54 gmc... Newb Project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bone$ · 02-19-2014, 06:16 PM

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

**mr48chev** · 02-19-2014, 07:58 PM

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.

iowaboynca · 02-19-2014, 08:28 PM

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.

Bone$ · 02-20-2014, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

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.

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..

Bone$ · 02-20-2014, 02:31 PM

Front Pic

whammer33024 · 02-20-2014, 03:03 PM

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

keep us posted on your progress

PhoenixRisinggmc · 02-20-2014, 03:20 PM

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

brikar · 02-20-2014, 09:07 PM

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

Bone$ · 02-21-2014, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brikar

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

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.

brikar · 02-23-2014, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bone$

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.

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.

Bone$ · 02-26-2014, 12:21 PM

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.

Bone$ · 02-26-2014, 04:58 PM

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 ?

*Kenny · 02-26-2014, 06:21 PM

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

**G&R's57GMC** · 02-26-2014, 10:26 PM

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.

Bone$ · 03-03-2014, 06:38 PM

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.

iowaboynca · 03-03-2014, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bone$

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.

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.

Bone$ · 03-04-2014, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

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.

wtf can they do that?

55dude · 03-08-2014, 04:44 AM

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.

mikec4193 · 03-09-2014, 06:31 PM

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

mikec4193 · 03-09-2014, 06:51 PM

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

Bone$ · 03-10-2014, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikec4193

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

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.

mikec4193 · 03-11-2014, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bone$

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.

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

99 to Life · 03-11-2014, 06:01 PM

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.

Bone$ · 04-06-2014, 11:31 PM

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.

Bone$ · 04-06-2014, 11:38 PM

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 ..

02-19-2014, 06:16 PM	#1
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	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 Attached Images

02-19-2014, 07:58 PM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,722	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. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

02-19-2014, 08:28 PM	#3
iowaboynca Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: West Side of the valley, CA Posts: 878	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.

02-20-2014, 02:31 PM	#5
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project Front Pic Attached Images

02-20-2014, 03:03 PM	#6
whammer33024 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Clear Lake, Iowa Posts: 74	Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project those GMC grilles are really starting to grow on me... keep us posted on your progress

02-20-2014, 03:20 PM	#7
PhoenixRisinggmc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: reno,nevada Posts: 39	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!

02-20-2014, 09:07 PM	#8
brikar Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: lacombe alberta Posts: 90	Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project Looks like it has the deluxe trim package,nice find, good luck on the build.

02-26-2014, 12:21 PM	#11
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	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.

02-26-2014, 04:58 PM	#12
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	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 ? Attached Images

02-26-2014, 06:21 PM	#13
*Kenny Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South Dakota Posts: 48	Re: 54 gmc... Newb Project looks like a good truck to start with, I like the GMC grills a lot.

02-26-2014, 10:26 PM	#14
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,624	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. __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

03-03-2014, 06:38 PM	#15
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	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.

03-08-2014, 04:44 AM	#18
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	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.

03-09-2014, 06:31 PM	#19
mikec4193 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mechanicville NY (upstate) Posts: 191	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

03-09-2014, 06:51 PM	#20
mikec4193 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Mechanicville NY (upstate) Posts: 191	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



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03-11-2014, 06:01 PM	#23
99 to Life Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Titusville, PA Posts: 3,585	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. __________________ 51' 99toLife finished 2011,355 sbc,5speed, patina, redoing whole truck, inter, bags, etc http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382481 49Hardtimes s/10 susp- bagged, vortec sbc, 5 speed, patina, sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=594874 VIDEOS https://youtu.be/E8zHhjgS_lA https://youtu.be/E8zHhjgS_lA Geronimo 54' LS engine, static drop IFS, Client build, just about done http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...62#post7399162 52' 3100 Slowly in progress, will be painted two toned, have 235 with a t-5, lowered OG frame Other projects, 49' farmuse 3100, killer Patina, will be slammed, LS engine, full done interior up next! www.coffeeandcustoms.com

04-06-2014, 11:31 PM	#24
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	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. __________________ Bone$ 54 Gmc Build

04-06-2014, 11:38 PM	#25
Bone$ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Madera Posts: 86	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 .. Attached Images __________________ Bone$ 54 Gmc Build

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