehow, but it's "chrome" like OEM. All said, I'm new to such crafts, but the tape isn't bad to work with.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I mentioned I always start (screw up on the RH side. I became aware of that early on the build side; disassembly was the same. Weird, but then, so am I

I also mentioned I used 3/8" on the first panel. Well, in the exterior light I saw where the lower frame's top was missed, doesn't fly, looks bad. I plan to fix that Monday. Declaring I was lucky on the top frame, center was by eye only.

So I pulled out the 1/2" for the LH door. I still used 3/8" on the frame sides, works great. Sure more cuts with the 1/2". Happy with the results. I see I need to cut some of the lower frame's bottom yet. While it's not seen, best to do it anyway.

FWW, I made a spool out of a box, paper towel holder and magazines. Wrapped everything with clear packing tape so I could clean them for the occasion, because the spool was placed on the frame, as needed. I found the spool necessary for a 3rd hand, slow and steady. Better hands than mine may not need one.

That spool wont work when I repair the RH panel, which is already hung up, not taking it off again. So I made another spool out of a handy PVC pipe, heavy foam rubber to maintain the height, bucket and pillows for an anchor☺

FWW, I started up the middle, used two credit cards tapped together for the center, then a single one for the center's sides - pressing everything of course. Pressed the top on, followed by the sides with a credit card, and thumb nail. About 4" at a time to avoid bubbles. Worked really well.......... Ideally, it would be nice to start on the top edge for the upper and lower frames, but I don't think I can do that with success, ()^, I'm old and too much coffee.

Almost forgot. Removing the old stuff from the RH panel was so easy. A pencil eraser did a lot of it. OMG the LH side was a bear, not a pinch left would flake off. I may have spent four hours with primarily a tiny brass brush and 600 grit sand paper.

Anyway, here's the LH panel. The stuff looks white in pictures somehow, but it's "chrome" like OEM. All said, I'm new to such crafts, but the tape isn't bad to work with.

nice work.... I know about old... and caffeine

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Completely ran out of stuff to replace/improve on this truck. One of the horns was killed when the core was blasted (Why?), followed by a beautiful finish. So I had both restored by The Horn Works. Installed those today, wow they sound sweet. With that, new door latches, and restored mylar tape for the door panels, there's nothing left. I installed the front license plate to declare it truly finished. What a difference the plate makes, it just looks unfinished to me without a vintage plate - Nothing fancy, same plate I had when I bought the truck in 89, State reproduction......An inexpensive license plate pad protects the chrome.

No pics this time, it's a license plate so.....