2nd Build-71 StepSide

[Steve Van Gent]

OK-kicking off thread. Bought my son a truck, 71 step. Bare bones stock, manual 3 speed, 6 cyl, manual brakes, manual steering. No frills.

Truck was pretty beat up on body, was old farm truck. Good news, no real rust or rot. Body work will be extensive however. Some of these parts I might want to change rather than try pounding out dents, just dont know pricing. For example, hood. THis one has dents under doublewall....

Heres starting pics...

[Steve Van Gent]

Here is build list;

1. remove body, blast frame, power or rattle can.
2. new brakes.
3. new rubber on chassis. 3 inch drop.
4. 700R4, 305 (found!)
5. Power steering (UPDATE 9-7-2011 FOUND!)
6. power assist brake boost (STILL LOOKING!)
7. body work cab- front roll pan, Billit grill.
8. fix bed, new wood. Rear roll pan
9. Paint
10. Steering column (auto shift), wheel. (UPDATE 9-7-2011 FOUND!)

11. Interior - seat, carpet, fitting, doors
12. chrome wheels, tires (UPDATE 9-7-2011 FOUND!)



OPTIONS:
maybe swap beds to fleet (cost!). Maybe classic style A/C add (cost!). Maybe move tank to rear. Maybe power windows. Maybe ISIS control system (cost!).

[Rich916]

Nice little truck Steve

[Steve Van Gent]

Just landed a third gen Firebird power plant. THis one complete with tuned port injection 305 and 700R4, computer, wiring, the works.

Now I got to figure out how to install...!

[Steve Van Gent]

Working on details of wiring and fuel. Here are pics of motor...

[Steve Van Gent]

I would like to get this engine/tranny in and running before I get too deep into restore. However, to do so I need to omit the AC compressor, power steering pump, and ideally the smog pump. THis means I will need at least one, maybe too idlers to use as place-holders for missing pulleys. Not too much experience with serpentine belts, so this will proove to be an education....

[Steve Van Gent]

Working on getting TPI clean and sealed. amazing what a rattle can and blue tape can do....

ALSO PLEASE NOTE DENTS IN TUBES ARE GONE!!!! Freezer trick with filling pipes with water and freezing does work!!!! Took 3 tries, third try I left in freezer for week. I suspect the deep freeze is what did it...

[Steve Van Gent]

Here is doner truck I purchased. I was suprised to find the 350V8 and TH350 are in great shape-the 350 has high compression and runs great, not a trace of smoke. I suspect the motor was changed recently. Block looks blue-green...manifold and carb are original, as is power steering pump. Note the hood is dent free, as is the right fender.

FOr this purchase I get right fender, hood, power steering, auto column, shift linkages, motor mount perches, rear tranny crossmember, grill surround. Also looks like 4 row radiator with tranny pass-through, and heater core (all parts we need). not a bad haul. I get 350 and TH350 for free. May put 350 in my 65...

Maybe someone can answer...does the auto linkage from this truck work on my 700R4 directly? It feels sloppy on current truck...I understand the 700R4 must be in gear exactly, no half-in....

[Steve Van Gent]

Found these rims also this weekend on craigslist. They dont show often here, so I snagged them up. Not show quality, but look nice...My son likes them-since this is his truck....

[scoutcamper]

We have done quite a bit of work on this since we last posted to this thread. I will try to take some pictures this afternoon, this truck is my daily driver to school. But a quick update.

Done
V8 conversion, but not to the TPI pictured above, we have built up a 350 gen1 with edelbrock 1406 carb untill we work out some issues with the tpi swap.
Power Steering
3" drop(drop springs, not spindles)
Power Brakes
700R4
Automatic steering Column
license plate re-paint
replaced lower A-Arm on both sides(How did the previous owner manage to bend both of these??)
New tires on the chrome rims

Overall i am pleased with the build so far, but there is quite a long way to go