Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looking real good man, you have a very nice build going on.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

very nice build.like the front and rear vet Suspension.what is the gas door from ?

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The filler door is from a 91 Dodge Ramcharger. It was free so I don't feel too bad about using MOPAR in a GM.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Beautiful work! Keep it up. It is an inspiration to all us newbies out there.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

looks like they were there from the factory.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Nice Build!!!

What air intake is that???

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The airbox and mounting bracket I made with fiberglass and 1/2" square tubing. The two rubber elbows came from PepBoys. The air filter is the K&N I took out of my Ram. I have Dodge seats, a Dodge fuel door, and a Dodge air filter...maybe I should paint it Plum Crazy purple!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

:lol: for the Plum Crazy Purple....What are the dimensions of that box???? And how did you make your mold???

Wood, cardboard???? It looks really cool.....and different. I also like JML55's intake setup. Options, options.....options. :lol:

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I used a cardboard box. I forget the dimensions and I'm at work right now but it had to be tall enough to accept the MAF sensor. It's 3.5" on the inlet side so any 4" box would work. The other two dimensions are only limited by the air filter you choose. I would have used a smaller box if the filter had been smaller. I'd say going any bigger than an 06 Hemi Ram filter would be overkill. It's pretty big. I wrapped the box in saran wrap and glassed it a couple times on each side. I pulled the box out when I cut the filter hole. With a 2 hour set up time between flipping it over with 2 layers on each side you can do the math and see it is time consuming. For the lid I used a piece of 1/2" plywood. I had to use a router on the bottom side to make it sit over the filter and the depth of the cut is critical for sealing. The lid actually needs to compress the rubber seal about 1/8". I soaked the wood with a coat of fiberglass resin to seal it and both parts got a skim coat of bondo to smooth them out. For the countersunk bolts to attach I tried a couple different things and the only one that worked was to weld a 1/4-20 nut to a fender washer and gorilla glue it on the inside of the box. Hope that helps some.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

^^^Sure did!!!
I have plenty of cardboard boxes around, I think I might just see what would be close. Again, Nice build.

And thanks for the info.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Just got done reading your build progress, I have to say, great looking build and can't wait to see it out running around our pot hole riddled streets.

I am looking at putting in a 5.3l and the 6 speed auto into my 57 and would like to know how you did it. Is there any way I can come and look at the install or can you send me some pics of the mounts?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...2/Myrides5.jpg

Thanks,
Wess

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Either way, but I think my install is a little different than most. I have to say the Vette suspension messes everything up. The way the rack and pinion sits dictates how the engine has to sit in there. The K member is flat rather than V shaped and that hurts too. Mine is higher than most because of that. I made adapter plates (from cardboard templates) that old style small block engine mounts bolt to and then the assembly bolts to the engine. They are dropped onto homemade pedestals that come up from the K member rather than in from the sides, and it's 1.5 inches towards the pass side to clear the steering shaft. My trans member is an old camaro cross member cut down with angle welded on the ends. My trans is REALLY close to the floor at the firewall and I'm not sure but I think the 6 gear auto is bigger? Let me know if you need more pics or from a certain angle.

I'm so jealous, yours looks so good and it's about the exact color I want! I'm going too slow and the color stage is so far away...

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Just noticed the good looking 70-73 Camaro on the side. I started a 70 with a rotted body and ended up using all the good mechanical stuff to finish a 79 TA. Sometimes still wish I had that car, and yes I have a thing for blue.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I've had this truck for over 20 years and I looks great from 10ft, but I do use it as a work truck. Thats why I am looking into the 5.3l swap, better mpg and rated @ 320hp stock.

It currently has a 350/350 offset 1.5" to the passenger side because of the volarie front suspension and it also has a 70's camaro rear with 2.73 gears. The color is a PPG called Twilight.

The Camaro is a 72 and I built it for the wife but she won't drive it because it doesn't have any a/c in it as of yet, her loss my gain.

Here is a couple of more pics that have both.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ro/Myrides.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...o/Myrides2.jpg

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I hope this info helps someone with their LSX swap...I made several trips to the parts store looking for radiator hoses and this is what I came up with. I found a Gates 21710 hose to work on the lower if the end with the 90 degree turn is cut off. It's a lower hose for a 88-90 350 pickup. The upper was a problem. I couldn't find a good replacement for this BUT I ended up killing two birds with one stone. The 5.3l outlet is 1 1/4 and the rad is 1.5" I also needed to plumb in the steam line at the front of the intake, so I had a reducer adapter made and tapped it for a barbed fitting. I reused the 90 degree I cut off the lower hose and bought a 20661 hose to finish the circuit. It shows to be a lower hose for a 90-93 Miata. I have seen these hose adapters offered from Autometer and from JTR (Jags that Run, guys famous for their small block into anything swap parts). I know I could have used flex hose but I like parts that can be had in any parts house so it's easier to find later down the road.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Good info, thanks

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Got a killer electric fan for $20. I posted all the info under "Yet another cheap electric fan" on the regular board. Very happy about the fit and the price!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I wanted to do a C4 ifs in my 55 panel truck. How much trouble was it to do? Did it require any frame mods? Everyone I talked to about it says you have to up size the rims 15" will not fit!!! Give me all the info you can "Please" before I waste\spend the money. Thanks in advance.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Is this a new or a used fan and schroud?

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

1984-87 Corvette suspension has 11" rotors, single piston callipers. 15" Aluminum wheels can be used, as a minimum.

1988-96 Corvette , 12" brake suspension has 12"-12 1/4" rotors, dual piston calipers. 16" Aluminum wheels can be used, as a minimum.

1988-96 Corvette , 13" brake suspension has 12 3/4"-13" rotors, dual piston calipers. Back cut 17" Aluminum wheels, as a minimum.

I used the stock K member and all I did was notch the bottom of the frame until the K member fit in from the bottom. I had to check, recheck, and recheck the ride height and levelness of the k memeber front to rear and side to side. The member is flat, and at ride height the A arms are almost level and paralel so this easy but time consuming. I had to build a pair of adjustable stands to hold it all up off the ground while checking and rechecking EVERYTHING. The only thing I did that I wish I did differently was the frame notch for the sway bar and rack. I went way too big and I could've done a smaller notch if I had built new sway bar links and routed under the tie rods rather than over. That's why I reused the brace that comes off the K member and ties into the front frame horns. It should add a little more strength.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

It's a junkyard fan. These Mark VIII / Tbird fans are popular because they are super powerful and cheaper than most aftermarket fans. And the fit is just crazy easy!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Is the schroud Tbird MarkVlll also ?

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Yep. It's held in by 2 little bolts and slides right out. Takes about 5 minutes to remove at the boneyard. Just be sure to get the plug! I cut the 4 stock brackets that hang out to make it look better, and cut 3/4" off the back of the shroud to get more engine clearance (about 3/4" space between fan motor and water pump pulley). Then it just screwed on with a couple 1/16" aluminum strips. It is exactly the same width as my radiator. Couldn't be easier.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Thanks for the info. I think if I keep the stock "K" member I can use th e"OG" inline 6. I want to be different. I love the look of the inline and want something different than the 350/350 combo. I'm looking for a 84-87 c4 ifs so i can run 15 or what ever I choose.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Been awhile. I had the wreck and since, I've done a ton of side work and when I had a slice of spare time I've often looked out in the garage and come right back inside and found other things to do as an excuse to avoid the truck. Just now getting a fire back under me 3 months later. I think I may be on track with skinning my passenger door even though it took me three tries to get it right. I guess you learn from mistakes but it would be nice to get SOMETHING right the first go round! My project for the day was to get rid of the seams on the GMC mustache. I've always been bothered by it being three parts so now I feel better. I'm trying to get the front sheet metal straight and lined up. Panel alignment on these trucks sucks.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

WOW , I'm impressed, keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming.:metal:

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looking good man, keep up the good work.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Been a busy few months with just a little extra time...worked on gaps on the doors and fenders and trying to get a new bed floor in. This bed is off an 89-96 Dakota. The Dakota bed is 78 3/8 long and I need 77 3/8, I just cut the extra inch off the front end. That put the center of the wheel well around 37", exactly where it needs to be on a TF truck. The measurements for the TF I came up with are 77 3/8 long by 50 1/8 wide. Looks like I'll be cutting the third rail back where it conflicts with my underbed tank, and reusing one of the stock rails.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looking really good man. Really good.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

nice build, subscribed

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Didn't realize I hadn't posted in 4 months! The bed floor is pretty well done. I'm working out a parking brake system using Isuzu Trooper cables and a 1965 porsche 911 handle. I seem to be switching from bucket seats to a bench seat from a 77' Malibu because it looks better in the cab. I've built door and fender stands and I'm pushing like crazy to get the cab half ready enough to put paint on. (garage is so small I'll have to paint the bed separate) Oh yeah, and I finally heard my 5.3l run! It sounds really good open manifolds but my neighbors didn't really appreciate that at 9:30 at night. I own 3 cameras and can't for the life of me find one of them. At least there has been progress...

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

looks good! I am thinking about the same bed floor, how did you attach it to the cross pieces? Did you need spacers? Any pictures would be great.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I reused one of the original cross braces. I had to relocate one of the dakota braces to clear my side fill gas tank neck. I reused the rear brace as well and grafted it into the roll pan/ bed/ floor. Two mounting points are holes drilled in the frame rails and two of them are mounted with brackets I made and welded to the outside of the frame. Sounds kooky but it worked.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

My plan for a seat for now. Got a Malibu seat for free and set it in the cab and it looked 20 times better than the buckets. Used seat brackets off an astro van (FREE) and they bolted up with NO MODIFICATION. While removing the astro seat, noticed a slide out hidden glovebox underneath. Using that as well (also free, have to thank my dad here, all my best stuff comes from his junk piles!)
The state requires a park brake so mine will be partially hidden under the seat. Porsche handle with isuzu and corvette cables fit the first time with no cutting. Don't know how that happened.
Trying to get ready for a full primer / primer sealer spray so I'm hanging panels and wishing for a larger garage.
Also working on a pod under the dash to mount A/C controls and maybe a power outlet for the oh so important phone charging.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Got tired of block sanding (have I ever mentioned I HATE bodywork?) so I worked on something else. I know I didn't really need kick panels yet but I needed to know what to cut out and drill to get them to fit before paint. I used aluminum (they are junk signs from the hospital I work at and not road signs - I stress the legality here!) for the body and riveted old cork board hanging brackets to hook over the lip of the cab by the door. There will be one attaching screw at the rear. Some 3M spray adhesive and 1/4" foam and then more adhesive and some leather. Then in go the speakers and A/C vents.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I sent some parts off to be chromed in Texas and they are done and should be here soon...

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looking great man, looking really good.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Interested in fan and shroud. What years of tbird mrk111 work?

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

On the mark it is 93-98
93-96 use p/n F3LY 8C607 A @ 245.80
The 93-96 spin 1100 rpms on low and 1850 on highspeed.
97's use p/n F7LZ 8C607 AB @ 196.23
98's use p/n F8LZ 8C607 AA @ 140.11
The 97-98 spin 1800 on low and 2225 on high.

T birds and cougars are similar on some years (I think the 4.6l cars) There are some that are single speed and some that are two speed. Mine has three wires and definitely works at two speeds.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

That stuff looks real nice.
Kim