"The Teacher"

[newmanseptic]

The truck is gonna be the Teacher because every day with this thing is a lesson learned. Frame off restoration of a 1971.50 (actually a 1970 front half and 1972 rear stepside and frame). Going back with worked over 454 that should have around 550hp with a built turbo 400 transmission. Its going to be a 4.5/6 drop. The only thing I think I am using off the 72 is the frame, bed came back from sandblasting in worst shape than I thought. This is my first truck build but have done numerous classic cars in the past. Vann at classis performance parts has been a huge help in putting the chassis part of this build together. Everything going back on the truck is pretty much gonna be new if it doesnt cost me my marriage. Went from a simple 1 month shop truck project into a full build. Attached are a few pictures to get things started.

[newmanseptic]

The project is flowing along at a average pace. Its about to slow down as my body and paint guy is having double knee replacement next week. Oh well, gives me more time to get the rest of things ordered, and complete the chassis. Heres a few pics of updated progress. This board has been a huge help so far and sure it will be even more as the process gets more detailed. Its time to scrape my pennies together to order dakota digital gauges and vintage air.

[TCCGRIZ]

Nice , I'm in

[Bubba4spd]

Me too!

[riddinlow99]

what you doing with that fleetside bed

[newmanseptic]

The bed is for sale but it's off a 1992 pickup truck and its sitting on a 1970 lwb frame, not sure what the person was thinking that put it on there. I also have some 1972 doors, fenders and hood that's in good shape for sale. As well as 2 original gauge clusters and steering columns. Pretty much everything on the 72 stepside is for sale besides the frame.

[newmanseptic]

Well between vacations and getting the kids in school, things took a slow down. The bed came back from sandblasting in worse shape than i thought. That led me to ordering a new bed. Also since then got some new inner fender wells, front and back roll pans,(big fan of Boris's builds and I know he discredits trucks with roll pans but this is one area I disagree with his style) it really all comes down to the flow of the truck. I have gotten around to installing the new floor pan and rockers on the truck. As we speak, frame is being assembled, body work being done and motor is getting its overhaul. Shooting for completion by the end of the year. Few pictures pf floorpan, new bed in box, and frame off to my buddies for assembly.

[newmanseptic]

Slow and steady, was shooting for the end of this year but that ain't happening. I got the truck ready to paint and motor almost assembled. Whats the best replacement steering column? I pretty much have everything else besides wood bed kit for final assembly.

[Jason7121]

If your looking for a beautiful factory tilt look up board member 71 shortfleet. Nice work btw looking awesome.

[newmanseptic]

Got most of the body work done and premounted to make sure everything lines up. Then taken back apart so I can finish up the frame work and get the rest of the body work done and painted. MCB parts was a big help with ordering my ididit steering column and dakota gauges.

[GR8-68]

It is looking real good Sean, keep on plucking away at it.