47-55.1 52 GMC 100 Build

[S15shaka]

Hello everyone, thanks for checking out the thread, will update with pics through the process.

The truck is a 52 GMC 100. It was originally bought in the midwest by my grandfather as a farm truck and eventually ended up in FL as his family moved south.

My father has come into possession of the vehicle some years ago and is ready now to get the truck running again.

He's tasked me with being in charge of the project of making it "driveable" and "road worthy"

It is completely stock, featuring a 228 with a 4 speed.

I'm leaning to keeping it as original as possible, as such I would like to keep the suspension, motor, transmission and ideally only change the brakes and gearing/rear end.

I've done some reading on the forum and other sites, more or less found disc brake solutions for the truck, I'm having problems pinning down what exactly to do for the rear end though.

Is there a way to keep the transmission and go open driveshaft? Or old torque tube and new rear end?

If not viable, do people attach S10 or other transmissions to the 228 and go open driveshaft that way?

[leegreen]

Welcome and nice truck!

I agree that you should keep this near stock. Does 'reliable' meet the family definition of drivable? I'd be tempted to just give it a good going over and a dual circuit master. Be happy at 40 MPH.

An axle off many full size trucks will have same width, but expect to weld new spring perches on.
A t5 trans from a S10 would be a good upgrade to go with the axle, this is worth reading, author is on the forum https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...info-page.html

Front drum in good shape will stop you OK, but not if you want to drive this like a modern truck....you need to go slower down mountain passes, avoid repeated high speed stops on highway in stop and go. So the disk upgrade is a good step, as is making sure your suspension and steering is in excellent shape.

Once you start thinking about better ride and handling, power steering the complexity of the project balloons.

[dsraven]

looks like it is good shape from the pics posted. if making this a driver for todays roads and modern day drivers, that expect vehicles to stop on a dime etc, then a few modern upgrades would be good. a dual circuit master cylinder, a disc brake upgrade etc, but before you go buying anything start by getting a list together of what you know the truck needs. have the brakes pulled apart and checked, wheel cylinders, backing plate condition, brake lines, rubber hoses etc. wheel bearings, axle seals, linkage from pedal to master cylinder, all that stuff. start a spread sheet and get as much info as you can written in it. have a category for each system so you know what it will require to get each system working properly and be roadworthy. then do the peripheral stuff like interior needs, any bodywork required or wanted, glass, door controls, wiring needs etc. phone around or go online and look to see what you can get for parts and what the cost will be. rock auto, napa, the parts stores like the filling station, classic industries, lmc, jim carter, brothers trucks etc etc

[dsraven]

i found this on the net if youre still looking for wheel options
https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/s...hp?tid/122174/

[dsraven]

and this
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=628738