Thanks for all the input, guys.
I'm pretty familiar with these trucks. I sold this one a few years ago, since Four-wheel-drive is mandatory where I live now.
Since these trucks are so popular, parts availability is excellent.
Quote:
Originally Posted by billybek
Maybe a 6.0 that makes about 300 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque.
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I had a 2001 Chevy with the 6.0. That would be a good upgrade for this truck.
I may stick with a Vortec 5.7, but both the 5.3 and 6.0 are excellent options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by masraum
.... especially if you can go the route of something with fuel injection.
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Fuel Injection will be mandatory.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Seahawk
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Wow. Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brown747
... Restored and painted by owner on Fox Isl.
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I used to live on Fox Island! My first house. If there was ever an
"Ugliest house on Fox Island" contest, if my old place didn't win, it would definitely be among the finalists.
Quote:
Originally Posted by look 171
I might even have all the stainless bed fasteners I never got to install in mine. I milled the wood bed myself with the idea of it being a nice clean truck. I needed it to make money to tuition and build my business. I never had the time to switch out the Stainless hardware. Let me see if it still there under my parent's basement. If I find it I will send it to you. I have all the off set SS washers for it too.
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Wow. Are the Pelicanheads the greatest, or what?!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Merk
... but not so much it isn't your dad's truck anymore.
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It
isn't my dad's truck anymore.
This will be the biggest struggle. One look around my garage will tell you I usually don't give a rip about originality. My car/truck, I'll do what I want.
This one is different.
I really like the two-tone paint like the Hugger Orange/White one I sold.
(Useless trivia tidbit: Chevy's Hugger Orange is indistinguishable from Porsche's Tangerine)
I don't care for the "Patina" look. The truck will get fresh paint.
It will get sprayed the solid blue, but I may add the white down the side as a vinyl wrap, so it could be easily peeled off someday, and turned back towards original.
In getting ready to upgrade the other truck, I already have a refurbished dash with factory tach, I already have the wheels that will go on it that I bought for a '68 3/4 ton I also used to have, and still deciding on what transmission.
This truck has the standard 350 with Turbo 350 tranny. Do I keep it an automatic, or convert it to a manual tranny?
I've got an NV4500 sitting in storage, the 5-speed manual tranny that would be perfect. Granny gear 1st, overdrive 5th.
Of course, it gets a bit more complicated doing the swap.
The truck will remain stock height. No massive lift. Just shiny paint, 17" Aluminum wheels with tires a bit wider than stock.
1971 is the first year of factory front disc brakes, so they may be adequate as is.
The exterior will look mostly original. It just needs the power and efficiency of a modern powertrain.
Decisions.... Decisions.....