Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

As some of you will remember rom this thread (http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=619162), I wrecked my beloved '72 GMC 1500 Super Custom. Happened a little over a week ago. The grieving period is over and it's time to get our hands dirty. :metal: So I did a little measuring and some assessing as to how much damage has been done. The tear down will start this weekend. Frame still might be tweaked, but won't know for certain 100% until I get all the sheet metal off.

So here are some pics from the damage assessment my wife and I did. I removed the fan shroud so I could at least drive it without the fan hitting it, and had my wife follow me on a short run. Truck does go down the road straight, and there are no wobbles. But the tranny selector is all screwed up as the linkage is tweaked. So... lets dive in!

Gary

Pics #1 and #2 are of the drivers side wheels. The beads collected a lot of crap as I slid into the ditch.

Pic #3 Hood and drivers side fender

Pic #4 Drivers door to fender contact. Check the gap in the hood too!

Pic #5 Drivers door hinge ripping from the door.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Next set of pics...

Gary
Pic #1 inner fender ripped away from fender

Pic #2 Passenger side hood. This also worries me. Not sure if that' gonna be able to be straightened back out correctly.

Pic #3 Passenger side bed to cab contact.

Pic #4 Drivers side inner fender buckled. This will be gone when I install new inner fender.

Pic #5 Not as noticeable in the pic. But radiator is kicked back and up on drivers side. Passenger side rad tank is tweaked where it meets the core.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

More...

Gary

Pics #1 and #2 Are of the sway bar. Good thing it's a thick one. The crash moved it, but didn't bend it.

Pic #3 Fan to shroud contact. Snapped before I removed the shroud.

Pic #4 Hood pin tweaked.

Pic #5 Check the gap on the hood and cowl.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Last pics...



Pic #1 You an see how the shifter has to go past the indicator to put it in park. Reverse is where park is now.

Pic #2 You can see the dramatic lean to the drivers side. The front bumper is actually shoved under the truck a bit and the bumper braces are tweaked pretty good. The grille and everything else on the front should be savable.

So... that's a quick down and dirty of what we have to work with. We'll know more as we do more.

See you soon with an update!

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Thats enough to make a grown man cry.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

OK, Let the fun begin!

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

ill definately follow. nice gmc! little more elbow grease and youll be there!

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Out of the box the first thing that came to mind I didn't spend any time looking at the pics[less than 30 seconds total]. i don't want to make light of this for you so please don't take it that way because I'm glad your OK and it is sheet metal. You've seen one you've seen them all. Well in my case that may be a little different than others, I rebuild late model wrecks for a living and have done so since 1987 and I look at on the average about 300 wrecks per week. Weather it is in person or on the computer, it may go as high as a 1,000 in a week if it is a special case or low as 150 if I'm really busy but 300 would be a good average of what I see.
Next thing I noticed is the sway bar. It is a good indicator of how much the frame may have moved over. For instance the shiny part of the bar is what I'm talking about it has been covered by the bushings up until the wreck and now is uncovered and that shiny is showing how much [or half as] much the frame has moved. From my years of doing this I've only run into few, very few bent sway bars. Also the thing that was [is] my niche is Chevy /GMC Silverados/ Tahoes Suburbans . S-10's lots of them. A quick way to measure the thing out is to do some simple "X" measurements. Start off under the cab, and take measurements from say the left rear to the right front. Then swap and do the opposite measurement, they should read the same or so very close. If they don't you have found the starting point of where a frame tech guy [or at least I would on my frame machine] start with the first pull to get that back. Now keep in mind when taking the "X"'s that if they are off only HALF of that number needs to come off of the measurement before becoming square once again.
Once you've checked the cab, then check the bed, it is pretty simple really so if the bed is off. If that number is good back up a little and include the front cab mounts into the mix of the measurements. That way you can take out of the picture any thing from the fire wall [cowl]back.
Now your almost done by now your an old pro at this "X" stuff. Now go to a spot on the fire wall and take it to the core support mount on the other side, then flip and check that should be it if all are super close, your ready to hang sheet metal. Don't put the tape in the thrash though it will serve you well doing the front stuff too it will help a ton on the front by using this method, it will get you super duper close on the hood before ever lifting the heavy thing, also telling you what way to go to get it lined up so the fan will be in the middle of the shroud. I hope this helps you out a little. Jim

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Oh, if I can help farther let me know or PM me

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

During the rebuild up, I'm thinking of doing some of the stuff I've been putting off for years. Cutting the rust out of the cab, new tail gate, relocating the gas tank to the rear for better weight over the axle, new front control arms, and a flip kit for the rear leaves, etc... lol :lol:

The list just keeps getting longer. :)

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Jim! Thanks for that quick write up! I have a feeling that the frame is indeed bent. Never thought about the sway bar having a couple of "tells" that the frame could be off.

I have one question... can I take the rig to a frame shop with all the sheet metal off the front? Or should I leave it all intact and take it to a shop first?

Thanks!

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Gary, if you ever need help getting that truck on its feet again, give me a buzz. I'm up on Bay View Hill (off Hwy 20 on the way to Burlington/ MV).

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Most Shops don't mind the sheet metal off the front, if it still starts to pull up on the machine under power that is a HUGE BONUS for most. With the metal out of the way the frame is easier to access to see and to hook to and measure. Of course I'm weird they may say they have to see it with the metal on it but I would shy away from that guy cause for one he may not be a true truck guy because he might just be after some more $$$ to charge in tear down fees. Most of the guys I used before I got my machine didn't mind the missing parts rather enjoyed it for the reasons listed above as long as it rolled on its suspension most were OK with it. Some had the ability to do some work with the suspension knocked out too. But one thing they all had in common, they never made a pull while I was there. It was a thing that they didn't want to see how long it took to hook up or how they pulled or what but NOT ONE ever made a pull while I was with the truck. I will tell you that the hooking up is about 80% of the challenge once it is done and the chains are tight and the pull is ready you can bend some stuff in a heart beat, or at least I can with my machine and it is nothing real fancy. Like I said help is always free, holler if you need it .Jim

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Subscribed and watching Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Subscribed!

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Subscribed as well. I always liked your truck and the color of it and I am looking forward to seeing you put'er back together. Glad your ok man!!

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

I'm down on the bottom of the island, so I'm close, let me know if you need anything and if possible I'm in.
Curtis

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Sub'ing. Can't wait to see it back on the road.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Check out your motor mounts. I had a front end collision in my 72 and the motor mounts had sheared letting the engine to move forward causing the shifter to be misaligned. I didn't have as much damage as you have.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

With all the help available here, I am sure you can do this.

If I wrecked my truck I'd be in a much worse spot but I'd try and fix it or save the parts, get another one (long wheel base the next time!), and go forward.

We can only go forward.....

I've prayed for you, just now. And do cut the rust out, do relocate the gas tank....no better time than this! So maybe it won't be all bad.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

So today I went out to lunch with the wife. After I dropped her back off at work, there is a hot rod shop located right behind her work place. So I strolled over there and talked to the owner.

We discussed the fact that my frame might be bent, and they are in the business of straightening frames on old vehicles. They actually specialize in custom rods. So they aren't doing any insurance work to stay afloat. He showed me their operation and I was quite pleased with what they have going on.

He asked when I could bring the rig in for them to look at it. I told him that the drivers side door will not stay closed so I would either have to rig it shut with rope, or put it on a flatbed.

He asked where I was located here in town, and I told him. He said he can make a trip out to my place to take a look at my truck to save me the trouble of trying to get it there. I thought that was a really cool gesture. So he and his bodywork guy are gonna swing by on Monday to have a look. Then we'll decide where we're going from there.

He also got me a line on a 1971 Chevy C10 Longbed as well.

I'd say it was a banner day to say the least. I'm pumped t get the ball rollin'. :)

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Its going to be better than before.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Whats the name of the place?? Pretty cool that they are gonna go to your place and have a look at it to save you the headache.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Go for it Gary.....its about to get better man!
The renewal...its underway!
For some parts or miscellaneous you might want to consider hitting the Portland Swap meet in a few weeks.
You might pick up some good sheet metal... or who knows?

Coley

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Shop owners aren't all jerks I ride all over the country looking at truck/cars parts whatever. I have driven a bunch a miles one way to write a free estimate I don't even write them as a normal course of my business. I usually don't do outside work, unless it is someone i have sold a truck to or someone that came to me on a recommendation. Lately though the wrecks have gone up so much [wrecked] and what I can get for them [done] is down] I'm doing more of the outside work,and part of my service in that is if somebody needs me to look at a dent or a wreck that they have had and the truck is 40-50 -60 miles away I'll take a ride. I don't know if it is so much customer courtesy with me or I'm just a nice guy almost to a fault.
Case in point I sold some friends a 07 Colorado Crew cab in 08 with about 7500 miles, it had been rebuilt by me. Right after Christmas, The lady called and said her husband had wrecked it and she was sending it to me for me to have. they had put tires on it in November and maybe I could use them or something off of it. She had given me the truck if I just would pay the flatbed ride to my place. well I did and the truck only needed a left 3/4 front on it,it was the mans only ride his wife had given it to me but I could not take it. Could you? I spent the next while chasing down some parts on the computer and fighting some of the coldest weather we have seen in a long time but I got all back together and spent long nights in front of this computer trying real hard to save every penny I could because the wreck was deemed his fault and his insurance didn't pay. So I got all done and delivered it to him 30 miles from my shop and gave him the bill and it was about $500 to $1500 short of what they were expecting to pay. I could have charged more but it ended up as shop filler any way so why. Ramble off I have to go to bed now. Sorry For long post.. Jim

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Subscribed - stay strong my brother!!

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Hugger your post makes it sound like someone here said all shop owners are jerks..... were all sitting here praising the guy for going to look at the truck.. I donno maybe i missed something, i know were all trying to be supportive including you.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Well... Sorry for the late update. Getting geared up for fishing season, and a lot of stuff going on. The shop owner swung by the house and took a look ath the truck. He pointed out some pretty bad spots on the frame. It is shifted to the passenger side more than an inch, and the drivers side framerail is actually twisted. The drivers side shock is compressed all the way down, and the passenger side is pretty much in the normal position. Once he pointed out the twist, it was completly noticeable. He did say that with the equipment they have at their shop, this would be quite a challenge as this is the worst frame tweak they would try to tackle. We drank a couple of beers together and discussed it, and I told him I'd let him know what I decide to do. What a cool cat. :)

So one of my buddies and I took the hood of last night, and now I will start the front end tear down. I will have more pics for you guys either tonight or tomorrow. I'll take some measurements and alos try to document the bent frame. Not 100% sure on where to go from here. If I want to save this frame, I will probably have to find a no kiddin' shop that does frame work. Or... find another frame, or another truck.

My wife was in tears as I told her the news when she got home from work. She is really hoping we can save this truck. I am too... but I'm keeping all my options open. She really loves the old heap, and she loves my truck as well :lol:. So I'll post more up for you fellers later on. :)

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Saving the truck is only a new frame away...

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

I agree. It would probably be cheaper as well. Good luck.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

True dat... then I could also get the coil spring rear end i really wanted all along. :)

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

it will happen, stay positive!

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Removed a few things today. Bumper, grille and cowl. Bumper is junk, along with the brackets. Grille and cowl are straight. Core support is a little tweaked, but can probably be coaxed back in to shape. It will probably straighten out a little more once I unbolt the fenders.

I was happy that the front marker lights didn't get jacked up too.

I took a couple shots to show the frame damage as well.

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

More pics...

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Hey Gary, I don't know if you've seen this one or not, but I think it should take care of your frame problem, and give you some extra parts for cheap.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pts/4409329951.html
Good luck,
Curtis

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

I did see that... but I think the 3/4 ton frames are thicker (heavier) than the half tons. But I could be wrong.

Got the fenders and inner fenders off yesterday. This is so reminiscent of when I started this project 8 years ago. Except everything is a lot less greasy. :lol:

Gary

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Sorry to hear about your truck Gas, I know you'll get it rebuilt

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Subscribed, looking forward to seeing how you bring the truck back and make it better!

Sean

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Gary,

I remember that thread you first posted when this happened. I can tell you have come a long way since then...I know you're going to get this thing together, one way, or another. You have a lot to work with there. I guess the $64 question is...the time/$$ of tweaking your frame back to useable, vs. time/$$ of a new frame.

Best of luck with that, but I can already tell how it's going to turn out.

Hang in there man.

Re: Out of the Ditch = The Rebuild Begins ('72 GMC)
 

Great news!!!

Some car show friends of ours saw the post about my wreck on FB, and got a hold of me the other day. He found a 1969 C10 long bed frame with trailing arms! If everything goes right, I should be headed out to pick it up this weekend! Pretty stoked about that!

I wanted to also take a sec to tell all you cats that have given me some positive reinforcement and sending good vibes. It helps... all of it. I was pretty dejected and depressed about the wreck, and my first reaction was "screw it, I'm done." Without the positive support from my wife, my best friend, my parents and ALL OF YOU CATS... I would have given up. Thanks a million for keeping the fires lit! :)

Gary