54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Hi guys,
Ive been looking around and must say that this forum has some badass and beautiful trucks.

Im 95% done with my last project "high school car" jeep 1975 CJ5 and was looking for another project. I fell in love with the older mid 40 to early 50 trucks.


So i found one and pick it up today.
My plans are:
Air bags
vortec 5.3
I havent decided on black 15" wheels with White walls or 18" low pro tires.
restore interior
tilt wheel
power brakes
power steering
blacked out windows


Im looking to build a bar hopper/cruiser

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Welcome, It sounds like you have things pretty well planned out. A few of the guys have trucks that are fairly well built along those same lines.

Wheels and tires are pretty well a personal thing as we all seem to like something different but the 18's sound like they jive pretty well with the plans for the Vortec engine and the rest of the build plans.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

I think i saw this truck on CL!...almost pulled the trigger. Looks like it went to a better home. Good luck on the build and keep us posted.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Yeah it was on CL.. picked it up for a good price i guess the son was mad at the dad for going as low as he did.

Most ive seen for around $1000 have no gauges and are rusted out. this one wasnt bad and dash was in decent shape frame is clean and all windows are in it except for rear window.


I cant wait to start..

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Front Pic:metal:

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

those GMC grilles are really starting to grow on me...

keep us posted on your progress

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

good looking aren't they. that's what I like about mine. seems to give them their personality, if you know what I mean!

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Looks like it has the deluxe trim package,nice find, good luck on the build.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Thanks Brikar,

I notticed the Grill looks different than allot of the Gmc's i see.


*Yesterday i ordered my Mustang 2 kit and bags for the front.:metal:

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

The grill surround, signal lights,cab,boxsides and frame, are only on the 54 & 55 1st series gmc.Same for the chevy as well,every thing is unique to that year and a half of production.The dash on your gmc is different from the chevy if it was U.S built, Canada used the chevy dash(or cab)for the gmc also,so in canada the cabs are interchangeable.The stainless windshield trim is very rare up here so i assume its the same in the U.S and is not reproduced,so take care of those pieces. Also good choice on keeping the original frame,and the MII setup.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Well Might have a change in plans.

Im looking at Mustang 2 kits but when guys are selling s10 rollers for $250 with gas tank and power brake boosters it makes me rethink.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Got my fenders back from being blasted.. I have some super thin spots I need to address . I was thinking of coating the inside with POR15 ?

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

looks like a good truck to start with, I like the GMC grills a lot.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Keep the Stock Chassis if you have papers for the VIN.

The S10 chassis could open a can of worms when registering in California.

Theres a bolt in Mustang 2 set up on the market also.

BTW I have a 70's Cad tilt/telescoping steering column and wheel you can have for the shipping cost. If I remember correctly it has the cruse control and head light dimmer switches along with the ignition switch.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Well got the title in my name today. The truck was off DMV records so it was $38 for the title.
They wouldnt register it until its a complete truck motor and trany and they said i need a vin # check I hope my CHP buddy will take care of that for me Also need a weight certificate.

Ill have pics of progress soon.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

you may want to talk to your CHP buddy, but if they want a "complete" truck, DMV may want to register it as the year of the engine, not the truck. Then you'll have to deal with smog.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

wtf can they do that?

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

they can and they do! getting title in california isn't bad but they changed some laws last year to make it tougher but easy compared to washington and oregon! cool build! good luck finding hood.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Hey Bone$

I see you have a good handle on this project. I just got done with Willys Jeep project...so thankful that one came to an end...These old Chevys are way more fun than those Jeeps are...and tad cheaper to fix too...

I like your project so far...

MikeC

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Hey Bone$

I see you have a good handle on this project. I just got done with Willys Jeep project...so thankful that one came to an end...These old Chevys are way more fun than those Jeeps are...and tad cheaper to fix too...

I like your project so far...

MikeC

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Thanks Mike,

I love Willies Jeeps is it a flat fender? my cj5 was fun and a long process but i can say that im happy that my 54 project is 2wd.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

You are a man cut from the same cloth...yuppers mine is a flatfender (CJ2A)....pathetically slow to say the least...I thought I was gonna have a daily driver but when you top out at 45 MPH...in this day and age on the roadways in my neck of the woods...trying to actually drive it is suicide...mine is parked...not sure what to do with really....
My current project is 2 wheel drive....I undertand the basics better than I do with the 4WD stuff....more stuff to go wrong with 4WD.

You have a cool project going here...

MikeC

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

welcome bone, cool 54'. I'm in love with the GMC's can't wait to get one of mine going. Just got too many projects lined up at the moment. anyway, seeings CA seems pretty brutal on registering older whips, I'd stick with an M2 set up. What I'd do is get just the xmember and crowns,say from speedway or somewhere for like 300 bucks, then find some control arms and spindles and just chip away at the kit, rather than spending 1500plus right out the gate. Not sure what your budget entails. S10 route has some pros and cons, one being over the stock frame, you'd have a straight shot on the steering, vs OG frame with IFS and a rack, your gonna have some funny looking heim joints to get the steering to work, esp with the 5.3 in there. expect being snug up front on engine bay issues with steering, accessories and exhaust, I still would go that route, mainly because of your state. As for the POR15, I think you would be good to coat over the bare metal since its pretty much etched from blasting but coat after you do all your metal work of course. Nice truck, I'll be following along.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Thanks guys .. It's nice to see a forum with good support and info..

Small update.. My chp buddy came out and did a vin verification so that part is done. He also builds cars and informed me to go get my weight certificate right away and just register it. I'm not sure what the local weight masters look for since my truck has no motor or trany right now but going to take a shot and take it to a local feed store and see if they will just weigh it and look past that it doesn't run.

Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project
 

Also found a great deal on motor and tranny .. So hear she is..

2000 ls1
Here is all that info:
MS4 cam with 111 LSA
Made by Texas Speed and Performance (they also did the PCM Tune)
PRC .650 dual valve springs with titanium retainers. Hardened pushrods
LS6 Intake
Ported Throttle Body
FAST 36LB injectors

The guy tossed in a th400 trans but if I have the funds going to hunt down a 4l60 or 80...

Can't wait for the first burn out ..:devil: