1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

For the past couple years I have been putting together a plan to achieve the vision I have for my 58 GMC.

The truck originiated with my great-grandfather, Ellis. Somewhere in the 1980's the truck was handed over to my dad, Sheldon, to begin a restoration. I helped my dad where I could, and over many years we got to the point in the picture below.

His goal was to get the truck looking good and driving – nothing special. Keeping most things stock. Unfortunately my dad passed away from cancer in 2010. Truck never quite got completed.

Now I have taken on the project, and with the support of my loving wife I have been doing what I can to get it back on the road in honor of my dad.


http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps812dc730.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Currently the truck resides at a shop getting full Porterbuilt suspension, Accuair e-Level, and a little shortening out back.

I should hope to get the truck back from the shop by the end of the month. I will get some updated pics up then.

The current long bed will be removed and replaced with a new short bed from Mar-K.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Here are a couple more pics before it went to the shop.

It had a Pontiac 336 in it. Ran pretty good.

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps18c4a706.jpg


Front clip off. Getting ready to pull engine and tranny. Sold it to get an engine with easier-to-find replacment parts.

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psfd4f31e8.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Sorry you and your dad weren't able to finish it together.
Glad you decided to carry on the project.
Kim

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Good start Shane, since I'm building a 59 GMC this will be my favorite thread

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Cool project, I'm sure your Dad would be proud!!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks everyone. I know he would be very happy that I kept the project moving forward...even if the end result will be a little different than what he was shooting for.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

That front bumper is cool! Nice idea for the memorial part of the build.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Ya, the bumper with the bullets is pretty unique...even if my dad had it on upside-down here. ;)

I plan on sandblasting the grill and bumper, smoothing the bumper holes and either rechroming or powder coating it to create a metal look (silver powder). I really wanted to find a way to finish all the pieces that are usually chrome with a brushed metal look instead but haven't been successful in finding a cost-effective way of doing this.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Oh, and eventually the whole truck will be repainted something other than yellow. Leaning towards a metallic grey but we will see.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

After a long wait the truck was finally to a point where I could take some pics.

It's been shortened (long to short bed) and Porterbuilt front and rear dropmembers installed. The Accuair stuff still needs to be installed and the rear crossmember needs to be removed so the tank can be moved forward.

Not quite done but it's getting there. :metal:


http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psoaz6smed.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psr02fh5hv.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psx9olu6qu.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psxgcdu9aa.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswnyv4alc.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6em9v2nk.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looking awesome Shane...I'm working on my front dropmember still so way behind you.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looking Great!!
I know your dad is looking down with pride!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looks good! What are your plans for the frame, paint or powder coat?

You are making much faster progress than I am right now.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looks real good.
Kim

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks everyone! I was beyond excited to finally go out and take a look at it. Crazy Talk Customs does some awesome work! Nic's a great guy to work with too. If you are near Minnesota and need some fab work done, he's your guy!

I am currently in talks with the shop to see about getting the engine/tranny installed and all the lines run. Have to get a master cylinder/booster and a few other parts still too.

If all goes well I will have everything mocked-up for fitment then the frame and suspension will go out for powder coating.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Really cool project

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks JML55!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looking good!!!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks Matt!

The truck will be coming back to my house in the upcoming weeks. I have decided to take a run at installing the lines, mc/booster, and other things. Looking forward to having it back!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Wow!!!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Truck is finally scheduled to be back at my house on Saturday. Can't wait!


http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...pstqmghbyo.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps8bzqutr5.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psyve06vjs.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psunxko2as.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looking good!!
Those are some very nice welds!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Very nice! What are your plans for headers/manifolds??

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looks real slick.
Kim

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks guys! I will try to have more pics up after the weekend.

Wish I could take credit for the welds, lol. The shop I have it at is a 1-guy show and he does great work.

As for the headers, I'm not sure yet what I will do. If anyone has a suggestion on what works with an LS motor and Porterbuilt I'd love to here it. I've only seen what Del did to Heisenberg and Locomotive Lugnut...modified Corvette exhaust manifolds. Post #143 of this forum shows it: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=528853&page=6

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

First of all, that is a good looking truck. Definitely in better shape than either of mine! You mentioned that you wanted the "brushed metal" look on your bumpers. I saw an episode of Overhaulin where Chip Foose painted stripes on the hood of an old car, I think it was a Chevelle. He painted them silver and then rubbed it with a "greenie weenie" scouring pad. It looked really cool and looked just like brushed aluminum/stainless. For the best look, you have to keep your hand moving in a strait line so that the lines are straight. It seems fairly simple, but I haven't tried it for myself. Good luck on your project. I will be watching your build.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks OldChevysRule for the kind words.

You are correct, I am looking to keep the typical chrome color off the truck. I would like to accomplish a finish that has a nice contrast to the final paint color of the trcuk (most likely be a medium grey). I will take a look for the Foose Chevelle you mention. Sounds cool.

I have also thought about getting the bumpers and grille powder coated in a silver/light grey so that it looks like an aluminum or dull metal finish. Won't have the brushed effect but should still look nice. I plan to do a rendering before I get too far into color choices though, lol.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Truck made it home this last weekend. Such a great feeling to be over the suspension portion of the build. :metal:

Now on to the second phase. Getting it ready to drive!

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psrtfltrzb.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Oh man. I need to get cracking

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Hey Matt! How is your truck coming along?

I bit the bullet and called up a different shop to get a quote on getting it driving. The truck spent one night at home and then back out it went.

Here is a pic of them loading it up and one of their sweet shop truck.

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps5rj6wt5i.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbrl7u8so.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looking good Shane, looks like you have new bedsides.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks greystoke – You are correct, the bedsides are new from Mar-K. Actually the entire bed is brand new including the tailgate with hidden hinges/latches.

When I decided to shorten the truck from a long bed it made the most sense to sell the old bed and buy an all new one.

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Truck looks great!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Money shot right here! Your truck is looking killer man! Top of the line parts to go with an LS motor. Can't go wrong!

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...psoaz6smed.jpg

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looks real nice.
Kim

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

It's going good man. Been working on wiring. Pushing to have it on the road in a month

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Thanks guys! I'll keep ya all posted on how things go with the new shop. Went over and spoke with them today on some details. Should be able to decide if I will move forward with them or not in a day or two.

Matt - Sounds like you are really moving on it!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

Looking good, hope the new shop works out!

Re: 1958 GMC Memorial Build
 

It's been a while. Things on the truck got put on hold as I closed on a new house and sold the old one.

Back at it. The new shop I found is awesome! They've been very understanding of the delays and move quickly when I give them the go-ahead.

I had them box the frame and weld the suspension on for a cleaner look. The frame is ready for powder.