How long is a 1971 Chevy truck?
A 1971 Chevy pickup’s length depends on the bed configuration. With the standard 6.5-foot short bed, the overall length runs about 208 inches (roughly 17.3 feet). With the 8-foot long bed, the length expands to about 232 inches (around 19.3 feet). Exact length can vary slightly based on cab style, bumper, and trim.
Bed lengths offered in the 1971 C/K lineup
During that year, Chevrolet’s C/K trucks were available with two primary bed lengths. The following brief notes summarize these configurations and their typical overall lengths.
- Short bed (6.5 feet): approximately 208 inches in overall length (about 17 feet 4 inches). This configuration typically paired with a shorter wheelbase around 115 inches and a 78-inch bed.
- Long bed (8 feet): approximately 232 inches in overall length (about 19 feet 4 inches). This configuration typically used a longer wheelbase around 131 inches and a 96-inch bed.
Note: These measurements are typical ranges. Exact figures can vary by cab configuration (standard vs. deluxe), bumper setup, and aftermarket alterations. For restoration or precise work, consult the vehicle’s data plate or original GM specifications for the exact truck in question.
How to verify the exact length of a specific 1971 model
If you own a particular 1971 Chevy truck or are evaluating one for purchase or restoration, the following steps help confirm its precise length.
- Measure bumper to bumper, including both bumpers and any hitch or trailer tongue that remains attached.
- Note the bed type (short or long) by measuring the bed length: 78 inches for the short bed, 96 inches for the long bed.
- Check the data plate or glovebox booklet for official specifications such as overall length and wheelbase.
- Cross-check with original dealer catalogs or GM service manuals from 1971 for the exact configuration of your truck’s model (C10, C20, etc.).
Understanding these details is especially important for restoration projects, parts compatibility, and matchups with trailering or parking requirements.
Understanding wheelbase vs. overall length
Keep in mind that “length” refers to the entire vehicle from bumper to bumper, while “wheelbase” is the distance between the front and rear axles. Short-bed models typically ride on a shorter wheelbase (around 115 inches), while long-bed versions use a longer wheelbase (roughly 131 inches). This distinction helps explain why two trucks with the same model year can have noticeably different overall lengths.
Summary
In 1971, Chevrolet’s pickups offered two bed options that determined overall length: a short bed at about 208 inches (roughly 17.3 feet) and a long bed at about 232 inches (roughly 19.3 feet). Exact measurements depend on cab configuration, bumper setups, and trim, so verifying with the data plate or official GM specifications is the best way to confirm a specific vehicle’s length.
