Full Build: 1971 Caprice From Nobody to Somebody

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Published 2024-04-27
The Detroit Muscle team embarked on a mission, scouring through a vast boneyard, to unearth a gem — a 1971 Chevy Caprice. When we introduced "Fat Stack", as we affectionately dubbed our 1971 Chevy Caprice, it was abundantly clear this project would offer a distinct set of challenges.

Every element– from the trim and body to the exterior and underside – demanded meticulous attention. Yet, after a year's worth of sweat and determination, this refined masterpiece hit the asphalt, commanding the attention of all who beheld it.

This is not merely a car– it's an awe-inspiring spectacle that captivates every eye it meets. Our aim with this project was to craft something both powerful and arresting. Judging by the heads it turns on the street, we're proud to say she's a build done right.

0:00 - Intro
9:26 - Tearing Down A 1971 Chevy Caprice
20:32 - Late-Model Power With A Supercharged LS
29:04 - Tension Prevention With New Suspension
1:04:43 - Busting Rust & Mending Dents
1:15:44 - Adding Candy Color
1:51:38 - Reuniting The Body With Its Updated Chassis
1:56:18 - Perfectly Polished Chrome
2:12:15 - The Perfect Fit For Body Panels
2:31:56 - Cooling Down & Increasing Power
2:48:26 - A/C Conversion
3:04:44 - Automatic To Manual Conversion
3:19:34 - Freshening Up The Interior
3:36:14 - Restoring The Front Grille

PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE

Advantage Lifts: Backyard Buddy
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American Powertrain Systems: Hydramax Hydraulic Clutch Actuator System
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American Powertrain Systems: ProFit Magnum Installation Kit
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American Powertrain Systems: Tremec T56 Magnum 6-Speed Transmission
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American Powertrain Systems: Tremec T56 Magnum 6-Speed Transmission
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Continental Tire: ExtremeContact Sport Tires
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Duralast: Duralast Heater Core
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EBC Brakes: EBC GD Sport Rotors
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EBC Brakes: EBC RedStuff Ceramic Brake Pads
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EBC Brakes: Super Dot 4 Brake Fluid
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FiTech: Fuel Pump
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FiTech: Go Fuel In Tank Fuel Pump
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FiTech: Hose Kit
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FiTech: Throttle Body Go EFI System
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Holley: EFI Terminator X
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Mobile Environmental Solutions: Inflatable Paint Booth
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P.O.R. Products: POR 15 Cleaner Degreaser
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P.O.R. Products: POR 15 Fuel Tank Sealer
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P.O.R. Products: POR 15 Metal Prep
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RockAuto.com: Body Quarter Panel
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RockAuto.com: Coverlay Dash Board Cover
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RockAuto.com: Rebuild Kit
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Steele Rubber Products: Trunk Weatherstrip
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing Pro LS Conversion Radiators
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Summit Racing: Vintage Air Refrigerant Line Crimping Tools
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RockAuto.com: Steering Components: Steering Column, Tie Rods, Idler Arm, Gearbox
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Summit Racing: Headman Husler Headers
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Summit Racing: ididit RetroFit Floor Shift Steering Column
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Summit Racing: Moser Engineering M9 Fabricated Rear Axle Housing
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Summit Racing: P-Ayr Products Replica Long Block Engine
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Summit Racing: QA1 Suspension Handling Package
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing Air Intake Tubing
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Summit Racing: Summit Racing Pro LS Conversion Radiators
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Summit Racing: Vintage Air SuperFlow Horizontal Condenser
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Advance Plating: Custom Chrome & Powder Coating

Advance Plating: Custom Chrome & Powder Coating

Blast From the Past: Sandblasting & Powder Coating

Blast From the Past: Sandblasting & Powder Coating

Continental Tire: ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus Tires

CRC Industries: CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner

House of Kolor: House of Kolor Candy Paint

U.S. Mags: Desperado Wheels

All Comments (21)
  • Tommy & Joel another hit out of the park, WOW, amazing job as usual, thanks guys.
  • @frogswurld
    My first car was a 71 Caprice with a 400 sb and posi rear end, 1978 and I loved it. You've built my teenage dream car.
  • @pb3033
    👍Tommy, skills, professionalism, and humor ..she's a beauty
  • I've been a fan of this show forever. Being a 65 year young man i have to say this car is the best work you've guys have done. As you we're driving it around i had the biggest grin on my face. So much that my cheeks hurt. I tip my hat to you guys. You have created the perfect machine.
  • Have been watching this build since the beginning of the build with close attention because I have a ‘71 Impala with 400 SB 2 barrel just like Fat Stack started. Love the full size cars. Love the build. The only thing wrong with the car is my name is not on the title.
  • @19chucki74
    This has to be the best top notch build on Power Nation. Fat Stack is worth the eyes and admiration. Y'all boys done good.😊👍😊👍
  • Man this was another great build! Up there with the prestine Chevelle that sold at auction. Tommy has done a phenomenal job on all of the Detroit Muscle episodes. I remember seeing him working as a younger man in the background when Kevin Tetz was building a truck (I think), with long hair and all. 😆 He's come a long way and been a mainstay with Powernation. I can't imagine the channel without him. I can tell he really enjoyed this build and put a lot of heart into it, like everything else he's built. He seemed to really love this one, I hope he gets to keep it for himself. He deserves this awesome car!
  • @asaga2035
    Amazing, best build I’ve seen so far
  • @craigstark2712
    I love that it's putting out 840 horsepower with that large supercharger pulley. Lower boost and still crazy numbers!
  • It is a masterpiece! My 2 favorite cars are the 67 and 71 Caprice. The coupe or 4 door. Just beautiful...
  • @JamesMunroe1973
    Your build videos are the absolute best! Tommy is the man!!
  • @tomcrotty1498
    Unbelievable build. Even the green paint is incredible. I’d be interested in the total price tag without the labor cost. Great job guys.
  • @KYoss68
    I had one. 1971 Caprice Sport Coupe, mint green with the 396/402 BB. Loved it even though it was too heavy LOL. Had the engine top-ended with a mild performance cam and the TH400 rebuilt to fix an intermediate clutch problem. It had swiss cheese dual exhaust I had replaced with 3" dual and Flowmaster Series 80's. Was going to keep on improving it but someone offered me more money than I thought it was worth. I wonder what ever happened to that car.
  • I followed this build episode by episode but it was awesome relaxing and watching it all the way through on a day I didn't have to do anything. Awesome work again!
  • My Older brother Now gone , Own a Beautiful 1970 caprice, 402 bucket seats console, H shifter, posi 373 Blue white vinyl top. Now that was a nice car.
  • It's great seeing B-body chevs get some love, I've always thought they had great potential as everything from a weekend cruiser to a family hotrod but only ever seen people use them for demo derby. I may be a younger fella but I still think nothing beats the oldschool style and taste of an early 70s chevy