Yet another GMC build

[JML55]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Picked up a set of 99 dodge ram seats and spent WAY too much time making brackets. I have some Sebring convertible seats that also have the built in seat belts but I wanted the bigger cushier seats. For those who don't know, if you do these kind of seats they require a seat belt controller and won't work without it.

What do you mean with seat belt controller?

[OKGMC4]

2001. They are leather but have a couple pin holes in them. I'd have to recover them either way and just thought the thicker seat would give a better ride.

[blackdiesel]

glad to see progress. Them seats are HUGE lol

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by blackdiesel

glad to see progress. Them seats are HUGE lol

Ya, the original console between them is 15 inches wide and I have 5 inches between the seats. These trucks are just so narrow compared to late models, it feels like an S10 inside.

BTW what I've read on the net is that the factory GM variable displacement compressor on the 5.3l may or may not be compatible with Vintage Air units. I know you are planning on the stock compressor but you should look into this, black diesel. Shouldn't you be known as red diesel now? lol

[OKGMC4]

I suppose this thread should be moved over to the builds section now? Anybody know?

[blackdiesel]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Ya, the original console between them is 15 inches wide and I have 5 inches between the seats. These trucks are just so narrow compared to late models, it feels like an S10 inside.

BTW what I've read on the net is that the factory GM variable displacement compressor on the 5.3l may or may not be compatible with Vintage Air units. I know you are planning on the stock compressor but you should look into this, black diesel. Shouldn't you be known as red diesel now? lol

Funny guy lol. actually my other dodge was white. no one could understand why i picked blackdiesel.... well smoke is black and smoke is also unburnt fuel. so =blackdiesel. i was a smoke-a-holic, i did nearly all of my mods solely for smoke. yeah, yeah, i know... stupid kids...

i am running the stock compressor. and i do have a vintage air.. i'll let you know how it works out haha. if it blows it up good-riddence! that thing sucks you-know-what.

[blackdiesel]

also, on gpas 57. we installed durango full size buckets with a dakota center console. looks o-k. not as good as mine and dad's bench seats... but we have big back glass's and tall headrests look horrible in them

[yukon ratrod]

what year of hood are you going to use?? if you used a 57 hood would you think about using the two bodylines and pehaps mold some exhaust tubing into the hood to use the body lines as vents to feed the intake??!!!??? just a thought!

[blackdiesel]

I think he's using the opening in the GMC hood to feed it, very cool.

[OKGMC4]

Back on eartth for the first time in 1.5 years. The rear sits too high. I got 3/4" lower by shaving the sides of the spring. It was too stiff anyhow, I could jump up and down in the back and it barely moved. I'll get another 1" with longer spring bolts and it should be about right.

[OKGMC4]

Got one taillight bucket mounted. I almost chose 50 pontiac lights because of the shared heritage of GMC and pontiac engines. I got 48 ford lights instead because they look like stock suburban lights turned sideways. I wanted them higher than stock for more visibility and I am so tired of frenched this and that that I actually brought them out of the fender.

['58Patch]

Awesome! Looks great, keep up the good work!

I have heard that if you use the gas shocks designed for the Corvette suspension, on the truck, it will be a really rigid and a rough ride. Coil overs have been recommended to me for this setup. Apparently it makes a huge difference.

[OKGMC4]

It's rigid because of the spring, I think. When I jump on it now it bouces just like the front. Before I shaved the springs my extra 215lbs made no real difference and the tires were trying to bounce! Even Newman Car Creations recommends the factory mono spring and they do hundreds of these conversions. I think some companies suggest coil overs because they can make a bigger sale that way.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Got one taillight bucket mounted. I almost chose 50 pontiac lights because of the shared heritage of GMC and pontiac engines. I got 48 ford lights instead because they look like stock suburban lights turned sideways. I wanted them higher than stock for more visibility and I am so tired of frenched this and that that I actually brought them out of the fender.

looks like they were there from the factory.

[Kabwe]

Looking real good man, you have a very nice build going on.

[rawraw67]

very nice build.like the front and rear vet Suspension.what is the gas door from ?

[OKGMC4]

The filler door is from a 91 Dodge Ramcharger. It was free so I don't feel too bad about using MOPAR in a GM.

[hotrod1]

Beautiful work! Keep it up. It is an inspiration to all us newbies out there.

[ambryatim]

^^^Sure did!!!
I have plenty of cardboard boxes around, I think I might just see what would be close. Again, Nice build.

And thanks for the info.

[Trucknut57]

Just got done reading your build progress, I have to say, great looking build and can't wait to see it out running around our pot hole riddled streets.

I am looking at putting in a 5.3l and the 6 speed auto into my 57 and would like to know how you did it. Is there any way I can come and look at the install or can you send me some pics of the mounts?



Thanks,
Wess

[OKGMC4]

Either way, but I think my install is a little different than most. I have to say the Vette suspension messes everything up. The way the rack and pinion sits dictates how the engine has to sit in there. The K member is flat rather than V shaped and that hurts too. Mine is higher than most because of that. I made adapter plates (from cardboard templates) that old style small block engine mounts bolt to and then the assembly bolts to the engine. They are dropped onto homemade pedestals that come up from the K member rather than in from the sides, and it's 1.5 inches towards the pass side to clear the steering shaft. My trans member is an old camaro cross member cut down with angle welded on the ends. My trans is REALLY close to the floor at the firewall and I'm not sure but I think the 6 gear auto is bigger? Let me know if you need more pics or from a certain angle.

I'm so jealous, yours looks so good and it's about the exact color I want! I'm going too slow and the color stage is so far away...

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

Just got done reading your build progress, I have to say, great looking build and can't wait to see it out running around our pot hole riddled streets.

I am looking at putting in a 5.3l and the 6 speed auto into my 57 and would like to know how you did it. Is there any way I can come and look at the install or can you send me some pics of the mounts?



Thanks,
Wess

Just noticed the good looking 70-73 Camaro on the side. I started a 70 with a rotted body and ended up using all the good mechanical stuff to finish a 79 TA. Sometimes still wish I had that car, and yes I have a thing for blue.

[Trucknut57]

I've had this truck for over 20 years and I looks great from 10ft, but I do use it as a work truck. Thats why I am looking into the 5.3l swap, better mpg and rated @ 320hp stock.

It currently has a 350/350 offset 1.5" to the passenger side because of the volarie front suspension and it also has a 70's camaro rear with 2.73 gears. The color is a PPG called Twilight.

The Camaro is a 72 and I built it for the wife but she won't drive it because it doesn't have any a/c in it as of yet, her loss my gain.

Here is a couple of more pics that have both.

[OKGMC4]

I hope this info helps someone with their LSX swap...I made several trips to the parts store looking for radiator hoses and this is what I came up with. I found a Gates 21710 hose to work on the lower if the end with the 90 degree turn is cut off. It's a lower hose for a 88-90 350 pickup. The upper was a problem. I couldn't find a good replacement for this BUT I ended up killing two birds with one stone. The 5.3l outlet is 1 1/4 and the rad is 1.5" I also needed to plumb in the steam line at the front of the intake, so I had a reducer adapter made and tapped it for a barbed fitting. I reused the 90 degree I cut off the lower hose and bought a 20661 hose to finish the circuit. It shows to be a lower hose for a 90-93 Miata. I have seen these hose adapters offered from Autometer and from JTR (Jags that Run, guys famous for their small block into anything swap parts). I know I could have used flex hose but I like parts that can be had in any parts house so it's easier to find later down the road.

[JML55]

Good info, thanks