some advice for a new owner

[hoovers71]

just inherited a 71 gmc Custom 1/2 ton 4x4 (no photos yet). Needs mostly cosmetic stuff (grandfather was a mechanic). I want to put a small lift on it, from what I have seen on this board, tuff country 2" could be a good option. Any suggestions on rims and tires?

Also, will need paint (currently ochre color). Should I do my best to match the color, or change it? does that change the value of it being original? I also like the body chrome (which it has none), since that is not original, would that also limit the original value or add to it?

Front seat: he just reupolstered the original seat, but want some shoulder belts. Go with a chevy truck seat like '06?

Would love to see some photos of a 2" lifted 4x4 with appropriately sized tires and wheels.

Thanks. I know this board is full of experts!!

[Longhorn 70]

The only input I have is Welcome. I don't have knowledge in the areas you are inquiring about.

[PanelDeland]

WELCOME!!! sounds like a cool truck.I'm no help on the 4X4 stuff but as far as color and trim,don't sweat it too much.Though popular these trucks aren't like concours Vettes or Classic muscle.I like the look of a stock truck or one with original trim options but the real deal is to build what you want.If you're building as an investment,you're on the wrong track since you'll never get out of one what you put into it.Build it for you to enjoy and drive the wheels offa it.

[hoovers71]

I know that all too well. I selling my 77 bronco right now. New to Chevy/GMC trucks. Thanks for your opinions.
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[Bfork1]

2 inch lift

[hoovers71]

Thanks. Tire and rim size?
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[hoovers71]

looking to lift the truck 2 inches. Will need new tires and wheels, I guess 32x11.50 is the correct size for the right look? How about rim size?

Tire size and rims are new to me.

thanks

[too much stuff]

2" lift front, 2.5" rear. 33x12.5x15 tires on 8.25 wide slots

[hoovers71]

Thanks. That is just what I needed.

[MidLifer]

You can get modern 3-point belts that will bolt right into your truck. Lots of suppliers including a few board vendors to choose from, and all the original colors are available.

I went all out and bought belts from Morris Classics that have GM emblems and later model GM replica buckles. They cost $375, but there are other option that are cheaper if you dont mind generic buckles.
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[70cst]

Hey hoovers71 ...

to the forums and from Ohio.

on your new

As far as color...that's your call. If you want to keep it as your Grandpa had ...stick with the original color. But...if that isn't an issue then go with your heart.

[hoovers71]

Thanks, I think I ill keep it grandpa ochre. I don't want to get into tearing out the gauge cluster to change the inside color. I especially do not want to paint the engine compartment, since the engine runs strong.

Hey Midlifer, do you have any photos of how the install ended up with the 3 pt. belts? Where is the shoulder portion anchored?

My truck looks a lot like yours. Did you have it repainted, if so how did you match the color? My grandpa had his repainted, looks like yellow mustard, not a good look IMO.

do you think if I put on the full chrome it would look weird if it did not originally come that way?

[MidLifer]

Pics of my belts. Overall I'm happy with them. The retractors are a bit touchy, and sometimes if you pull too quickly they will lock, but I'd rather have that than belts that don't lock when you need em.

[hoovers71]

Thanks!!! That is one nice truck!! Love the interior. How were the shoulder belts attached to the cab above your shoulder???

[MidLifer]

In my cab there were two plastic plugs that, when I pulled them out, exposed threaded sleeves that the bolts screwed right into. They were there for factory 3-point belts, which were an option on our trucks. Now, one of the truck experts will chime in and say which years of Chevy and GMC did and did not have these, but my truck is a 71 (Chevy C10), so yours should have them too. They will be color coded with the interior color.

Thanks for the props - my truck photographs well but in actuality is a 20-footer driver with a half-@ssed paint job. I am, however, very proud of the interior. Board member Truckseats sells some darn fine seat covers! And the ACI foams that I got from board member pickmup sure are comfy. I figure when I'm driving, I see the interior, so that's what really matters LOL.

[71swb4x4]

hoovers teh factory put moutning points in the cab up there. Most trucks still have a plastic plug in it that was painted when the cab was painted. Take a look and you will find yours.

[hoovers71]

That is super helpful!! will look into that upgrade for sure.

How can I find the specs for the 71? ie. is it a points distributor (shy of looking since it is still at my gpas garage).

[Wootdog]

Most anything you want to inquire about your truck you can do a search of on this site. Pretty much any question that has been asked has been answered by our members. These people are nice and well informed.
Kerry

[Crash_OK]

SkyJacker 2.5 lift

[PanelDeland]

Factory was points,many have been upgraded to electronic.One of the first upgrades after safety stuff I would suggest.

[Wootdog]

If you don't want to pay to update to HEI distributor which is expensive unless you know someone who has an extra one laying around. You could upgrade to a Pertronix setup. It sits in the points distributor, and changes the upper portion of the distributor to electronic ignition. I did that on a old Pontiac Catalina I used to have.
Kerry

[hoovers71]

I don't mind spending the dough for the upgrade since it is good, the issue would be the know-how. I know you have to run a 10 ga wire carrying 12v to the distributor, not sure where to take that from.

when you do the upgrade, does the ingnition module get replaced as well, or just the dizzy and coil?

[Ol Blue K20]

If your going HEI dist. You remove the stock coil and dist. and replace with the HEI, the module is in the dist. and coil is in the dist cap. Change plug wires, gap the plugs and run pwr to dist. start it time it and Done...

[budman k20]

My K20 has a 2" Tuff counttry lift in it with 285-75-16 tires on it. Basically a 33 inch tire on 8 inch wide wheels. I would recommend Tuff country springs because they put plastic sliders on the leaf spring tips and ride reasonably smooth for an old truck.

[chevytruckclassics]

1967 Chevy k10 (originally a c10). 2 inch ruff country lift.