Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

We've been working on this '71 C10 for about 8-1/2 years, in-between working on other projects, raising a family, working full-time careers, and running a part-time Hot Rod business. We are in the final assembly process now, but will post pics from beginning to present. Hope you enjoy!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

The engine block was a pull-out from a '91 1-Ton with the factory 4 bolt bottom end, 1-piece rear seal and, best of all, a factory roller block. Performance Automotive in Hillsdale, Michigan performed the machine work, rebuilding the rods with ARP bolts and installing Speed Pro pistons, and balancing the rotating assembly. The engine specs out fairly similar to the ZZ430 that GM Performance had several years back, should be a fun little package for cruising and occasional Autocrossing.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Assembly was performed by Dewy Demerest, who previously worked in the engine room for the late Indy car racer Scotty Braighton from Coldwater, Micigan.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

The original intent of this build was to just make a comfortable cruiser.... A mild drop, some minor updating in the braking and throw in a 700R4 to help out on the highway. But as you will see later, many of the mild drop components will go to the wayside for much improved handling and breaking.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Body work and trial fitting some of the Goodmark pieces...

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

The first attempt to get the body work done turned into a dead-end. Needless to say, the truck was pulled out of there when it was in mostly bare metal before any more half-a$$ed work could be done....

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

While we were on the hunt for a new painter, work continued on the build. Billet Specialties Anthem wheels were chosen (18" x 9.5" rear, and 18" x 8" front) and Nitto NT555 tires. Billet Specialties was kind enough to send us a pic of the wheels during the machining process.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Another one to keep track of for sure. Truck is coming together nicely!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

This is where we started turning more toward a Pro-touring flavor and started developing our G-TR Rear Coil-over suspension in the fall of 2011. Seeing that there were still many C10 owners that prefer a static drop, but are never really sure how low they want to go, we developed a kit that is adjustable from approximately 4"-6" in drop and incorporates a double adjustable Chrome-moly panhard bar with XM series heim joints.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

At the same time, we updated the rear axles to Dutchman Motorsports Forged units, a DTS T/A diff support cover and Wilwood 4 piston Dynalite brakes.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Looks awesome, can't wait to see more. I'll be subscribing to this, good luck!!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Thanks for the compliments, guys!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

So far so good

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

To further the handling department, several Hotchkis items were sourced. The rear blade style sway bar, front sway bar, upper A-arms, and 2" front drop springs were added. Eventually we'll add the lower A-arms to compliment the uppers.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

At this point, we were back on track with getting the body work done. You will probably notice several shades of primer. This is where we used an Omni 2K primer to cover any bare steel and help protect it while we were waiting on a new painter. Finally, we found a reputable painter in Bronson, MI, Greg Fowler. He was a body shop owner in the Elkhart, IN area for 25+ years, said he was tired of dealing with lazy employees who wanted to cut too many corners, so he sold the business and semi-retired. Now he works out of a shop at his house restoring cars, taking on only one project at a time. These photos show the last mock-up before we sent it out for some real body work and paint.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Greg wasted no time on getting a better fit with the panels. Everything is aftermarket, so there was definately some massaging that needed done, especially since there quite a bit of questionable work done by the previous body shop. He took quite a bit of it back down to bare metal and started fresh.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

More bodywork pics....

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Finishing up on getting things smoothed out. Starting the guide coat/block sanding process....

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And more blocking/guide coat/blocking....

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Finally the paint goes on! Took forever to decide a color. I was originally gonna go with Medium Olive, a popular color when these trucks were new. Considering that the truck was originally Ocre, I also looked at some metallic yellows, but I thought maybe that after a while I would grow tired of the brighter colors... Looking at some of the new Silverados, I started favoring Graystone Metallic. It's a simple color but looks awesome in the sunlight and the grays and silvers seem to never go out of style.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

A few more pics of the paint and getting it assembled. These are pics before it is buffed out...

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And these are after buff...

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

So one of the "problems" I discovered while builder a truck over a lengthy period of time, is that sooner or later, new products come out and grab your attention. This time, it was the Holley Terminator EFI. This, of course also lead me to buying an electric fuel pump. With all of the buzz at SEMA about the new Aeromotive Phantom fuel system, I thought it would make a perfect compliment to the Terminator considering I have a fuel tank already mounted in the frame.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Final Assembly has begun. We're starting off with some Hushmat for the interior of the cab to quiet it down. We'll finish that up and start on the wiring soon. We've also started putting on ods-and-ends around the truck...

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Very nice....awesome detail work.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Sure looks nice! Oughta be a fun truck!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Good choice on color. Really going to look good with those wheels.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Interior: We decided to keep the bench seat and add a little contouring to it. It's recovered in a black synthetic leather with suede inserts. The work was done by Custom Interiors by Thomas in Auburn, IN. The factory instrument panel was ditched in favor of a Brother's Trucks billet piece. We opted to have it black texture powder coated to keep a bit of the factory flare and added Auto Meter Gauges.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

A little bit of detail work.... Never assume that new chrome pieces are ready to bolt on out of the box. The Chrome grill shell look 100% better after some cleaning with Mother's Chrome Polish.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Bed wood getting sealed up with 5 coats of Helmsman Marine Varnish. It came out pretty good, but kind of wishing we went with a product from Bed Wood and Parts. Just days after finishing up the varnish I talked to the guys from Bed Wood at the Detroit Autorama and their sample pieces looked amazing. Will definitely use them on any future builds.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Great build, keep the pics coming. I'm on the fence about a silver/gunmetal color so I'm excited to see it assembled. What's funny is the other color I'm considering is medium olive.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Sooner or later, if you're around C10's long enough, you'll see a bed or 2 that has worked its way loose and slid forward in the slotted frame mounts, causing the front panel bolts to dimpled the back of the cab. This was exactly the problem I faced on the cab for this build, but I had neglected to take any photos of the affected area. To help keep this problem at bay, I came up with a slick little part to put in the slotted holes and keep the bed mounting bolts set toward the rear of the slot. Check them out and tell me what you think.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

neat im following ......

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Nice build, I'm following along...

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

What a very nice truck. As detailed and perfect as Rolls Royces used to be!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

The body work is just about finished up on the bed. One thing I forgot to mention before is that this truck was originally a long bed. I came across a short bed frame and went with all new sheet metal for the 6' box assembly from Goodmark. There were a few small issues, but Greg had it sorted out quickly. We did end up contacting Mar-K to replace the front panel, as the Goodmark piece had a bad twist in it and was causing alignment issues. The Mar-K unit was 100% better and fit was near perfect. We also went with a Mar-K handle relocator kit and stainless links for the tailgate.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Thank you everyone for the compliments. We're aiming for an early spring deadline to allow for plenty of time to break in the drive train as we will be hitting the Hot Rod Power Tour in June. Should be a great time!

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Hey, man your work is top notch and awesome. I read thru your build. I am the guy that bought your 105 alt. I hope to paint my truck come mid Jan. Then I will be ready for the wiring. keep it up man you have been a inspiration to us all. I am going on year two of my build.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

Stopped by Greg's today to check out the bed. This is what I opened the door to! Painted and buffed like a mirror! Can't wait to get it mounted and get the bed wood in place. I'm really impressed with the results, especially considering that it is 100% aftermarket. The tailgate functions great, also. Not that I plan on hauling anything, but the fuel filler hole is just inside at the rear.

Re: Project G-TR, Gearbox Garage Shop Truck
 

The color is sweeeeeet. I'll keep watching your build.