The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/index.php)

- 67-72 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Projects and Builds (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=115)

- - "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=456220)

"The Northbay G Machine" Tranz Am's 1969 GMC SWB frame graft & build

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Picked up a front suspension, brake set up and a posi at pick-n-pull for a couple hundred.
The front end is off a 75. The rear had new guts including a Eaton posi carrier, score!
couldn't pass up the p31 sway bar :)
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8519/p1000512s.jpg
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3042/p1000517t.jpg
http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/9236/p1000516s.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6050/p1000514.jpg
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3949/p1000513d.jpg

Ordered up some 6 lug slotted and drilled rotors, some 2" drop spindles, 3" dropped springs, a 3/4 sway bar and a flip kit!

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

"The Northbay G Machine" Tranz Am's 1969 GMC SWB frame graft & build

Got the flip kit, sway bars, power steering pump and posi unit in!
picked up a trick 12 bolt cover while i was at it.
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9637/p1080325e.jpg
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5152/p1080324j.jpg
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/807/p1080326z.jpg

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Grabbed up a pair of seat belts out of an s10 just for safety reasons. :)

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2710/p1060743ij1.jpg
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/8156/p1060737bo8.jpg

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Got the spindles, coils, new ball joints, new bushings, and the brake system now in, its ready to rock!
I like that it sits flush with the firewall.
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7330/copyofa1.jpg
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2600/dsc0019ku.jpg

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Another shot of the engine bay at this point.
got the trick flex-a-lite fan and be cool radiator!
Take a look at my booster set up, Its of that 75 square body. I modified the booster and push rod to do this. For the bracket to fit I drilled two new holes in the booster bracket. For the rod i basically just used the rods i had laying around and put a stud inside each end and welded it up.
http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/2017/copyofa2.jpg
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1674/dsc0021skg.jpg

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Broke first gear in my M20 on a back road being stupid :(
Time for the T5 swap!
I had to make a custom shifter. As you can see its a tight fit.
The shifter is a Hurst short through for a ford T5. Its been modified slightly and half the price.
I had to make a bracket for this conversion being that im using the stock 4 speed cross member and the T5 transmission has a wicked angle on its mounting point because of it.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/9227/p1080301up3.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4807/p1080300du9.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/504/p1080298jp4.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/817/p1080294kb7.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6524/p1080295fv7.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2311/p1080293mm3.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7767/p1080291xg6.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8564/p1080290li3.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/559/p1080288ix3.jpg

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Installed a mid 80's square body seat. It dropped me down a good 6 inches!:metal:
I had to remove the gas tank so i would have room for the seat to be back far enough to clear the shifter. It was time for the relocation!
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/9...0613091859.jpg

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Nice lil truck man!

Definitely slick.

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Thanks bro :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beat68CST (Post 4588441)

Nice lil truck man!

Definitely slick.

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

nice grill. like the lock too

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

thanks! the lock works very well. it definitely adds peace of mind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deenice21 (Post 4588719)

nice grill. like the lock too

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Nice ride. I'm used to live in Santa Rosa as well...where do you live?

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Cool build, you CA guys and your rediculous pick-n-pull finds like posi rears. That stuff is long gone around here. I'm glad you got rid of the puke colored brushed on? house paint under the hood! What was that guy thinking?

Shifter is perfect too!

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

(Greetings from the East Bay! First post, great board with great info so I figured I'd sign-up)

Looks like it's coming along nicely, Tranz. Quick couple of question for you and the other members:

1. How experienced were you with truck work when you started this project? I noticed you are swapping parts and making improvements as you go versus a complete frame-off and build-up, which is what I think I'm looking to do. Just wanted to see if you have been happy with doing it this way.

2. I'm a rookie builder and about all I know about working on cars is how to change my own oil. For a first-timer, would you or other members recommend doing what you are doing or going with a frame-off build-up (both with the assistance of experienced friends, of course)?

Thanks again and truck is looking great!

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Santa Rosa Ca?
there are a few Santa rosa's :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaceAGMC (Post 4591525)

Nice ride. I'm used to live in Santa Rosa as well...where do you live?

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

I have no idea what the previous owner was thinking but the same guy also thought hacking off the drip rails would also be cool. Now i have to cut off some rails and weld them back on (lame).
oh, almost forgot the chicken wire grill inserts :lol:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON (Post 4591676)

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Hey brother. welcome to the site! This is one of the best web sites to find out information. More people are on here than any site Ive been on.
Ive been into cars and trucks since a kid. Ive been well seasoned by the car people in my life before i even touched a wrench. Ive had a lot of experience working on cars and trucks before i got my 69.
I like modifying the crap out of my rides to make them perform way better than they did stock. I also like driving them!:metal:
Doing the custom stuff first before getting involved with painting and such will also save you.
Its also fun to make improvements and see the results for each thing as you go.
A full restoration can be a big waist of time and money if you dont have the skills, time, patience and perseverance to finish the job. A lot of people start projects, get overwhelmed and sell them off in pieces for hardly anything.
If your new to this crazy automotive world educate yourself first before tearing into a huge project. trust me :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyromedic (Post 4591779)

Re: "The Northbay G Machine" 1969 GMC shorty build

Hehe, so uh yeah, you're experienced ;) Keep up the great work!