And so it begins................
 

This is my project jump-off thread. I've talked about the truck already but here's a recap. The truck belonged to my late grandfather. My uncle had purchased it from him before he passed away. I'm not sure exaclty how long he's had it but I know I've been wanting it for the last 20 years. Time has taken a small toll on the truck but it's still driveable and I'm gonna have fun fixing it up. It will be more of a resto-mod than a restoration. I know my grandfather and my uncle would want me to build it where it will bring the most enjoyment. I've got a 1983 Celebrity ski boat that's gonna look right at home behind this truck!


Here's the before pics...............


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/truck1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/truck2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/truck3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/truck5.jpg





Definitely going to need a seat!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/truck7.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/truck8.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...MC/truck10.jpg





I'll give you 2 guesses what my first order of business will be................ here's a small hint!!!!!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...MC/truck12.jpg





Just for kicks, this is the motor I built for the 4x4. The truck I used to pull the green beast back from Rogers, Arkansas to OKC.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...MC/truck11.jpg

Did you spot the HEI distributor? lol, no more computer controlled anything in the 4x4. :metal:


I'll be looking for advice and parts as I go along. Starting with a cool seat! And then a nice shaft mount stereo! lol I'll post the update pics in this thread as I go.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Nice truck, I am exited to see it come along.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Looks like a great truck to start with.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Nicve start

Re: And so it begins................
 

You and me both brother! :metal:

Re: And so it begins................
 

I knocked out the insurance yesterday, I'll hit the registration tomorrow and then it's break out the toolbox.

I also noticed today that the right rear is slightly lower than the left rear and the tires are inflated the same. Since there aren't any rubber body mounts on the bed, I'm assuming it's in the springs. Anyone know if it's better to go after some new springs or try to have these re-curved?

Re: And so it begins................
 

keep us posted on your build.. we all love pictures :) glad to see another truck being restored

Re: And so it begins................
 

Subscribed
Looks like you got a really solid truck to start with

Re: And so it begins................
 

nice looking gmc. i will be watching this one:metal:

Re: And so it begins................
 

looking good!!!!

Re: And so it begins................
 

Looks like a real solid truck, less rust is alway great. Nice that it has A/C too.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Actually that pic of the engine is from my 4x4 that I used to pull the 72 back from Arkasas with. I just threw it in for kicks. It's a high performance 350 that I built myself. I pulled it out of a 76 chevy and dropped it into a 90 GMC 4x4. It's about 375hp. Too much for the stock drivetrain though, I've been replacing yokes/axles ever since I put it in. The 72 has a 402 Big Block in it.

However, the 72 does have the factory air also, I just need to replace the froze up compressor. Upon checking the valves, it appears to still have freeon in it.

Re: And so it begins................
 

My leaf-spring GMC was the same way. Turned out one of the leafs had been broken on one side and only that leaf was replaced so the spring packs were not identical from side to side. I'd recommend you look yours over well before you make any decisions.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Yeah, I'm thinking about settling for independent air shocks until I feel like messing with it.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Update

New wheels

New dual exhaust complete (2.5" pipes and 30" glass packs with 2.5" cores)

New Door locks, ignition switch, locking gas cap

New spark plugs

Fluids and filters changed.


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/1.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/2.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/3.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/4.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/5.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/6.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/7.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...72%20GMC/8.jpg

Re: And so it begins................
 

Nice! Are those wheels 10 inch? All around?
The tires look good, man!

Re: And so it begins................
 

Nice exhaust! Was it custom bent or a kit (and if it was a kit details please).

Re: And so it begins................
 

rims look nice on there. where the vid of the exhaust?;)

Re: And so it begins................
 

Nice how much did the rims and tires cost all together

Re: And so it begins................
 

Thanks!

The rear wheels are 15x10, the fronts are 15x8. The front tires are 255/60/15



It was custom bent front to back by University Muffler in Norman. They ordered me the glasspacks with true 2 1/2" cores.


I will get that soon. Any suggestions on where I could upload the video to?

Re: And so it begins................
 

Less than $800 from Summit Racing for wheels/tires/center caps. The wheels are Cragar Nomad 2's.

The 2 1/2" exhaust was 290.00 complete including all new brackets dampers.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Ok here's my first shot at a video upload. It will sound the best if you have a sub on your computer! :lol:

Truth be known though, the exhaust sounds louder in the video than it actually is. But it does sound good though, you can barely touch the pedal and it sounds like a beast!!! I love the Big Blocks...... :metal:

Re: And so it begins................
 

As a note, that video is with the secondaries on the carb disconnected. It's the original quadrajet running only on the primaries right now. When I hook the 4bbl back up I'll do another video to see how much difference there is in sound.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Those wheels look awesome man! They really set off the truck.

Have fun with it :)

Re: And so it begins................
 

Yeah, my only regret is that the tires are not quite as tall as I'd like them to be. I really wanted that 295 in the back though. I also wanted it in a BFG T/A Radial but they won't put that size back into production until October of this year.

Re: And so it begins................
 

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh the smell of disassembly!!!!



http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...0GMC/empty.jpg





I'm gonna have to apologize to my uncle Marty for this but I had to pull his system out!!!!! It had lost it's "bump"


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...GMC/stereo.jpg



How much throw do you think this sub had anyway? :lol::lol::lol:


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...MC/speaker.jpg

Re: And so it begins................
 

I would have left the truck alone. aside from the seat needing a fresh blanket every month or 2 it looks done. you do have a 402 and ac after all.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Ah ha! And right you are young grasshopper! However, I just put in a new A/C compressor, Drier, and 134a freon. I'll take some pics as soon as I get a chance.

Just so you know, this isn't going to be a "patina" truck........... :lol:

Re: And so it begins................
 

I picked up a used JVC shaft mount stereo and a pair of refurbished Sony 6x9's at a local audio shop for $100.00 :metal:



http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...MC/stereo1.jpg

Re: And so it begins................
 

Looks good man, what kind of wheels are you running? got a bigger side shot of hte truck :D ?

Re: And so it begins................
 

Sweet! Lookin and soundin good! good oil pressure too.... thats always a plus!!:gmc2::metal:

Re: And so it begins................
 

OMG that truck is a beast!!! I have a sub on my computer and the sound of the exhaust was rattling the license plates on my walls! I'm jealous. My little 6 banger will never sound like that. :waah: I can try though.:D

Re: And so it begins................
 

Sure it will, just run some 2.5" dumps! :lol:

Re: And so it begins................
 

The wheels are Cragar Nomad ll's from Summit Racing. 15x10 on the rear and 15x8 on the front. The tires, also from Summit, are 295/50/15 and 255/60/15. I'm gonna go with something a little taller next time though.

I'll get a better shot of the side this weekend.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Somebody told him the back ones were gonna be too short, but the jury hasn't found a verdict on that case yet. :crazy:

Re: And so it begins................
 

Looks good man! Keep it going. Kind of like a snowball effect! :lol:

Re: And so it begins................
 

Thanks! It's getting that way already. Santy Claus showed up the other day in his big brown sleigh wearing a UPS uniform but I know who it REALLY was.

Not having any luck with the JVC shaft mount stereo though. It seemed to work ok on the test bench but when I put it in the truck it was "no go". I may have to look for another one.

Re: And so it begins................
 

Nice truck man! Nice to see someone doin the same as I. Theses trucks are awesome and fun to work on. Good luck with your build, I will be watchin this one as your in about the same place as mine. Except you got the facory a/c cab...nice:metal:

Re: And so it begins................
 

If you're not ahead of me now then you probably will be in the near future! :lol: I'm not doing a full restore. I just want to play with the truck and have fun. Not everything will be factory like the stereo, seat, wheels, etc. But it will be fun to drive. The paint/body work will probably be the last thing I worry about unless some overzealous, hyperactive, truck enthusiast forces me to let him do it for free!! :lol::lol:




:bsf:

Re: And so it begins................
 

All 4 are too short. They'd look better on a chevelle. I'll have to see how fast I can burn em off to get some taller ones.