71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Hello all,

This has been an ongoing project since 2008. Since that time she's sat in the driveway much to the dislike of my wife as it has "uglied up" the house. I would have to agree but only that it was primer gray with rust runs everywhere. Due to the economy the buikd has taken a few turns. We have moved 4 times in 3 years and a have taken a different job to get this thing back on track. I am happy to say that after 2 years of garage time and working on h e re and there she is finally able to sit in the sun. My wife still says it makes the house look silly, but she didn't say it was ugly, which is a step in the right direction!

This is where I started after picking here up in Vancouver Wa for $3500.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Into my garage from my dad's garage in Yakima. Made the trip without an issue. Original small block still runs strong! Other people on the road were afraid of me and they kept their distance. Washington drivers are a s strange breed. As you can see I removed the doors which later in the project I wish I hadn't (getting to re-a-line). Due to the new upper and lower rocker panels being replaced, it caused the door to not line up just right, more on that later.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

As with all these old trucks, there were common areas of rust and cancer on mine as well. Both rockers inside and out, both floor pans, and both quarters. Thanks to LMC and Brothers, I got the parts I needed to fix them. Cutting wheel and die grinder here I come.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Passenger side front rocker inside and out replaced. Since the the floorpan wasn't that bad (only in spots), I cut out and replaced what was bad and welded in new sheet metal.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Passenger side floor. You can see in the corner the rocker that was ate away before it was replaced.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Drivers side was just as bad if not worse. A lot more cutting and work involved to get it fixed. Rocker panel inside and out as well as cutting the cancer out of the floor pan.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

After replacing all the rockers (including the 3rd door). Moved on to the quarters. Both needed to be replaced. As you can see, I had to also replace the lower section for the backup light. It had rotted out as well.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Passenger side quarter fixed. Man did I feel accomplished as this was beginning to look like a truck again not to mention a lot of work paying off!

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Drivers side was worse as it had a ton of bondo hiding a huge dent as well as rust. They must have hit a stump. Oh well cut and replace. Had to also replace the upper and lower turn signal and back up panel.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Since I live on the west side of Washington, rain and road salt is a huge concern! Due to this I wanted to take every precaution to prevent rust since I was done cutting it out and replacing a lot of metal. I was between Por15 and Chassis Saver from Magnet paints. I decided to go with chassis saver due to tons of positive reviews plus it is cheaper than por 15. I was also contemplating on using bed liner instead of paint to further resist the elements. I will also be using this rig for a hunt/trail vehicle. Chassis Saver inside and out after all body work was completed.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

I decided to go with a bed liner material inside and out. I didn't want to go black so I started looking around. I got quotes from Linex and it was astronomical ($3000)...so to plan B, DIY project. If you have done any research on DIY bedliner it's enough to make your head spin. All of the companies claim to be the best with the toughest materials made. Well my experience was hit and miss😐 I decided to go with Monstaliner due to their uv ratings as well as the ability pick from various colors. Their customer service was good and we're helpful on making suggestions. I chose to go med quartz grey on the inside and road rash on the outside.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Interior work. Seats I got at the Goodguys swap meet from a guy that does handicap work in Honda vans for lift gates. He removes the middle row seats and sells them (3 piece) 2 buckets and a jump seat in the middle that also serves as a arm rest when folded down. Also built custom console to hold aftermarket stereo and speakers. Didn't want to cut the dash or the doors.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Finally out of the garage. First time to see the sun in well over a year!!!

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Thanks to Pro Touch upholstery in Federal Way, Chewy did a great job in matching the front seats in color and design.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Barn doors and custom boxes completed. Starting to look good!

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Door panels to match. Also cleaned up the arm rests and steering column.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Due to having 16.5 slotted mags that I did not to part with, I was between a rock and a hard place. As you may know, they no longer make tires that are 16.5. I was going to need to change my plans. I initially started out with a mix mash of tires 33s that had about 50% tread life. I wanted to go with 35s to balance out the look I was going for. I wanted the BFG All-Terrains but we're no longer available in 35x12.50x16.5. The only tires still being produced were swampers but didn't want to go that route because I still wanted to drive on the highway. I began to research options which are extremely limited. I was lucky to find Berg Tires in Fayetteville, NC. http://www.bergtires.com who specialize in military tires taken off humvees. They offer a variety of tires in different sizes and tread %'s. I got the 37x12.50x16.5 @ 95/100%. The price was right as I ordered 5 tires (1 for a spare) shipped to business to save on shipping for $815 total in less than a week turn around. Time to get them mounted up to see if they'll fit (under my 4-inch Rancho lift (fingers crossed)!

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Well tried to get them mounted at Les Schwab- Graham and they said they couldn't do it because they were "too STIFF". What a joke! I called ahead and gave them the heads up and they still turned me away. Well I took my business elsewhere and Tire factory Sumner hooked me up in about two hours. The only bad news is they barely fit under the 4-inch lift. I rub in the front at half turn and also in the rear over bumps. I will be installing the only lift that is available for these rigs offered from Skyjacker. Will be going with their 8-inch lift to cover all the bases. Wish me luck as this is the most recent work. I will post more during the lift install.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Thanks for posting this up, I just bought a 1971 suburban that has a lot of rust and was starting to get overwhelmed but just saw your post and feel like I can do it no problem now ha ha.

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Yeah it's a lot of work but it's well worth it in the end have patience you can do it

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Looks great!

Paul

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

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Wow, what a transformation. I like it.

It's too bad about the 16.5's because I have some stock 8.25x16.5 rims for the '68 CST. I have found some good used 16.5's at the local salvage yard off of older motor homes & campers over the years.

LockDoc

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Cool Burb. Well done!

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Have to love a 4x4 GMC burb on slots! I think eventually I will have to go the same route with the 37s (unless they eventually make the new 17" slots in a 8 lug)

Re: 71 GMC 4x4 "BOB" Big Orange Beast
 

Hey Josh. Love the front seats. Are they adjustable? Finding a decent front split bench with a console in my price range is near impossible.

Paul