71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Ok so here is the story, This 71 GMC was purchased by my dad from the factory for my Grandfather. My grandfather drove it for about 12 years before he passed and then it wen back to my pops. In 1999 I got the truck and stored it in my barn until last year after my pops passed i decided to get it out and see if it would run. I put a battery in it and fixed some wires and turn the key and it fired up. I drove it a few times and piddled with it a little here and there. I then took it to a guy to see about having it painted and he said it would be about a month before he could get to. So I took it home and pondered on it and thought well maybe I will rebuild the motor before I have it painted that turn out to be a bad Idea. The longer I thought about it the more I wanted to do to it. So on New Years day I started and you can see the pictures as we go along. I am not completely sure what all I am going to do but I do know it will not be a fast build due to the money part but we will go with it. I am planning about a 4/6 drop, Convert to coil spring rear, doing some shaving here and there but will decide along the way. Thanks for looking. This is and original paint truck but is not going back that way.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

After a few days this is where we are now. Front wrap off, all chrome off, Motor ready to come out. Bed is unbolted just waiting for a couple muscles this weekend to get it and the cab off then the chassis work begins. And the cab is completely stripped out but no picturs of that yet. I will try tomorrow

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Ok so the next step will be to get the bed and cab off the frame . Get the frame stripped down and to the powder coater for sand blasting and back home for some fab work before being coated. Question 1. I want to go to coils in the rear so so what is a good set up to get a 6" drop ? can I go that low with a simple C notch and not get into the bed. Also how will the ride be ? Question 2. Can I go 4 1/2 in the front with just spindles and springs ? Thanks for any input

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Im looking for a shaved windshield cowl. Anyone know if there is one available or will I need to fill the original. Thanks for any help. Awesome board !

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Here is a link to Scott's Hotrods. They can weld your cowl panel up for you.
http://www.scottshotrods.com/

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Here is a thread that Juan started. He ordered the filler panel from Scott's Hotrods and did it his self. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=566480

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Thanks Scott. Exactly what I was looking for.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

No problem, glad to help.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

UPDATE: Well I got some done today. Started at Harbor Freight and bought a Cherry Picker and Engine stand then home and got the motor and trans out, Got the bed off and tore down some of the motor. Was going to take the cab off but need a little more room. Also got some pictures of the stripped out cab.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Got this picture today while cleaning up the shop a little.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Can someone tell me if the LWB ad SWB trailing arms are the same length ?

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

yes, I'm quite sure they are the same

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Yes, LWB and SWB are the same length

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Thanks guys

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Quick update, Got the entire truck stripped and need to get some parts and do some modification then frame off to powder coating. Will try to post pics this weekend.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

I'll be watching this one. I'm in the middle of converting from leafs to springs(bags) also.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Got the shop cleaned up a little today. Went and spent some money. Got a new 60 gallon compressor and blasting cabinet. Got the rolling cart built for the cab and got it sitting on it. . Will try to post some pics tomorrow. Getting ready to order the Porterbilt truck arm cross member this week and going to get the Nascar truck arms bought and mounted up so I can get the rearend pads welded up before taking the chassis to the blaster for the powder coating.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Got a few parts in this last week so Got a little done to the chassis today. Got the CPP crossmember installed, mocked up the Nascar truck arms and got the rear end bolted to the saddles and got rid of the Leaf Springs. This is all that was holding me up to get the frame to powdercoat so next week I will get the rear stripped out of it and the Leaf spring brackets off and get the C Notches installed so hopefully it can go to the coater after next weekend.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

great story and great truck

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Ok so here is the update. Got side tracked over the summer months with fishing and the it was deer season. This last weekend I was in Phoenix AZ and went by and met Dave and Nate at Porterbuilt and long story short I spent some money. I am changing from the Nascar arms to full Porterbuilt Stage 2 Deluxe front and rear. All parts ordered and should be here soon. The new Boyd tank showed up today and expecting the CPP big brakes and spindles to be here next Tuesday. All the AN fittings and tubing is ordered and should be here Monday. Also got the firwall shave kit from Porterbuilt and hoping to see it next week as well. Then it will be time to get to work.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Got the new boyd tank in place today. Removed the e brake brackets to get the chassis to sit down and removed the front crossmember and started cleaning it up.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Got an email yesterday that my PB Fab front and rear suspension is on it way and should be here on Monday Whoo Hoo. Just bought a new house and supposed to close escrow on April 11th. Looks like there will be a delay in getting going again but the new house does have a 5 car garage so I will have a little more room. Update when parts arrive. Also got the Big brakes and spindle a few weeks ago.

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Update : Recieved 13 boxes from PB Fab today, Front and rear suspension is here. Whoo Hoo

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

Well, your ready to go to town on that truck! :)

Re: 71 GMC lwb Pops / Grandpops
 

I am but I am in escrow on the new house so it might be a bit before I can get to it. But I did open all the boxes and check out the new parts.