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...