1971 4X4 $WB $tep$ide Frame Off Re$to Mod

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Originally Posted by Ozzy2013

fortunately I have a GMC with rear leaf springs and I will be beefing everything up will be the 4th conversion I have done .The others were 20+ years ago and I used all stock parts .Thanks for the help and congrats on one awesome truck!

Thank You Ozzy.

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Originally Posted by quadzero

What a great fun project. I really enjoyed reading thru it. I like all the attention you gave the front end like the steering brace. The motor and cool dash are fantastic. Keep up the good work.

Thank You Quad, I should have pics of the finished truck up by the end of next week. Your waste deep in a cool build yourself, impressive undertaking.

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Interior is finally complete.

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Buddy buckets came out better then I expected. Before someone with a sharp eye notices I had the back of the center seat extended to the top of the two buckets. Better protection for a young one in the center and it makes a better arm rest this way.

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Black chrome bumpers are installed.

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Hood was in the paint booth.

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Its off to Autorama this Thursday.

[Posted]

Good Luck!!! Post plenty of pics!!!

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This build is officially complete! My Truck made it to the Autorama Sacramento on time.

[mcmlxix]

Very nice. I really like the cab lights on the 4x4...

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Originally Posted by mcmlxix

Very nice. I really like the cab lights on the 4x4...

Thank You Very Much mcmlxix. The factory correct cab with the clearance light raised moldings into the roof was a must have and held this build up for three years while I was stalking Craig's List and other local resources. One of my buddies ended up finding it on CL one day when I had not looked yet.....

[swamp rat]

Very nice! Where did you get the black chrome bumpers?

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Originally Posted by swamp rat

Very nice! Where did you get the black chrome bumpers?

Thank You swamp rat. The Step, Chevrolet Logo on the tailgate, Door Handles, and Side Mirrors are done with the same process.

They powder coat the metal silver and then apply a black tinted clear coat to achieve this look. I guess I could have said fake or simulated black chrome but I figured that would cause even more questions and its not really any true paint color... I am very happy with the result. Chrome anything is becoming hard to achieve in California given the EPA restrictions and that is why they developed this process.

The bumper mounting holes are welded in and studs welded inside the bumpers to keep the look we wanted.

There are two "almost ghost" graphite rally type stripes on the hood and cowling as well I have not had a chance to get it out into the light and take photos that show how the subtle shades of black actually pop off of this truck. My cell phone pictures do not do it any justice at all.

[quadzero]

What a beauty, really inspires the rest of us to keep on going. The interior is amazing, very classy and well done. This is a magazine truck for sure. All thumbs up.

[dbash]

Thank You quadzero. I appreciate that. I'm still in awe of the people on this board that do everything themselves and inspired me to start on this truck in the first place.

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Fitting footnote to this build thread..... My Truck took 1st Place Pre 1988 4X4 Trucks this evening at the Sacramento Autorama. My first ever car show and Tim's Hotrods of Rio Linda's First 4X4 build ever. Granted most of the show was cars and 2wd trucks and it's competition was around a dozen 4X4's of all makes its still a cool way to bring this truck back into operation after three years in pieces.....

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Not that I mind the PM's asking what shop finished the build on my truck at all. I figured I would post a link for anyone else that wanted to know. I cannot give Tim a high enough recommendation.

http://www.hotrodhotline.com/feature...imshotrodshop/

[72 C20 Fleetside 4WD]

Beautiful truck! Congratulations on the build and your win at Autorama!

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Originally Posted by 72 C20 Fleetside 4WD

Beautiful truck! Congratulations on the build and your win at Autorama!

Thank You, I had time to take my first 200 mile round trip last night. It drives like it looks. Very happy with it.