Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

As suggested, starting a build thread. Bought it from a guy in Comanche , Texas. Was asking $1400 with clear title. After seeing several similar trucks that were in worse shape with no title, decided to buy sight unseen. 5 hour drive from Corpus Christi, the guy said next day he'd deliver for $200...I said have you left yet...

Truck shows up 9/24/17. I was still working o the '59 Apache, so didn't touch it for months. Truck was better than expected. Typical cab corner, floor pan repairs needed, but no replacing roof, door skins, fender patches like the '59. Even has the running boards intact, not rusted out or totally missing like most I had see. All the door/window hardware work, just a really solid find.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Disassembly started.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Speedway X-member & Mustang II IFS install.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

More IFS install.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

My DIY rotisserie. 2 HF engine stands, had to cut neck off and scab pieces in to raise the frame so running board brackets would clear ground/lift.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Looking at the pics the bed looks like the longer 87 inch unit. Is that a long wheelbase half ton from the factory? That must be one rare bird if that's the case. Looks like you're motoring right along for just getting started!

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Trial fitting LS, 10 bolt rear end that was traded for front axle from this truck, set of Foose wheels/Nitto tires from CL, mocked up rear leaf springs.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Springs

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

welcome to the forum 68blackbird :D:D:D

texas sun is a little rough on paint from what i see, easy on rust too
half that truck would be missing up here in michigan

i understand that 'no title' comment, been looking for a new project
$4500 rust bucket 'no title' is what i see all over craigslist
i call it barrettjacksonitis

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Thanks Ogre, I joined bout 1 1/2 year ago when restoring the '59 Apache, got a lot of much needed help from this forum. I only started this restoring gig bout 5 years ago. My first was '68 Firebird, then a '70 Mustang for a buddy, my '66 Fury was next then the Apache. I guess I just have a knack for this stuff, that YouTube, and places like this make it all possible.

For anyone interested, here are my links to some of those builds. Kel

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1Q...VlLdWoqF1aemNK


https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...VkTlBmak5KZmhn

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Big step tonight, got front end put back together, even got springs in, uncut as Ogre suggested, glad you did man, I was really tempted to cut at least a 1/2 link out just to make it easier. As it was, having the right tool made all the difference. Also got the rear end back from my buddy who installed the new 3.73 gears, and did all that pinion, back lash stuff done. He's done a few 100 of them, so I feel good about that. Have the rear kinda snugged down till tomorrow, hope to get some wheels on it so we can nail down the rear and start on setting the LS in, I'm sure I will be hitting you guys when that time comes...Kel

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

More from tonight...that spring tool was worth its weight in GOLD!!

BTW, open for any and all suggestions on the rear end set up...Kel

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Rolling chassis, very happy.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

I guess we need to fit cab on to mock up LS install?

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

More progress...got cab back on to mock up LS motor mounts, started working on fender dents, pulled heads off LS to make sure everything is tidy, looks good so far.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Progress pics...

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

looking good ...be sure to use new head bolts...those a tty bolts...

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Did not know that...many thanks!! Kel

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Got motor, heads, intake cleaned up and painted.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Removed cab to install motor/tranny and mocked up brake booster.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

LS & tranny bolted in.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

What brake booster did you go with? What is the clearance to the transmission like? You used the 4l60e right? I am to the point of having to pick and buy brakes.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

I used the drum/disc combo from Pirate Jack on ebay. I do have the 4l60e, not sure what clearance you mean? Kel

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

I meant like how much room is between the two. When looking at my transmission it looks so close to the frame since its so wide. I was just wondering how much room was between the master cylinder and the transmission when all mounted up.

I have never heard of Pirate Jack. I will have to look him up. Thanks.

Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build
 

Here ya go Greg....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1947-54-Che...53.m2749.l2649