'72 GMC Shortbed Stepside...last truck

[CABLESCUM]

I dropped a couple trucks before, but not a 67-72.


I did a bunch of measuring today.

The measurements to the tops of each wheel well are 33" if the tires were the same size.
(I didn't figure out if the tops of the wheel wells are a "level" measurement yet, just starting the process)

Now, the tires are 1" shorter in front.

I'm thinking I'll get the drop kit off Summt+drop spindles.
5" drop springs for the rear, and 2" on the front(the spindles are 2.5" drop)

Any minor leveling or rake I need can be adjusted with the wheel/tire setup, it should be minimal.

I'm looking for EVEN, or a VERY slightly higher rear end...




I know many of you have spent the time and money to figure this out already, your experienced comments would be greatly appreciated.

[CABLESCUM]

Wheels/tires are the last thing it'll get.

It'll be mini-rubbed, just to the frame...so I can cram 4" wider tires under it.
Until I get it dropped, and see how it sit, choose tire size and all that...I got these to make it look a tiny bit better...





...I'm adding up the cost of everything. Realistically, this thing will be completed the way I want it in approximately 1 year. I'm setting my goal for 5/12/2018(birthday)...I always meet my deadlines lol

[CABLESCUM]

I guess these are hard to find, so I made it look a little nicer. I'll try to work the dents out when I start on the bodywork.

My buddy got one from Classic Industries and was not pleased, paid the $100 shipping to return it.

[CABLESCUM]

Found a bumper...it'll do for now

[CABLESCUM]

A little surgery. Should be all tacked up tomorrow, ready to solid weld...

The rear will be shaved(even with my hand) and welded solid. Smooth except for the GMC cut-out. The rounded rails will be continued all the way around the bed. LED tail lights in the columns on each side...

[CABLESCUM]

Got it all tacked up. I'll finish the welds another day, then bodywork and a coat of white 'til it's time for the real paint job.
After its dropped, I'll make a proper bumper which will cover some of the lower part of the "tailgate"...

[Rod Run]

Originally Posted by CABLESCUM

I took off the bumpers, rubbed off some rust stains, changed the oil....it is wickedly fast. It's a 402, which is a 396 w/454 head because GM ran out of 396 heads

It has nothing to do with the heads. A 402 was just a 396 with a .030 overbore. If you bore it another .030 (for a total bore of .060) it becomes a 408, which is what I did to the one in my 1969 Camaro

Chevrolet came out with the 402 in 1970 in light trucks (including El Caminos). They still used the same anemic oval port closed chamber heads that most 396s came with. The only 396s that came with the better heads were the L78 (375HP) and none of the 402s came with those better heads.

[CABLESCUM]

Good enough 'til final bony/paint work, I'll insert the LEDs when I get a minute...

[CABLESCUM]

Originally Posted by Rod Run

It has nothing to do with the heads. A 402 was just a 396 with a .030 overbore. If you bore it another .030 (for a total bore of .060) it becomes a 408, which is what I did to the one in my 1969 Camaro

Chevrolet came out with the 402 in 1970 in light trucks (including El Caminos). They still used the same anemic oval port closed chamber heads that most 396s came with. The only 396s that came with the better heads were the L78 (375HP) and none of the 402s came with those better heads.

Thanks, I was made aware of that earlier in this thread. What my dad taught me was not Gospel lol

[Rod Run]

Originally Posted by CABLESCUM

Thanks, I was made aware of that earlier in this thread. What my dad taught me was not Gospel lol

It happens

[AKC]

Likin' it a lot! Great score, diggin' the work so far.

That's the way to recycle newspaper!

[CABLESCUM]

Just grabbing cheap CL parts as I go. Valve covers today from what turned out to be a tweeker living in a pop-up in a storage lot....good times lol

I'm kinda glad my appearance has a calming effect on even the most radical individuals haha...

[CABLESCUM]

Originally Posted by AKC

Likin' it a lot! Great score, diggin' the work so far.

That's the way to recycle newspaper!

That was a Summit catalog lmmfao

[CABLESCUM]

Finally got the Holley dialed in, it's SO much stronger...was definitely under-carbed.

Now I have to adjust the rockers to get rid of that clatter, this thing doesn't burn a drop of oil.

BB/FTW...


http://youtu.be/IG127rMIIbQ

[AKC]

Originally Posted by CABLESCUM

That was a Summit catalog lmmfao

So it is...

Lord knows, they send enough of them.

Covers look good, glad she's drinkin' better.

[CABLESCUM]

Picked up some 2" drop spindles, and made a new bumper. Not sure where the plate is gonna end up...

[CABLESCUM]

Shaved the tail lights and put in a "hidden" light bar. I made this bracket to bolt in, but it is so tight I don't need bolts...pops in like Legos






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[CABLESCUM]

Finished welding on the tailgate. Dusted it w/ paint to prevent rust til bodywork. Buying the drop kit in 2 weeks...




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[CABLESCUM]

Steps and 42 holes fixed(ready for bodywork)...

[CABLESCUM]

[CABLESCUM]

IDK what I'll do in the end. Just don't want to shave the markers off good original fenders, so I made them less horrible.
They'll be less noticeable when the truck is painted...black.

[CABLESCUM]

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[CABLESCUM]

Originally Posted by CABLESCUM

IDK what I'll do in the end. Just don't want to shave the markers off good original fenders, so I made them less horrible.
They'll be less noticeable when the truck is painted...black.

Posted via Mobile Device

[CABLESCUM]

Adjustable Trailing Arms/New Cross Member

[CABLESCUM]

Tubular Control Arms...AntiSway Bar...3.5/5 Drop