US Tom

[Zoomin]

This project named himself. The "C" on the fender badges is missing on both sides.



I bought Tom from board member JQ-72, and member Fine69 hauled him all the way from Alabama to his new Oklahoma home. He's a 71 Custom.

It started life as a humble 6 cylinder with the only option being an AM radio, which is MIA.






The six is long gone, replaced by a V8 of uncertain size.

[Zoomin]

I bought him initially as a test bed of sorts, I'm going to do the paint and body work on this one myself. I've had so many projects get delayed by being in paint jail for long periods of time, I figure the best way to solve that is add that to my list of can-do's

The bed comes off and gets a new header panel and a replacement tailgate.
He's also getting a piece of new rocker and floor board. The PO (before JQ) did a crude job on the floors. Normally I wouldn't care, but there was a 1/2" gap along the rocker, so that had to go.




While the bed was off getting sandblasted, I had the rear blasted also and painted that.

[Zoomin]

Here's a glimpse of what's in store for the interior. The old bench seat



will be replaced with this.

[Zoomin]

Plans have evolved, as they always seem to do as I tear into these things. I've been reading a number of threads in the projects and also suspension threads that have really gotten me interested in making Tom handle, go and stop. I've been talking with several board vendors and I have to tell you, they are all a bunch of knowledgable people with really nice products. Choosing which way to go is going to be a hard choice.

Basically, I'm looking to do a front end kit that includes everything from tubular A-arms, to big brakes, to rack and pinion steering. Out back, disk brakes and a c-notch. And an air bag set up compete with controller.

Engine is up in the air, but ideally I'd do an LS3, but we'll have to see what turns up. That will be the last piece of the puzzle.

[Hduramax]

nice project have fun with it

[Zoomin]

Well, the UPS man is going to be having hernia surgery about this time next week - all the suspension bits have been ordered...

It's been fun watching some of these other threads where guys are doing this. It'll be interesting to see if doing it is as simple as some of these guys make it look.

[Zoomin]

I was wrong - the UPS man AND the Fedex man had hernias. The wife texts me and says I have some packages in a tone that roughly translates to "What the hell is this stuff?" I guess I somehow neglected to mention that some purchases of some old truck parts would be headed our way.

Here's some pics of what showed up, thanks to Rob at No Limit. He spent the better part of half an hour talking me through what I should get after listening to what I was after.

[screaminchevypickup]

Dang I wish I would have known you were buying all that suspension stuff I could have got you a great deal on most of that stuff
Posted via Mobile Device

[Zoomin]

I'll be ordering more at some point. This won't be the last of the projects so hook me up!

[lil hoodlum]

Looks like Christmas on your front porch. The only thing missing is a tree with all of the decorations.

Anyways looks like fun and good luck with your build.

Keith

[mcbassin]

Well, glad to see you documenting this one Steve. I love all the new parts. You guys kill me with truck loads of new stuff to make their projects get built fast. I like what you're doing as far as the body work and paint yourself. That will definetly trim paint prison.
I'm subscribing

[VA72C10]

Looks like another GREAT project!!!

[67cheby]

alright.....i am along for the ride !!

[tanman722001]

Looks like a nice truck to start with.

[808_67C10]

I love those seats... I AM a sucka for white n red interior
Posted via Mobile Device

[Zoomin]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma with this truck right now. I was charging ahead on this as you can see, ordering all the parts and stuff when I happened on a deal on a 60 Chevy Biscayne (see sig) that was too good to pass up.

So now I have that, and 4 pickups, and a 60 Camaro in addition to the family cars - bottom line, I've got cars stashed all over the countryside and I need to get rid of some. I haven't decided what I want to keep for sure just yet.

The parts for this truck I could spread around to the other trucks, and some even to the Biscayne - finish this puppy up and cut my losses OR I really think it would be cool to keep on track with this and get rid of some of the others.

My problem is once I get one of these it's real hard to let go. Kind of like a puppy or something.

[VA72C10]

Which one would you get rid of if you kept this one?

[Zoomin]

One of the below:

71 SWB BB Cheyenne



72 LWB BB Cheyenne Super



60 Chevy Biscayne



Each one has it's special appeal to me. The 71 SWB BB Cheyenne is a pretty solid, desirable piece. My intent was to keep it as a survivor until I have time a space to take it apart and do an all out resto on it.

The 72 Super is done, and it runs like a champ. It's a terrific truck and can haul anything I need.

The 60 Biscayne is one of those things I can really have some fun with. It doesn't need metal work or paint - it's ready to cruise or mod.

[VA72C10]

I don't know....I think tom's gotta go if one does...the other three have more value...

[Zoomin]

Yeah, Tom was really intended to be a test bed of sorts and a fun driver. Learn to paint on it and not worry about parking it at Wal-Mart. Then I got interested in making it handle, doing some autocross with it and stuff. Was going to bag it and learn how that works.

Fun in concept, but would be a loser as far as the money put in it.

[mcbassin]

Come on Steve. You got this. Just like eating an elephant
I love those buddy buckets btw. I have a home for them. If you didn't have so much invested I'm sure I could take the whole project off your hands. Not that I need any more if you know what I mean.

[Zoomin]

Ha! I appreciate the words of encouragement Mike. If I had a big shop like you have I wouldn't have a problem. Damn HOA, building one would be pretty expensive.....

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

Ha! I appreciate the words of encouragement Mike. If I had a big shop like you have I wouldn't have a problem. Damn HOA, building one would be pretty expensive.....

LMBO I get closterfobia every time I go out there. That's funny for sure. It's only about a 1/4 of the size I need.

Let me know when you're ready to put one up though, I have built a few by myself. It's much easier with help

[big_al_71]

Tough descisions...As "Tom" is the kind of build that I really like!!!!
there is a good market for restmod trucks down here just saying finish it and flip it..

[Zoomin]

Originally Posted by big_al_71

Tough descisions...As "Tom" is the kind of build that I really like!!!!
there is a good market for restmod trucks down here just saying finish it and flip it..

Can you quantify "good market" in terms of dollars? I won't hold you to it, but how about a range?

I couldn't believe how long it took mrhino to sell his truck. If I didn't already have too many trucks I would have bought that rascal.

I think I need to pace myself and concentrate on getting one project done rather than doing 3 at once. My thinking now is to plow on with Tom and chalk up any loss to the price of my education in paint, handling and LS engines.