71 c10 Dropmembered Driver

[5windowpickup]

I guess this is sort of my introduction thread. Ill try to keep it short. I work at RPM in Warrendale PA living the dream I guess you could say building hot rods. We built this years good guys hot rod of the year and we also built a 69 trans am that was up for street machine of the year this year. I've also done some work on c10 addicts white 64. This is my 71 c10 that I've had for about 10 years and it used to be a nice super solid texas truck untill I got the itch to start cutting. 5 years ago I got the wise idea to shave the trim, emblems, and drip rail then lost intrest. Recently I got another wise idea to spend all of my savings with Nathan at porterbuilt to continue destroying a perfectly good truck. This is where it's at now running and finally getting to enjoy it. Future plans are 20" and 22"'s and a flat or patina'd paint job.

[5windowpickup]

Here's a few more. It kills me to show it like this. I'm usually a super clean perfect and painted type of guy, but some times it's nice to not be obsessed with cleaning all the time. There are future plans for a bed floor, wheel wells, front inner fenders, and a fan shroud hopefully sometime this winter.

[ripdog28]

I LIKE! whats size BBC? got pics of the interrior?

[5windowpickup]

Here's my answer to "what do you do with the hood hinges?" Porterbuilt is working on some but I couldn't wait. I plan on adding gas shocks to hold it up soon.

[5windowpickup]

Here's a quick tech sheet:
454 BBC mild for now
700r4 converter + shift kit
Latest version of dropmember with stock spindles, manual quick ratio rack
PB control arms
PB Carrier bearing crossmember
PB weld up rear w/ 4 link
Firestone bags
2 viar 480's w/ 2-3 gallon tanks ART big red valves

As requested here is a pic of the interior. It needs a lil work but its on the list with the 500 other things. I chopped the seat tracks and put the seat on the floor, I'm not a big fan of sitting high in cars/trucks. I also added a pic of the tanks and compressors. They are mounted under the front corners of the bed.

[5windowpickup]

Last two and I'm done for the night. I will try to get some better pics up tomorrow. This board gave me a ton of info durring this build hopefully my build can help someone else out. Let me know what you think!

Here is what I usually build so you guys don't think I'm a total hack!

[nastyc10]

Killer ride man! Did you build those hinges or did you buy them somewhere? I need some bad, its the only thing keeping me from driving mine. I've been waiting to see Nates but don't know how much longer I can wait.

[kev2809]

truck looks good. man u guys build some beautiful rides! I love both of those cars u posted. any plans for a body drop on the 71?

[lolife99]

Thanks for sharing all the pics.
You have a sweet truck and a cool job building VERY nice rides.

[98L150]

truck looks great. im waitin to decide what to do with hood hinges before i put my dropmember on my sub. I really like how you did them.

[67cheby]

could you post a better pic of your tire by the air box, and how tall are the tires you have on right now, thanks looks sweet

[VA72C10]

Nice work on the truck and cars...sure the truck will be amazing when done...it's already an awesome truck!

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by nastyc10

Killer ride man! Did you build those hinges or did you buy them somewhere? I need some bad, its the only thing keeping me from driving mine. I've been waiting to see Nates but don't know how much longer I can wait.

The hinges are modified grant customs hinges. They weld inside the cowl and are supposed to weld to the hood but I didn't like the idea of a non adjustable hood, so I welded the 90 flange on the hood side and nutserted the hood and it works perfect! I think with a little bit of brain power they could be 100% bolt on if your paint was nice and you didn't want to weld on the truck. I may try to work on a bolt on package in all of my spare time. Your truck looks good with the big wheels and the hot rod rake I dig it.

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by kev2809

truck looks good. man u guys build some beautiful rides! I love both of those cars u posted. any plans for a body drop on the 71?

Thanks! Very few understand the hours of thought and work that go into a full build. I debated on the body drop while I was cutting everything else but i have a little bit of hot rodder in me and layin body wasn't the look i was going for.

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

could you post a better pic of your tire by the air box, and how tall are the tires you have on right now, thanks looks sweet

The tire has plenty of room in relation to the box, even turning. The control arm on the other hand is hammered into it, with a drop spindle or a non ac box you may avoid that. The tire is a 275/60/15 its about 28 inches tall.

[67cheby]

Thank you that is the shot i have been wanting to see, i dont have a drop member and my tires are 29 inches tall so we will see where i land. thanks again

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

Thank you that is the shot i have been wanting to see, i dont have a drop member and my tires are 29 inches tall so we will see where i land. thanks again

No prob, I belive the dropmember moves the wheels forward in the wheel well so depending on what you have you may be alot closer. Good luck!

[5windowpickup]

Thanks everyone for the positive comments. I will try to continue updating as I make more progress.

[jlaird]

Have any pics of the hinges with the cowl off?

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by jlaird

Have any pics of the hinges with the cowl off?

No I don't and I knew someone would ask. The weld on side is basically the contour of the firewall and inner cowl with the pivot point as high as possible without going through the wiper cowl. I made templates before i put them on. I will post pics of them and I think you will get the idea.

[c10addict]

HACK!!!! God that thing looks like s*it!!!! Kidding!! Looked super bad ass yesterday rolling down the road.. Now I know what people mean about my 64 when I am driving it.. About time you got something on the road... Now back on the 5 window!

[67cheby]

Well i finally did it after seeing yours with the ac/box still on, I ordered my dropmember "Thanks to some great customer service from Nathan" one of my biggest holdbacks has been , i wanted to keep the factory looking ac, so thanks for the push over the edge !!

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

Well i finally did it after seeing yours with the ac/box still on, I ordered my dropmember "Thanks to some great customer service from Nathan" one of my biggest holdbacks has been , i wanted to keep the factory looking ac, so thanks for the push over the edge !!

Be sure to mention my name to him, maybe I'll get some sort of kick back or discount! J/K I'm glad I could help you out. You will be more than happy with your decision , the truck will drive and handle so much better. It's a big bullet to bite but it's well worth it!

[sgrier]

Great looking truck. Love the stance with the stock spindles. This is where I am headed with my build. I want a driver not a show queen. Almost got the chassis rolling and the pics of the A/C box answered a couple of questions for me.

[5windowpickup]

Originally Posted by sgrier

Great looking truck. Love the stance with the stock spindles. This is where I am headed with my build. I want a driver not a show queen. Almost got the chassis rolling and the pics of the A/C box answered a couple of questions for me.

Thanks! The truck is at the body shop now getting ready for some new color, no more spots! I will post pics when I get some.

Its hard to see in the picture I have posted but the upper control arm is hitting the a/c box and actully holding the truck up a little now. Just keep that in mind. I don't wanna lead anyone in the wrong direction. With a drop spindle or a different size tire you can probally avoid this. Good luck !