Quest to DD my '71 again

[LEEVON]

I like the lively discussion! Safety is a factor, but so is me acting like a pansy so I can't have it both ways. There is no denying that my '08 silverado crew cab is much safer with airbags, abs, traction-control (that one is debatable) but in general there is no comparing.

As for insurance, I almost posted on that up top...it can be an issue. I'm currently with American Collector's (like Hagerty, Grundy) which is an agreed value policy at $20k but pretty restrictive, as in no work related driving. I'm kinda lucky here though...my neighbor is in charge of ANPAC's "Chrome", so I can go straight to the supreme authority and get that figured out.

My plan from here forward is to document my quest to make this a DD, what it takes to get it "right", and where I end up.

[Gobbles]

Keep that truck and get something that you don't mind scratching and beating up. I thought for a while that once I finish my truck I will be able to drive it every day, but the honest truth is that if I pretty it all up like I plan, then there is no way I will be able to handle the deterioration of daily driving.

[almstlo]

nice!

[Sicklajoie]

Old vs. new

2009 Chevy Malibu vs 1959 Bel Air Crash Test ...

[gearheads78]

I assure you they used structal engineers to make sure they could get the most dramatic looking hit. Also look at the rust coming out of the 59' No telling what they started out with and what weakening they built in to the car.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by Sicklajoie

Old vs. new
2009 Chevy Malibu vs 1959 Bel Air Crash Test - YouTube

Originally Posted by gearheads78

I assure you they used structal engineers to make sure they could get the most dramatic looking hit. Also look at the rust coming out of the 59' No telling what they started out with and what weakening they built in to the car.

That was an impressive demo (or not) depending on your pov. I am usually pretty sceptical myself, but also think that advancement in engineering design and impact safety is MILES ahead of where it was in 1959 (zero). I going with believing on this one.

[Daaaanz67]

Just about done with my ls conversion on my 69 c10 . I've owned this truck almost 17 years and probably haven't driven it 5000 miles. It's been garaged most all it life by previous owner and myself. Since owning it in the beginning I installed a 4/6 drop disc conversion and a 95/96 near new chevy split bench/bucket seat. I also bought brand new three point seat belts to match the same year bench seat from the dealer. Although I got a lot of looks from people I didn't enjoy driving it as much but loved the truck that's why I kept it. I came to the conclusion that I didn't like the manual steering,manual trans and the crappy gas mileage and the truck was parked and drive once in awhile this truck is obviously not as nice as your but very clean. Fast forward to 2011 I got tired of looking at the truck and decided to take the plunge hence the ls better fuel mileage ps steering a/c and auto trans. I'm going to drive the heck out of it every time it's not raining. Also I recently went to my aaa office to inquire about insurance for it I was informed that they just picked up a classic car program. When I asked whats the restrictions she said none unlimited mileage. Haven't bought insurance yet but soon. I may have to switch my chevelle over to this once I find out more details. Just my .02cent worth on my dd why it wasn't and why it will be.
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[LEEVON]

I was wondering when that video would come up.

Well, it looks like I might be not be on the fence much longer. I could be DD'ing this thing by the weekend. I replaced the carrier bearing last night and located the rear end leak, it was the drain plug on the case of all things.

When I used to drive this truck it had an '88-94 bench seat, matching shoulder belts and steering wheel. Then when it was retired to cruise duty I put all the original stuff back in for looks.

Here are a few pics of the old/new and the engine bay I'm working with. I plan to change the valve covers, air cleaner, headers for original stuff and put the air stuff back in.

[Daaaanz67]

Be careful necks will be snappin just to look at your truck causing accidents man that's nice but I would dd it
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[LEEVON]

Ok, it wasn't on the list but there are alot of little things so I tackled one tonight. The throttle and TV cable bracket never fit right and I had the throttle cable rigged so I swapped out the bracket and cable and added return springs. It's all nice and tight now and the TV cable adjustment is better.

Next up is the lock-up wiring. It locks up in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th which is annoying and unnecessary. Right now I have it going through a toggle switch but I want to get rid of that and run it in 4th only through a vacuum switch and brake switch so I don't have to mess with it.

Then leaks.

Then tilt.

Or whatever bugs me next. This thing will get DD'd and it could be sooner than later I have a buyer for my wife's Tahoe on the line.

[Low Elco]

I bet you already know what to get, but I got the 700r4 lockup kit from Bowtie Overdrives. I know I coulda got it all in the yards for nothin, but I like the idea of a matched set. Supposed to work great. That's a good lookin truck, let's get some use out of it!
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[Tynee]

I DD mine. I think you will find that there's never really a point when it's "ready" to be driven a lot. You just have to start driving, and fix stuff as it comes to your attention.

['72customdeluxe]

You guys wanting to be in a c10 rather than a new car in a wreck must not like your teeth I miss the heck out of dailying mine. I didn't have the time or place to do body work on it before college, so I got my gmc. Figured I'd only have a frame and drivetrain after dailying the c10 for 4-5 years in Galveston (rot). After my last final tomorrow, it'll get the new carrier bearing it's been waiting for since January of 2011.. And a new battery
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[LEEVON]

Sounds like mine...new carrier bearing and a battery.

[LEEVON]

Here is the current ride height:

['72customdeluxe]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Sounds like mine...new carrier bearing and a battery.

I guess the rear drop messes with them. Flimsy stamped together piece..
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[BruthaMan]

I'm kind of opposite. I have a 2007 Tahoe (and don't get me wrong, I love it), but I feel more comfortable in an old Chevy Truck for day to day driving. My wife drives the Tahoe and I *could* (if I wanted to) drive just about any car/truck/suv I wanted to...but, I live the old Chevy Trucks.

There's just something nostalgic about hopping into one and taking off down the road. Your 71 is beautiful! I applaud your decision to make it a DD. I have a '78 in my garage that I did a frame-off on a few years ago. I've spent so much money (and time) on it, that I can't bring myself to make it a DD.

Have a '72 (see sig) I'm working on now, to be my DD. AC has been my main priority. It's hotter than hell down here and I don't do well in the heat! Will be putting stock system back together next week and going back to R12.

Leaks. These plagued me on my 78 build. You think "it's all new stuff, and I already have leaks?" Chrome. If you have chromed covers of any type to seal up places where oil comes out, take the chrome cover off and use a die grinder with sanding wheel on the inside, and scuff the chrome up really good. I had to do this on a number of covers on my 78, to get it to seal good.

Valve covers. Had one cover that leaked in the rear and drove me nuts. Finally messed with it one day, determined to get it resolved. Turns out, the valve cover seats were deeper than the gasket. Ordered taller gaskets, problem solved.

Good luck! You have a beautiful base to work with. Take it one day at a time until you get the issues fixed. It will be worth it!

[TobyArnot]

Thought I'd jump in here late: My '70 is my DD. 2200 miles a month! I'm an old coot and I'm having more fun in this semi-beater/DD than anything I've own since an "A" Model I had in high school. My bride and I have taken it to Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, Pigeon Forge, Tn., Lake Lure, Asheville, N.C. and a bunch of others. I'm a big fan of the "cruise-out", where a bunch of car people get together and go to some destination (generally involving food of some sort). I also go to the cruise-ins and charity shows and weather-be-damned. Truck sat in a field for 17 yrs. and it ain't gonna' kill it. Yea, I do have to spend some time and money on repairs, but not too bad. And as a friend's son said, "This thing is more fun than a bucket of nuts" AMEN !, son.

[Tynee]

Originally Posted by '72customdeluxe

You guys wanting to be in a c10 rather than a new car in a wreck must not like your teeth Posted via Mobile Device

I'm from KY, I don't have any teeth

[big_al_71]

Exactly how I started with mine fixing the three speed shifter linkage then next thing you know the whole front was off.


Glad to see you made the descision to drive the wheels off it.

[19seventeeCustom]

sounds great, currently DD my '70.

[LEEVON]

Do you mind posting some pics? Your truck looks very similar to one that was for sale in Bentonville a couple of years ago.

[bovey]

My 2 cents. I've had my '71 for 24 years this August, it's not a daily driver - but it does do the daily duty when needed - it has taken me across the country and back, and then some - I racked up 130,000ish miles on it personally, the truck will be rolling 200K soon. It started out life as a 307/PG and has graduated to a LS427/t56. It's now getting ready to haul around my first child.

Anyway, on to your truck.

1) Fix the leaks - it can be a pain, but it can be done. Make sure everything is clean before the sealant goes on.

2) Air - I'd go aftermarket - it's smaller and cleaner.

3) Shoulder belts - mine came out of a '89 chevyP/U and they practically bolted in. You'll need to re-enforce the floor where the main retractor goes. Everything else will use factory bolt holes - use grade 8 hardware.

4) I've ran everything from Christhome (socal low rider stuff - before CPP, ECC) to my current CPP set-up - you have lots of choice. The only thing I warn you about is 5" rear coils - my experience is there is not enough spring to give a good ride - I'd go with a 3 or 4" spring and blocks - personally, I hate blocks but it works better. Don't forget the wedges to get our pinion correct.

5) You don't need to ditch the headers - just get a good set - make sure the have a thick header flange - min 3/8" and are at least 16G - that should cut down on the noise. The more you pay the better they are as a general rule. Cheap headers on a SBC have that awful tick in the primaries... I know I had a set of Blackjack headers...

What you want is totally in reach - your truck looks great. Just be ready the details can take some work to sort out. And yes, if you want reliable, shove an LS in there stat - it's freaking amazing. I gave away all of my SBC stuff after mine - I'm never going back.

[VA72C10]

sounds like you're getting everything under control....hope you enjoy it and it treats you well with minimal maintenance...

[502ms]

I applaud you choosing to daily yours. I pretty much daily my 72. I could drive my BMWs, which are chock full of everything nice, and also are modified nicely, but I prefer the no-nonsense and nolstagia of driving the truck. It doesn't hurt that I get a lot of love wherever I go...it is definitely a great networking tool. I also love the fact that parts are readily available without breaking the bank...I have been driving BMWs for the last 10 years, before that, Lexus and Acura...all were expensive, relative to my truck. Now, if it's raining too bad, I will leave it in the garage and grab one of the other cars...mostly to protect it from the idiots. I am going to look at the upgraded insurance, as well as supplemental, like Hagerty's.

As for the headers, don't ditch them, upgrade to the metal gaskets. Won't have to worry about the paper ones getting burned up...they really get the job done.
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