My 71 Fleetside and story - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71MUTT · 12-09-2006, 02:40 PM

I bought this truck in 1978 for $1400.00 at a Chevy dealership in my hometown in Northern Minnesota. I've owned it for 28 years. It had just rolled over to 60,000 miles. Now it has over 250,000 miles on the original tranny and rear. The engine came out of a 75 Monte Carlo in 1988. The original color was copper. In 1983 I traded 10 cords of firewood for a paint job which included cab corners and rockers. By 1987, it was in real bad shape.(dam salt) Holes through the floor, wooden box all rusted to shambles. Bad shape. I almost scrapped it. I was going to by a (new) used pick-up. Drove a few 1980-1982 Chevys that were for sale. I found out that my 1971 was a better truck, so I decided to start a restoration of sorts. So this is what it finished as, in the summer of 1988.(haven't changed anything) I started in the fall of 1987 and finished in the summer of 88.
Now it's starting to get pretty bad again. I've only put 6,000 miles on it since 2000. This month I have spent about $700.00 on some things to get started. Just need to find a good body shop for the welding, priming, and painting and I'll be back in business.
People just love these old pick-ups.
Great site. I will be donating soon. I have found some great info already.

**too much stuff** · 12-09-2006, 02:54 PM

Sure is nice when you know all the history for so long. Where in northern mn did you buy it?

71MUTT · 12-09-2006, 03:35 PM

Paul's Sevice Garage. Calumet MN. Those black door panels came from a junk yard in Grand Rapids. So did the emblems on the front clip. All for $5.00.

1LoC10 · 12-09-2006, 03:58 PM

Nice truck.. what took you so long ot get on this site..lol

68GMC454 · 12-09-2006, 04:30 PM

its great to own one for so long..i hope to own mine that long or longer..nice truck

71MUTT · 12-09-2006, 04:32 PM

I sort of just lost interest. The truck has been sitting in the garage for the last 7 years without any attention. Most of the miles came from family and friends borrowing the truck.
All the people here sharing info and pics has brought my enthusiasm back.

71MUTT · 12-09-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68GMC454

its great to own one for so long..i hope to own mine that long or longer..

Oh, I'm sure you will. Just remember that it's priceless.

Ram-Man · 12-09-2006, 05:49 PM

Why in the world would you want to leave cold Minnesota to live in sunny orlando????

71MUTT · 12-09-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram-Man

Why in the world would you want to leave cold Minnesota to live in sunny orlando????

I've been in the Orlando area for almost 17 years now. What I miss the most about Minnesota are the junk yards. When that guy posted the pictures of the 67-72 pick-ups in that Minnesota junk yards last week, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

You won't find anything like that in Florida. I haven't been able to, anyway.

Rick Mills · 12-09-2006, 06:41 PM

It's good to have something of a heritage. That seemingly 'Ol truck of yours will become a family heirloom.

By the way... welcome to the forum from Colorado.

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 12-09-2006, 07:21 PM

Nice truck!

**Palf70Step** · 12-09-2006, 07:21 PM

Nice truck. I miss having junkyards also. Living on the coast line no one wants to have one. Got to have condo's instead. I have to go up to krue's area or more north (2-3 hrs) to find anything and thier isn't much 67-72 stuff. Glad you joined us here.

**Ron 586** · 12-09-2006, 07:49 PM

A keeper for sure. No matter how much rust you find you can get a panel to replace it. Good luck with your project.

CPNEJR · 12-09-2006, 08:23 PM

welcom and good lookin truck

71MUTT · 12-10-2006, 01:59 AM

Thanks for the welcome. Got a new front bumper, grill shell, insert, and dash bezel at the Daytona car show and swap meet. Great turnout on Thanksgiving weekend. Had a lot of fun. Got more stuff UPS this week. Need to get crackin' on this baby before it's too late. Been paid for long enough. Need to spend some money.

**Ron 586** · 12-10-2006, 03:18 AM

Welcome from West Tennessee.

*bskylerj* · 12-10-2006, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

Nice truck.. what took you so long ot get on this site..lol

I agaree. Welcome to the site.

71MUTT · 12-10-2006, 09:12 AM

My son drove it while he was going to college.(1998) In a year and a half he put on over 10,000 miles. Where could he have gone in this 95 degree heat?

I can't believe it survived that. My daughter drove it for about 3 months while she was in between cars. (2000) Survived another one. Guess how I got it back? I had to by a new car and give them my old one.

I usually drive it for awhile in the winter. It's too hot in Florida in the summer with no AC. I do know one thing for sure, it's a cop magnet. I leave for work early in the morning and it seems every year I pull it out of the garage I get picked up. I've never been pulled over in my regular vehicle, but many times in this truck. Anyone else that switches vehicles ever notice that?

krue · 12-10-2006, 09:22 AM

Nice truck.

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi. Maybe the cops just want a closer look at your truck.

**Boog** · 12-10-2006, 09:30 AM

Roll the windows down and drive it more. The cops will get used to it and leave you alone.

**Palf70Step** · 12-10-2006, 09:40 AM

Vintage Air, as one Yankee (I guess d@mn Yankee since we stayed

) to another do it and drive it for another 20 yrs!

gator2511 · 12-10-2006, 11:04 AM

Nice looking truck! Fix er up and keep her. I missed the Turkey Rod Run this year, that swap meet is HUGE! Welconme from Seffner Fla.

12-09-2006, 02:40 PM	#1
71MUTT Can't ReMember Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orlando area Posts: 258	My 71 Fleetside and story I bought this truck in 1978 for $1400.00 at a Chevy dealership in my hometown in Northern Minnesota. I've owned it for 28 years. It had just rolled over to 60,000 miles. Now it has over 250,000 miles on the original tranny and rear. The engine came out of a 75 Monte Carlo in 1988. The original color was copper. In 1983 I traded 10 cords of firewood for a paint job which included cab corners and rockers. By 1987, it was in real bad shape.(dam salt) Holes through the floor, wooden box all rusted to shambles. Bad shape. I almost scrapped it. I was going to by a (new) used pick-up. Drove a few 1980-1982 Chevys that were for sale. I found out that my 1971 was a better truck, so I decided to start a restoration of sorts. So this is what it finished as, in the summer of 1988.(haven't changed anything) I started in the fall of 1987 and finished in the summer of 88. Now it's starting to get pretty bad again. I've only put 6,000 miles on it since 2000. This month I have spent about $700.00 on some things to get started. Just need to find a good body shop for the welding, priming, and painting and I'll be back in business. People just love these old pick-ups. Great site. I will be donating soon. I have found some great info already.

12-09-2006, 02:54 PM	#2
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,721	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Sure is nice when you know all the history for so long. Where in northern mn did you buy it? __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

12-09-2006, 03:35 PM	#3
71MUTT Can't ReMember Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orlando area Posts: 258	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Paul's Sevice Garage. Calumet MN. Those black door panels came from a junk yard in Grand Rapids. So did the emblems on the front clip. All for $5.00.

12-09-2006, 03:58 PM	#4
1LoC10 Insert Title Here Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 5,679	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Nice truck.. what took you so long ot get on this site..lol __________________ BOBBY _69 SWB_ 1000 pics of 67-72's>> http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-72/?start=all <<

12-09-2006, 04:30 PM	#5
68GMC454 THE VILLIAGE IDIOT Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tooele, Utah Posts: 1,405	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story its great to own one for so long..i hope to own mine that long or longer..nice truck __________________ honestly honey,,i have no idea how that truck got here.

12-09-2006, 04:32 PM	#6
71MUTT Can't ReMember Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orlando area Posts: 258	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story I sort of just lost interest. The truck has been sitting in the garage for the last 7 years without any attention. Most of the miles came from family and friends borrowing the truck. All the people here sharing info and pics has brought my enthusiasm back.

12-09-2006, 05:49 PM	#8
Ram-Man Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 943	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Why in the world would you want to leave cold Minnesota to live in sunny orlando????

12-09-2006, 06:41 PM	#10
Rick Mills Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 351	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story It's good to have something of a heritage. That seemingly 'Ol truck of yours will become a family heirloom. By the way... welcome to the forum from Colorado. __________________ The Fastor Pastor '68 swb, 447 BBC/ 6-71 Weiand, Dual 950 Bigs Carbs/ 2 1/2" Header tubes - 4" collectors/ M-21 4speed: '70 swb; TH-400 - bagged & shaved. Looking for new engine or parts. Wife - Original {A Real Classic!}

12-09-2006, 07:21 PM	#11
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Nice truck! __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

12-09-2006, 07:21 PM	#12
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,844	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Nice truck. I miss having junkyards also. Living on the coast line no one wants to have one. Got to have condo's instead. I have to go up to krue's area or more north (2-3 hrs) to find anything and thier isn't much 67-72 stuff. Glad you joined us here. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-09-2006, 07:49 PM	#13
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,166	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story A keeper for sure. No matter how much rust you find you can get a panel to replace it. Good luck with your project. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

12-09-2006, 08:23 PM	#14
CPNEJR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Franconia,N.H. Posts: 1,029	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story welcom and good lookin truck __________________ (Only) Member of the CPNE Fan Club Aint that the truth 67 C-10 350 with 3-speed tranny and 308 gears swb step 82 Z28 Camaro 355 small block over 350 hp and a borg warner super t-10 (blown engine) 72 Chevy K20 Suburban (future project) 70 Chevy K20 now 68 GMC K2500 2003 Chevy 2500hd ccsb 4X4 (daily driver)

12-10-2006, 01:59 AM	#15
71MUTT Can't ReMember Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orlando area Posts: 258	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Thanks for the welcome. Got a new front bumper, grill shell, insert, and dash bezel at the Daytona car show and swap meet. Great turnout on Thanksgiving weekend. Had a lot of fun. Got more stuff UPS this week. Need to get crackin' on this baby before it's too late. Been paid for long enough. Need to spend some money.

12-10-2006, 03:18 AM	#16
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,166	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Welcome from West Tennessee. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

12-10-2006, 09:12 AM	#18
71MUTT Can't ReMember Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orlando area Posts: 258	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story My son drove it while he was going to college.(1998) In a year and a half he put on over 10,000 miles. Where could he have gone in this 95 degree heat? I can't believe it survived that. My daughter drove it for about 3 months while she was in between cars. (2000) Survived another one. Guess how I got it back? I had to by a new car and give them my old one. I usually drive it for awhile in the winter. It's too hot in Florida in the summer with no AC. I do know one thing for sure, it's a cop magnet. I leave for work early in the morning and it seems every year I pull it out of the garage I get picked up. I've never been pulled over in my regular vehicle, but many times in this truck. Anyone else that switches vehicles ever notice that? __________________ Adversity doesn't test your character; it reveals it. 71 C-10 LWB 350/TH350. I purchased it in 1978 for $1400. I'm currently abusing it daily. (when it's running )



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12-10-2006, 09:22 AM	#19
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Nice truck. Welcome to the board from South Mississippi. Maybe the cops just want a closer look at your truck. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-10-2006, 09:30 AM	#20
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,200	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Roll the windows down and drive it more. The cops will get used to it and leave you alone. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

12-10-2006, 09:40 AM	#21
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,844	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Vintage Air, as one Yankee (I guess d@mn Yankee since we stayed ) to another do it and drive it for another 20 yrs! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-10-2006, 11:04 AM	#22
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	Re: My 71 Fleetside and story Nice looking truck! Fix er up and keep her. I missed the Turkey Rod Run this year, that swap meet is HUGE! Welconme from Seffner Fla.

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