|
'78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
restoring a nice '78 GMC Sierra Classic...plans are tu cut it down to a short bed, new paint, refresh the interior, reseal the 454, add tbi and a 4L80e...maybe some other mods. Here's a pic of it as found in the backyard of the original owner in San Antonio about 3 years ago...and back at my place.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
I traded the bed off it for a set of 67-68 buddy bucket seats.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
about 6 months ago I took the 78 to buddy's chassis shop, where we cut it down to a short bed.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
now it's Jan 2021 and time to build it...rolled into the shop...working on the rear of the truck first...I still need to trim off 5" of the rear of the frame so the short bed will fit...i did get the rear crossmember relocated forward...here's a pic of the 1" lift shackle...that's right, I'm going up instead of lower on this one....now for a new diff cover, brake lines ordered, new rear brakes, some paint
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
Got a little done today...cut 5.25" off the rear frame rails so the short bed will fit ....removed the diff brake lines...waiting on new ones from inline tube...removed the 2 piece driveshaft and carried bearing support...removed an exhaust hanger that's in the way of relocating the rear fuel tank...
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Looks cool. How much did you take out of the center of the frame? 14"? Do you have any pictures of the inside of the weld? I'm thinking of trying the same thing and wondering about options for reinforcing it.
Edit: What I mean is, do you have any pictures of the inside of the frame where it was welded? Any more of the measuring/cutting process would be great too. |
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Interested in watching your progress.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Hey SCOTI, not sure yet as haven't installed it yet. I've got to rebuild the front suspension and install some new front springs with coil spring spacers...I need to see what the front end height is before I do the rear....limited options on the front for 2wd
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Quote:
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
Got a little time to work on her today....what do you do when the shoes are up in the drums and the adjuster hole plugs are rusted in? You get the angle grinder out and some access to the shoes/springs/retainers....
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
1 Attachment(s)
after getting the drums off, I could get the axles so I could replace the bearings and seals...simple right? mr. cross shaft pin said not so fast....ugh
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
finally got the new bearings and seals installed....now to get some new brake hardware and finish the rear...
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
with the new axle bearings and seals in, and a new diff lock bolt installed, I was able to get the new diff cover on and filled this weekend....also got the new shoes and brake hardware installed....getting closer
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
Got the rear brake lines run, rear leaf springs and u bolts back together, new shocks and hardware
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
the rear of the chassis is now complete and detailed...time to move to the front
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
1 Attachment(s)
Finally got nearly all of the new suspension and steering parts in
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
time to get the front clip disassembled...got a start on it last night
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Quote:
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Thanks! I got lucky on that bolt, lol. I was able to use a pick and rotate it out. Should've bought a lottery ticket that day!
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
got the front clip fully disassembled and the 454/T400 out to rebuild
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
today started stripping the interior...
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
I got the passenger door disassembled yesterday evening. I think I'm going to reuse the lower carpet/panel trims as both sides are near mint.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
1 Attachment(s)
door panel carpet
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
This is coming completely apart :eek:
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
@SCOTI, lol, yeah...
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
got the drivers door disassembled this evening...tomorrow start on the dash disassembly...little by little
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
I removed the dash gauge bezel and dash pad this evening...I was going to disassemble the complete dash; gauge pod, radio, steering column, etc, but I realized it would be a waste of time...everything is in near mint condition...pristine even....I can't improve on it...hell, I'm just going to buff the lower dash paint along with the ashtray and glove box and call it done...
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
more dash pics
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
damn, I really like the way this one is going to sit....rolled it outside today to power wash the firewall, front frame, crossmember....tomorrow will disassemble the front suspension/steering....then it's frame painting time and a bunch of new parts to install
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
man, I hate front end work...nasty, greasy, and hard on this old guys back...I'm done for the day....it's Miller time
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Might be messy, but it looks like you're winning.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
Decided to remove the lower control arm bushings this evening...the drill method is the easiest I've found...going to use Prothane bushings/sleeves, so keeping the existing shells in place...also sprayed down the spindles with oven cleaner to get some of the grease and oil off before blasting/painting.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
after soaking in EZ Off oven cleaner for 2 days, I got a chance to power wash some of the greasier front end parts this evening...sprayed on a little Gibbs to slow the flash rust on the machined surfaces...the Prothane control arm bushings showed today too...tomorrow press in the new MOOG ball joints...
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
I got off work a little early yesterday and finally finished stripping down the front frame...got the brake/fuel lines off...got the steering gearbox off and the master cylinder/booster as well...goal this weekend is to finish cleaning the frame and paint it as well as media blasting a lot of the smaller parts and painting them
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
Got the new MOOG ball joints pressed in the LCA's....also blasted and painted lots of small parts....tomorrow final clean/paint the front frame and then it's on to installing all the new parts!
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
It's looking good. You're making quick work of it.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
Thank you. I try to do a little bit each day so things keep moving along.
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
finally got the front half of the frame cleaned/scuffed/painted today...it's almost time to throw a bunch of new parts at this thing
|
Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
2 Attachment(s)
the view you have laying under the cab sanding the frame for paint....also, I've decided not to paint the bottom of the cab...I love the original red primer and overspray...there is so little rust...I'm just going to coat it with Gibbs Brand and leave it as is... not hiding anything on this clean ass truck
|
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:05 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com