71 Stepside Project Build

[Rexmont71Stepside]

Been a member for a while checking out everyone's rides I thought it's about time I share mine. Here are some pictures of my 71 stepside short bed, all original except engine, trans and rear. Originally, it was a straight 6 with 3 on the tree. The 700R4 transmission was rebuilt before I bought the truck in 2010, I added at torque converter when the engine was rebuilt. The engine is a 350 and was professionally rebuilt in 2019. It's bored 30 over, aluminum heads, Holley 650 double pumper. Single wire alternator and we hid the underhood wires. I'm rebuilding it from the inside out, so the drive train is solid. I wasn't going to do much with the exterior except fix any rust, no paint job. The interior needs some work but it's not in bad condition. I included a few pictures for show and tell.

[sfont66]

Great looking truck!
Tell us more about your experience with your truck over the past 16 years

[raggedjim]

Looks good, I like the GTI inspired paint.

[Rexmont71Stepside]

I drove by this truck for about a year before I bought it. I was looking for a 65 Falcon but wasn't having much luck finding one I liked. I stopped one day just to look at it and we ended up working out a deal. It was a driver when I bought it and I restored and repaired things over the years. I like having a beater truck that I can put mulch in one day and take to a car show another. Without going into detail, 2 of 3 life's bad Ds, divorce and disease have stopped progress for extended periods at different times since 2021. Whenever I seemed to be getting momentum, something happened to stop it. A complete engine rebuild was never in the books but my "qualified" ex-wife's uncle's work caused the crate 350 to self destruct in the fall of 2019. I would have preferred to spend money on other things but since I had to start from scratch, I went all out and had the engine professionally rebuilt, added many performance parts and cleaned up the engine department. Divorced in 2021, I got to keep the truck but I lost a lot of money. Had other priorities the past few years so I didn't do much but didn't really need to. I only drove it during the warm months and used it like a truck. I have a fast, loud beater I can haul mulch in, let the kids climb around on, set a beer on and take to a car show. I added new pics of the engine you don't have to turn your head sideways to look at.

Future plans, I have a Brother lowering kit, 2 1/2" drop spindles and 3" lowering springs for the rear with tubular upper and lower control arms.

[sfont66]

Thanks for sharing your story, sounds like you have been through some tough times. Hopefully you are in the clear now, and are in a good place.
I wouldn’t call your truck a “beater” by any means!
I think you will like the truck a bit lower, make sure you post up some pics when you get it done

[68Gold/white]

Life happens. I have a 67 and 68, the 68 survived the big "D" around 2001. I bought the 67 in 2002, thinking of using some parts for the 68. Shoot, the 67 is in way better condition than the 68 and I paln to make them both road worthy, plus the 68 is a Golden...

I like your build. About how I would do it. I like the old engines, carbs, stock front discs.
Carry on!!!
Thanks!!!