Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

I actually purchased the complete kit form CPP. I managed to get a killer deal on the complete kit while they were having a Christmas sale. As for the calipers, I believe they are early Cadillac with the integral, mechanical parking brake mechanism.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Great attention to detail in your work. Thanks for the well thought out write up and pics,
makes me feel confident to do a conversion myself now. Keep the pics coming and Git R Done.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Managed to get some brake lines ran today. Seems like I spent more time chasing down parts/supplies than I did actually working on the truck. Anyway, got all the brake lines done and half of the fuel lines. Had to move the four brake line clips on the axle from the back side of the axle to the front side. Also removed/replaced the pinion seal, axle bearings and axle seals. Should have the fuel lines completed tomorrow, then I can pull it back apart for paint.

Here's some pics.

Thanks for looking!

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

A few more...

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Looking good, neat and clean.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Today I removed the rear end, trailing arms. brake lines etc in preparation for paint. I painted the axle with Eastwood's Extreme Chassis Black - in a can. I've used this paint before and had really good results.

Some pics... thanks for looking!

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Looking good

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Ground down the welds on the frame today. I need to spend a little more time metal finishing the welds, but the're close at this point. I also spent some time wire wheeling some more of the frame. Once I finish dressing the welds, it time for paint.

Here's some pics.

Thanks for checking out my progress!

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

No pics today... but I managed to get a few things done.

Pressed out the control arm bushings. I'll be installing Energy Suspension's bushings that I bought from ECE. Also pressed out the axle wheel studs and installed new longer studs that came with the disc brake kit. I also dropped off the bed at the body shop. I'm having them do all the body work, inside and out. Along with the body work, I'm having them paint the underside of the bed semi gloss black. I've used this body shop in the past and was really satisfied. They do excellent work in a reasonable amount of time. I should have the bed back in a couple of weeks... we'll see.

I'm hoping to get some paint on the frame and trailing arms this weekend, then I can start putting it back together... I miss driving my truck.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

look'n good

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Man, I just went thru your build. You do outstanding work!!:metal:

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Thanks Alan!! I appreciate your comments.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

hey from N.C. your project is looking great,it's alot of work, but it will be one nice truck. hope to see more of this project,you do nice work, keep on truckin :metal:

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Got some paint on it today. Once it dries we'll start assembling the rear end... for the last time.

Here's some pics.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Some more pics... thanks for looking!!!!

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Looks great. Did you go with the eastwood black on the rails?

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Looking good man! Nice and clean! Keep the pictures coming.

Richard

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Yes. I used Eastwood's satin chassis black on everything. Turned out pretty good. From my experience, this is the best paint you can get in a can.

Miles

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

The metal work was so nice it was almost a shame to paint over it!

:metal:

Fantastic job...thanks for taking the extra time to post your progress.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Started assembling the back half. Also got the Gear Vendor's installed and measured for a driveshaft. Should have a driveshaft by early next week. I took my donor one piece shaft, slip yoke and pinion yoke in today to get it shortened. The tech pointed out that my rear pinion yoke is bad. The tech says the u-joint straps stretched and allowed the u-joint to move around. As a result, it wore out the yoke (side to side movement). So, since I need to replace the yoke, I'll go ahead and replace it with a 1350 series joint to match the rest of the shaft. Also found that one axle shaft was bad, so I'm waiting on a replacement from Summit Racing.

Here's some pics.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Lookin' good, and I love that chassis black color on there. Nice work!

I'm guessing you're going to finish off the entire frame like the rear?

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

You need to throw some dirt on that frame. Your making the rest of us look bad with your truck so clean. Awesome build! You do some very nice work. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Thanks 72BlckButy.

Yes, I'm planning on finishing off the rest of the frame with new paint. Once I get started on the front eight lug to five lug conversion, I'll be able to clean things up enough for paint. I'm not planning on getting to crazy with the front half for now. Down the road I plan on rebuilding the front end which will give me a better opportunity to clean and paint everything. I ordered some more chassis black paint today for the front half of the frame, spindles, sway bar, brake dust shields etc.

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

Hey, thanks. Yea, it won't take long and it'll be dirty.

Thanks for the comments and for looking!!

Miles

Re: 1972 GMC Shorty Conversion
 

So I was thinking today... before I pulled my truck apart I was running 3.70's with the Gear Vendors. This combo worked out pretty well. Kind of the best of both... good off the line, yet still able to cruise on the highway. The donor 12 bolt I've installed has 3.08's. I've decided to run this ratio for now and upgrade later to either 3.42's or 3.73's. So anyway, I was just thinking today about how high geared this thing is going to be on the highway in overdrive. I've not looked at a gear/tire calculator yet, but I'm going to guess this thing is going to cruise at 80 or 90mph at around 2000 rpm. Can anyone work up my RPM at 65mph considering I'll be running a 27" tall tire.