My 71 C-10 build beginnings

[sofla71chev]

Well the truck is a 1971 Chevy C-10 Stepside. It runs and it drives. It doesn't have any factory options, yet. Has the 250ci with a 4 speed on the floor.

This build will more then likely take quite a long time considering I dont have a lot of money for this particular project. I dont plan on building an all out show car, or an all out race car. Maybe something in between. I can do all mechanical work myself, but when it comes to body work I dont have any experience and this will be my chance to learn.

I got it in August 07, and so far I have replaced the cracked windshield, replaced the front calipers, rotors, bearings, and pads. Also last weekend I bolted on a power brake booster. I have had it up on a lift and found a few things that need serious attention that I will be fixing first. For one the rear crossmember that the trailing arms attached to is only being held on by 1 of 8 rivets, looks like the previous owner bottomed it out and tore/ripped the crossmember. Also the right front lower control arm is bent back causing the rf wheel to sit about 2" further back then it should. Oh yeah and rust, the rocker panels are rusted out and so is the floor along the rocker area. Cab corners look like surface rust but may be deeper when I actually get a better look at them. front and rear fenders dont seem to be to rusted. right front inner fender is rusted through, as is the battery tray and right lower portion of the core support.


My ideas and plans change daily but as of right now they include:

Lowering it, probably around 4" front and 6" rear.
Get rid of the rust.
Possibly convert to a fleetside bed, if a deal comes up.
Engine, I am undecided about doing a 5.3l vortec, or turbocharging a 4.2l l6vortec
Some sort of buckets to make the interior a little more comfortable.
Wheels, I am leaning towards some 18" wheels

I have already bought some parts I need:

Classic performance dropped member to replace my broken one
Classic performance rear shock relocator and super panhard bar kit
Airride Tech rear air bag kit
Rocker panels, inner rocker panels, floorboard halfs, and front cab supports
Full cab and window weatherstrip kit
I do have a new master cylinder and proportioning valve to install, the stock proportioning valve causes the rear to lock up fast.

More pictures and updates to come, questions, suggestions, and comments welcome.

[pcmcobra]

looks like a great project!

[sofla71chev]

Well the airbags and suspension parts I ordered are on some sort of backorder, so thats been put on hold. I went to the world street finals at Orlando speedway this weekend and got some inspiration for what I want to do with the engine. I am going to try to find a 5.3l or 6.0l lm7 or lq4 and make my own single turbo setup. Nothing to crazy.

I put a new airfilter assembly on the carb because the old one no longer fit with the power brake booster in the way. i don't know if thats normal, or maybe the truck had the wrong air filter on it. Hopefully more updates to come.

[b-rad]

what kind and where did u get it master cylinder and proportioning valve

[49m]

Keeping thet grill?

[sofla71chev]

Whoops double post

[sofla71chev]

what kind and where did u get it master cylinder and proportioning valve

I bought the whole booster, master, and prop valve kit from ebay. All the boxes say MBM so I am assuming thats the manufacturer.

Keeping thet grill?

I think I am keeping it for now, and may switch to a billet grille down the road.

The rear air kit gets here tommorrow, and the super track bar and shock relocation kit is set to ship out on 11-9. I can't wait. I have been soaking the nuts/bolts once a day with pb blaster in hopes that it comes apart without to much hassle. I also obtained a CPP trailing arm reinforcement kit that I am going to be welding onto the arms when I have it out.

[Cyclone44]

Looks like a nice truck...George

[sofla71chev]

Unfortunatly I am selling the truck along with all the parts I bought for it. I would post a whats it worth, but for whatever reason this forum doesn't give me access to post in there. Also I would put up an ad in the Trucks for sale section, but can't figure out how to do that. Any ideas other then craigslist where to put this up for sale? or how much to ask for it? Thanks

[nightmare]

Originally Posted by sofla71chev

Unfortunatly I am selling the truck along with all the parts I bought for it. I would post a whats it worth, but for whatever reason this forum doesn't give me access to post in there. Also I would put up an ad in the Trucks for sale section, but can't figure out how to do that. Any ideas other then craigslist where to put this up for sale? or how much to ask for it? Thanks

Well, you have to be a site supporter in order to be able to post a For Sale ad.

Here is the link: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php
and it's only $25 to join.

As far as for how much, I wouldn't know. Pics of the current status are very helpful in determining that.

[72BlckButy]

Sorry to hear that you're going to sell your project... I would do one of the following:

Subscribe to the board as mentioned by nightmare (that way a classic truck lover will end up with it)
Ebay
Craigslist
Local Classifieds

May I ask why you're going to part with the truck?

[sofla71chev]

I am going to subscribe to the board, Reason for getting rid of it is I have to many projects , and not much space. I got bit by the drag racing bug and I am building a g-body malibu for the track.

I've always loved these trucks, 12 years ago when I turned 15 I got a 72 swb fleetside and did a light budget frame off daily driver restoration on it. but I had to sell that to move to and pay for college.

The truck is in the same condition as those pictures, I haven't done any more to it but drive it to work a few times just to make sure its still runs and drives. Thanks for the help.

[sofla71chev]

Well I subscribed and made a whats it worth post, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=292088
Thanks for the help.

[sofla71chev]

Tonight I installed the rear parts. Drop crossmember, air suspension, shocks, shock relocator kit and extended track arm bar kit. I feel a night and day difference in driving the truck now, feels solid, rides smoother, and is much quieter ride.

I need a right front lower control arm, but can't seem to find any local or on ebay. Will the lower control arms in the 73-87 range bolt on and work as normal?

[sofla71chev]

Last week I ordered some DJM tubular 3" drop lower control arms. I receive them today. Will post pics when there installed.

Now that its drivable I took it out a couple times and have already had a couple people that are interested in buying it, but they want me to name my price and I don't know whats fair to ask for it.