The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 47-55.1 My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project

**Nima** · 11-11-2021, 12:49 AM

Hi:
I have been a member of this site for many years. I joined when I got my 1967 and now I have my 53 but due to my limited mechanical skills I have been more of the reader (user) than contributor. Now that I am restoring my 53 I thought to share my build process.
For some reasons I always end up with 3/4 ton trucks which have always created some challenges as far as finding the right parts for them but I don't mind it since I really like the 8 lug wheels and the stance of the 3/4 ton trucks.
So, here we go:
The plan for this farm fresh truck is become a reliable daily driver while keeping the 3/4 ton status although it won't haul or tow anything major although I think it would be cool to tow with older trucks. I want as much modern as possible suspension (again being 8 lug) and as much as I could technically and financially afford. It is not all out (financially) project. I like to keep the old beat-up look with a reliable interior and drive train.
I am installing a 14 bolt full float axle in the back with 8 lug disc brake swap, and I just refresh the front end with all new parts and 8 lug disc brake conversion. The engine will be a 5.3 vortec paired with 4l60E tranny in stock form from a 2001 truck. I do all the wiring modification myself.
I have (and will have more) tons of questions since this is the first project at this scale and this is my first 1st series truck. I appreciate your help along the way.
Here is my farm fresh truck. It came to me with everything in the bed and few pound of rat and wasp nests in the cab!

11-11-2021, 12:49 AM	#1
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,169	My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project Hi: I have been a member of this site for many years. I joined when I got my 1967 and now I have my 53 but due to my limited mechanical skills I have been more of the reader (user) than contributor. Now that I am restoring my 53 I thought to share my build process. For some reasons I always end up with 3/4 ton trucks which have always created some challenges as far as finding the right parts for them but I don't mind it since I really like the 8 lug wheels and the stance of the 3/4 ton trucks. So, here we go: The plan for this farm fresh truck is become a reliable daily driver while keeping the 3/4 ton status although it won't haul or tow anything major although I think it would be cool to tow with older trucks. I want as much modern as possible suspension (again being 8 lug) and as much as I could technically and financially afford. It is not all out (financially) project. I like to keep the old beat-up look with a reliable interior and drive train. I am installing a 14 bolt full float axle in the back with 8 lug disc brake swap, and I just refresh the front end with all new parts and 8 lug disc brake conversion. The engine will be a 5.3 vortec paired with 4l60E tranny in stock form from a 2001 truck. I do all the wiring modification myself. I have (and will have more) tons of questions since this is the first project at this scale and this is my first 1st series truck. I appreciate your help along the way. Here is my farm fresh truck. It came to me with everything in the bed and few pound of rat and wasp nests in the cab! Attached Images __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner Last edited by Nima; 11-12-2021 at 09:18 PM.