Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Wow! The bars for the bed look awesome! Sorry to hear about the gaps. That is one thing I am pretty anal about as well. If you're going to do it, do it right. Ya know? I hate when people cut corners to save 30 minutes of time, and end up costing 3-4 hours to fix down the road. Just do it right the first time, and its done. Guess that's why it takes me so long to do anything! lol

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Very cool!!!!

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

love love love love love love love this!

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Just wanted some opinions. I was thinking of painting the H2 wheels white, with the chrome GMC center cap. I think it would be a throw back to the old steel wheels with the dogdish center caps. I am already planning on keeping the truck the stock blue with the white top.. I have not seen white H2 wheels yet, so it might be cool or just ugly. What do you think?
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Thanks for all the previous comments.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

i'm loving this build

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I think the white would match the white top nicely, but what else is going to be chrome?

Can you post some more pictures of the body mounts you fabbed? Or anything else that you fabricated that hasnt been shown yet? I have been scouring ebay and copart.com and other auction sites for a while now looking to do this same type of hybrid/body swap project. Did you do any preventative maintainence to the truck before you fasten the fenders on for good like ARP head studs, lift pump and EGR delete? The EGR delete I would definiately make a priority, there are a ton of threads on duramaxforums.com that show how gummed up the EGR can make a duramax. LB7s are known for injector failures and a good fuel filter/seperator and a lift pump can help prevent those costly repairs.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I plan on putting all the stock trim back on. It was a Sierra Grande with the wood trim on the bottom ,and black and chrome trim on the upper part of the body. I plan on removing the cab to finish welding up all my mounts that I made. I'll take a bunch of pics of the mounts at that time. once the bed is located in the right spot, I can take the truck apart and finish the welds.
As far as preventive maintenance, I have not done anything yet. It ran when I pulled it in. Once everything is done I'll do all that. I just didn't want to take stuff apart yet. This way I can do one thing at a time, so if it doesn't run I'll know where to look.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Lookin good man, diesels are are awesome!! :burnout: But one thing I learned is that you need to box the frame, at leAst in the front because, in can sag or twist... Or worse. Just a oil advice. Keep at it, your doin good!
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I think he is using the d max chassis so he should be good Togo.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Yeah, forgot about that. Oops! Yeah I'd say he's probably in good shape then!
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I just bought a used Cherokee for my winter driver. I fixed it up so now I can get back on the 72. I got the bed situated exactly where I want it. So now I need to drill a bunch of holes. Pics to come.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I got a '72 1-ton frame that I was going to use on this truck before I got the D-max chassis. I shortened it so it would work with a 8 foot bed. I ended up cutting a 45 degree cut in the center of the frame, and welding it back together. Then I boxed in that section. It's already pre-drilled for the DIY4X front 4X4 52" spring kit. The frame is from Texas, so it's got no pitting.
Anyone interested in it? The frame is 1/4" thick. I think it originally was a 14 foot flat bed or dump, not sure.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Nevermind about the frame. Just sold it.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

wow, first of this ive seen! subing!

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Dont know how I misse this sweet build but I am now in for the finished product! Great work so far!

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Sweet project. I'm actually doing the same. 70 Chevrolet onto a 2003 gmc Sierra 4x4 duramax. Be more then happy to trade you steering wheel horn/airbag so you can have gmc and I Chevrolet. I was lucky enough to find a reg cab short bed to start from so no shortening the frame. But I will have to move the rear axle forward 6" to meet the bed wheel opening. Making cab body mounts now. Hope you don't mind but I I like the ones you made so I may just have to copy them.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Copy away. I got the bushings and sleeves from DIY4X.com.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Lazzardkng. I sent you a message about the horn button. I'll trade with you.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Very nice job! Lookin good. I took a turn with my truck and picked up a 2007 dodge 2500HD chassis a few years back. I have my cab on but haven't had time to move forward with it. Seeing your build makes me want to move forward!
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Lazardkng I PM'd you.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Make any new progress on the build? I'm working on steering and pedal fit now then final detail of frame and engine before final body install.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I'm pretty much in the same spot that I was. Too busy to mess with the truck. In about a week or so I can get back on it. I found a painter. I'm going to get the cab ready for him, so he can paint the firewall and interior. That way I will hopefully be able to get it running.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

My Uncle Sam found a guy that was capable of tracing the 2003 gauge cluster and transferring it to a sheet of aluminum. His name is Kenny and he did it fast too.I just picked it up today and it looks awesome. There is a bezel that my Uncle had done earlier that is in some previous pictures on this thread. He cut out the center of it, and we had to find a guy that could make an insert for it out of aluminum, with the gauge holes in it.
The work on the insert was done by Kenny LaFollette at LaFollette's Machine Shop Inc.
Here are the pics. The first one is the bezel that my Uncle has been working on. Above that is the insert made by Kenny. Above that is the plastic gauge cover from the 2003 truck Kenny traced from.
http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...psd74a4637.jpg
The second picture is the insert in the bezel.
http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...psd792f7e2.jpg
My plans are to find a vinyl wood grain decal that matches the 1972 wood grain, and cover the insert with it so it matches the rest of the interior. I will put a Plexiglas backing on the insert and use the plastic piece from the 2003 as a spacer for the gauge cluster.
If anybody wants some work done by Kenny the Machinist, I can give you his Email address.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

That looks pretty sweet! I can't wait to see it loaded up and installed.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Can't wait to see it together. If possible can you send some detailed pics on how it goes together. I still have to work on my gauge cluster.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

That gauge bezel looks great!

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Some fine skills my friend...

Not to back track but can you shine some more light on how you did your core support?

Did you frame out the rad/intercooler and section that frame into the original support? Or did you completely build a new rad support and cut the sheet metal backing for the headlights and weld it into the new frame?

Your insight is appreciated,

Scott

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I measured the frame of the 2003 rad support. So I went off those measurements to make a frame. I cut the bottom of the 1972 rad support off. Then I laid my frame on the back side of the 1972 support and tack welded it on. One of the pictures shows that part. I used 1"x3" square tubing for the frame. I made a bottom price, and two sides for the frame. The top is all 1972. After tack welding in the frame, I cut away the center of the 1972 support until it was matching the frame I made. I put a piece of 16 gauge sheet metal in the center and welded it in. Then I just measured the size of the radiator fins and cut out a square to match.
It's hard to put into words but hopefully that helps.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

The outer part of the support with the headlight buckets is the original 1972 radiator support. I basically just made the center.
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Awesome, I know exactly what you did

Good thinking. Thank you very much

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

dude your a badass!!! love the build

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

I need to take a break from the truck for an unknown amount of time. My wife was diagnosed with Leukemia last week, and I will be by her side until we kick Leukemia's ass.
Thank You

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Sorry to hear that boss, my mother in law was diagnosed a few months ago, she is a warrior and is doing well, she has been going to UNC and those guys are awesome, I hope she is alright and beats that nasty beast
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Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

sorry to hear that. she will be in our prayers.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Best wishes. My grandfather beat it. It's going to suck and it's going to be a long road. Hang in there and she can beat it.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Wow! So sorry to here that about your wife!
Mine (wife)was diagnoised with AML just 4 1/2 mos. after we were married and that was almost twenty years ago.
Do you know yet, may I ask(?), what type or kind she has? Chronic or acute?
Either way, seek answers to your questions, find out what questions to ask,too.
Haven't been in years, but when first diagnoised, we went to a Leukemia Society meeting where we met another patient whom had gone through all the treatment and took us out after the meeting to talk about it. He asked and answered our questions.

Your wife and family will be in our prayers.

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Sorry to hear about your wife hope all is well..

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

+1

Re: 1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis
 

Okay, I am back on the truck. I am mounting the steering column. Pictures are coming soon. Thanks for the comments on my wife. She is doing real good. She has APL Leukemia. It's a very treatable form of Leukemia. She should be done with her treatments in January. Doctors told us if you are going to get Leukemia, this is the one to have. She feels normal and just wants to go back to work.