Jake 1960 GMC Build Thread

[jbgroby]

TRUCK: 1960 GMc with a 305V-6 3 speed trans, 3.93 rear axle, fornt torsion bar suspention.

In January 2000 I found the first GMC I was to restore in New Orleans, LA. The idea was to have it ready for my son for his senior year. That did not happen because the truck I bought was a basket case. The cab was shot. However, the bed, frame, engine and transmission were in decent condition we decided to keep it and look for another cab and doors. The disassembly began as you can see.

This was the first time I had ever tried to do a project this big. Let alone fool with an engine. Being adopted and a single parent (mom) household, car were just not my thing. A friend Bill who found the truck for me also was into old cars and gave me a ton of pointers of what to do, where to save money and what not to waste my time on.

Many of these pictures were upload in Webshots and the originals were lost to Hurricane Katrina, so I feel lucky to have the ones I saved, when possible I’ll load photos from my CPU. I’ll also post the link to the entire album. I figure this might save server space on the club site.

These pictures show her one day one January 2000.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/414754436esouns

As you can see the truck was used for plumbing work in the New Orleans area. The custom made tool and parts bins in the bed were a work of art. The owner Ashton Chargois had built these in 1960 and they were still going strong. It took me and my son 2 days to dismantle and the boxes and piping. I have no idea how he managed to put the piping in the bed. Each end was threaded in opposite, as I unscrewed one end, it tighten the other side. I had to take a Saws-All to remove the pipes

We dug right in and starter tearing her apart, saving and numbering the zip-lock bags with the bolts and stuff we took off. In a notebook, we recorded the date and numbers of the bags so we could REMEMBER what the hell the nuts and bolts came off of YEARS later Everybody know what I’m talking about right? The first thing I noticed was the design of the engine which was like no other engine I’d ever saw before. The location of the plugs was the first indication I had that this was a weird engine. Little did I know that it was on the rare side and IT would start my love affair with the V-6.

The Engine

Before I get into the nuts oand bolts of the build and because the engine is the hearts of ANY truck, I ‘ll take a moment to explain why this engine is so radical and different. ( I would have said better, but all that does is start fights)

The 305 V-6 was the brain child of GMC engineers. In January of 1959 GMC decided to design a new truck, with a new type of engine. This was Detroit’s first V-6 and was hailed as a major engineering breakthrough with advances in metallurgy and design; they had developed the first of its kind, a 60 degree V-6 block with 12 degree off-set cylinder bank (narrower which created less friction/drag on the up-stoke). This is the only engine ever to be designed like this. The position of the sparkplugs (inside of the heads, plugs run cooler) and the design of the pistons (3 compression and 1 oil ring). Additionally, 92% of the cylinders are surrounded by water, which eliminated hot spots, the water pump moves 135 gpm. The camshaft sits in a bath of motor oil and is lubricated as soon as it's started. Cam lobes dip into a built-in reservoir of oil as the camshaft rotates, preventing cam and valve scuffing - a major reason why this engine gives long, dependable service.
(The following information is Courtesy of the 60-66 GMC page owned created by Jolly Goodfellow)

With thermostat open, only half the water goes to the radiator, the other half returns to the pump through a by-pass. This results in excellent cooling ability. There is less than four degrees variation in water temperature throughout the engine. This checks the possibility of hot spots. Here's cooling efficiency that is not matched by any other comparable size engine. Life of pistons, valves, valve guides and spark plugs in much greater, and the possibility of head-cracking is held safely in check.

Wires are short & designed to remain trouble-free. Instead of looping around & over the cylinder banks, they're neatly nested between the banks.

Identical left & right exhaust manifolds of special alloy iron & highly resistant to cracking & warping by extreme temperature changes. Large individual ports for each cylinder & short, large diameter passages permit more complete scavenging of exhaust gases. Result is better fuel economy, longer life, & better performance.

Short Intake Manifold with individual ports for each cylinder are a special feature of this engine. Individual ports permit faster intake & more uniform distribution of fuel-air mixture to each cylinder. Because manifolds are short & have a minimum of bends & curves, too rich or too lean fuel mixtures, usually found in longer in-line or V-8 engines are completely eliminated. This results in much better fuel economy, cleaner, more complete combustion & greater engine efficiency.
New, long-reach spark plugs have greater surface area in contact with cooling passages. These cooler running plugs stay cleaner so they last longer. Spark plugs, located inside the "V", away from hot exhaust manifolds, run cooler, have much shorter wires, & are easy to service.
Smooth, precision-machined combustion chamber minimizes carbon deposits, hot spots & pre-ignition. & there is uniform combustion in all 6 cylinders for smoothest engine operation. 6 equally-spaced head bolts surround each cylinder to reduce bore distortion, & guarantee gasket sealing for long engine service.
Valves operate efficiently at any engine temperature, The hardened steel rocker arm shaft is held firmly in place by 5 aluminum brackets. As valves warm up & expand, brackets expand too, assuring proper valve clearance under all operating temperatures. The engine runs quieter with fewer valve adjustments needed, valve life is extended. Brackets at both ends of the shaft, & one bracket between each set of rockers arms holds shaft deflection in check.
V-6 roller timing chains are double-strand, for double durability. They're quit, & positive in action, models 401 & up have a three-gear train.
Compared with other engines of equal displacement, V-6's have the largest exhaust valves of all to keep back pressure low, efficiency high.
Tough, Silchrome XB-steel exhaust valves, hard-faced with Ni-Chrome--plus long-life valve seat inserts.
Self-locking adjusting screws s-t-r-e-t-c-h the time between valve adjustments -- & then lighten the work; it's a simple & inexpensive one wrench job.

Ok Back on track. And to the Engine tear down
These pictures show what it took and looked like to tear the engine down. The back patio was a mess for about 2 months, my wife was having fits and I have to keep everything clean. After the engine was removed we took it to a local shop to have it dipped and de-greased.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/414765985PUGXbf

After we got the engine back from the shop then it was time to sandblast, prime and paint. These picture show the work involved over 2 days. The yard where I was sandblasting was Mr. Bill’s place in New Orleans east. His compressor is a heavy duty Leroy industrial road compressor mated to a 1,500 gallon air tank. At125 psi, you can blast for over a 45 minutes before needing to kick on the compressor, Compared to him, we are all amateurs and fly weight hobbyists!

http://rides.webshots.com/album/414770881SjvNdM

It took over 68 bags of sand, and 16 hours to blast EVERYTHING on the frame and suspension. All work proudly done me and I was really getting into the job. We used a engine hoist on a sheet of plywood to flip the frame over when done.

This pictures show a VERY UNSAFE PRATICE PAINTING WITH OUT A MASK. I’ve learned a lot. However, the way Bill tough me to paint rims was perfect.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1414...54402330dbvOGx

The fame and parts are finished the paint was a 2 part epoxy by Martin Senior bought from NAPA. Had I known about Por-15 them I would have used that. Oh well it was only my wife’s money.

[jbgroby]

Having a bit of problem editing the above. Had to add another post.

While the engine was in the shop getting dipped, were tore down the body

http://rides.webshots.com/album/414767983XqKktE

The kids were much younger and I was MUCH Lighter.

[KIC]

Jake....

You found my 60 burb's long lost cousin. Check out my thread...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1960+suburban

looks as original as mine...also look like same color scheme. Mine has been on hold for a little while but paint may be coming in a month or so...I hope...

[Corts60]

Nice build thread Jake! More pics I hope?

[jbgroby]

I'll post some pictures as I get closer to posting the write up on the stuff we've done in the past year, but the links you see now are the pictures I lost in Katrina.

[jbgroby]

Post 3

You remember what I said about the cab being rotten? Well another around 2004 member from the 60-66 club offered me a 60-61 cab for only a $100, I jumped at the chance to grab it. Great deal you say, well the cab was in the state of Oregon and I was in the state of Louisiana, or as my wife said a “DERANGED” state. Steve was his name (I think) and he offered to drive the cab to his dads place in Illinois during the summer and keep it there until I could come get it. YES! Now, it was only 1900 vs. 2,400 miles away! Over a few months I saved up $400 for fuel, food and hotels.

My friend BIG Sam (you’ll see why) who had a decent truck and plenty of time off, got together with me and drove to Illinois to grab the cab. The story of the FIRST TRIP TO TRY AND GET THE CAB WAS A DUSEY, Yes I said FIRST TRIP.

On the first attempt we left on a Friday night about 6 PM and was happily on our way north along I-55. We got to about to Granada, MS. At about 10pm when Sam notices his engine temp a little high, so we pull off and into an all night gas station when the lower radiator hose decided to lost loose. At this point we forgot to leave Mr. Murphy (of Murphy Fame, “Whatever can go wrong at the worst possible time, usually does”) at home and he came along for the ride. Of course we had the great luck to be in the only town in America which did not have a 24/7 WAL-MART. We used a roll of duck tape to seal the hose along with some hose clamps to help hold the tape in place and drove to the nearest auto parts place we could find which was a Western Auto, (I had not seen one of those in years).

We parked and tried to sleep in a hot ass truck with mosquitoes along for the ride. At 10:00am the store opened and we were able to buy a new hose I told Sam to replace the upper hose and thermostat while we were at it and as Mr. Murphy was right by our side and decided to let Sam break the cast aluminum water inlet neck right then. So, one more trip back in the store to buy one more part. Oh **** it is not in stock, sorry I can’t help you. After explaining out plight to the mgr. he drove Sam to AutoZone about 5 miles away to get the water neck inlet. YEAH! We be back on the Road Again (Yes, I sang some Willie).

O.K. we blew through Memphis, got to Sikeston, Mo. When Sam notices the temp starting to rise again. We pull over and he figures that the fan clutch is not working, so we get to the local AutoZone and buy a new clutch. Mr. Murphy was right by our side again to inform us that although the store had the clutch it DID NOT have the special tool we would need to remove and install the new one. We are now about 700 miles from home with no way to get back. Then that AZ mgr, called another store located the tool and drove to go get it. We removed the old clutch, put a few more scratches on our hands and installed the new one was kept on trucking.

O.K. we made it about 10 miles when the temp stated to come up Again! We pulled into a motel 6 BEGGED for a room which was not available. We decided that was enough for one weeked from hell and decided to head for home.

That weekend was Founders day and the place was packed! WHAT THE HELL IS A FOUNDERS DAY! We spoke very nicely to the lady at the front desk and she found us a room and asked us if a smoking room with 1 queen bed would be OK? I told her I was so tired that I’d sleep in the lobby if it was O.K.? The room at least HAD a bed, which by this time out eyes are bleeding we’re so tired and dirty. We get in the room and proceeded to attempt to scrub the grease and dirt off. I tell you, them wash rags that we used ain’t never going be white again!

Sam and I were so tired we barely made it to the bed. Let alone give a crap it was a queen and we had to sleep in the same bad. We promised each other we would not grope in the night and let it go at that!

At the time, I wore glasses and ONE OF THE SCARIEST things I’ve ever saw was the site of Sam in his Spiderman Briefs. Picture this, I woke up looked over forgetting where I was at for a moment and all I saw was Spiderman crawling across Sams’ Ass, I jumped up and grabbed my glasses and made that made it worse because his Big Ass was now in complete and utter focus. I took off the glasses and staggered into the bathroom.

Nursing a sick truck back home over 700 miles away is something I wish on NO ONE. We noticed about 50 miles into the trip home that if we stayed at 55 mph the temp held ok, any faster we started heading high. It took us about 16 hours to get back home. The problem was that Sam though he was doing good by prepping for the trip by flushing out the old radiator juice and putting in new stuff, but what he did not realize, that the small rust particles simply clogged up the core.

He brought the radiator to the shop and had it boiled out and he was a good as new. OK 4 more months later I was able to save up some MORE money and we tried again, only this time it went perfect. Got to see the Arch in DAYLIGHT . These pictures show the cab we went to pick up on the SECOND TRIP.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/414791430bWegiX

EVERY place we stopped for gas the guys all came to look talk trucks and to say the Indian term “IHOJLT” I Had One Just Like That”, or the other Indian phrase “IHOJLT-EIWD” I Had One Just Like That, Except It Was Different?

[Young Gun]

wow good story just read all so far

[jbgroby]

Post 9

While I was trying to get all the paperwork straight I looked into the brake situation and found no fluid, but no leaks? I changed the MC out to be safe and bled the brakes down. It took about 3 weeks to get all the paperwork straight so I could get insurance and a plate and then for 2 glorious days I drove many circles in the subdivision to get the feel for her.

I brought her to a radiator shop to have the engine flushed and found all the little lonely lost holes in my rad. Had her towed home, and bought a 3 core center mount radiator from US rad.

Then the fun began, slowly, ever so slowly I started trying to change things as needed. The previous owner tried to make a low rider out of this truck by simply clamping down on the suspension. I Removed a rear roll pan, put on a rear bumper, changed everything out on the front end, adjusted the torsion bars almost 4” to bring her to correct height, removed rear coil clamps and had to replace the rear coils because they were shot from being compressed too long. Engine wise I added a Petronix setup. I changed out the single barrel intake and carb. to a dual set up. I Changed out all 4 wheel cylinders. Bartered to find the correct 60-61 hood, picked up a few doors and tailgate that were in better condition. Basically, I found enough parts to build another truck.

[jbgroby]

Post 10

It now October 2007 and for the first time I was able to drive an antique truck to Cruising the Coast. I saved up some money and was able to get a room at one of the host hotel and lived it up for a week. It was so cool to drive up and down the Coast meeting other truckers, and other club members (Susan Cooper) explaining to other folks that YES THE ENGINE WAS STOCK.

One of the best things about the CTC event is that they have one hell of a swap meet that literally fills the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum. Most years there are over 5,000 vehicles registered. 2007 was the first year back on track since Katrina although it was not quite as crowded as normal, it was still packed with many cars and trucks (3200). For many, it’s a once a year pilgrimage thing. Luckily I live just 20 miles from Mississippi Coast and can drive back and forth many of the days. That’s a good thing, because the rooms usually sell out by June each year.

Here is a link to CTC this year.
http://www.cruisinthecoast.com/

Here is a link of all the past years pictures
http://www.cruisinthecoast.com/Photos.htm

[jbgroby]

Post 11.

Been awhile since I posted any up dates but here goes. I'll call this chapter Alongs Comes a Gustav.

I had the truck bed dismounted and under cover out back, and pulled the truck out of the garage to the back side so we could use the garage to store stuff and cars in from the tree branches and such.

Gustavs forms in the Gulf headed for our area, everyone praying it'll turn and NOT TEST the LEVEES which were not ready for any storm yet. Dee and the family evac'd to her moms in Hammoond and I had to report to work. We got some rough weather but NOTHING like when I got home to find that someone had stolen the green GMC truck. For about a day I was checking with the wife and kids making sure that no one arranged a pickup to restore it (BOY WAS I HOPING). NOPE IT WAS STOLEN.

Call the police made a report and was so upset I forgot I had insurance on it. After filing it took about 45 days to settle out right and I took the money to restore the flooded truck. OH and decided to invest in an good alarm system.

Let me tell you these is something viseral aboout knowing that a total stranger walked onto your property and took something that belonged to you. Pisses you off to no end and MAKES you get something to defend yourself.

Lo be the sum-bit*h that tries it again!

I was able to pick up a rebuilt block off ebay listed by Flight-Lline engine rebuilders and started again from there.


http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568422172LCyGEI

[jbgroby]

Post 12

I forgot I had started this thread but here is some updates.

After I got the short block from Flightline I torn down the Katrina truck and salvaged every part possible. Sent the head to be vatted at (Eberts Engine in Slidell, LA.) and while searching ebay I found someone who was selling a OEM 305 V-6 head never used for $40.00 BIN I scooped it up fast! I told Terry at Eberts use the best two of three and call me when ready, I paid him to assemble the heads while I waited for the short block to arrive.

Here is the engine rebuild album

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568422172LCyGEI

When I got the engine block from the shipper(freight was $155due to weight) I cleaned up, primed and painted the spare Hydramatic trans. I found at a CTC side swap meet. (I'm one of those pack rats who tends to buy extra of something I know I can use or at least pass on to someone else). After the trans and block was painted it was mated to the frame.

At first I mounted the transmission to the frame not relizing that I would have a ***** of a time aligning 32 holes for the flywheel to the torus cover - Off came the transmission.

I contacted Steve Lorio who wanted the extra block and the day he showed up he help me mate the transmission to the flywheel, I could not have done it by myself - THANKS STEVE!

Ok I hooked up the engine hoist and started to lift both the motor (835lbs) and the trans (125lbs.) Got the new rear mounts set, kept the hoist hooked up and set the front mounts. It took longer to aling and bolt the front mounts to the block than the rest of the entire process.

Set new head gaskets on and set the heads in place, did the preliminary setting of the tolerances for the lifters and called it a day.


A good friend Mike Sage, ONE HELL OF A MECHANIC since passed away , came over rechecked everything I did and gave it a start.

YouTube - First time Start-up of a GMC 305...

After all the mechanicals were completed, I moved on to the bodywork. The one thing that many guys fail to admit is you need to "KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW. Although I've seen body work done and can slop bondo on with the best of them I can't work metal worth a crap and although I was willing to learn, I didn't want to use a my decent cab as a petri dish!

At work I had a lab tech "Estaban" who's also into cars big time and wanted a chance to put some more dolly and hammer work under his belt, so we worked up a price per hour $25.00 and I let him have at it. He also brough a friend to help on some days.

One tool I fell in love with is a stud welder (best $100.00 I've probaly ever spent) and slide hammer, made life really simply for the guys. Here is the album.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/570011449JVCLFX

Once the body rough in was complete it was time to find a painter. This take 3 things, word or mouth referals, time and trust. forget anyone of those and you're in for a ride.

The guy I found is a retired gent called Art Galshot he is without a doubt one of the more persnickty people I've ever met, will not take a short cut. Won't rush and does each car/truck as if it was for the Queen of England. We agreed on a price for the entire truck of $3500.00.

The more time consuming things, I've done was research the paint codes as I'm trying to get as close as possible to OEM.

About 2 months into the job he calls me up with some bad news that he was involved in a head-on accident and broke his left wrist. Although, he's right handed he still needed his left hand to help balance. The painting had about a 6 month set back and 3 surgury's later we are almost ready to paint the outside as of 1/15/2011.

When you look at the album, note the littles extras he did.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/575304472BKnrNw

The last updates to the painting were added 1/15/11 with the interior clear coat.

[darkhorse970]

Looking good Jake! I'm looking forward to seeing you driving it!

[jbgroby]

Getting closer, got the doors back from the painter last week. Did a great job.

[Corts60]

Hey Jake, any progress?

[Vernski]

Hey Jake how are you? We miss you how is the GMC coming along?...Vernski

[jbgroby]

I have not forgot about anyone, just waitign for the painter to finish the next piecs. I'm running for my Local Parish Council Made the runn off and beat him in every precnt. buyt becasue there was a thrid candidate, we still have a run off. Will be distracted until the morning of Nov. 20th at least.

Jake

[jbgroby]

Ok Post # 12 (I think) WHATEVER, I FORGOT

The painter and I messed up the black trim on the fenders (brought it too forward) My fault really, did not point it out correctly to the painter. He re-painted and re-cleared the fenders. I test mounted one yesterday to see how she lays.

The Canyon Blue looks really beautiful. The fender rear bolt holes ALL line up, so I can tell that the front Rad support is too low. Will adress that this week.

[Corts60]

That is awesome. This is one of the most nail-biting threads on this board.

[jbgroby]

I don't know about nail biting, but after yesterday I was INNER FENDER KICKING!

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Originally Posted by jbgroby

Ok Post # 12 (I think) WHATEVER, I FORGOT

The painter and I messed up the black trim on the fenders (brought it too forward) My fault really, did not point it out correctly to the painter. He re-painted and re-cleared the fenders. I test mounted one yesterday to see how she lays.

The Canyon Blue looks really beautiful. The fender rear bolt holes ALL line up, so I can tell that the front Rad support is too low. Will adress that this week.

I like the color combination. She is looking good!
Can't wait to see it done.

[jbgroby]

More Post.

OK got back some more body parts from the painter. Cowl Fenders, Front Clip and Barbell mounted

[jbgroby]

Gto the headlights setup and installed.

[CRGRS 66]

Great looking build! I agree on the colours as well

[jbgroby]

OK, Finally got the inner fenders back from the painter, cut and glued up the new weather strip will start mounting them this week. I'm glad I waited and found a OEM 60-61 P/S inner fender to match the divers side, thei was making me nuts trying to find one with the smaller spring bracket. For those of you new to the BB, 60-61's had a smaller spring bracket and the 62-66. Don't knoe why the factory changed. I have not heard any stroties of them tearing lose.

[jbgroby]

Got the inner fenders mounted up today, starting to take shape.