Truck resto questions/concerns...

[Irishpilot]

Hello all, My dad's '71 longbed is now mine and this working truck's time has come to be restored. I'm currently in Iraq right now, so I'm limited to the internet in my search for info prior to starting the project. I need your help in piecing some stuff together. Any help will be appreciated. The current specs are:
All stock '71 long bed (wood bed) with 307 engine turbo 350 tranny. Stock disks in front and rear drums. It also came with the optional rear 'air shocks'. Only rust is a bit under the doors and a little in the drip tab on the cab. I had the rust inspected and it hasn't gone under the windshield so the cab is useable. The bed has no rust but the inside is well used. I was told that it would be more cost effective to buy an OEM bed replacement.

My unanswered questions are as follows:

1. I've looked at the GM parts website and I didn't see a longbed reproduction bed for sale. I've heard that going with aftermarket vendors is risky due to improper fittings. Does GM actually sell a long bed for 67-72 trucks? If not, what is my next best option?

2. I'm looking to bag the truck, not for the slammed look, but for keeping the 4/6" drop while towing my trailer. What are the benefits of bagging the front as well? What are the negatives?

I'm on a time constraint when I get back because I will get redeployed one year after I'm back. So, I've got to swap the engine out, get a new bed, lower with new rims/tires, body work and painted in that time. I'm trying to spend around 20K for that, and then I'll focus on interior and the extras at a later time. I've got a HT 383 with some extra hp goodies that is ready to go, and now I need to find a bed. I am trying to get as much leg work out of the way before I come home. Any help and tips from your experience will be helpful. Thanks!

[Spoof]

Hi,

I'm only about half way through my resto, so I still have a lot to learn. However your plans seem strikingly similar to mine six or seven years ago. DONT FREAK OUT! I'm just taking my time with many long lay offs and distractions.
I decided against the bags and went for drop spindles and drop springs so I can't help you there.
However...regarding the minor rust, don't be suprised to find it's more extensive than you first think. I ended up poking holes through my rockers, floor pan, kick panels, even through the drip rail which had no sign of rust.
At some point you have to decide how far you want to take it, I wanted to eliminate the rust, so off came the cab, welding, wirewheel down to metal, sit for a year gathering dust, in to sandblasters to remove all the new rust...etc Perhaps just do what you can with the cab mounted...it will save the amount of work but it will make perfection difficult
As far as the LWB bedsides I recommend working with what you have, find a body man who can straighten them out. Dismantling the bed is tough, mine was wood though, it was a real pita.
I think with the budget you've allowed yourself you could make a really nice truck, but only if you don't get sucked into having everything PERFECT otherwise your resto will take longer than the war! You won't have to worry about redeployment cuz you'll be too old to fight.
Eliminate the probs you can without dismantling anything more than you have too and you'll be able to do it.

[Irishpilot]

Thanks a lot for all the good information. I was planning on taking the bed off, the front clip and then assessing any other rust from there. If the cab shows more trouble spots then I will just suck it up and take it all off. Any other rust areas that reveal themselves upon paint stripping?

[PanelDeland]

Irish,First I want to thank you for your service.I suggest you start by reading as many of the posts on this site as possible.The more info you have the better armed you are to complete your project and plan.There is a listing of Vendors and a reveiws area on the site to use for more info.