1971 Chevy 1/2-Ton Longbed LWB

Owned by Stormee James Marion,Ohio

From Stormee :

Just thought we'd update you on our ride. This winter weather definitely didn't help Dad get much done on the truck. Since those below negative temperature were around for a bit, he pretty much stayed inside to avoid frostbite.

Dad did get the headers off [ engine compartment picture ] and put a stock exhaust on it. Now he's fixing the heater core. He also changed the wheels.

I did get something to put on the truck. It's a sticker that has to do with that book / movie called Twilight. Yes, I'm afraid I am one of those fans. So, I got a sticker that says, "I Drive Like A Cullen." In the story, the vampires (the Cullen family) drive really fast. So, the sticker pretty much says "I Drive Like A Vampire." I actually don't know if I do or not. Knowing me, I will be the exact opposite.

Here's what still needs to be done on the '71:

• Change brake line. It got smashed when the trailing arm was replaced
• Bleed the brakes
• Dual exhaust
• Front end work (tie rods, pitman arm, idler arm, front brake lines)
• The wiring needs cleaned up and done correctly under the hood
• Replace windshield
• Make sure all lights work
• Fix wiring for heater
• Put on new taillight lenses
• New wiper blades
• Change oil & filter
• Find a better dash pad
• Get front end aligned
• New mirrors

Thanks for the space.

Keep on truckin'.

Stormee

19 September 2008
# 2429

From Stormee :

       Hey Stovebolt! This is Stormee, Rex's daughter (see Rex "Old Truck Dude" James' trucks - 1964 Chevy 1/2-ton, 1965 Chevy 1/2-ton , 1966 1-ton Panel, and 1966 3/4-ton Chevy 4WD Stepside ~ Editor). I've always been a tom-boy and loved to help my Dad out in the garage. I use to clean his shop tools when I was little and bring him the wrench or socket he needed. I've been going to car shows with my Dad since then, too.

       A few years ago, I really got into the old trucks and cars. Since my Dad has always had an old truck, that's what I'm use to. I've never really cared for these new, fancy ones.

       While going to rat rod shows and other vintage trucks shows, I always liked the style of the 1967-72 Chevrolet pickups. My favorite part of them might be the two-toned paint scheme. But I also like it when they are rusty and look like a piece of junk.

       We've been looking for a truck for me to drive for a while and the only ones we'd find would be standard. I'd like to learn how to drive both kinds. Dad says that I wouldn't want to drive a standard in the snow. So, he wanted me to have an automatic.

       We looked on the Internet and in lots of classifieds. We couldn't find one that was in decent shape and in our price range. Then my Dad's buddy called him up and told him he spotted one. My Dad got the guys number and then went to look at it the next day.

       When he got there, he sent me a picture of it on my cell phone just in case I didn't like it. I told him to go for it and about an hour or so later, he came home with a canary yellow truck (pictured here). He drove it off the trailer and took off around the block. You could hear him coming 'cause it's so loud. I was so just happy to finally have a truck, even though I wasn't the one flying around the block in it.

       It's a 1971 Chevy 1/2-ton Longbed long wheel base with a 350 automatic. It has a Performer aluminum intake and a Holly carb. It has chrome valve covers and air breather, an electronic distributor and headers. It sounds like it has a mild cam. It has Crager chrome wheels with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires.

       When we first got it, it looked like it was used for concrete work. Yes, It ran, but needed many things fixed.

• The rear brake line leaked
• Needed a trailing arm
• Windshield was cracke
• Front bumper was bent
• Needed complete exhaust
• Needed complete tune-up
• Needed a heater
• Valve cover gaskets leaked severely
• All cab mounts were bad
• Transmission mount was bad

       We took the seat out and the gas tank and cleaned the interior and exterior. It took about 14 hours to completely clean. Before we cleaned it, you couldn't tell that the wheels were chrome because they were so dirty. Here's a picture after it's cleaned up. My Dad changed the door handles and installed some from a 1959 Pontiac. He also replaced the armrests.

     With the help of a few of his friends, Dad replaced the cab mounts on the frame and put on new rubber bushings. We then replaced the seat and got a new seat cover. Here is a before picture of the interior ~ and a picture after we cleaned it. Dad is now working on putting on all new brakes.

       I can't wait to drive it! I can just see me and my Dad driving to truck shows together in our old trucks. I'm so happy to say that this is my first vehicle.

       I just want to say thanks to my Dad for giving me the truck disease. Seeing him drive around in his trucks always puts a smile on my face because you can tell he loves it. I bet I will love driving mine as much as he loves driving his.

       Thanks for letting me share my truck with you all.

Stormee James

       Well, Stormee -- welcome to the sisterhood of the brotherhood! Good to see you following in your Dad's greasy footprints. Glad to have you and your Bolt part of this Virtual Garage. ~ Editor

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