Biohazardbill's 65 GMC LWB Fleetside 4x4/Big Block Conversion

[biohazardbill]

Well here it is, my official build thread. I ask alot of questions so I figure Id post what all this is going to be.

We picked up this truck late last year. We toyed around with what to do with it, rat rod it, drop it, or convert it to 4x4 and lift the crap out of it.

Being a dumb old redneck and having to sell all of my old toys when moving from Michigan to Georgia we decided to lift it.

Plans are....
Convert to 4x4
During the conversion swap the springs to 73-87 era
454, turbo 400 and not sure what transfer case yet
14 bolt rear, 60 front
42-44" tires

Here is the way it was when we picked it up. We do have all the chrome as well, however it is all in boxes as well as about 3 sets of all door hardware, windows etc.















Not being much of a picture taker as i work I havent taken alot of pics during the process of what we have done.

However I will start in case someone else decides to do something like this.

We bought a 84 1 ton truck for parts for the conversion.

Currently the 65 has a 6" lift but is no where near tall enough to accomodate the tires. I will take pics this week of how it currently sits soon.

[jonzcustomshop]

build will be neat to follow.
a usless tidbit, but interesting, gmc, but inline 6 instead of the v6, your vin tag will have an I stamped in the beginning to notate the inline from the factory, nice to get those hoods too, because there were no holes punched out for the v6 emblems.

[bubba327]

Looks like a pretty clean truck to start with. Most everything got painted on the exterior didn't it.
Take pictures --cause we love pictures here on the forum

[biohazardbill]

I plan on it now
Waiting for some parts to come in to get them on, right now the truck is not easily movable without them.

[DPowers]

Looks in good shape- interested in what it is going to look like.

[biohazardbill]

Well some progress made. Springs have been on back order but finally came in...

Right now everything is just mocked up and i will provide a list of what and how I did it as well as issues I have run into along with pics when I disassemble again for paint/prep work.

The rear will probably need to be moved back about an inch or two but i am waiting til the springs break in a bit first. I have the big block tires and misc heavy stuff in the bed right now to help in this break in process since the truck isnt on the road. I will have the front clip basically on this weekend to check front fender clearance.

Here is a sneak peek...

[Dieselwrencher]

Looking nice so far! What springs did you go with? I see you mentioned waiting for the springs to break in.......... If you went with 12" fronts and 10" rears superlifts like I have, I highly doubt they drop or settle at all. They hardly even move while driving on the road. For instance, my buddy has the same springs as I do, he painted his 10 years ago and the paint isn't scratched or chipped from the spring packs moving just to give you an idea.

[biohazardbill]

10 inch rears? I wish... 4Wheel Parts said biggest they made were 8".

Soooo that being said I went with 12" front springs from Superlift. I was going to get 8" superlift rears but they were on back order for over a month so i spent the extra money to get Skyjacker. I also went with a shackle flip in the rear to add the other 4". The problem with that is with the new springs the shackle is all the way forward and pretty stiff... so if these dont soften up a lil ill end up moving the rear bracket a little.

In the front i havent mounted the rear portion of the spring yet as Im still not sure I am in the right location with the front mount. I want to get that right first before I cut the hole in the frame for the shackle mount.

[Dieselwrencher]

You're right, they are only 8"ers. I also have a shackle flip and a 4" block (I think it's 4" ) under mine. These springs are so stiff I couldn't believe it. I figured when I installed the cummins in mine the truck would drop an inch. Nope, didn't move it at all.

[Captainfab]

So did you use the '65 GMC frame on this?

[biohazardbill]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

So did you use the '65 GMC frame on this?

Yes sir. Which reminds me I need to get with you on a power steering box plate

[Dieselwrencher]

Are you switching over to crossover steering on this project?

[W.M.Coleman]

Hey Bill thats a nice truck you've got there. That's what I'm aiming for with my chevy. Those sorta look like TSR Boggers, Are they?

[biohazardbill]

We decided to go a different route with this truck so it is back to 2wd. If anyone would like the bracketry we made to do this let me know.

[Alan's Classic]

Cool project!!