Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

All,

Been a lurker for many years and just sold my 55 Belair....$ was burning a whole in my pocket so went out and bought a '71 C10 for a father/son project.

Son just turned 16 and this will be his daily driver.

1971 C10
Rebuilt 350 by PO
3 speed tranny w/floor shift by PO
manual steering and brakes
Stock suspension
chrome smoothies by PO
Side exit exhaust in wrong spot by PO

Plans for Build (simple things I can teach my son to do):
ECE 4/6 drop (seems to get great reviews here)
LCA mod
TH350 trans (have a nice built one, just need a mild stall converter)
replace worn out center support (super sloppy)
power steering box (thinking CPP 500 box?)
power brake booster and master
A/C - we live in FL (Vintage Air kit)
drill crossmember for exhaust routing and relocate exhaust and fill up the holes in bedsides
new rims/tires
maybe two tone the older home paint job by PO

Will post a build thread with some better pix once we get started...

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

First welcome, but....your son will drive too fast and it will cost as much as your '55, so I better take that nice, I mean fast money pit short box, off of your hands. The first thing I would do is the exhaust, eww, but have fun and enjoy

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Good start..Nothing beats a father/son project..build n enjoy it

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Welcome, great looking truck. Hope Ya'll enjoy the project.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Last Weekend: My Son and I started on the C10 build.

-Removed Manual 3 speed and installed a built TH350 I had left over from another project.
-Built a shift podium to mount the pro-ratchet shifter within reach.

This weekend:

-CPP power brake booster going in.
-AGR PB Gear going in.


We are on our way...:metal:

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Also picked up new rims from Buckley...they looked killer on his kids truck...:cool:

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

uh oh, this is gonna be a good one. ...I'm subscribed. Why not just keep this the build thread at this point. You're already on your way to a great start.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Very cool truck!

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Good idea....;)

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

why is your trans crossmember mounted underneath the frame?

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

It's a CPP crossmember and it would not fit between rails. ..is it supposed too?? Does it need trimming too?

Advise is always welcome. ...thx!

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Should trans xmember be trimmed and installed like this?

Thought it was weird that it only fit hanging down. ...?

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

New wheel...power steering box in tomorrow.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Good looking build, should be a great truck for the both of you to work on, can't go wrong with a C10. Big change already from the start.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Great looking truck. What size wheels and tires?

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

20x8.5 fronts - will run a 245 or 255

20x10 rears - will run a 295 or 315

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Ps & PB parts painted and ready for install.

Old manual box vs agr power box.

while we have it apart we realize the bearings in the column need to be replaced and then it started pouring.... going to push off till next weekend I guess....always the way it goes... :-)

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Fixed upside down trans mount install (shift cable not secured yet) ...don't know what I was thinking first time....; O

Rebuilt bearing etc and moved steeeing column down.

Installed ps box and pump.

Test fit headers...had to massage motor stand a little.

Next weekend : booster and master, pullies and alum heads and vintage Edelbrock manifold...

She is coming along.

Told son to come up with a name....

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Have been a little sidetracked with son'S C10...

Did motor cleanup today...B4 and after pics below.

Accessory drive system tonight.

Cut a flat face in domed water pump pulley to use mech fan.

ECE 4/6 drop coming next friday...hopefully.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Here's how I know I'm going to REALLY LIKE a Member...Of course, we ALL have fun and are friendly...But when a guy shows a mistake,
another Member doesn't jump in his face and simply offers a suggestion, then the guy makes the "fix" without a lot of fanfare...but with a
humble "thanks" and humor?

In my book, that's what it's all about, Boys and Girls.

Hey! Side note:

And, just my $.02.....
....How about a one piece driveshaft?

The name will come as the build progresses.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

nice looking project so far its the same thing I'm trying to do to my 71 once it stops snowing here, cant wait to see it lowered down with the wheels on it .

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

What a huge difference on the engine, nice job. What brand valve covers are you using, clean covers, what is their cost like.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Installed ECE 4/6 with CPP modulars today....time lapse video processing now.... will post link later...

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

They are a set of old moroso sheet aluminum ones I had on a 421 SBC....makes this little 350 look faster...;)...

Don't remember the cost sorry...; (

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RidqGJrgKEQ

Time Lapse install vid...

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Did you wind up going with the CPP 500 steering box? If so let me know how it does. Been looking at theirs for a while. Mine is 4 1/2 from lock to lock so when it gets sideways I usually wind up facing the wrong way because the box can't keep up...lol.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Actually went with the agr variable box...should have it plumbed next weekend...I'll let you know how it works..

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Video of drop install went fast, looks quite a bit better, good thing the whole group is related to the Flash.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

What did the AGR box run? I like the sound of the 12:1 ratio.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

We went with the AGR Performance Super Box 2 Steering Box...which has variable ratio for better daily driving (supposedly) paid $399 from summit...free shipping....

will let you know how it works in the next week or so....:metal:

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Got some renderings from Chad...

This is the color combo specified by the SPID...

It's what we like the best...today anyway...;)

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Sooo...got sidetracked by life for a couple months but made some real progress this weekend ....the Crush10 should be on the road next weekend....

Items finished this weekend:
bled PS
wired engine
installed PB booster and master
replaced some tired hard brake lines
installed braided brake lines
made and installed alum tranny cooler lines
Installed headers
installed edelbrock manifold and carb

Items left to do:
Bleed brakes
Install tach and temp Guage
install flowmasters
do final tune
do final double check
put on ground
drive...

Here is a phone vid of startup..(yes she was already warmed up....starts great cold too)....no muffs...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m5t2Er01rXs

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Son got to test drive the Crush 10 for the first time today....Flowmasters going on this week....

Had him drive me to the local craft beer restaurant. .Riverside Market....was great to have a couple beers and not worry about the drive home....;)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4jO9VTtvAaY

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Little update:

Got tired of chasing electrical gremlins and it's getting hot here in SoFla.....soooo...time for a new American Autowire harness and a VA ac system....both from board vendor Laid Back Recreation. ..great deal....

All should be buttoned up by weekend....

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Son on shakedown cruise right before discovering a wire snake under dash...

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Just wanted to say that I really like the concept and direction your going with the 71'. Keep up the pictures so I can see how it finishes out. Great job thus far.

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Lookin good neighbor

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

New gauges, Thermo tech and carpet...

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

liking this thread!

Re: Introduction and New Project '71 C10
 

Great project and great thread. Keep the pics coming.