Full Build: 1971 Chevy Caprice Transformed into Fat Stacked 840 HP Head Turner
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
Tommy & Joel another hit out of the park, WOW, amazing job as usual, thanks guys.
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.
Was my first car too. Turbo Fire 350/ tht350 trans. 2.73 gears. Loved the trunk lid slits.
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.
Thank you! This is the reason we do this!
Amazing, best build I’ve seen so far
👍Tommy, skills, professionalism, and humor ..she's a beauty
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!
Your build videos are the absolute best! Tommy is the man!!
Thanks! We are glad you are liking them.
I love that it's putting out 840 horsepower with that large supercharger pulley. Lower boost and still crazy numbers!
Unbelievable build. Even the green paint is incredible. I’d be interested in the total price tag without the labor cost. Great job guys.
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!
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.😊👍😊👍
My favorite build to date.
It is a masterpiece! My 2 favorite cars are the 67 and 71 Caprice. The coupe or 4 door. Just beautiful...
first car was a 70 2 door........ 3rd car was a 67 Impala SS 396...... hate till this day i sold that car. the 67 is a beauty.
One of my favorite builds along with the copo Camaro and the green 396 Camaro. I love the fact that you can carry the whole gang with this car and look good doing it!
The only thing I don’t like is a 20$ dash cover in a150k dollar build, WTF!
Absolutely love that color!! We done guys!
Love the color.
Always loved a big GM coupe. Really excellent work on every aspect. Nice job, men! You too, Boshers...
I enjoyed this build the most of any.
Ever since i was knee high to a grasshopper ive been watching powernation before it changed from power block to what it is today. I have watched every episode that y'all guys ever made and Tommy is by far my favorite kinda guy, I've been wrenching on everything from go-karts all the way to big body Dodge's fords and even some Chevy's as well as tractors and semi trucks and i have to say fatstack was by far the cleanest and most bold and beautiful build to have ever came from powerblock or well powernation and yall have been my inspiration to build and work on vehicles from the time i was 4 working under the hood with my grandpa to now 30 years later and i still love every single minute, it's definitely an art and that passion is in my bones. I hope yall continue to pump out these amazing videos great vibes and awesome artwork, this is craftsmanship at it's finest much love and respect from ya neighbors across the river 🤙🏼
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.
Love Powernation!!! There builds here lately the Squarbody and Caprice!!!😮💨
I have a 1976 and 1975 Convertible. I love these cars and you guys built a great car. I wish the aftermarket would start making parts for the 71-76 B body Chevy’s because they are popular and buying used parts is expensive and hard to find.
Amazing build
Daaaammmmnnnnn that motor is like the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen
Cool, informative, well produced, nice work gents, and really glad that by making this great build video it helps pay for the project. Makes all that effort on a car that is questionably worth the effort a pleasure to watch come together!...
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.
That's one hell of a Chevy! It would be an honor to own and drive it! Job well done, fellas!💯😎
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.
Felicidades gran trabajo
Despite your name being on the title, I'm sure that watching this build had gave you some ideas on what kinds of mods you would want to do to your 71' Impala
Sure does, Juan. My head and heart say yes. Could look at it as a long term project. Have decided to keep the car stock. It is all original with only 43k miles and in excellent shape.
good build looks fastak beautiful green
I have the 1978 caprice. I want the chassis and the exterior chrome moldings done like this one day.
Very much like it , almost as much as my 1996 Caprice ! (also Green )
Not a single smoke show Tommy!! No way she's complete or a success without one.
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
I would love to see FatStack at GM Carlisle this year June 21-22. I love these big boats & the Caprice is the big dog in my book. Beautiful Candy Green paint.
We don't have plans right now for GM Carlisle, but it will be out and about this year, follow our socials to learn where you can see Fat Stack.
Man the green reminds me of my show truck had a combo of hok lime time and showtime green it was gorgeous
That Body was in great shape easy restore.
Well done.
I had a 72 with a 400 4bbl......big block.....other wise a 402. It did have "off the line".....but boy did it have "top end"...... loved it!
I had a '71 Bel Air that had the 350 in it and it got 24mpg but only at higher speeds(70mph) and the speed limit was a paltry 55 back then. So side highways at real speed it was :). It got 16mpg in town. Wish I had that car back. It was simple and easy to work on and rode so nicely and reliability was wonderful. At first when I saw the color I was...ehhhh....but after watching it run it is perfect. Gratz on such a well built and wonderful looking car. Wish it was mine, but I can't use an 800 hp car LOL. Would love the handling though.
Wow, just WOW!
Y'all gotta bring that 71 to Rick Ross Car Show June 1st Atlanta Georgia 💪🏽💯
Tommy is a body man! 👍 He’s got body work chapter and verse!! I venture he’s a at least second generation body man.
The color makes this car.
Real Nice Donk💪🏽💯🔥🔥🔥
Inspiring Build
Would have been nice to see it at the track again. 👍
Ladies and Gentlemen this is what we call a Donk a nick name acquired by the shape and the way the rear end sticks out... the name we originated here in Florida... We have been building and racing these Donks (1971-1976 Caprice or Impala is called a Donk) for decades... Now these cars have been being built with LS motors and put out 1200+ HP on large wheels (24-30 inch wheels and tires).... It's call big rims racing, Murf Lane made them even more popular, along with Trick Daddy, RickRoss... And People like Donk master, Nava HNIC, Jit2fly, Gone Hollywood, and many others brung them to prominence in today's age...
Очень нравятся Американские машины тех годов! У нас есть такая марка под названием Волга. Она очень напоминает ваш автопром тех лет!! Привет из России! Город Нижний Новгород!
Loved my old 71 w/ 402 cherry red and black vinyl top. One sweet ride but a pain to find parts. Ps master cylinders went a lot too. Perhaps aftermarket issue) had a Rockchester on it and would lift the whole car in 1st manual said 300 hp instead of 2 probably bc 402. Nice blast from the past
I've never been a fan of candy paint jobs but this green was done tastefully and it's subtle. Off topic, when I watch these episodes of PN, I always wonder how long ago they were filmed and what the hosts are doing now. Some of the shows like Horsepower are in the 4:3 format and have 2008 copyright stamps in the end credits. Tommy kinda grew up on these productions. I remember watching an old episode once, back before the 16:9 format was standard, and there he was in the background as a pair of un-named hands, long locks flowing. He was always a natural presenter with his subtle Southern vocals and his casual style. Some of the PN folks are over the top with hand motions and modulated vocals so you can sense the broadcast coaching and instruction. Are these shows like Engine Power and the others still in production? Are they still syndicated for broadcast? I used to watch this stuff on UHF channels on Saturday mornings decades ago!
I never thought Tommy would build a Donk😂😂
Those are cool cars. A 2 door boat will some power.
I like the 1976 Caprice with the solid windows rear passenger or the Spirit of 76 Caprice with the side skirts
Great project, great result. Just missing a big ol' burnout.
Congratulations.
Nice thanks 👍🇺🇸
A Donk..... Definitely a popular car🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
She reminds me of my Dad's 71 Buick Electra with white leather interior.
Tommy needs his own show
When he opened that soda in the car i started yelling lolol
Where is that “Donk” yard located? I’m looking for a ‘73 4-door.
4:03:40 What? " most would look at this car as disrepair " But this car is already awesome as it was. And in real good shape. Their factory specs makes them so great reliable cheap to repair, tough, soft riding, and ok these are my tastes but I really love the original look of the steel wheels recessed in the body. I know in the US they are obviously not that exotic unless you compare them to the brand new cars. But a little bunch are bought and shiped to Europe as they are pretty hard to find here.
Chevy came out good when they say you have to build some more navigate to the Chevy shop
My first car. Same color green. 350/350. 245 hp according to the air cleaner sticker😂
Wow 😮
Only thing I have to nit pick is the exhaust tips should've finished stack with the chrome chevy tips it would've been flawless even though it is😂😅💪🏾💪🏾
Dah da dat Dah da dat Daht Daht Dah 🔥🌪️💨
WOW.
definitely need a follow up video once its been run in.....where you get the big thang above idle and feed it some curry
I do have a question when this show does a frame off restoration new moter and transmission and suspension does it make it a new car
I wouldn't put the bench seat back in the car. 😀 Leave the vinyl top off!
🔥🔥🔥
yessssssss
I like they program but i'm mexican, I love the full builts, In need to see in spanish please, thanks
Thank you, we do have some of our full builds in Spanish www.youtube.com/@powernationenespanol/videos and we are working to get more up.
Thanks Good morning , I'm suscribed in that Chanel, it's so great for me and my friends, the full build in this chanel just is in English, we like to see in spanish please, thank you so much for the atención,👍
Bigger wheels 😢😢😢😢but good job
Should have boxed the frame. But a nice build regardless.
Does KZhead pay better than a tv station? 😂 also, Awesome build!
Just curious Im just a ham fisted ex dyi. Why didnt you box the frame
Top tear build no doubt and if if doesn't do LS fests or power tour I will be disappointed!
I was liking this episode intill they said LS nothing against the LS but no one these days built Engines most go the cheaper route which is the LS
Sounds pretty bitchin'!
My dream to Join this tem😢
Did anyone notice at the end that they did not take it out and test drive it?
4:08:29 is the test drive
4 Hours long? I'll never have that much free time to watch this. 😢
Never Did see a run video. New buyer probly got the first
4:08:29 they do a test drive
Man where is that yard yall were on. Please tell
Give it some wire wheels with rhinestones on the spokes.
What the paint code ?
Wb statesmen caprice 308 stroker 383 ...aussie 1984 model
So nobody talking about how this mf just picked up a short block like it was a fkn toy?
Is it for sale?
It isn't, but we will be taking it out on the road this year to some car shows, follow our socials if you want to see where you can get a chance to see Fat Stack in person.
Chevrolet Caprice
How do you guys grow new lungs, think about it, you're the professionals, I think!!!
I was curious about the possibility of frame twisting too. I suppose the heavy full body being bolted to it must add some additional rigidity amd prevent racking / twisting, maybe?
A beautiful, stylish and thoughtful restoration, minus the Hot wheels junk wheels that look like they were made for a 90's-00 Subaru tuning kit - this very mismatched and some 00's TV Tuning show level design butchery for the wheel, imo. To me this would have had to be a spokes or something more classic with a gold/interior color color subtle trim to be a 10/10, as it stands it loses a point. It's not mine though and I do want to repeat that otherwise every detail and stat is cool. I admire the work put into it and at the end of the day, just disagreeing heavily with the taste in wheels.
Actually, you mounted the fuel pump at the front of the tank. Don't put a vinyl roof covering on it! I wouldn't say I like hydraulic clutch actuators so the older system of rods would be my order of the day. They aren't difficult to do either.That interior was just fine the way it was. Nothing like ruining a good stock interior.
How much money
I swear a different host quits the show every upload... 😂
That's a beautiful car, but I wouldn't want to pay the gas bills.
It has an LS, so it probably does pretty well for an SUV like weight. I hazard to guess 20-25mpg Hwy, and 15-18 city... If you can stay out of it.. But that's true for all cars.
Mmmmm chrome wheels😂
Am I mistaken or is this not a Donk?
Yes, it's a donk
@@b_hall makes sense get em with Donkmaster!!