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-   -   71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502) (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=756258)

P7M89MM 02-03-2018 02:19 AM

71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
After lurking around for a year, I figured I'd post up the 71 I picked up last April. I was originally looking for a 3100 but saw this on Craigslist and convinced my wife to go check it out. It was the first truck we went to look at. This was the only picture from the ad...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/...37c06ef1_z.jpg

When I rolled up to it, I couldn't believe the paint. The owner claimed he only had 200 miles on it since being painted. It's the original scheme with 516 orange. ECE drop spindles, flip kit, and KYB shocks. After a test drive, I was sold. I couple more pictures from the seller...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/...3d6f3f32_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4722/...5636b04c_c.jpg

SPID...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4704/...cbcd067e_c.jpg

Original pictures...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4745/...18584dfd_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4631/...486be28a_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/...b7b9e3b1_c.jpg

Quickly got the truck cleaned up, and door locks and ignition changed. Then within a couple weeks the new wheels and tires went on. They're 20x8 (245/45/20) and 20x10 (295/40/20) Torq Thrusts.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4603/...60d3b379_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4621/...10a4ea4d_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/...3e42979b_c.jpg

Had some cab mount rust mitigated and a rear end leak sealed up...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/...b82bb5d3_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4713/...5c089b8d_c.jpg

Snagged a model truck for my office...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4607/...a13552c6_c.jpg

At another shop to PDR a small elbow dent in the hood...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/...f9028b74_c.jpg

In the garage...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4700/...1b00a4f4_c.jpg

New seat belts installed. Also installed new clip on door seals later...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4707/...4c81fea1_c.jpg

Lined up for the Car D Lane Cruise in Coeur d'Alene, ID...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4769/...ac80e9f3_c.jpg

New RetroSound stereo...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4670/...98ac94a6_c.jpg

Late Summer...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/...90dd7613_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/...a8632f90_c.jpg

Now in storage waiting for Spring!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4620/...9bbfe5fd_c.jpg

I should have some decent updates in the next several months. I've purchased a full air ride kit from RideTech. It'll convert my leaf springs to trailing arms. I'm sure I'll enjoy the additional performance, ride quality, and height adjustability. I've always thought this truck should be just slightly lower, at least in the front. Thanks John at RideTech!

While the truck is in the shop for the suspension, they'll also be swapping the rear end gears from the current 3.07s to 3.73s and posi.

Lastly, what started as a belt squeal, recently turned into new brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator from CVF Racing. I also added Hedman Black Maxx coated mid-length headers, Billet Specialties valve covers, Edelbrock air cleaner, and other required pieces. My shop will paint as much of the block that they can manage while leaving the engine in the truck. I also believe I'll need to route new exhaust with the new rear crossmember from RideTech.

I probably won't have many updates here in the near term, but I'll make sure to update this thread when I do!

Future future plans may include engine update/swap, overdrive, and/or AC including a full cab re-spray and carpet.

notsolo 02-03-2018 08:00 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Beautiful truck, Great score.

lolife99 02-03-2018 08:38 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Beautiful truck!

JohnJ@RideTech 02-05-2018 08:47 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Its going to be awesome! Keep us posted!

knomadd 02-06-2018 03:59 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
That looks great! I like the plans you have in store for it too.

P7M89MM 02-10-2018 02:07 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
A few goodies came in the mail!

RideTech

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4607/...516c0b7a_c.jpg

Billet Specialties Valve Covers

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/...93e7262b_c.jpg

Edelbrock

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4668/...465c0295_c.jpg

CVF Racing (brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/...028d4b13_c.jpg

Also received my LMC core support covers and battery tray. I'm ready for Spring!

Advanced Design 02-10-2018 02:27 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building?

P7M89MM 02-10-2018 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design (Post 8184134)
Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building?

Not sure actually. I had RideTech drop ship the parts directly to the shop that will be doing the install for me. I’ll be dropping by there this week. The 72 blazer in my original post was one of their personal rigs.
Posted via Mobile Device

JohnJ@RideTech 02-12-2018 08:55 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by P7M89MM (Post 8184125)
A few goodies came in the mail!

RideTech

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4607/...516c0b7a_c.jpg

Billet Specialties Valve Covers

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/...93e7262b_c.jpg

Edelbrock

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4668/...465c0295_c.jpg

CVF Racing (brackets, pulleys, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/...028d4b13_c.jpg

Also received my LMC core support covers and battery tray. I'm ready for Spring!

Sweet! Keep me posted, if you need anything else just let me know!

P7M89MM 02-18-2018 08:36 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Headers came in this week along with about 6" of snow :( Hedman #69013 - mid length black maxx. Anyone have suggestions for what mufflers to run?? I'm thinking I'll have them dump right before the rear axle. Also, I'll have as much of the block painted as possible when they add all these parts. Should I stick with the original Chevy orange? Black? Color match to the 516 orange?

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4662/...856fcaba_c.jpg

P7M89MM 02-23-2018 09:23 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Well, despite the snow the roads are dry. The shop called and they had some delays in other projects so I dropped the truck off yesterday! Added a few more items - blast and spray the rear end, new radiator, and entirely new wiring harness. The wiring is something that was on my mind and the shop confirmed it's just not in great shape. The front of the block will be cleaned up and painted black, and I believe we've decided on Flowmaster Delta Flow 44s.

Yesterday...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4756/...e2c73558_c.jpg

Today...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4745/...170eca54_c.jpg

builtbyKane 02-24-2018 12:57 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
That's one sharp looking long bed

P7M89MM 02-27-2018 11:36 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Well, the shop sent the rear end out for the 3.73 posi and soda blasting. In the interim they got started on the engine dress up. Unfortunately, or fortunately, when they pulled the valve covers the oil looked like chocolate milk. Coolant levels were also low. So, I decided to pull the trigger on a new engine and ordered the zz502 - 508hp and 580tq! For now my only update is an empty engine bay!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4752/...2109493d_c.jpg

Now need to return all the SBC goodies and figure out headers, etc for the 502.

Advanced Design 02-27-2018 11:44 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Wow, that sure escalated in a pricey way. Too bad about the old engine. The upgrade will be really cool though!

P7M89MM 02-27-2018 11:46 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design (Post 8199427)
Wow, that sure escalated in a pricey way. Too bad about the old engine. The upgrade will be really cool though!

Yeaaahhhhh, I was wrestling all winter debating between engine and air ride. Seems I may have chosen poorly. I wanted to hold onto that original for as long as possible. My shop gave me a great deal on the 502 given the circumstances, and I just couldn't pass it up.

P7M89MM 03-08-2018 10:46 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Figured I'd give a quick update. The rear suspension has been mocked up and the rear end is back from getting the 3.73 posi. Cutting off everything related to the leaf springs ended up taking a little more time. The rear end will be soda blasted tomorrow and then painted. Once the rear end goes in they'll pull the front suspension and paint the frame.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/...e667ecf1_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/...9fa4f9b0_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4798/...d38d3b9e_c.jpg

The engine has been delayed due to weather but should be here tomorrow. The transmission arrived today - built th350 with shift kit.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/...fd9e4b7c_c.jpg

Today we ordered the new hedman headers, stall converter, radiator, transmission cooler, mufflers, rpm gauge conversion, fuel pump, and a few other small items. Excited to see that 502 arrive!!

P7M89MM 03-08-2018 11:17 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design (Post 8184134)
Truck looks great! Is that a Riviera you are building?

Followed up on this today. It’s a 66 Chevelle.

JohnJ@RideTech 03-09-2018 09:18 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Coming along nicely!

demian5 03-09-2018 12:54 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
That is quite a budget you have.

P7M89MM 03-09-2018 02:20 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by demian5 (Post 8207429)
That is quite a budget you have.

It has gotten slightly out of control. My original plan with the truck was to have something to build and tinker on for several years doing something every year. I had suspension, engine, AC, brakes, etc all scheduled out. I’m fortunate to have a great shop that’s working with me and an understanding wife! And, I believe I’m still ahead of the game when it comes to value vs investment, so that’s good.

Advanced Design 03-09-2018 06:33 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne Longbed Build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by P7M89MM (Post 8207121)
Followed up on this today. It’s a 66 Chevelle.

Ok thank you. Looks like the truck is coming along nicely!

P7M89MM 03-09-2018 08:59 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
The beast!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4789/...883f3f2f_c.jpg

P7M89MM 03-21-2018 09:11 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Had a delay as we realized the RideTech kit requires 1.25" rotor brakes. Thanks to Travis from AZ Pro Performance for the stock replacement kit!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/820/4...33f74f72_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/...27b3a7b7_c.jpg

And the first test fit -

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/4...186aaaf4_c.jpg

BH_CustomTrucks 03-21-2018 09:44 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
This truck looked great before...but it looks like it's only getting better. WAYYYYY better.

Hart_Rod 03-23-2018 01:33 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Nice build!

builtbyKane 03-24-2018 09:37 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Holy cow!!!! That looks way better. It's going to be a blast to drive.

P7M89MM 03-28-2018 10:14 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
The bed was test fitted this week. Still need to paint the rear end, mount the tank and compressors, wire the truck, and install the powertrain and related items. Coming along though and the shop is doing great work!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/2...455d5859_c.jpg

BH_CustomTrucks 04-06-2018 08:26 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
any updates on this thing? It's PERFECT!

P7M89MM 04-06-2018 09:45 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Given that this build has grown, my shop had some other customer deadlines to meet. They should be back on it next week. We were also waiting on the wiring harness, radiator, and headers. The weather is starting to get nice so I’m getting more and more anxious!

cebra 04-06-2018 11:53 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Do you know what the original drop was when you got it?

P7M89MM 04-06-2018 12:23 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cebra (Post 8231424)
Do you know what the original drop was when you got it?

Not exactly as it was lowered two owners ago - the truck was running KYB shocks all around with Early Classic drop spindles (I believe they only made 2.5”) and cut factory heavy duty leaf springs in the rear. No flip kit.

P7M89MM 04-18-2018 09:40 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Not much to update as my shop is still wrapping up a few other projects. The wiring harness arrived and they should get going on that this week. I also got my Entropy Radiator in thanks to Pro Performance! And I have to share my 502 fender badges thanks to Shortie!!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/929/4...6cc5d20d_c.jpg

P7M89MM 04-18-2018 09:51 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Updated my signature a bit ago finally. Since I don't have many updates I figured I'd share my other "projects".

My daily and other toy:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/4...bf0b7de8_c.jpg

My wife's baby hauler:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/3...262f67fb_c.jpg

P7M89MM 05-11-2018 08:22 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Figured I'd add some updates. It's been a while as my shop had some other deadlines and we waited on some parts.

Engine bay clean up. New interior wiring is done and the majority of the engine bay wiring will be hidden.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/972/4...b00abd6d_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/907/4...aec7e58c_c.jpg

Today was a big day as we found the right combo of headers and engine mounts that fit.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/909/4...c6fe4fa6_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/961/4...01fc05be_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/956/4...c788e9c2_c.jpg

Next up will be driveshaft, engine accessories, radiator, wrapping up air ride tank and compressors, exhaust, and alignment. Getting closer!

builtbyKane 05-11-2018 09:06 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
That is coming together nicely. Like the wife's rig too. I'm a Toyota fan myself.

P7M89MM 05-16-2018 12:24 AM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Ran into a snag as my CVF serpentine system wouldn't fit with the Entropy radiator. The shop ended up pulling everything yesterday to move the tubular mounts back. All back together now and the driveshaft is out for fitment.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/969/4...78c64f25_c.jpg

P7M89MM 06-08-2018 07:38 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
We're getting closer. Today we got the Flowmaster Super 44s on. Took a bit longer than expected to route past all the air ride so alignment will have to wait until next week. Here are a couple pics on the rack pretty much aired out.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1721/...5bd53c8f_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1745/...29216f6d_c.jpg

I might have to post a video of the beast uncorked running only headers. It's absolutely ridiculous. I may need to install some cutouts down the road!

knomadd 06-12-2018 07:17 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Looks sweet! :metal:

P7M89MM 06-16-2018 12:32 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
More update pics. It's nearly done. Having a small issue with the air ride as the software won't store the preset heights. We did set it at ride height in these pics and attempted to get it aligned but the company wasn't very helpful. Probably need to find another shop for that. Anyone think I should tint the windows?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1742/...87decacc_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1784/...cb9e425d_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/...13e86aa4_c.jpg

Aus69c20 06-16-2018 07:17 PM

Re: 71 Cheyenne LWB Build (RideTech Air and zz502)
 
Love your truck. But it’s a no from me on tinted windows.


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