Hello to all. First I want to thank all of you for the great tech and info provided here. This site always inspires me to improve my trucks.
Now for the story on my build. I purchased my 71 back in 2000. I had the usual problems. Electrical gremlins;ugly paint;Cracked weatherstripping; and NO brakes! The brakes actually went out on the drive home from getting the truck. Very scary feeling on the highway. So, I had her towed to the shop for brake work. From there, I completed small tasks to get it running better. This process continued for about a year:
-rebuilt brakes
-complete rewire with Painless kit
-rebuilt the sbc 350( new intake,4 barrell carb,new radiator)
-light bodywork(sanding, cutting, painting)
This was my first time working on a vehicle build. It was very satisfying and learned a lot. Then I got married and stopped working on the rig. It sat for 6 years until 2008. Now I am working on the 2nd rebuild after finding this forum. This time I am trying to do it right, frame-off style.
Sorry, I have not found any early pics to include.
This will be a daily driver for my son and me. Also will use for a family weekend wheeler. Nothing hardcore. My son is 12 and will be assisting some with the build.
Now the plans:
-start with the chassis
-new 4" suspension
-mini truck disc brake swap
-saginaw steering conversion( should this be done before body is put back on frame? or when firewall and column are there?)
Also, would you recommend using a shackle reversal kit?
-Engine rebuild
-tranny rebuild(700r4)
-transfer case rebuild(oem 3 spd, floor shift swap)
-replace body panels(new paint job also)
-will fit later bucket seats to interior
-custom fab new body armor and bumpers
-35" tires
-rebuild roll cage
Anyways, this build will be a slow process. I am also working on freshening up my 95 Tacoma. Thanks for looking and any suggestions would be great. I have already gotten parts from several Mud members. I will post as many pics as possible! Here are the few poor quality ones I have as it sits now.
View attachment 311441
Now for the story on my build. I purchased my 71 back in 2000. I had the usual problems. Electrical gremlins;ugly paint;Cracked weatherstripping; and NO brakes! The brakes actually went out on the drive home from getting the truck. Very scary feeling on the highway. So, I had her towed to the shop for brake work. From there, I completed small tasks to get it running better. This process continued for about a year:
-rebuilt brakes
-complete rewire with Painless kit
-rebuilt the sbc 350( new intake,4 barrell carb,new radiator)
-light bodywork(sanding, cutting, painting)
This was my first time working on a vehicle build. It was very satisfying and learned a lot. Then I got married and stopped working on the rig. It sat for 6 years until 2008. Now I am working on the 2nd rebuild after finding this forum. This time I am trying to do it right, frame-off style.
Sorry, I have not found any early pics to include.
This will be a daily driver for my son and me. Also will use for a family weekend wheeler. Nothing hardcore. My son is 12 and will be assisting some with the build.
Now the plans:
-start with the chassis
-new 4" suspension
-mini truck disc brake swap
-saginaw steering conversion( should this be done before body is put back on frame? or when firewall and column are there?)
Also, would you recommend using a shackle reversal kit?
-Engine rebuild
-tranny rebuild(700r4)
-transfer case rebuild(oem 3 spd, floor shift swap)
-replace body panels(new paint job also)
-will fit later bucket seats to interior
-custom fab new body armor and bumpers
-35" tires
-rebuild roll cage
Anyways, this build will be a slow process. I am also working on freshening up my 95 Tacoma. Thanks for looking and any suggestions would be great. I have already gotten parts from several Mud members. I will post as many pics as possible! Here are the few poor quality ones I have as it sits now.
View attachment 311441
