Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looks great! I am in the same spot as far as painting not being my strong point but i cant afford the big $'s for a show car finish. that's also what makes this a great hobby is that guys like us can learn how to do this stuff and save big dollars. keep up the good work i makes us all keep going....

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I think I'm trying to get too much done at once...trying to install the wiring harness and going too slow. I did get the gauges mounted but not wired yet. I thought I'd try the chrome bumper and went with Classic parts instead of LMC as usual. Someone said they were cheaper and they were by a large margin. Ou to f the box I noticed it has two holes in the center, I assume for the tag bracket. Didn't really want that but figured, hey, I can just fill them with button head bolts. Took me almost two hours of working one bent bracket, elongating a hole in the other, going slow to not bang the bumper or the truck. Then while wiping the packing oil off it I found a chip in the chrome plating so I get to remove it find out how good Classics customer service is tomorrow.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I've had a ton of questions about my cooling fan setup. If you google the mark 8 fan you can find a ton of info. These can be found in several lincoln mark 8s with the 32 valve engine. The trouble is that some are two speed and some are single speed and controlled by the ecm as needed(variable). They are sometimes hard to find and require a huge amp draw to run. The one I have is actually out of a tbird/ cougar with the 4.6 engine. They are all two speed with a slightly smaller motor. It pulls less amps this way so wiring it will be easier than the true lincoln fan. Many many tauruses also have powerful two speed fans and are super easy to find at the pull apart. The two speed fans have three wires instead of the normal two. Also...in my research for a heavy duty cheap relay setup I have found several of the 90's model volvos have a two speed fan as well...and they have a trick one piece fan relay designed to run a two speed fan. I got three of these at the salvage for $4 a piece. It's a good possibility that the volvo fan is better than most aftermarket fans. Factory stuff is just built better. I'm also looking into using a dual temp fan switch from BMW to control the relay that controls the fan. Still sorting this out but I'll post more later.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looks awesome! Love that gauge cluster and chrome bumper!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The gauges and bumper look real nice.
Kim

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Here's what I've come up with to run my two speed Tbird fan...

You have my old radiator hose adapter and my new one. In order to install the new BMW fan switch the new adapter had to be longer so it could be tapped to 14mm x 1.5 thread with a flat seat. You have to use a 14mm oil drain plug gasket to seal the switch.

The switch fits a 95 BMW 318i. It's available for $12 on RockAuto but after shipping it's $20. Autozone has it for $30 with a lifetime warranty and to me the warranty is worth it. I did, however, elect to have OReillys match the price because I don't like that other places electrical parts.

The plug is four parts that are available from BMW for $27.
61131378412 - plug housing
61130007445 - wire, small, x2
61130007446 - wire, large

Once the volvo fan relay is wired in this is how it's supposed to work...engine hits 195 and low speed comes on, then if it gets to 205 the high speed will come on until the temp hits 195 again. I'm wiring my compressor parallel to the low so the fan comes on when A/C triggered. There is an optional low temp switch(180/195) but I keep hearing how these LSx engines like to run hotter than a sbc. I like this setup because anyone can drive the truck with no worries. No special toggles to flip or special controllers to adjust.

I didn't do all this research myself so credit should be given here...

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=839089

and here...

http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/...41-taurus-fan/

Hope this helps someone!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

i have a 55 Chevy big window that has been half finished for about 20 yrs, since I was 15. I hope it looks 1/2 this good some day!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Thanks, I need all the ego boosting I can get. Means I don't have to take as many anti depressants! My biggest fear is to get frustrated and let it sit. Just want to drive it now, even if everything is not perfect.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Something else I'm going to try...I robbed a set of door jamb switches from the same astro van I got my seat brackets from and put them in. If you drill the right size hole, GM jamb switches are actually self tapping. Very easy and when done my dome light will come on with an open door. Then I powered up my new dome light and it was disappointing how dim and yellow the stock bulb is in that thing. I measured the hole and figured I could get a 1x5 inch led panel in there. Found one (42 led board) on ebay for $10. Pull out the old bulb socket, drill four holes and use nylon bolts, spacers, and nuts, and now I'm going to have a super bright dome light.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Do you have the ebay link to those LED panel?:ito:

Thanks

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Here you go. I'm going to have to clearance the hole in the cab just a little where the nylon nuts come out on back but no biggie there. Also, I had to use the 1/16 spacers to keep the printed board and solder joints off the housing but it puts the LEDs real close to the lens. I don't think they should get hot enough to damage it, though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/250960724832...84.m1497.l2649

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

OKGMC4-

Do you mind showing more pics like the back of the light to show why you have to clearance the cab. Aslso some detail on the plastic fasterns. How did wire the light? Did you have wire it in any special way.

Nice work.
Marc

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

That color is freakin awesome!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The nylon bolts are a number 4 machine screw. I got them with the nuts and spacers at Ace hardware. I needed to isolate the board from the metal light housing. I also had to raise the board up enough to clear the wires underneath. I got them extra long and once tight I cut the ends off and put a dab of gorilla glue on them to keep them tight. There are only two wires, red for 12v and black to ground. I probably could have used a smaller led panel but wanted it bright. Since the nuts stick out the back I had to open up four spots for them to sit in when the light is mounted to the cab.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

You should make sure you have sun glasses on when you open your door at night.:metal:

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Thank you...I might try to do somehting simular for my 48.

Marc

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Latest project...

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I'm using Dynomax 17749 large body super turbo mufflers. Since they are under the cab I want them relatively quiet. The pipes are part of a Summit universal 2.5"" pipe kit. Got the stainless tips off ebay. Last pic is what it took to do one side. Should have the other side done in a couple days.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The exhaust looks good.
Kim

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Side exit is the way to go. It really gives people a scare when you romp on it as you drive by. Especially people with the window down and or on the
Phone. : lol:
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Re: Yet another GMC build
 

another truck build gone wild!

i like it. :D:D:D like the color, like the dash, like it all.

but... i'm waiting on the ram air grill scoop mentioned way back on page 2 :D

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I like yours too. You have to still be itchy with all that awesome glass work!
I wanted to do the scoop but I only have like 1.5" clearance from the hood. Hard to imagine no clearance on one of these but that intake is tall, the engine sits high because of the C4 cross member, and that air box is kind of humongous.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

we have the woodward cruise here every year.
2 yrs ago i saw a 58 with a roots blower and dual quads on top of a 454, with a closed hood.
the coolest thing? california plates. he drove all the way out to cruise woodward :D

fiberglass isn't really that itchy unless your rough sanding a lot of glass.
usually that doesn't happen unless you really mess up (like i did on my door panels :D)

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Nice job on the exhaust!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

You truck is looking great! I have a question. I have a 55 TF that I am starting on as soon as my son and I complete his 1966 GTO. I have an 96 corvette front end (Complete/cut out with the CVT frame rails) that I could use in the 55, but I want this truck to be a DD, and I am concerned about how low the front would sit. I think your static height was approximately 5 inches (frame rails to ground), but I think I want more than that. In your fabrication, did you see a problem with possibly raising the Static height of the rails by welding the frame higher up on the Corvette cross support?

Thanks for any insight you may have.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I don't think it would be a problem. Actually it may make fitting the sway bar easier and require less notching of the frame to clear the rack. I adjusted mine by the distance from the top of the tire to the fender lip. I kept jacking the K member up until I got the tire/ fender lip gap I liked. That part differs from owner to owner but I hate that huge gap some cars get when they sit high, plus tire size can vary a bunch from one truck to another. Running stock C5 tires gives me a short tire to begin with. I had to build wooden forms to hold the member in place with adjustable legs so I could level everything before welding. I removed the spring so I could set the A arms at ride height, then raised it up where everything looked good, but there was some play either way. I still think the rear sits too high but I am working on it.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Thanks for the quick response. After the frame off on my Son's 66GTO (using an LS1/T56), this kind of fabrication doesn't scare me, I just don't want to spend a lot of time in trial and error. The man I purchased the truck from is a fellow boardmember and lives in Tahlequah, OK. I will be picking the truck up later his month (or early april). It appears you live about 50 miles from him. Would it be possible to stop and look at your truck late in the afternoon so I can get a visual of the frontend?

By the way, I got turned on to your build, and this forum, on the Corvette forum - your bother-in-law posted a link to your build under his corvette build. I'm very glad he did!

Ricky

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Yeah, I could do that. As long as you promise not to point or laugh. This is my first real "hot rod". I spent several years tinkering with Camaro and Firebird stuff. Everything bolts on and fits like a glove. With these older cars NOTHING fits without welding, cutting, hammering, and grinding. I learned to weld and paint for this one, and right now I am trying to build carpet, door panels, etc. I get to learn to sew too! I couldn't get better guidance though. My whole family is in to cars. My dad has a 96 Impala SS, 73 Barracuda, a 72 chevy truck, 92 Vette, and 09 Challenger RT. My father in law has a LS1 62 Vette and LT1 37 Ford. Basically I get to drool all over those cars and get real motivated to get mine done. I'm really looking forward to Pigeon Forge TN in september. My real goal is to have the truck done enough to drive it this year. You heard it, drive, not trailer.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

And just because he did it for me I'll return the favor and add a link to his car. That is... if anyone is interested in seeing a 1964 Stingay convertible with a 570hp LS7 and T56 6spd built to Viper spec. The awesome part is his teeny tiny tires. He should get a Firestone card for those monthly "my car needs new shoes" visits.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Made a template with 9 pieces of poster board, then cut out a piece of carpet. Now I just need to bind the edges and steam it to make it lay down good. Could have went with ACC carpet but it would have been about $350. I got 4 square yards from American Trim and Upholstery Supply for about $100. That's enough to do the floor, a big floor mat, and cover the panel I made to go behind the seat. Plus, the ACC stuff doesn't wrap down the step like I wanted. All I need is the thread now. (I'll get it at the same place... http://www.atrim.com/ )

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Have the door panels cut and I am starting to mount them. Then I'll be sewing some pleats in some charcoal leather and gluing like crazy. I'm going to try something a little different with these, and the headliner board as well.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

That's pretty slick. I can't wait until I'm at that stage.
Kim

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Really nice job.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

You made a mention of a template with 9 pieces......

So was your carpet cut into several pieces and glued down. It is hard to tell in the pics. I'm getting close buying carpet and doing an install in my 48.

Looks good
Marc

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

That is one big piece of carpet. I fit together several pieces of poster board and taped them into one big piece, then layed it over my carpet and cut it out, with a a hair extra around the edges. I put the carpet in the truck and smoothed it out as best as I could, then did the final trim to fit. I'm not sure about the AD trucks but I think they are narrower than a TF truck. The carpet came 72 inches wide (although on the website it said 60 inches. ) and was plenty wide enough to do this one. I also cut a piece of carpet to glue on a panel that covers the space behind the seat and I have enough left to build one big floor mat. The part I haven't worked out yet is how to keep the carpet up at the top. I could glue the whole thing easy enough but what if I need to run some more wires later? I'm trying to think of a clip or fastener to avoid that.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

industrial double stick tape used for free floating sheet vinyl flooring might work, don't know if it would hold up to the heat.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

You know, they even have a double sided carpet tape at the big box hardware stores that might work for that. Thanks for the idea!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

I started with some 1/4 x 1 aluminum bar stock and cut it down and drilled it and made some door trim. It will help hold the door panels and (I think) make it look good. I can't help it, I just love stainless allen head bolts. I thought about painting these but may just leave them brushed and clear them.

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

Looks great!

Re: Yet another GMC build
 

The door panel looks real good.
Kim