1st Project: 71 C10 SWB

[chevy71c10]

This is my first project of this size. Two months into the disassembly of my 71 C10. Current plans are for a 95 LT1, 700R4, four wheel disks, 2.5"/4" drop, air conditioning, rear fuel tank. Here are a few pics of the before and during the disassembly. The Cab will be removed this weekend and start wire-wheeling the frame. Timeline for the project is around 18-24 months, may be wishful thinking. Thanks for the great info I have found on this site.

[HITAMUDHOLE]

What color you going to end up painting it?

Good luck with the build.

[chevy71c10]

Thanks HITAMUDHOLE, I'm not 100% positive, but leaning toward the original Hugger Orange/White combo. Its just to classic to let go of, however in the back of my mind I know if there was ever a time to change it, now is the time.

[silver7]

I'm working on the same 71 project as you except mine is a 4x4. Personally, I am thinking about a flat or satin black but your hugger orange combo would look good too. Have you seen the copperhead build Stacey did on the Gearz website? Bad ass. Good luck. Here is my build thread if interested.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376295

[chevy71c10]

Made some good progress in the last couple of weeks. Should have the frame ready to go for sandblasting after the holidays. Then the expensive stuff begins, buying all the new goodies. Wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

[Shock_Me]

Excellent progress! Keep us posted.


Pete

[tcb-1]

good luck on the new build!! and Merry Christmas to you as well!

[72BlckButy]

Looks like a fun build, can't wait to see it through.

[pat 70/71]

saaaweeet, Looks like you are having fun!! the time frame isn't going to be that hard to make. I know you will do it just keep your focus on the end result& think about what you will have when your completed. looks great!! I'm jel e us keep the pics coming & make it fun! ..Pat

[chevy71c10]

Thanks guys for the nice comments, I will keep the pics coming as the build progresses.

[72BlckButy]

BTW... 2.5/4" drop won't be enough... trust me!

As many of us have found out, once you begin to lower these things, you can never get them low enough, or they're only that low for a short time before they get lowered again.

[chevy71c10]

Well...Just got finished putting the last Eastwood encapsulator coat on the frame and put first paint coat on the axle and front cross member. I can't wait to start the re-assembly, lots of CPP products on hand.

Also I had a great time yesterday at the Moultrie, GA swap meet. Found some good deals and meet some great folks in the 67-72 truck community.

Thanks for all the inspiration to help me know there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Justin

[nuke1]

nice job so far. keep it up

[chevy71c10]

Finally got the frame painted with the Eastwood Chassis Kit. I'm pleased with the results. Also purchased the metal blackening kit for the hardware. Below are before and after pics of the hardware for the front cross member. I used a wire wheel for cleaning the hardware and didn't find it to be very harsh on the metal removal, I know some recommend media blasting the hardware.

Also, I'm having a little trouble online finding leaf spring bushings, bolts, and square u-bolts for a 2WD SWB rear leaf truck. Anyone have suggestions on vendors other than LMC, Ecklers, Brothers?

Hope to get the front A-arms steering components on in the next few weeks.

Justin

[silver7]

Nice progress. Hopefully I'll be right behind you with my frame. . .

[threeonthetree]

Great Work!
awesome progress

[Andy94SC]

Looks very similar to the project I just started, except for me having a LWB. You are moving along quite well on your though. I have only gotten mine to the running stage.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=388468

I am a bit puzzled by the paint scheme on yours Vs mine. You only have white on the actual roof, and back of the cab where mine is also painted on the A-pillars, and door window frames. I know mine was repainted at one point, but I though that it was redone in the original scheme.

[chevy71c10]

Originally Posted by Andy94SC

Looks very similar to the project I just started, except for me having a LWB. You are moving along quite well on your though. I have only gotten mine to the running stage.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=388468

I am a bit puzzled by the paint scheme on yours Vs mine. You only have white on the actual roof, and back of the cab where mine is also painted on the A-pillars, and door window frames. I know mine was repainted at one point, but I though that it was redone in the original scheme.

Thanks. It just takes awhile, but with we will get there.

You are correct about the paint scheme, nice catch. My truck was also repainted some time back and it was not put back to the original configuration. I will however, be painting it back the same way yours is with the A-pillars and door frames white as well. Just looks so much better IMHO.

[chevy71c10]

Originally Posted by threeonthetree

Great Work!
awesome progress

Thanks! Hope to get the front suspension assembled in the next few weeks.

[Vega_67C10]

Looks great! Looking for progress pics. Believe me I need encouragement, I'm split on selling mine and paying some bills or disassembling it and building an awesome weekend/street driver.

I know I know, many have been in my boat before.

[Dusty4x4]

Hey nice project, question? Why do you have leaf springs in the rear i thought 4wd just had the leafs?

[chevy71c10]

Originally Posted by Vega_67C10

Looks great! Looking for progress pics. Believe me I need encouragement, I'm split on selling mine and paying some bills or disassembling it and building an awesome weekend/street driver.

I know I know, many have been in my boat before.

Thanks, I hope to have more pics shortly. Go for building the truck, the bills never seem to go away so at least you get to have some fun. My 0.02

Originally Posted by Dusty4x4

Hey nice project, question? Why do you have leaf springs in the rear i thought 4wd just had the leafs?

Thanks, as for your question. The way I understand it, Most Chevy's (2WD) were a rear coil spring setup and could be purchased with rear leafs. The GMC's were mostly rear leafs and had options for rear coils. This because GM had recently developed the coil spring/trailing arm system and wanted to offer on most of their trucks. The coil spring/trailing arm system provided a better ride however back in the day the GMC pickups were considered the "work" trucks and GM left those with the leafs because that design is easier to adjust/modify to carry extra weight.

Here is my option sticker showing the leaf option from the factory.

[chevy71c10]

Well... progress been a little slow, but still progress. I managed to finish up the A-arms with new bushings and ball joints, paint and mount steering gearbox, and paint the coil springs and drop spindles. I will finish painting the upper A-arm shims this weekend and plan to have the front brakes installed shortly. Its just nice finally seeing something coming together from all the work thus far.

Justin

[chevy71c10]

Update time, Had minor set-back due to wrong spindles supplied by CPP. Should receive the correct spindles shortly. Started working on the rear, installed leaf springs, axle and the brackets to the rear disks. Primed & painted the rear rotors, sway bar, and front steering components.

Still having a blast though!!!!!

Justin

[VA72C10]

Looking good. Details like painting the rotors to prevent rust will make the truck look that much better and stay looking good longer!!!