Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Pics from yesterday:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4058.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4060.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4067.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4073.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4074.jpg

Our lives are marked by those days of significance. This was one of those days. My truck was torn apart, and it was my 1st borns, 1st prom.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4072.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Deconstruction, day 2:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4140.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4139.jpg
Cab gone, engine still in:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4138.jpg
Engine gone:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4150.jpg
Garage is kind of crowded:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4151.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Kind of an odd day for me concerning my various projects. I have a 72 blazer tub that is planned for my next build as a 2wd blazer. I have a line on an original 2wd frame for it and stopped by there today. The owner said he wants to keep the rear axle and front suspension for another one of his trucks, which is different than the arraingement we had before, but he came down on the price. $150 for the body and frame. But I need to find the rolling gear for it. I got a call from another guy today who says he has a frame and bed for a 71-72 chevy truck. When I get back to town and take a look at it, the frame is nearly flawless, needs to be cleaned and painted. The bed is junk. $125 for the frame and it even has tires to roll it around on. So instead of sandblasting and paniting my original chassis, I'm thinking it will be easier to use this one and just use what I need from my original one.

But I'm conflicted. It's becoming another vehicle completely. As it goes, the only parts from the original truck might be the hood and doors and tailgate. Does it matter? My wife is mad because I'm not using the original cab, even though it's a total mess. She said it's the heart of the truck. I disagreed, but the chassis? Does it matter? It will be a good truck that I built myself, and I feel that's where the heart of the truck really is. I'm the heart of the truck. If I don't have it, or someone else that really cares and enjoys it, that's when it becomes a pile of parts, soul-less. Am I wrong?

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Here's the $125 rolling chassis. The only problems I could find with it was a loose wheel bearing on the front driver side spindle and a repaired upper shock mount for the same corner. I fixed that up a little because the repair looked like crap. I'll take care of bearings, bushings, etc later. I should be dropping this off at the blaster thursday or friday and get it back monday or tuesday.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4158.jpg

Here's a test fit for the new gas tank. Just looking at where that rear cross member needs to be moved to.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4157.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4156.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

After sleeping on it, I've decided to just use my frame and swap out the rear axles. The other axle is a 3.08 rear end and mine is a 3.73. Without an overdrive, it's revving at about 2700 rpm on the highway and I've been wanting shorter gears for it for a long time. My front suspension was already worked over some with new brakes, lowered springs and changes to the control arms for the lower ride hieght. I didn't really want to do that over again.

We've had rain the past couple days, so I did not take it over to the sandblaster yet, maybe saturday it'll get done if I'm lucky. Once the axles are swapped, it's a short ride down the street.

I ordered new bushings for the track bar and rear control arms, tranny mount, Gas tank felts and a new O-ring, new cab mount bolts (I already have the rubber mounts), and rear fender braces. That'll keep me busy for a few days. I also have a lock-right to install in the axle. I'm hoping a few more of my items sell on ebay so I can buy more parts, mainly headers and exhaust.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I finally got the chassis over to the sandblaster. Should be done before next weekend. The axles are swapped so I will have a 3.07 gear now. I had to cut the rear brake line to get it off, oh well. No other major issues.

I sold enough stuff the past couple weeks on ebay to cover the cost of some new headers. I'm probably going to use the summit ceramic coated ones. But also was looking at a pair from hedman I think. It depends on how durable the finish is, I want to avoid the rusty header look.

I also figured out a simple way to make an adjustable pan hard bar. I need to check on one part of it before I post how it's done. It's so simple I can hardly believe I haven't seen it here before.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Glad to hear that she is off to the blasters, and i do the same thing, sell parts for parts, it works!

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Back in Black.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4249.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4246.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4247.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4248.jpg

Somehow, it just doesn't seem like progress when I don't do the work myself. It is progress, I know, just different. Like I told my wife today, "a weekend to tear it apart, a year to put it back together." And I might be too optimistic on that. At least I have some parts on hand to work with and keep me busy for a little while.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I worked all day outside, and it seemed like I was getting a lot done. But as far as the truck goes, all I did was replace the rear control arm bushings, remove the spring plates for the helper springs, cleaned up some spilt oil from the steering box and repainted some spots that needed touching up. Oh yeah, I also reworked some fuel plumbing for the carb. I'm going back to using my fuel pressure regulator, and I plumbed the fuel pressure gage off the regulator discharge and gave it a fresh paint job. I'll need to make a bracket for it and I need to see if I can get a fuel filter with threaded ends that I can plumb direct also.

I did a little cleaning in the garage, fixed a couple things on the lawn mower, and other stuff. Where did the day go? If I check LFD's burb thread, he probably fabbed up an engine mounting plate and installed his 5.3 and invented a new doodad that makes it run on water.

We all have our talents, such that they are.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I got the lock-right installed today. That went ok. Simple enough to install. The hardest part was getting one of the brake drums off, so I could slide the axle out a few inches.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4251.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I just got a new rear brake hose for the rear end today. So maybe I'll get the brakes buttoned up in the next few days. Other than that, I've been freshening up the engine and tranny a bit. It's almost ready to set back in the frame.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4367.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4368.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I got the fuel regulator and pressure guage ready to mount. The oil pan was off to attempt another fix of the timing chain cover to oil pan leak. That's already back in place. I switched where the temp probe goes into the intake so it is not squished under the radiator hose. I replaced the tranny dip stick O-ring and I have a new rear seal for the drive shaft yoke on order. I have new tranny and motor mounts for it too. I'm thinking about replacing the harmonic balancer because that little one is hard to judge the timing on so far from the tab. And I think I'm going to get new alternator brackets for it also.

I think it turned out pretty nice so far.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Im gonna respond and say your doing a good job.. Keep up the work... What you will notice as your doing the build is you seem to just be getting deeper and deeper with no end, then you will round the corner and the finished poduct will start to appear....

Im also responding because it sucks when you put up pics of your build and no one responds to them ..... like mine. :(


Good job yo.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks. I know I'm not really doing anything revolutionary here, so I don't expect a lot of input. It's a good record for myself. I am doing some things I haven't seen here before though, like panel adhesive, and I think most people will really dig my new track bar, might have that on here in a day or 2.

I'm actually surprised how easy it's been so far with the cab off the frame. It's not that hard, but seems like a huge step. Just have to have the space for it and the patience.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Kinda in the same boat... Im not doing anything fancy, but am doing a lot it seems... I didnt really do much of anything until i got this truck... I have done some body work, but not welding in new panels and all that stuff... Dont let it get ya down like i do if no one responds... You got alot of lookers and we all love pics.... Maybe go post on my page so i dont feel so alone. AHAHHA

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Done.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

lot of work there... more than i've done in the last year... do you have a deadline?

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Are you crazy?! A deadline? Personally, I think that as soon as a deadline is set, a project is doomed. What I have is motivation for the time being. That and I'm not nearly broke every payday like for so many years in the past. These things will nickel and dime you to death. For instance, I bet I spent $20 in paint, $10 in brake cleaner, $10 in small fittings, $13 for oil pan gaskets, $20 in new fuel line, $221 in sandblasting and paint of the frame, over $20 in a brake hose and I still need to fix the steel line it connects to, I probably lost a gallon of tranny fluid, that was new about 100 miles ago, the list goes on. That's just the past week or so. I'm selling parts to help offset stuff, but still need to buy headers and exhaust pipes, an electric fan control, alternator brackets and new belt, my throttle cable is messed up, my kickdown cable doesn't connect because the bracket isn't right for the edelbrock carb. I also need to get the gas tank filler figured out, I'm sure that won't be free either. And these are just the things to get the engine back in, done right and looking good. This was a running, driving truck a month ago.

I'm hoping to have the engine setting back between the frame rails by this weekend. Then work on the radiator support and exhaust. Hopefully I can put the cab back on in early July and get the bodywork rolling on that. Realistically, if I can have this ready for paint by next spring I will be thrilled beyond belief. If I can drive it in and out of the garage by fall, that would be awesome. If neither of those things happen, so be it. I just love working on this stuff.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

There is one thing I really need help with. I want a set of headers with heavy flanges, 1-5/8 primaries, heavy wall tubes, long tube or shorty style that fit well and don't cost over $300 for coated ones or about $150 for non-coated.

I've spent hours searching this board, sent PM's to members who I thought did this and had nothing but dead ends so far. Everyone I contacted that posted that they installed what I want to install said they changed it later or don't remember what exactly they installed, no part numbers.

One guy says a certain header fits great and someone else will say it won't. The ones that everyone says will fit great have all been 1.5" primaries or thinner flanges, or chrome (I don't want chrome) or the finish doesn't hold up well, or any number of things. I would get painted headers and get them coated by a local shop if needed. I don't even care if I need to clearance by the frame a little. I just want access to the spark plugs, don't want them hanging down to far, and not cost $500. Is that really too much to ask?

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

looking good. keep at it....

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I totally understand about what you mean when the truck has a no soul after a point when it comes to switching cabs...that actually why I decided to rebuild my rusty original..roof rot and all>I wanted it to still be my truck..not a franken truck

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

It's not much, but it is one more thing off the to do list. Replaced the rear brake hose and repaired my cut rear brake line. I also got the ebrake cable re-connected. Next job on the chassis is the track bar and gas tank.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4380.jpg

This is my fuel regulator and pressure guage. I also got the flywheel dust cover cleaned up and painted and put back on, no pic of that though. I'm going back out to do some more detail work on the engine.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4381.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

:mm: and the adventure begins, little parts ordered here and there, then you fall head over heels for the work you've started and can't quit. welcome to the board, congrats on your work, looks like a labor of love. good luck hgs
:metal:

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

looking good hgs :metal:

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I figured out how I'm going to put in a gas filler. I got one from a parts blazer I just got last weekend. Instead of going through the bedside, I'm going to cut it and reverse the direction 180* so the fill opening is in the rear corner of the bed. It'll be out of the way and easy enough to make a sheetmetal cover to go over the hoses and make it look like it was made that way.

I got the new motor and tranny mounts on. The power steering pump brackets have drying paint, so I'll finish that tomorrow. About all that's left for the engine is finding the correct starter bolts, painting the pulleys and getting some better alternator brackets, all of which can be done easily with the engine in the frame.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4380.jpg


I had to replace that exact line the exact same way few weekends ago.. Mine had rusted through. ahaha. My little kid used it as a step stool so he could climb on the tire and it popped.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

When I was removing the rear axle I needed to disconnect the line. The hard line twisted with the nut, so I had to cut it and replace.

This morning I made up some aluminum fuel lines from the pump to the regulator and carb. My first attempt at making hard lines for this, so hopefully it doesn't leak. I used brass compression fittings for a couple joints, flared the one end for the fuel pump, and will need to use a small piece of rubber tube connecting to the carb, at least for now. Pic later.

I got the mounts on and power steering pump on. I'm going to wait to install the engine until I get back from Mexico (work trip) next weekend.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

First is a couple pics of my fuel lines. I just need to put a couple clamps on and it is all set.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4385.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4386.jpg

Now my own invention or twist for an adjustable track bar. I finally got it all together. I'm going to post directions on the main board I think. I'm kinda proud of it.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4384.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4382.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4383.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

does it have to have the fuel regulator?

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

On this engine, with this fuel pump, yes. I used it for years because the fuel pressure from the pump was pushing fuel past the needle and seat in the float bowl and flooding the engine. The carb was rebuilt and the problem persisted. I did some checking and the carb manufacturers have a range recommended for the pressure in their carbs, usually maxed out at about 5.5 psi for a street engine. Out of curiousity I put a gauge on it and was getting over 7 psi from my stock pump. I put the regulator on, set it at 5 psi and never again had problems. I didn't make any other changes. I tried going without the regulator again since last summer and was having issues. Not flooding, but unpredictable idle, and the engine would starve for fuel at times, then recover. So I put a test gage back on and watched it. The pressure was fluctuating up and down and the engine idle followed with it. I didn't think it would matter, because the fuel should be fed from the float bowl at atmospheric pressure, but it did change how it ran.

If my stock fuel pump put out the standard 4-5 psi, I wouldn't need it, as most cars don't. But the regulator solved a problem and it looks kinda cool.

I'm sure you know fuel injected cars have pressure regulators. You have to have a minimum pressure for the injectors to work correctly for atomizing the fuel and maintaining a specific calibration or flow rate. There are more sensors and computer controls that calibrate the air/fuel mix on the newer cars, but consistant pressure is important.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

good info... that's what I was wondering since I noticed you had a carb and not FI...

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I'm back from my work trip to Mexico. It went well, but I'm glad to be home again. Reviewing 4 major plants in 5 days ain't easy, and now it's time for the report writing.

Anyway, I got some time sunday for playing and I set the engine back in place.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4505.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4504.jpg

I also set the radiator support back in, but need to replace the bolts before I tighten it down. So I will be spending some time this week just reconnecting some lines, painting some pullies, replacing hoses, etc. and also plan on putting the gas tank in and routing the new line for that.

I'd like to be able to focus on this project only this week, but I have to finish stripping parts from my 2wd parts blazer this week so the remainder can be scrapped. The city is complaining about where it's sitting (not my property) and the owner of the property needs me to finish it this week. Not much left there to do, no problem.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I wish I could say I got more done, but all I did was bolt the radiator support down and replaced the battery tray. I'm going to route the new gas line in the morning I think. I won't have much time tuesday, work all day and then my youngest girls softball games all evening.

Here's what I was working on this evening, I need to finish stripping it of usable parts this week so the rest can be scrapped.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/IMG_4513.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/IMG_4506.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Work has been a killer the past couple weeks, but I got out tonight for a while and got the gas tank mounted and most of the fuel line clamped down. As a reminder, this is a tank from a 75 blazer. I used a couple strips of galvanized sheetmetal for the straps. I folded over each end for added strength.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4546.jpg

The fuel line is 3/8" aluminum tubing from Summit. It's cheap and real easy to work with. Corrosion shouldn't be an issue. I still need about 3 or 4 tubing clamps and then it's just hooking it up with a couple pieces of rubber hose.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4547.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

No pictures today, but hardly needed. I finished the fuel line connections and clamps to the frame. I finished stabilizing the rear brake line, it was loose where the flexible hose bolts down to the axle. I replaced the lower radiator hose. I replaced the rear seal on the end of the transmission and installed the driveshaft.

The only work left on the back half is the shocks and I'm thinking of putting something on the rear differential vent hose to keep crap out. If anyone has an idea for that, please let me know. I was thinking about a small filter or something, maybe an offroader would have an idea.

I have a bucket of parts to drop off at the sandblaster, pulleys and brackets, etc. for the motor. I think I might have to buy some large washers for the cab mounts, mine were in bad shape. I already bought bolts, and the rubber mounts, but not the washers.

I'm going to be gone half the week again, but plan on taking vacation and a 4 day weekend this next week. I am planning on setting the new cab on the frame, finishing the motor accessories, maybe a fresh coat of rustoleum black on the radiator support.

I don't want to think past that stage. That's when I'll be getting into an area that's unfamiliar to me...body work.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I've been gone this week again, but still had a small but important thing happen. I got a killer deal on some headers. I got these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HO...n/?prefilter=1
from a seller on ebay for $125 shipped. I'm real excited to see them. Hopefully they are as described. The seller has good feedback on these and other name brand items.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Great build so far! Keep up the good work! On your Blazer tank do the cross sill need to be cut the way you have it setup? I checked the sizes on that tank and the website lists it at 10 3/4" tall with the bottom half 3 1/2" tall this would leave 7 1/4" going up from the bottom of the frame rails where the rails are 4" tall. Long story short I calculate that you need some sort of drop? Thanks for any info!

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

If it's sitting below the top fram rail then you should be fine with the bed cross sills. Unless your filler needs clearance somehow...


Check out tri-pro automotive's build "Project GPW", he used a little filter on the differential vent hose.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks Mike, I missed his build for some reason!

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

What I did on my tank install was set a couple levels across the frame rails right where the bed cross sills would set. The top of the blazer tank has a bulge in it that sets up a bit. The filler and vent lines are right between the sills and the filler will go just above the frame rail. If I were to notch the bed cross sills, I could pull the tank up another 3/4" maybe so the tank itself would rest against the cross sills. I still might do this. I don't really like how the tank moves right now and my straps are not adjustable.

I will probably order new straps (they are about $30), notch the sills, and then pull the tank up tight to the bed sills. It won't look hardly any different than it is now, but should be more stable.

Not much progress to report today. I got the engine pulleys sand blasted and repainted. I got my cab mount bushings almost ready to install (I'm missing a couple nuts and washers) and might get the cab on today or monday (taking a vacation day).

My headers should arrive tuesday.