Found a 1971 Chevy 1-Ton - what do you think?

[special-K]

I think they were planning a Fast & Furious clone

[dhaymaker]

Well, it looks like we've settled on the truck and all its included parts for a reasonable price (although more than I wanted to pay), plus I don't have to move the truck, at least immediately. Space is available at the current location to move the truck out of the current owner's way, but still be able to have the truck inside. This will give me time to formulate a plan. I should be able to take care of a few things before moving the truck to our place. I'm looking into having the rest of the cab and clip bodywork done, getting the paint on it, and getting the new glass in the cab. Then I would be able to get the truck to our place without concern for weather issues.

I want to thank everyone for their input, suggestions, questions, and discussion, in general. I've been "playing with trucks" (and cars, tractors, etc.) for a long time, but every time I'm on this site it seems like I learn something!

Thanks, again, everyone! We'll have to see what comes out of this deal!

BTW, what do you think…cab lights or no cab lights!!

[a_barth]

I say cab lights. I'm building a 72 c30 and am keeping mine because i thing the look good on a dually. Since the bosses have already been smoothed you might be able to find a more sleek looking light to use though, maybe something in a longer teardrop shape.

[71swb4x4]

I like the cab lights too. If the seats aren't there for them, you could always go without for now and add them later.

[dhaymaker]

Given the truck is a 1-ton, I think it should have it's cab lights! I'm still in the thinking/planning/deciding stage and I originally gave thought to buying the truck to turn, maybe making a few dollars. But, I've always wanted a C-30 and this is a pretty decent foundation to work with. I'm actually giving some serious thought to selling my '09 Silverado and buying a DD of some sort (in 4WD) and using a chunk of the money to build out the C-30 like I would like to see it. Crossing my fingers and hoping the 396 is "as advertised"!

Sorry to run everyone crazy with all my questions! But, I possibly have a chance to sell the 4-spd from this truck and I've been thinking about swapping the 4-spd over to an automatic. As far as that goes, I have an LS motor (a Firebird 6.0, complete with computer, wiring harness, and 4L60E) setting on my garage floor

Once again...any thoughts, ideas, opinions? All are welcome!

[71swb4x4]

If it was mine I would get it painted and driving. Then you can do the motor/transmission swap if wanted. Otherwise it turns into a huge project that takes a long time to get done. I think for most people motivation is a big factor. It's one thing to knock off a series of projects while the truck is somewhat whole, but a whole different matter to take it all apart and put it all back together again.

[a_barth]

I would definitely recommend getting rid of the four speed unless you by some small chance have a 3.90 rear-end gear or plan to run a large back tire. Most of these trucks came with a 4.56 or 5.13 rear gear and you will have that big block screaming done the road at 55. I plan on using a 700r4 with upgraded sunshell and other internals but if I had the money it would be a 4l80 with a manual valve body to eliminate the electronics.

[special-K]

You bought it? I didn't think you were serious! Aw man,I wouldn't have paid more that $300 for that junk...especially with no cab lights. That thing is screaming for cab lights. It's a 1t,no cab lights is like a bottomless bikini at a topless beach. Well,not quite the same but you get the picture. NO! Not "that" picture. The point that it will be missing something. My '71 tow truck had the cab swapped and has no clearance lamps. The original type work just fine without the raised pods,I did it on a K/20 once. I located a set of '68-earlier ones for mine but have yet to install them. So,it looks like bottomless bikini on a topless beach. I gotta come up with a better analogy. This one just ain't workin'.

[dhaymaker]

I bought this 1972 C-30 almost 4 years ago. (Yes, I know the original title of the thread reflected a 1971. That's what I was originally told. Turned out to be a 1972!) The previous owner found some paperwork for me that showed the 402 was rebuilt. (Yes, I know I said 396, but the block code reflected a 1972 402.) Did some work on it and, based on what was missing, I bought quite a number of parts. Fired up the 402 and aside from the poor condition of the carburetor, it ran very well. But, things change and as reflected in my signature block, I've been selling off a lot of my projects (again)! Found someone who was very pleased to be the new owner of the old girl and I hope he takes good care of her. The only thing left is the mirrors! Maybe I'll find someone that wants/needs them, as well!

[HeloCrewChief]

It definitely looked like it was on its way to being a fast n furious clone. Color is spot on.

[racerop]

Originally Posted by dhaymaker

The only thing left is the mirrors! Maybe I'll find someone that wants/needs them, as well!

If I lived closer to pick them up. I would love to put those on my 71 k20!

I am so glad you spent the time getting that vehicle back together to call it a chevy c-30! COOL!!!!!

[Jeff's bowtie's]

That's funny that you have the mirrors left and I just bought this 72 yesterday without mirrors what would you want for them shipped to 25430 thanks Jeff

[dhaymaker]

Originally Posted by Jeff's bowtie's

That's funny that you have the mirrors left and I just bought this 72 yesterday without mirrors what would you want for them shipped to 25430 thanks Jeff

Jeff - Let me see what might be the best way to package them for shipment and then I'll get a price and shoot it to you. Might be a few days, up to my ears at the shop right now! don

[Jeff's bowtie's]

Ok thanks I'm in no hurry as you can see. If you would please pm price shipped thanks Jeff