1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

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Hello,

I'm new to this forum, I just recently discovered this thread, and have read "Blank Slate" with great interest. Your truck is really awesome!!! The Build info has been very inspiring for my own efforts.

I have aquired an 1969 GMC short bed fleet in mostly original condition. It is a small block 307 & Powerglide tranny. It was a farm truck for 38 years based just outside Hot Springs, Arkansas. The guy I bought it from had it painted light Green. I believe this is the original color, however I think it was originally a two-tone, light green/white. When I had the windshield replaced, I found white paint at the sides and top of the windshield seat. The suspension, brakes and steering need rebuilding. I will convert to disc fronts. I have ordered the disc brake kit with 2 1/2" dropped spindles with 3" drop springs in the back. I ordered everything from Early.

Thanks,
Dale

Pics:

Attachment 550989

Attachment 550990

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Attachment 550992

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

That is a good looking truck. Good luck with your upgrades :metal:

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Very sharp truck! It's going to look great with that drop.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Very nice truck! Very clean!

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Very nice. It kinda reminds me of 72blckbuty's truck. You'll have to check it out when you get a chance.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

great looking truck

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Really nice lookin truck you got there. Can't wait to see it a little bit lower to the ground. Please tell me your keeping it a GMC.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Wow! 67ChevyRedneck, what a project you went through! Great Build!! I read thru your build start to finish. Great Job! I'm going to read you other guys builds also as soon as I can get to them. This site really has some dedicated people doing these old trucks. Luckly I'm starting with a pretty solid, no rust truck. After crawling around the vehicle for two days, I only saw two places where any detectable rust, was a slight repair at the cab corners. The Floor boards, rockers and bed look to be ok.

MY BUILD LIST:

SUSPENSION, BRAKES & STEERING:

Rebuild the suspension front and rear with new springs, bushings and shocks. I'm going to lower the rear 3" . also new track bar. New A-arms w/ball joints.

Front Disc brake conversion using 2 1/2" drop spindles w/ new MC and rebuilt rear drum brakes.

Totally rebuild the Power Steering w/ new steering box, tie rods, pitman arm, idler arm and new hoses.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION:

I have ordered a GM Performance ZZ4 350HO cate engine complete with
carb, air cleaner, starter, fuel pump, HEI Dist., Serpentine accessory drive belt and pulleys w/ alternator, power steering pump and air cond. compressor.
(This was a amazing deal from "CrateEnginesDepot.com").

Transmission will be a rebuilt Turbo 350 w/ a mild shift kit. I going to keep the original 373:1 rear end.

Most of the parts are coing from Early or LMC.

Thanks,
Dale

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Yes, I will keep it an GMC!!!

Dale

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Thanks :D

She gets driven too. I've put about 13,000 miles on it since Nov 2006.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Nice Truck.
Subscribing for future updates!

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Great plans. I am gonna watch this one I think it will turn out nice.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

That is a killer truck, can't wait to see some progress shots. :D

Kind of reminds me of mine...

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Yeah, When I read through "Blank Slate" I thought i was looking at my truck's Bowtie twin. Have you found anything on that rubber bedmat yet?

Dale

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Oh shoot.... my fault! I was out of town until late last night and won't be home until tomorrow afternoon. I will make a note and have you some information by tomorrow night.

Sorry about that Dale!

Question.... are you keeping the 6-lug setup or changing to 5-lug?

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Nate,

I'm really struggling with that issue right now. My wheel search has been frustrating to say the least. Lolife99 clued me in on your saga trying to get the front wheels tucked in a bit after the disc brake change and getting the rear widen a bit. The wheel choices for 6 lug are somewhat limited. The back spacing offered by most of the wheel peddlers have the wrong back spacing to accomplish what I need to do (which is the same problem you had with the Rally Wheels).

I now have found a simple steel crager chrome wheel (Soft Eight) that has a 8" wide front wheel with a 4.75 inch back spacing which I think will solve the front to wide problem. Crager has this same wheel in a 10" wide rim with a 4.00 inch back spacing I could use in the rear to widen the rear stance a bit. If I need to widen the rear more, I can add a 1/2" spacer behind the wheel.
I plan on mounting BF Goodrich radial TA's size P275/60 R15 on the rear and
P255/60 R15's on the front. What do you think?

Dale

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Good News:

The GM Performance ZZ4 350 Turn Key Crate Engine arrived today at the shop thats doing the Engine/Trans swap for me! I will go there after work today and get some pics.

Dale

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Great Lookin GMC, gotta love the 4 holers

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Ok.....I took a few pics of the ZZ4 350 crate engine! Bumbera performance is doing the engine/trans swap for me. This is the most popular Turn Key crate engine from GM Performance. 355 HP/405 FT/Lbs. . It comes fully dressed out.
Holly 750 carb, starter, fuel pump, HEI Distributor, Chrome air cleaner, Complete Serpentine Accessory Drive with all brackets, pully's, power steering pump, water pump, 100 amp alternator, and a GM late model Air Conditioning Compressor. The Motor is setting just outside waiting to be moved inside the garage bay so I did not remove the plastic wrap. It looked like it might rain.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Nice choice for your new powerplant!

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

:agree:.... that is a nice setup!

Maybe I could borrow that 307 and pep up my 250.... ;)

I'm still digging for the specs on the mat I have in my truck. I'm going to call the shop we purchased it from and see if they can provide me with some info. I had the information saved some place but things have been kind of crazy lately so there's not telling where it ran off too.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Hey Nate,

Was the Rubber Bedmat you used was brand name "ProTecta"? Summit has this mat.

Dale

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

man thats a NICE FREAKIN TRUCK !!!

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Dale, I haven't forgot about you. I had to head out for work on Sunday and haven't been home long enough to even try to call the shop. I will give them a call tomorrow.

Re: 1969 GMC Short Fleet Build
 

Hey Nate, I want know about that bed mat too. I need to get one before the Magic Dragon show.