Papa's 75 GMC Beau James

[1981_c10]

I have a funny story for y'all. As most of you know, we spend our time searching CL or FB or Ebay or the forum to find our next project truck or parts. Just think back to the day when all this was done in the classifieds of the newspaper...

Well, my Papa who is in his late 70's found a score. Yesterday he purchased a 1975 GMC Beau James. From what I have read, only about 4,000 of these were made in 1975. The one he got has a fresh 350 in it, decent interior, and a 50 ft paint job. Originally the truck would have come with trim and a silver strip along the side and hood. Maybe we can change it back.

The truck is a long bed with factory tilt and AC. The AC will need to be worked on as it appears to be missing the compressor. I am looking forward to messing with this one and snapping a pic of my 81 C10, my Dad's 62 and Papa's 75 Beau James.

Anyway, here are some pics of Beau James. Plans to come.

[1981_c10]

Forgot the most important part....only $3,500. I am going to start searching the newspaper. hahah

More details on the truck:
- Engine is a rebuilt 350 with a small cam and about 500 miles on it
- Seat has been recovered
- New Exhaust
- New shocks
- Paint is a year old...but not show quality. it will probably get freshened up. Just need to see what Papa wants to do.
- New wheels and tires.


Some that aren't familiar with the Beau James, they are 3/4 frames with the softer 1/2 suspension.

[ElGracho]

Originally Posted by 1981_c10

...
Some that aren't familiar with the Beau James, they are 3/4 frames with the softer 1/2 suspension.

That's not actually true. It's a regular 1/2 ton frame. There is very little difference in the section modulus (stiffness) of the light 3/4 and the 1/2 ton frame anyhow.

The Beau James package is cosmetic, much like the Indy Haulers, Gentleman Jims, Chevy Sports and GMC Street Coupes.

Those floor mats are special, keep them in good shape!

The bedside decals are now being reproduced by Phoenix Graphix.
https://www.phoenixgraphix.com/gm/1975bj.php

[1981_c10]

Originally Posted by ElGracho

That's not actually true. It's a regular 1/2 ton frame. There is very little difference in the section modulus (stiffness) of the light 3/4 and the 1/2 ton frame anyhow.

The Beau James package is cosmetic, much like the Indy Haulers, Gentleman Jims, Chevy Sports and GMC Street Coupes.

Those floor mats are special, keep them in good shape!

The bedside decals are now being reproduced by Phoenix Graphix.
https://www.phoenixgraphix.com/gm/1975bj.php

Thanks for the info. I was simply going off what I read online. And the floor mats are cool. We will need to clean them up a bit.

Also, thanks for the decal link. Sent it to my dad to share with my Papa. Hopefully we can repaint the truck back to original colors before adding the decals back.

[1981_c10]

After having the Beau James for a little over a week now, we are thinking the lifters need to be adjusted some more. The engine is a fresh rebuild, so seems reasonable.

Also, my papa got under it and found quite a bit of bondo. He isn't super excited about that part, but still decent truck. Hoping to get over to his house this weekend to take a look and inspect for myself.

[1981_c10]

In a small turn of events, my papa decided he didn't want the truck...so he sold it....



To my dad thankfully! Will be posting more about it. Quick update it that my dad just put some ralley wheels on it, the plan is to freshen up the paint a bit, maybe put the strip back on and the decal. Also, the vent window needs to be fixed and the search for beau james parts begins.

if anyone has a hood ornament or badges for sale, let me know!

[1981_c10]

The Beau james with some new mirrors and hanging with his friends.

[1981_c10]

We also put some rally wheels on it.