1963 GMC C30 panel truck

[AJCK87]

Hello all, my name is Anthony and I'm new to the forum. I have been checking out a bunch of the builds here, they have given me loads of ideas on tackling my own project. I picked up a 1963 GMC C30 panel truck this January and have been excited about the find. I would like to be getting to the sheet metal work but I am currently saving for a welder appropriate for body work, so I am working on what I can for the time being.

The plan is pull the 350 small block and exchange it for the 5.9 Cummins out of my 92 Dodge. I want to go with an NV4500 transmission, NP205 transfer case and the Dana 60 front axle and 70 rear. I will be converting it to 4 wheel drive and likely running leaf spring suspension all around. The quarter panels, rockers, doors and rear need sheet metal repairs. The truck will be an everyday driver, so I plan to do the paint and metal work myself. Here are a few photo's.

[AJCK87]

The inside

[AJCK87]

More

[AJCK87]

I'm rebuilding the door hinges currently

[AJCK87]

Got the 350 running, but would be too thirsty for me to run as a daily driver

[1963c-10]

Welcome and great looking panel truck!!

[Lokin4AReason]

greetings to the board ...

[TJ's Chevy]

Welcome and nice truck!!! Cool that yer putting in something besides a 350!

[Free Candy Inside]

Cool truck. What you might run into that I have found with my c30 panel is that most patch panels are not long enough for our trucks so you would need multiple panels spliced together. The other issue that I haven't figured out yet is that the we have wider/longer wheel arches that are 36" where everyone that advertises wheel arches sell 33".

If you haven't looked into Top Banana for body parts they are way cheaper but customer service sucks from what I've read.

I'm going to attempt to make my own bedsides for my panel with my bead roller. If I get it down I'd be willing to make them for other guys in the same predicament I'm/we're in.

[AJCK87]

I have been on the look out for used boxes and patch panels. I was not aware that the wheel arches are different, thanks for the heads up. I saw your new roller, looks like a cool piece of equipment. Keep me posted on how your wheel arch panels are turning out, would definitely prefer the proper fit. I'm really liking how your truck is turning out!

[Free Candy Inside]

Originally Posted by AJCK87

I have been on the look out for used boxes and patch panels. I was not aware that the wheel arches are different, thanks for the heads up. I saw your new roller, looks like a cool piece of equipment. Keep me posted on how your wheel arch panels are turning out, would definitely prefer the proper fit. I'm really liking how your truck is turning out!

Thanks, I appreciate it. Mine is kind of a freak machine. I have never used a bead roller before I bought that thing so I don't know if I'll be able to recreate our bedsides or not. I decided for my personal truck that if I get something close I'll use it since nothing is really factory on it anymore it won't matter if they are slightly different. But factory would be ideal.

And I'm jealous of the diesel swap. I really wish my truck was diesel. Maybe one day.

[AJCK87]

Scored a few items at the local scrap yard. There was a vintage fire truck, found three mint windows that should work for the side glass on the panel.

[AJCK87]

Trying to keep things moving. Putting LED panels in the tail light housings. My drivers side housing is a bit mangled, looks like it got riped out at some point. Anyone have a good used one or know where to pick up a reproduction?

[TJ's Chevy]

I'm sure someone has a good used one. The housing I'm not sure on it being reproduced but I know the lens is. Keep an eye pealed on ebay and craigslist...check local wrecking yards for other 60-66 chevy/gmc panel trucks.

[streetrodchev]

I like your plans for this.

Here are some pictures of a similar setup (C30 converted to 4x4 but minus the diesel).

[AJCK87]

Sick!!! I like it, nice work

[streetrodchev]

It isn't mine. It is always at a thresheree (tractor) show I go to.

[AJCK87]

More progress. I picked up my NV4500 at a scrap yard yesterday got a sweet deal $200. Pulled it out of a 94 Chevy 1 ton, 192,000 kilometres on it. Now I need the hardware to link it to my 5.9. I have been looking at some bell housing and clutch kits, has anyone dealt with High Impact Transmisson & Gear out of Sacramento?

[AJCK87]

Here is my old A727, aww I just rebuilt it, had it out and back in last October. O well, I want the standard transmisson. Going to be using the old NP205 here.

[mattbert56]

Lookin good. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

[AJCK87]

Finally got down island and continued progress on the truck. Fired up the 350 and got her into the day light. Worked on the brakes for a while, just enough to find out there shot all around haha. Going to the dana 60 and 70 anyway. How ever the wife wanted a ride in it before I pulled the engine. No dice, so a ride in the drive way will have to suffice haha.

[AJCK87]

...

[AJCK87]

..

[AJCK87]

..back end needs help

[TJ's Chevy]

Liking the progress. That's gonna be one mean panel when your done.