Too many options!

[Lattimer]

Look like 2 very nice trucks. Whatever you decide to do, rescue them both from rotting away!!!

[darkhorse970]

I would keep the '71 "as is" and just fix whatever mechanical issues it has and drive it. If a v8 is really important to you, I'd keep an "original looking" engine in it. Very nice example of an original truck!

[davepl]

If it belonged to both your Dad and Grandfather, restore to 100% stock like when they had it, inline 6 and all. If you want to modify a truck, hide that one away until you get it out of your system, and find another one.

[burnin oil]

If you are happy with the power of a 283 my vote is to rebuild the 250 6 cylinder. Those things are like a timex, take a licken and keep on ticken. There are several performance parts out there that will make it run strong. A cam, swap intake manifold, and drop a 390 CFM Holley on that old 6 would make an intersting hood pop for a cruiser.

[hebbard]

I think I will probably bring them both home and work on them for a while - the 71 should be easy to get running as it was running in 2007 or so when it was put up.


the 69 will take more work.. so we will see how many parts the 71 will need from it and go from there.

Would there be any benefit to swapping the rear ends for the positrac read end? I will not be using this truck for farm stuff so I don't know that it would be necessary, but might be nice to have?

Also, how would you fix the paint bubble on the 71 driver inside door without primer? Sand it down and wax over it?

[zeldman]

Originally Posted by hebbard

So considering the options

A) rebuilding + keeping all original with i6, +/- rear end. "old school"
B) rebuild 283 and front clip swap, rear end swap, maybe move some other pieces. "period-correct"
C) 350/350 from chevelle rebuild and swap, front clip and rear end from 67 or chevelle if salvageable "frankentruck"

There is a lot of good advice here, but have you considered option D?

D) Sell everything to me.!!