1953 GMC pickup "new to this site"

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by patrickkryan, Oct 15, 2009.

  1. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    You falled to say what the truck was, 3100,3600,3800,6400 ?,
    If it is a 1/2 t then call u hall and get theirs. If you know someone with a dual axle trailer having a 7K or better rating then take all the straps and chains and binders and haul it home. I hauled my 3804 one ton from Rapid City, South Dakota to Simi Valley with my 7k rated (3.5 thousand per axle) trailer and had no issues getting it here.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2009
  2. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    i actualy dont know its number haha. and ok that was what i was thinking but would 6 feet wide be enough?
     
  3. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    You Gotta READ

    As it clearly answers your question ~ two axles and surge brakes means a large trailer that'll fit any pickup .

    Don't use to small a tow rig ! :eek:.
     
  4. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    I just read your title which clearly states 53 GMC, so those #'s I quoted are for the Chevy models.
    Do not go and use some under sized trailer. :confused:
     
  5. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    oh that is the largest trailer uhall offers. if it is not big enough 6 feet by 16 feet then would you know where i could rent one big enough?
     
  6. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    You need to post some pictures of this truck you bought so someone that knows GMCs, can tell what it is and then the weight can be checked.
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2009
  7. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    Is it 6 lug or 8? I hauled my 51 3/4 ton on a U haul with a Dakota up from Fla. to NC, no problem.
     
  8. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    i am working on getting those photos and i dont know if it is 6 or 8 but i should know today.


    on a side note I also have a 1937 chevy truck. not really related to this topic but I think it is interesting
     
  9. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    1937 Truck

    I HIGHLY disagree ! it's entirely apropriate to talk about another old GM truck right here , this is the oldies section and we love'em all .
     
  10. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    haha. ok well I must post some photos of it. it is fairly well gone but the cab is in pretty good shape. I was finaly able to find a good trailer so i should not have anyproblems hauling it home.
     
  11. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    I just made it home with my truck!!! after 30 hours on the road. it is a 8 lug and i am very pleased with it
     
  12. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    That is really good news to hear, the trip being a safe one.
    So, where was it you had to go to get it?
     
  13. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    I had to drive out to salt lake. it was a lot of fun. now I have some questions though
    1. the breakes on the truck are the origanl drum breaks. is this enough if i get them in good working order. or should i go with disc?

    2. I have thought about it and i would like to keep the origanl engine in the truck so are there any ways to up the horse power without permantly modifying the engine?

    3. what do you think the first step i take in restoration should be?
     
  14. Zig

    Zig Member

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    Congratulations!!!

    There is all KINDS of posts on here about breathing more life into your engine. If you're keeping the six, my best advice is get Nate's phone number, call him, then hold the phone up to the carby of your truck. Let him whisper in its ear and it'll be good to go!:cool:
    As far as the brakes, you can find shoes and cylinders still, so rebuilding is an option. (I just love the ease of replacing pads over shoes. I also don't like the way shoes need adjusting.)
    Stopping is key with this big metal trucks, so I will go disc.
    Word of warning, though. I had put new shoes on my 3/4, but when I decided to rebuild it, I took the old brake lines off so I could completely clean and paint the frame. When I took the front line off that goes under the radiator, I held it up like a trophy fish. As I was holding it, I notice a little stream of brake fluid coming out of the line!:eek: (No, I hadn't tweaked it...:eek:)
    I know God has watched out over me~ Believe me, I need and appreciate the help~ However, THAT really made me glad I decided to completely replace the lines and go to a split MC.
    These are old lines...
    Whatever you decide, this is the place to get great advice that will save you time and $$$!
    Good luck, and let's see some pictures of your baby!;)
     
  15. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    To Begin :

    Do a Make Run and drain & refill all the various oils and liquids , work on the brakes a bit , they're cheap to rebuild , DO NOT turn the drums ! :eek:

    Now that it runs , wait until Sunday when Officer Freindly is investigating donuts elsewhere and rattle it around the block a few times ~ it stops O.K. ? good ! now get it up to 50 MPH or so and see whatcha got . remember I told you to lubricate and adjust EVERYTHING as these are real trucks , designed to take a horrific beating and still work and play .

    They're good drivers too when left stock . not overly rapid acceleration but good nonetheless .

    You can add a Carter YF carby (or two) to increase the power quite a bit .

    Careful tuning results in an easy starting , powerful InLine 6 Banger powerplant .

    If it's an 8 lugger , you can swap out the pumpkin from a '67 ~ '7? van for higher road speeds too .
     
  16. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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    can any of you recomend a kit for converting the drum breaks to disc. all the ones i found were for six lugs mine has eight
     
  17. Zig

    Zig Member

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    I don't believe so~

    6 lug was original for the half ton version. Some people (me included) who have/had 3/4 tons swap out the front axle for a 1/2 ton and go the 6 (or 5) lug conversion so we can have disc brakes up front. 3/4s have an open back axle that makes swapping it to a much newer, better ratio, 6 lug (or 5) rear end a "simple" upgrade.
    Good luck!

    You still owe us pictures...:rolleyes:
     
  18. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    Depending on your pocket book or ability to work on things you mite ask around the different axle shops and see if they do a front axle that will fit our trucks that a disc brake system will work on for a 3/4 or 1 ton, as far as the rear goes, you may want to call Hoopers rear end exchange in Sun Valley and ask Tony or Dave if there is a disc system that would work.
     
  19. Wolf

    Wolf Member

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    Not sure how I missed this thread. I have been so busy with family things. Paul you see this another 8 lugger GMC manly truck running around..

    You chevy guys best watch out. We are running wild;):D:D

    Cant wait to see pics of the truck
     
  20. patrickkryan

    patrickkryan Member

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