71 Ol' Blue
 

Hello Everyone,
I just found this site about a week ago and have been glued to it for hours on end reading the ongoing builds. A little about myself, I am 34 married with kids and really enjoy classic cars. I am born and raised in Alabama and love to hunt, fish and watch college football.

This will be my third 67 thru 72 chevy truck. Owned a 72 step back in high school and a 67 in my air force days (pre-kids) which I spent a lot of time and money on. Got out, married and then kids. So guess what happened next? New bills and wife said truck had to go. Still sick to my stomach to this day about it. And then to add salt to he wound I was stuck with driving a little sidekick. :whine:Now 11 years later I have found myself a 71 c10 custom that is very solid and all original minus wheels. :bann: Found on CL from a local guy who got it from the PO in Owensboro, KY.

Now I have a very big decision to make. Do I keep it all original "OR" customize? The boat anchor 307 motor fires up and runs but has a knock in the bottom end. Don't really want to spend the money on the 307 when I have a great 64 327 double hump head set up that would be a perfect fit. But number matching and loads of documents on this trucks keeps me guessing on what direction to go. Interested in any input. Here are a few pics to see what I am starting with.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

That's a real nice looking truck! You could always pull the 307 and put it on the side if numbers matching is going to bother you. Leaving the 307 stock in your truck might not offer what you are after,and modifying it would ruin your numbers matching deal. Hey that's a "good" problem to have.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Thank you FLDBRED, I kinda luck up on finding this jewel. Hurt a little on the price of $4k but the body is straight as far as I can tell. My plan is to strip it down to the metal and go back with the original 71medium blue with white top and bottom. The current paint was put on in 2004 and is a single stage which is faded pretty bad. I want to really drop this truck but haven't decided how far to go with it. Watching the other builds here has got me pumped!

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Hey, nice truck. I guess you have to decide what you want your truck to be or what you need to do to sell it later for the most $$$. Don't feel bad about your price I've looked for years and I'm sure you know this since youve done it before, you go real cheap you'll be up to 4,000 in no time anyway if you buy a few high dollar parts, or have some body work done. I'm working on a 71 that somebody gave up on. It's my first rodeo. Any chance you could post a pic of the back of the gas pedal and how it attaches to the rod assembly? I think the guy may have cut the rod and I can't figure it out. Thanks

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

I really don't plan on selling this toy. I have been in search for a good straight 67 thru 72 truck for a long time. I guess it being all original is slowing me down because I know there are some out there who would cuss me for modding it out. But I am already making out my wish list of parts and have the 327 in shop now being worked.

I will try and get the picks for you tomorrow.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Thanks, I would really appreciate that.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Welcome! Looks like a nice truck and I think 4K is a decent deal for a nice clean SWB. I don't think you need to worry on hurting the value with swapping the engine. This isn't a camaro or number's matching vette. That being said, save the complete 307 in case you ever do sell and the next owner wants to go back to 100% stock. On the suspension, an ECE 4.5/6 drop is a nice riding and looking drop which requires no modification to the frame. You can save the original springs/shocks etc if you want to also...

And before you strip it down and spend $$$ on paint...buff up a spot of paint or try to find someone who can buff it...you might be surprised how nice it looks. I've seen a old single stage paint job buff up to almost like new with a little work!

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

wow thats a heck of a truck. nice find. it looks really clean!
if i were you i would keep everything stock. it looks pretty stock already. so why not keep it that way. maybe freshen up the interior and clean the rally wheels and give it a buff. and she'll look really nice...with the motor. just go with the 327 heads. or drop in a nice 350. give it some extra power with a 350

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Nice looking tuck welcome the greatest board on chevy trucks.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Thanks Guys for the warm welcome and input.

Va72c10, I will look into the ECE drop. This is one item on my wish list. Do you have a recommendation on the rim size and offset for this drop that will tuck in the wheel well nicely?

So far on the motor is the Edelbrock performer RPM cam and intake, with a 670cfm street avenger, ceramic summit headers, with 2.02 DH heads. Of course the rotating assembly is all forged steel crank, rods and TRW flat top pistons.

Now, I am running the 3peed stock tranny for now with the 3.73 rear-end. I know the 3speed is not going to be in there long, but I don't want to convert to an auto. This is going to be a weekend cruiser and I like driving the standard for added enjoyment. The question is what would be a good standard upgrade to the 3speed? The engine guy said the 327 should be around 340 to 350 hp. So, I will need a tranny that would hold up to my lead foot.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Guys, I need a power steering bracket and a low mount alternator bracket for a short water pump. Can't be a head mount bracket because of the DH heads. Any suggestions or help would be great.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Soon it will be out with the old and in with the new. Should get my 327 from shop this weekend. But the bad is I have to work this weekend. So, maybe I can get the swap done next week.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

ttt

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Man, that is a great looking truck.

Well, being me, I'd keep it all original. Even with the original motor in it. That's what I like, but not everyone is the same as me. Also, you have a second motor sitting there..
You could always drive it until it blows, then put the 327 in it.

All original is worth more most of the time I think, not to mention, neat as heck.
But if it's going to be your truck until the day you die, then do what you'd like with it.

I guess down to it - If it's getting bad and it's your DD, I'd put the 327 in it and work on fixing up the 307. I'd keep the stock stuff around, that way you can always put it back if you want to, or sell it.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Nice truck. I think you did good getting a good truck for 4k. I agree with VA72C10 try and buff it out first then enjoy it for awhile.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

If you only knew how hard of a decision it has been. Reading all the build post here, because I so want to customize this truck. I have an engine crate that I will be storing the 307 in for the future. This is a project truck that will only be a weekend cruiser. I will due as VA72c10 has suggested in only making changes that can easily be replaced with the orginal parts. That being said; I have drop springs, wheels, and new exhaust coming in the near future. As long as the wife gives her approval or if I can keep her in the dark long enough to get what I want. "It's easier to ask for forgiveness then for permission"

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Just a pic on some of the documentation on the 71custom. Even have the original bill of sale and i owe you slip. The first owner traded a 68c10 in on this 71c10 with a final purchase price (drum roll plz) of $1,738.00. The owe you slip states the that the owner wanted the white walls of the tires rotated inward and for bumper guards be installed on the front. Pretty cool having all this kind of documentation.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

I just wished my was all stock like that I got a 70 custom I stumble across every thing original expect for motor no owner book bill of sell man I jealous of ya lol but u got one heck of a deal on that beauty nice truck
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Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Welcome from Iowa. Nice truck! Looking forward to seeing what you do.

--
What's the bed look like? It's a SWB correct?

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Yes it is SWB here is a up close pic.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

ttt

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

The big brown truck showed up yesterday with gifts. Well, not really gifts more like luxury spending on new toys.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

bump

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

that shot looks familiar!! great looking truck! can't wait to see what direction you go with it.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Stock or modified? A solution to this is to simply buy another truck. Restore this one and mod the other. By the time you get this one fixed, you're going to have a pile of parts that you are going to have to sell or use on another truck, right?

No charge. :smoke:

:haha:

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

You gotta a good point Zoomin. That was how my wife presented it to me when asking where was her truck...LOL Now I have my eye out on a 67 stepper. That's what I was driven when I met my wife and she loved the truck. So, that's what she wants.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Ok, update.
Got word today that my motor is done. Going to take off work this Friday to get started removing the old motor and cleaning the engine bay. I got alot of goodies setting in the dinning room floor waiting to go on the motor, which my wife can't wait to be gone out of the house. Hopefully I can make some progress this weekend and have the Ol girl running soon.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Thanks slick copper. I was approved to take Friday off so I am getting pumped to get started on the motor swap this weekend. I will update and post pics this weekend on my progress.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Well, I did not get to pick up the engine this past weekend like the shop said. The guy building my motor said there was some clearance issues on the crank that he was not comfortable with leaving. So, he is having some other machine work being done right now. So, maybe by this weekend.:( This was really not a big deal I used the weekend to pull the old motor and get Ol' Blue ready for the transplant. here are a few pics at a friends' shop (Ronnie) which is in the first pic. Sure is nice to have a friend with a shop, couldn't have done it without his help.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Here is a pic of the right side inner fender under the battery. This is the only major rust area on the whole truck. So I will be on the hunt for a new inner fender and battery tray.

Also a couple of pics under the truck. The whole underside of the truck had been sprayed with some type of protective undercoating. which is pretty thick almost like a bed liner spray.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Man that is one sweet ride. I will be following this one.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Just a quick update....I still haven't heard anything back on my motor. Man I knew better than to have paid in full for the build up front. No telling how much longer it will be.... I am going to see about some parts form a board member this Saturday to convert my 71 to auto. What type of transmission to go with behind my 327? Do I put a plain 350 or go with 700r4? If I go with the 700r4 what all will I need for the OD to work?

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Met a member(mrdana60) yesterday. Good people! Well, Kevin hooked me up with a lot of parts for my build. Got everything for auto conversion, sway bar, power steering bracket, battery tray, steering column, brake booster assembly, fan, seat belts, and more. He has a good parts truck the A/C components are 100% complete and is still holding a charge. Wish I had the $$$$ for it. Here is a pic I hope the next pick will be my motor seating in the back of the Honda. LOL

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

good doing business with you. great looking truck for sure. anytime you up this way we'll drink a few more beers.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Well, I was told that I could pick up my motor this weekend. We'll see how well that goes. Tomorrow I will start cleaning the cleaning and doing some touch up under the hood to get ready for the engine install. I am learning real fast that you have to have patients when relaying on other people to get work done for you. If this is any indication on how most shops work. I am thinking about doing the body and paint myself. That way I could see the progress and not just set back in limbo. It's just that I haven't even driven the truck yet and have had it for almost 6 months now. H@ll it hasn't even been in my own driveway yet. Started off as a simple plan do a motor swap and get it home to really have some fun with it. As it sits now I have to drive 40miles one way just to see it. But, man when I see her I get excited and the wheels in my head start turning.

Re: 71 Ol' Blue
 

Nice truck projects never go as planed I got mine back in Feb. and plans keep changing. I'm hoping to get in on the road before the snow flies but then that is why it's called a project.