71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

P7M89MM · 02-03-2018, 02:19 AM

After lurking around for a year, I figured I'd post up the 71 I picked up last April. I was originally looking for a 3100 but saw this on Craigslist and convinced my wife to go check it out. It was the first truck we went to look at. This was the only picture from the ad...

When I rolled up to it, I couldn't believe the paint. The owner claimed he only had 200 miles on it since being painted. It's the original scheme with 516 orange. ECE drop spindles, flip kit, and KYB shocks. After a test drive, I was sold. I couple more pictures from the seller...

SPID...

Original pictures...

Quickly got the truck cleaned up, and door locks and ignition changed. Then within a couple weeks the new wheels and tires went on. They're 20x8 (245/45/20) and 20x10 (295/40/20) Torq Thrusts.

Had some cab mount rust mitigated and a rear end leak sealed up...

Snagged a model truck for my office...

At another shop to PDR a small elbow dent in the hood...

In the garage...

New seat belts installed. Also installed new clip on door seals later...

Lined up for the Car D Lane Cruise in Coeur d'Alene, ID...

New RetroSound stereo...

Late Summer...

Now in storage waiting for Spring!

I should have some decent updates in the next several months. I've purchased a full air ride kit from RideTech. It'll convert my leaf springs to trailing arms. I'm sure I'll enjoy the additional performance, ride quality, and height adjustability. I've always thought this truck should be just slightly lower, at least in the front. Thanks John at RideTech!

While the truck is in the shop for the suspension, they'll also be swapping the rear end gears from the current 3.07s to 3.73s and posi.

Lastly, what started as a belt squeal, recently turned into new brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator from CVF Racing. I also added Hedman Black Maxx coated mid-length headers, Billet Specialties valve covers, Edelbrock air cleaner, and other required pieces. My shop will paint as much of the block that they can manage while leaving the engine in the truck. I also believe I'll need to route new exhaust with the new rear crossmember from RideTech.

I probably won't have many updates here in the near term, but I'll make sure to update this thread when I do!

Future future plans may include engine update/swap, overdrive, and/or AC including a full cab re-spray and carpet.

notsolo · 02-03-2018, 08:00 AM

Beautiful truck, Great score.

**lolife99** · 02-03-2018, 08:38 AM

Beautiful truck!

JohnJ@RideTech · 02-05-2018, 08:47 AM

Its going to be awesome! Keep us posted!

knomadd · 02-06-2018, 03:59 PM

That looks great! I like the plans you have in store for it too.

P7M89MM · 02-10-2018, 02:07 PM

A few goodies came in the mail!

RideTech

Billet Specialties Valve Covers

Edelbrock

CVF Racing (brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator)

Also received my LMC core support covers and battery tray. I'm ready for Spring!

**Advanced Design** · 02-10-2018, 02:27 PM

Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building?

P7M89MM · 02-10-2018, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building?

Not sure actually. I had RideTech drop ship the parts directly to the shop that will be doing the install for me. I’ll be dropping by there this week. The 72 blazer in my original post was one of their personal rigs.
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JohnJ@RideTech · 02-12-2018, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P7M89MM

A few goodies came in the mail!

RideTech

Billet Specialties Valve Covers

Edelbrock

CVF Racing (brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator)

Also received my LMC core support covers and battery tray. I'm ready for Spring!

Sweet! Keep me posted, if you need anything else just let me know!

P7M89MM · 02-18-2018, 08:36 PM

Headers came in this week along with about 6" of snow

Hedman #69013 - mid length black maxx. Anyone have suggestions for what mufflers to run?? I'm thinking I'll have them dump right before the rear axle. Also, I'll have as much of the block painted as possible when they add all these parts. Should I stick with the original Chevy orange? Black? Color match to the 516 orange?

P7M89MM · 02-23-2018, 09:23 PM

Well, despite the snow the roads are dry. The shop called and they had some delays in other projects so I dropped the truck off yesterday! Added a few more items - blast and spray the rear end, new radiator, and entirely new wiring harness. The wiring is something that was on my mind and the shop confirmed it's just not in great shape. The front of the block will be cleaned up and painted black, and I believe we've decided on Flowmaster Delta Flow 44s.

Yesterday...

Today...

builtbyKane · 02-24-2018, 12:57 AM

That's one sharp looking long bed

P7M89MM · 02-27-2018, 11:36 PM

Well, the shop sent the rear end out for the 3.73 posi and soda blasting. In the interim they got started on the engine dress up. Unfortunately, or fortunately, when they pulled the valve covers the oil looked like chocolate milk. Coolant levels were also low. So, I decided to pull the trigger on a new engine and ordered the zz502 - 508hp and 580tq! For now my only update is an empty engine bay!

Now need to return all the SBC goodies and figure out headers, etc for the 502.

**Advanced Design** · 02-27-2018, 11:44 PM

Wow, that sure escalated in a pricey way. Too bad about the old engine. The upgrade will be really cool though!

P7M89MM · 02-27-2018, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Wow, that sure escalated in a pricey way. Too bad about the old engine. The upgrade will be really cool though!

Yeaaahhhhh, I was wrestling all winter debating between engine and air ride. Seems I may have chosen poorly. I wanted to hold onto that original for as long as possible. My shop gave me a great deal on the 502 given the circumstances, and I just couldn't pass it up.

P7M89MM · 03-08-2018, 10:46 PM

Figured I'd give a quick update. The rear suspension has been mocked up and the rear end is back from getting the 3.73 posi. Cutting off everything related to the leaf springs ended up taking a little more time. The rear end will be soda blasted tomorrow and then painted. Once the rear end goes in they'll pull the front suspension and paint the frame.

The engine has been delayed due to weather but should be here tomorrow. The transmission arrived today - built th350 with shift kit.

Today we ordered the new hedman headers, stall converter, radiator, transmission cooler, mufflers, rpm gauge conversion, fuel pump, and a few other small items. Excited to see that 502 arrive!!

P7M89MM · 03-08-2018, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building?

Followed up on this today. It’s a 66 Chevelle.

JohnJ@RideTech · 03-09-2018, 09:18 AM

Coming along nicely!

demian5 · 03-09-2018, 12:54 PM

That is quite a budget you have.

P7M89MM · 03-09-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demian5

That is quite a budget you have.

It has gotten slightly out of control. My original plan with the truck was to have something to build and tinker on for several years doing something every year. I had suspension, engine, AC, brakes, etc all scheduled out. I’m fortunate to have a great shop that’s working with me and an understanding wife! And, I believe I’m still ahead of the game when it comes to value vs investment, so that’s good.

**Advanced Design** · 03-09-2018, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P7M89MM

Followed up on this today. It’s a 66 Chevelle.

Ok thank you. Looks like the truck is coming along nicely!

P7M89MM · 03-09-2018, 08:59 PM

The beast!

P7M89MM · 03-21-2018, 09:11 PM

Had a delay as we realized the RideTech kit requires 1.25" rotor brakes. Thanks to Travis from AZ Pro Performance for the stock replacement kit!

And the first test fit -

BH_CustomTrucks · 03-21-2018, 09:44 PM

This truck looked great before...but it looks like it's only getting better. WAYYYYY better.

**Hart_Rod** · 03-23-2018, 01:33 PM

Nice build!

02-03-2018, 02:19 AM	#1
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) After lurking around for a year, I figured I'd post up the 71 I picked up last April. I was originally looking for a 3100 but saw this on Craigslist and convinced my wife to go check it out. It was the first truck we went to look at. This was the only picture from the ad... When I rolled up to it, I couldn't believe the paint. The owner claimed he only had 200 miles on it since being painted. It's the original scheme with 516 orange. ECE drop spindles, flip kit, and KYB shocks. After a test drive, I was sold. I couple more pictures from the seller... SPID... Original pictures... Quickly got the truck cleaned up, and door locks and ignition changed. Then within a couple weeks the new wheels and tires went on. They're 20x8 (245/45/20) and 20x10 (295/40/20) Torq Thrusts. Had some cab mount rust mitigated and a rear end leak sealed up... Snagged a model truck for my office... At another shop to PDR a small elbow dent in the hood... In the garage... New seat belts installed. Also installed new clip on door seals later... Lined up for the Car D Lane Cruise in Coeur d'Alene, ID... New RetroSound stereo... Late Summer... Now in storage waiting for Spring! I should have some decent updates in the next several months. I've purchased a full air ride kit from RideTech. It'll convert my leaf springs to trailing arms. I'm sure I'll enjoy the additional performance, ride quality, and height adjustability. I've always thought this truck should be just slightly lower, at least in the front. Thanks John at RideTech! While the truck is in the shop for the suspension, they'll also be swapping the rear end gears from the current 3.07s to 3.73s and posi. Lastly, what started as a belt squeal, recently turned into new brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator from CVF Racing. I also added Hedman Black Maxx coated mid-length headers, Billet Specialties valve covers, Edelbrock air cleaner, and other required pieces. My shop will paint as much of the block that they can manage while leaving the engine in the truck. I also believe I'll need to route new exhaust with the new rear crossmember from RideTech. I probably won't have many updates here in the near term, but I'll make sure to update this thread when I do! Future future plans may include engine update/swap, overdrive, and/or AC including a full cab re-spray and carpet.

02-03-2018, 08:00 AM	#2
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,480	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Beautiful truck, Great score. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605

02-03-2018, 08:38 AM	#3
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,699	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Beautiful truck! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

02-05-2018, 08:47 AM	#4
JohnJ@RideTech Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Jasper IN Posts: 334	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Its going to be awesome! Keep us posted! __________________ John J. Sales/Tech Direct Line: 812-481-4737 Office: 812-482-2932 JJohnson@ridetech.com Instagram: @ridetech_john

02-06-2018, 03:59 PM	#5
knomadd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rosenberg, Texas Posts: 3,506	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build That looks great! I like the plans you have in store for it too. __________________ -Duane C/10 Club Texas member 1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project) 1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby)

02-10-2018, 02:07 PM	#6
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build A few goodies came in the mail! RideTech Billet Specialties Valve Covers Edelbrock CVF Racing (brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator) Also received my LMC core support covers and battery tray. I'm ready for Spring!

02-10-2018, 02:27 PM	#7
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building? __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

02-18-2018, 08:36 PM	#10
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Headers came in this week along with about 6" of snow Hedman #69013 - mid length black maxx. Anyone have suggestions for what mufflers to run?? I'm thinking I'll have them dump right before the rear axle. Also, I'll have as much of the block painted as possible when they add all these parts. Should I stick with the original Chevy orange? Black? Color match to the 516 orange?

02-23-2018, 09:23 PM	#11
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Well, despite the snow the roads are dry. The shop called and they had some delays in other projects so I dropped the truck off yesterday! Added a few more items - blast and spray the rear end, new radiator, and entirely new wiring harness. The wiring is something that was on my mind and the shop confirmed it's just not in great shape. The front of the block will be cleaned up and painted black, and I believe we've decided on Flowmaster Delta Flow 44s. Yesterday... Today...

02-24-2018, 12:57 AM	#12
builtbyKane Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: mountain home, AR Posts: 794	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build That's one sharp looking long bed __________________ Project Double Tap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=555901 69 Olive Verde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=734720

02-27-2018, 11:36 PM	#13
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Well, the shop sent the rear end out for the 3.73 posi and soda blasting. In the interim they got started on the engine dress up. Unfortunately, or fortunately, when they pulled the valve covers the oil looked like chocolate milk. Coolant levels were also low. So, I decided to pull the trigger on a new engine and ordered the zz502 - 508hp and 580tq! For now my only update is an empty engine bay! Now need to return all the SBC goodies and figure out headers, etc for the 502.

02-27-2018, 11:44 PM	#14
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build Wow, that sure escalated in a pricey way. Too bad about the old engine. The upgrade will be really cool though! __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

03-08-2018, 10:46 PM	#16
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) Figured I'd give a quick update. The rear suspension has been mocked up and the rear end is back from getting the 3.73 posi. Cutting off everything related to the leaf springs ended up taking a little more time. The rear end will be soda blasted tomorrow and then painted. Once the rear end goes in they'll pull the front suspension and paint the frame. The engine has been delayed due to weather but should be here tomorrow. The transmission arrived today - built th350 with shift kit. Today we ordered the new hedman headers, stall converter, radiator, transmission cooler, mufflers, rpm gauge conversion, fuel pump, and a few other small items. Excited to see that 502 arrive!!

03-09-2018, 09:18 AM	#18
JohnJ@RideTech Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Jasper IN Posts: 334	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) Coming along nicely! __________________ John J. Sales/Tech Direct Line: 812-481-4737 Office: 812-482-2932 JJohnson@ridetech.com Instagram: @ridetech_john

03-09-2018, 12:54 PM	#19
demian5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Lake Forest, CA Posts: 2,177	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) That is quite a budget you have. __________________ "Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC



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03-09-2018, 08:59 PM	#22
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) The beast!

03-21-2018, 09:11 PM	#23
P7M89MM Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 101	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) Had a delay as we realized the RideTech kit requires 1.25" rotor brakes. Thanks to Travis from AZ Pro Performance for the stock replacement kit! And the first test fit -

03-21-2018, 09:44 PM	#24
BH_CustomTrucks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Manhattan, KS / Warrensburg, MO Posts: 30	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) This truck looked great before...but it looks like it's only getting better. WAYYYYY better.

03-23-2018, 01:33 PM	#25
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,856	Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) Nice build! __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

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