Finally! Let me get this straight. You posted "new arrival" on 1/13 then on 1/29 you say "Finally"! Man, you are definitely on a different schedule than most of us. Your truck is lookig really good. Zig has a GMC so I am sure he was just funnin' about the butt ugly part. I like the GMC look. The Chevs were tough but the GMCs were suppose to be tougher. Love the pics. Keep them comin'. Gater
They just can't leave anything alone. My better half usually says I smell like something else, though. But then, I raise goats. Gater
That would explain the space age dash Neat looking dash. Do you have any "before" shots with the gauges?
Sorry I didnt take any before shots. Dang it!.... I've had this truck for about four years, started to just make a nice driver out of it but one thing led to another. I'm going to chrome the gauge panels, and install some vintage stuart warner gauges. Also have a outside visor for it. This thing is gunna have alot of chrome on it. Chris
Chrome, stainless and stewart warner! It don't get any better than that! Reminds me of the '60's when a car was a car and a truck was a truck and you weren't cool in school if you didn't have a subsription the Hot Rod magazine! You go, brother!
Chris- Great looking job! That should look slick! What about the truck you use in your avatar (?) Surely this isn't the same ride? Just wondering. I see this a 3/4. Did you do a pumpkin swap on it? And is that a power steering pump I see sicking up on the driver's side? What about the tranny? What's happening there? I don't have time to search the threads, and my memory fails me... It really looks great though! Keep up the great work! Everyone KNOWS I was just kidding about my GMC comment- right? I was just thinking about a local person who's first question was if I was going to leave it a GMC, or change it to a chevy! That hurt! GMC's need lovin' too!
Yard art Hey Zig, Yes its now got a 4:10 rear. Also power steering and brakes. Has a 292 with a th350 lock up converter. The truck in my avater pretty much looks exactly the same as it did when it got here. Yard art!! Chris
Chris, looking good did you paint her outside or in a booth ? Also what did you do with the engine overhaul or just a good cleaning ? Keep posting the photos
Painted her outside steve, was a perfect day for painting....today its raining. Engine is a new rebuild, as is trans. New spring pins and bushings king pins brakes, cylinders, lines, ect. $$$$$ Chris
Chris, did you do the pumpkin swap and then drive it around to see how much it changed things, or is this whole driveline yet to be tested? What year is your engine and did the trans bolt right up, or did it have to be modified? On the steering column- I assume you swapped that out also? Column shift or floor? What master cylinder type are you going with? Under the floor or on the wall? Could I possibly ask more questions??? I am very interested in the direction you've chosen to go and your reply will be greatly appreciated! Here's a question for anyone- What was the last year 6s that would still fit the mounting holes of a 54 Chevy? Mid 60s? 70s? Oh- one other question, Chris. Is your GMC facing the street, or away from the street? It would probably cut down the foot traffic of people coming to ask you if it was for sale if it was facing the street...
Later 235's The front mount changed in '56 (IIRC) but you can swap the front plate and use any 235/261 up to 1962 model when GM stopped using them . Here's a question for anyone- What was the last year 6s that would still fit the mounting holes of a 54 Chevy? Mid 60s? 70s? BTW : paint looks mighty good there ! .
Hey Zig!! Man Zig thats alot of questions. No I havent tried this 4:10 drivetrain out yet, but I've owned newer 3/4 ton trucks with 4:10 gears and they seemed to work out good. Tall tires help also. The engine came out of a 70 chevy 3/4 ton p/u. The rear pumpkin came out of a 71 P/U bolted right up, even used the 55 axle shafts. Bolted right up to tranny. I'm using the original streering colume + wheel. Lokar shifter on the floor. I have the power brake set up that mounts to the original mount, and pedal. I wanted this truck to be modernized a little and still look somewhat original. Thanks, Chris
Thanks! So Chris, how did you get that engine to fit? Did you have to manufacture your own motor mounts? It really is a great looking set-up! Thanks for the info!
Long engines I made front motor mounts and a tranny crossmember. The old GMC engines and the 230, 250, 292's are about the same length. Also used a 55-59 V8 throttle linkage, that way you can still use your stock gas peddle. Chris
