New project & forum jumper
 

Picked up a 51 GMC last weekend, so I am new to this (47-55) forum, learned alot on the 67-72 forum. Did a 68 chevy, thought I would try something different.
Here is a picture of when I brung it home, & the progress sofar.

here is some more

Nice truck and it is the right color too !!!!
If I had it all to do over again I would have left it in the patina that I had it for ten years, but no, I had to have it all the same color.
Save your self some time and money and just prime those fenders and running boards and put a real nice seat in it and drive it !!!

Kid,
How far did you move the rear axle back to center it in the fender well?

as shown, I have not moved it from wher it was when i got it. Someone before me installed a mopar 8 &3/4 to the stock springs. I will move it aft 1/2" more than what it is pictured to be centered.

Looks good. Keep up the good work!

my NEXT project will be an early 50's up to 55 1st edition...I HOPE...

Great looking truck.Can't wait to get to working on mine.Love the 5 window cabs.

What plans do you have for it?

want to get her in the weeds & semi-flat black single stage (tired of body work). Either steel wheels or hub caps. Just make a nice driver/ usable truck. With the air bags in the rear, will still be able to haul stuff.

Looks like a good project. If you can do a build up thread, that would be awsome.

At Low84's request.
Some pictures of leveling the chassis, locating the rear, tack welding some blocks to "hold" the rear in place. That way if you bump it, don't have to re measure. Just cut the blocks off when your finished.
Once locating the rear is complete, on to locating/ installing the triangulated 4 links

next step was to clamp a support on the rear cross member to keep from sagging, then install the C-notches (made from 7" schedule 40 pipe), with reinforcing boxing plates. Then fabing the cross member (from 1 5/8" tube) to support the air bags, and upper shock mounts (shock mounts not installed yet in pic). And an overall shot of the install.

Sorry for the pics not in order, I did put them in order when uploading them, but this is how they came out.

Thanks a bunch Kid, I really appreciate it. I am going to buy some airbags soon (hopefully) and need to atleast have a clue about what I am going to do. I was planning on putting them on my 84 but I am starting to get scared of messing the truck up since it's my only working car right now, so I might just go ahead and put them on my 51 project. Anyways thanks a bunch the pics really help.

Cool Jimmy you have there. I am also in the process of putting a 48 GMC together. I am very interested in the triangulated four bar set up. Where did you find the kit to do that with, or did you make them yourself? How about the bag kit, got any references for them too? Thanks fro any help you can toss my way. Keep up the good work!!!

For 4-bar and air bag kits I have been talking to the guys at suicide doors . com and they have the parts which are much larger than the companys in the books. Second choice would be No Limit Engineering for there kit

BigSix302, I bought the triangulated 4 link from AirRide Tech. about $375.00.
I fabed all the brackets for the bags. You can buy the same brackets from AirRide. (Ridetech.com) but my labor is cheaper. I purchased the bags (#9000)($71.00 ea.) from Truckspring.com. They are the lowest cost I have found for firestone products.
Good luck on your 48 GMC. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Love primer but put some sealer under it.

Its been in primer for 15 years now

thats a nice ride Phat, you got the right idea

Now for the surprize....it mostly stock with s-10 5 speed 235 with some hot rod parts. It cost me just a bit over 2200 back than to buy and build....Those days are long gone.

just an update on progress. Pulling the cab to gain access to the frame, then off with the chrysler front end & set up for a grand prix front end.

Keep up the good work!

Good looking welds KID!

looking good so far im still trying to decide what Im gonna do for a frame on my 50, any recomendations?

some more progress, splicing the new front end on, lots of measuring & re-measuring

here's the new stance, still along way to go

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haven't been on the web for a while, thought I would post a couple of pics for an update. Another milestone getting the motor set in place

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Nice tank. Looks like you've been busy.
Looks great.

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Boy O Boy, I like your work, keep it up, you will really enjoy driving that ride

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Kid,

What part of Kansas are you in? I'm in the process of getting a 49 chevy and your build gives me a lot of good ideas. Keep the pics coming..

Hause
located in Lawrence, Kansas

Re: New project & forum jumper
 

hey Hause, I live in Wellington, If your ever in the neighborhood, your welcome to stop by. I am no expert but am willing to share my experience to date. I am having a ball working on this old truck, as I'm sure you will with yours.
Larry

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Sounds great! Thanks for the invite!

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Your truck is going to be really nice when your done. I like the fab work you have done to the frame.

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Any new progress?

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that's a sweet build, the vortec.. 5.3??? keep up the good work.

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Thanks 58 GMC, I've been checking your build thread, nice work!
Yes bobski, its just a 5.3. wanted a 6.0 but this is more affordable.
Hause, you going to the good guys show in Kansas City in a couple of weeks?
If so, look me up, my wife & I will be in a red 59 ford ranchwagon.
Been workin off & on getting a little done. The pics I attached are showing mounting the radiator/ AC condensor & tranny cooler. I had to put the rad. fwd to make room for the stock fan so that made mounting kinda tuff. I took the chassis to the exhaust shop last week. I will add some pics of the exhaust if these come out ok.

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here are some shots of the 2.25" exhaust. Hung some stainless Magnaflow mufflers. If you look close, you can see the tail pipe even with the bottom of the gas tank. With the fender on the exhaust will not be seen.

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Any more pics on the tri-bar rear suspension? I really want to put one in my truck and am also looking at the 4-link setup as well. Any thoughts or suggestion would be appreciated....:cool:
Brian

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Man that is some top notch work there. Very impressive build!