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