71 4X4 Frame off Restoration

[Vova]

Originally Posted by DWilbur

I have most of the parts I need for now. I have been selling the extra parts I don't need on Craigs List. I will need to replace the right front door and I'm looking for a fleet side short bed. most of the beds I have found they want $1,500 or more. I can get a long bed for $500 and it is in good shape very clean. I could cut it down.

I have a door but its got rust on the bottom part.

[DWilbur]

Rust I can deal with. Rot I would like to avoid. Could you send me a picture of the bottom.

[Vova]

Originally Posted by DWilbur

Rust I can deal with. Rot I would like to avoid. Could you send me a picture of the bottom.

I'll take some tomorrow.

[DWilbur]

Originally Posted by Vova

I'll take some tomorrow.

Hi VOVA any chance I could see picture of the door bottom.

[Vova]

Originally Posted by DWilbur

Hi VOVA any chance I could see picture of the door bottom.

Sure. Pass or driver?

[DWilbur]

Originally Posted by Vova

Sure. Pass or driver?

Pass right front.

[DWilbur]

I finished out the day welding and grinding the fire wall, floor pan and cowl. I stil have about 4 hours of welding and grinding inside the cab.

[swamp rat]

Great looking work!

[sboris]

Man that's good work for sure! That would scare the hell outa me!

[chev3600]

This is going to be a great truck! I can't wait to see it rolling.

[DWilbur]

Hello sboris/ chev3600
It was a scary 3 or 4 weeks cutting out the A pillar and replacing it. I'm glad it turned out so well. Did some more work today? My nephew and his friend Brian stopped by today and helped my test fit the engine and it did not go so good. The LS 5.3 oil pan bolts are hitting the cross member motor mount. I have read that it works maybe it works on 2 wheel drive frame and the cross member is different. The engine need to drop about 2.5" and slide back about 2.5" from were it is in the picture. I'm not sure if the big blocks cross member is wider or not I will call Vintage Chevy Truck Monday and see what I can find out. We test fit the back of the cab and I have some sheet metal to cut but it look like it will fit with some massaging.

[swamp rat]

It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.

On my truck the engine mounts are bolted to the rear holes in the frame but never really understood why GM uses both forward or rear frame holes in the first place. so wondering if that could play into your situation?

[DWilbur]

My cross member was bolted in the rear holes with the 305 small block. I removed the cross member last night and its soaking in my cold tank to clean off the grease.

[DWilbur]

I searched the site and by chance I found a link to Dirty Dingo wed site. http://dirtydingo.com/store/product_...oducts_id=1408
They make a cross member to install LSX motor into 67 to 72 4X4. So I ordered the set up. The good thing is they are in Arizona and should take about 3 day to ship.

[swamp rat]

Awesome!

[sboris]

That's awesome for sure. That thing looks knarly as hell. Never fails though, always end up spending another 300 ya hadn't planned on!

[Mr Chevorlet]

Very nice work, I will very much enjoy watching this build. And glad you found a solution too your oil pan problem. You know thats got to make you feel better when you run into problems and theres a fix. Nice job so far.

[DWilbur]

Hello Mr Chevorlet
I was lucky I found the part I need thanks to this forum and web site. I did a internet search several time and never so any thing like what Dirty Dingo is building for this engine swap. Now if I can find an 6L80E transmission for a cheep price to replace my SM465 I would be a happy camper.

[DWilbur]

I received my cross member from Dirty Dingo Motorsports Thursday. everything was well packed in 2 boxes. only thing no instructions but they have pictures on there web site that explains alot. If my nephuew stops by this week end we will install the mount and engine check the fit of the engine to fire wall, headders and power stearing pump. I'm going to work on fitting the floor patch panel today.

[First c10]

Originally Posted by DWilbur

I received my cross member from Dirty Dingo Motorsports Thursday. everything was well packed in 2 boxes. only thing no instructions but they have pictures on there web site that explains a lot. If my nephew stops by this week end we will install the mount and engine check the fit of the engine to fire wall, headers and power steering pump. I'm going to work on fitting the floor patch panel today.

Hey Dwilber,
looking good man....
Can I ask why you went with Dirty Dingo over Pacific Fabrication?
I have asked this question in both the 4X4 section and LS section with no response
thanks
Scott

[Daddy'O]

Suscribed........Very nice work DWilbur.

[swamp rat]

Cant wait to see it installed and the engine in as well.

[rusty knuckles 5]

very nice i am wishing you all the best and thanks for all your picture support

[Jdubs71]

Nice work its really coming along. Its too bad I just stumbled across your build. There is a shop in Morgan Hill that specializes in LS swaps. I picked up a custom crossmember that is built well and in less pieces than the Dirty dingo one. The shop is called Pacific Fabrication and the guys there are really cool. I also picked up a custom harness they made that is plug and play. Keep it up this is going to be bad a$$

[DWilbur]

I worked on installing the right side floor sheetmetal Saturday. Miss cut the floor patch panel so I have to ordered another peice. welded in the new patch for the bottom of the A pillar and fit the suport peice for the floor suport. I assembled the Dirty Dingo cross member.