72 gmc duramax build
 

Hi thought I'd start a build thread on my current project. It's a 72 gmc that I've had kicking around in my back yard for a couple years now. I also had a bunch of duramax parts leftover from previous builds and figured I might as well build something with it all. Frame was an 05 3/4 ton reg cab with 6.0. Stripped it down and moved axle ahead about 6 inches. Also had to put a shortbed fuel tank to clear axle and added a fass fuel system I had

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Cab floor was rusty so I ordered one piece floor cab corners rockers and kick panels. Last weekend I cut the floor out. A few hours later cab floor was tacked in place and cab was set on frame.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Sat the engine and trans in and then lowered cab onto frame to see how it fit. The floor fits the new chassis nicely. The bed floor will have to be raised about 4.5 inches to match cab. Engine is an lb7 with 68mm turbo profab manifolds and uppipes. Getting some bigger nozzles for it also.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Very nice work so far! The one piece floor replacements are great. I sprayed my new floor top and bottom with raptor liner to protect the new metal. How did the cab mounts line up on the duramax frame? Great choice on the LB7 too, I love my deleted LML daily driver.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Thanks. The front cab mount lines up with an existing hole in the frame. I just had to drill it bigger and pass a long bolt straight through. The rear mount interfere with fuel tank so I had to make new mounts I'll post pics when I get a chance. I wanted cab to sit lower but the rear is sitting on the fuel tank so without relocating fuel tank it's as low as possible.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

You my friend are no slouch. Quite the undertaking! I'm in!

Brian

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Got the rockers cab corners and kick panels welded in today. Started on the bodywork.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Cut drilled and modified the hydroboost braket tonight and bolted it to the firewall. Also welded up the steering shaft.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Built a new filler neck this evening. The only logical place to put the filler was back in the original location but seeing as tho I wanted to keep the new style tank I had to pass a pipe through the cab. I welded the newer filler neck where the old cap was and an exhaust elbow to back of cab. Hooked up the hoses and done.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Got the radiator support mounted and fit the radiator and intercooler. It fit tighter than I was expecting. I'll have to mount an electric fan in front of the the radiator stack.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Looking good.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

This. Is. Awesomeness!

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Nice fabrication and welding skills

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Thanks. Not as much progress as planned this weekend but I did run fuel lines and trans lines. Going to hook up radiator and intercooler piping this week and hopefully tackle engine wiring. Should be running by the weekend

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Got a bit of work done to truck. Intercooler piping is done as well as coolant hoses. Mounted throttle pedal and built shifter linkage. Also wired up engine and fired it up. Just need to build a driveshaft and I'll be able to move it around

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

its nice to see someone tackle a dmax build every once in a while. cant wait to see it rip around.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Yea it's a nice change of pace. Done so many ls swap they were kinda starting to get boring. Took a short vid of first start last night. Wiring is mess going to mount battery pcm and tcm and then clean up harness. Link to vid https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=inFJgk2cx4Q

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Put a rear seat from an 08 crew cab. Took alot of modifying and not sure how I feel about it. I think I'm going look for a factory bench seat.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Took some time away from truck to attend to other projects but I've started back on it. Put new door bottoms inside and out and started on bodywork. I also had to fill and bodywork a bunch of holes from previous mirrors

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

This is a proper diesel build. One need not create an abomination of the Cummins kind.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Yea no cummins for this guy. Welded up the cab light holes and wrapped up the bodywork. Sprayed cab with polyester primer so I can start blocking it.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Pics

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Pulled cab back off to paint floor. Going to spray it with tintable raptorliner.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Shaved the heater box off of firewall and sprayed floor and firewall with tintable raptor liner. Going to spray the rest of cabs interior this week.

Re: 72 gmc duramax build
 

Interior and door jams are painted. Sound deadening and new interior parts on the way.