1970 GMC 1/2 Ton 350

[corndoggydogg]

Hello all. I picked this truck up for a bargain in August 2014. Overall, its in pretty good shape. Been spending the past 4 months "scraping off the grime", fixing leaks and generally getting it drivable. I don't know its history, but based on the moss and cracked seals, I have a feeling it was sitting in someone's yard (undriven) for a number of years. Well, now, I am finally ready to start the build. It won't be a frame-up restoration. Just looking to turn this into a cool truck for Home Depot runs, etc. So far, this site has proven invaluable for me. Looking forward to what the future has in store. I am completely open to input an feedback, so if you have any suggestions or thoughts, please don't hesitate to throw it out there. Let the fun begin...............

[mrlobster]

Hey, great truck! I picked up a '72 GMC in October with the same basic intent as you- something cool to go to home depot or the dump.
I look forward to seeing what you're going to do with it. I have to get the rust dealt with in the cab first.

[corndoggydogg]

Changed out the existing beat-up after-market steering wheel. Found this at a junk yard on a 1968 C10. Pulled the steering wheel and the bench seat a few days before it was destined for the scrapper.

[corndoggydogg]

Originally Posted by mrlobster

Hey, great truck! I picked up a '72 GMC in October with the same basic intent as you- something cool to go to home depot or the dump.
I look forward to seeing what you're going to do with it. I have to get the rust dealt with in the cab first.

Good looking rig, yourself.

[swamp rat]

Hey Corn Doggy welcome from Spanaway! nice truck and welcome!

P.S. Oh why do they send these trucks to the scrapper..... what a shame! but you found the perfect steering wheel. trying to figure out what the buckets came out of. don't think there stock?

[corndoggydogg]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Hey Corn Doggy welcome from Spanaway! nice truck and welcome!

P.S. Oh why do they send these trucks to the scrapper..... what a shame! but you found the perfect steering wheel. trying to figure out what the buckets came out of. don't think there stock?

I highly doubt they are stock. High backs. In all honesty, the buckets are very comfy. If I didn't have 2 kids, I probably would keep them. But a bench makes more sense for me.

[corndoggydogg]

Interesting development. Looks like my truck is actually a 1972...

[corndoggydogg]

Time to rip out the interior...

[68Gold/white]

Corn, by the looks of the doors, you do have a 72.
You and swamp are both fortunate to have 72's, having 5 lug wheels, w/ disc brakes. I guess you both have 350 engines???

Don't throw away your buckets, someone will want them, even if they are not original. I've always like the bench seat in my 68. One of the most comfortable driving vehicles, partially because of the seat...

I like the fact that you are keeping it drive-able. I get one in pieces, and too much time goes by, in the process of rebuilding. A lot of things can be done in 2-3 days, or even one week, like new rockers, replacing other body panels. Just do one at a time, it's a much better approach, I've found, and the best part is you can keep driving it!!!

Have fun!!!
Jeff

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

A lot of things can be done in 2-3 days, or even one week, like new rockers, replacing other body panels. Just do one at a time, it's a much better approach, I've found, and the best part is you can keep driving it!!!

Have fun!!!
Jeff

Man i don't think i'll ever be able to replace rockers in 2-3 days or even a week! LOL! Maybe once i get into it i'll think its easy?

[swamp rat]

Definitely 72 doors, thats a good thing, having that added screw by the wing window makes the door less prone to bending or warping at the window opening.

If your getting water leakage into the glove box and on the floor below you will want to pull off the air intake cowl and have a good look at the body seams both above the windshield and below, below the cowl there is a seam where 3 panels are spot welded together, sometimes the fitment is off and there is a gap, on mine there was some putty stuff, i don't know what its called, it had big cracks in it and had a big gap and there was no sealer at all on it.

Water can also leach in via the antenna wire too.

[corndoggydogg]

Replaced old rusted out headlight bezel. Another junk yard find.

[corndoggydogg]

Ground off the rust, neutralized it and sealed it with a few coats of Rustoleum...

[corndoggydogg]

Refurbishment of bench seat pulled from a junk yard 68. Killed off the rust, replaced the broken driver-side seat spring, and hit it with a few coats of black appliance enamel.

[corndoggydogg]

New bench seat upholstery kit from LMC Truck ($150). Foam purchased from a local couch manufacturer ($75). Junk yard bench seat frame ($25). Total cost: $250.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by corndoggydogg

Replaced old rusted out headlight bezel. Another junk yard find.

That pic of your son twisting on the screwdriver is priceless. Nice project too.

[corndoggydogg]

Wrapped up the interior over the weekend.

[68Gold/white]

Awesome helpers!!! So what if they get a little messy...

LOL, I bought a salvage yard seat out of a 68 one ton dually, this summer, same exact color and condition, although mines not re-done...yet!

[swamp rat]

Nice progress!

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Corn,

Here's the way that '72 sits with the info I sent you.

My current build (that's not going away...I already made that mistake) has 20's 9.5 in front and 10's (wide) in the rear.
Also, this one has a 4.5" drop up front (2 springs, 2.5 spindles) and 6" in the back. No C-notch.

This ride height probably would be less interesting to you if you liked the stance on the '72.

If you want, I could probably find the guy I sold it to and scope out the tire size on the '72.

[corndoggydogg]

I was removing the rust in the bed with some phosphoric acid, and accidentally dripped it on the paint. Surprisingly, it revealed some pretty nice paint underneath. I proceeded to coat the entire truck with the acid; applied compound; followed by wax. The $30 Harbor Freight polisher worked like a charm. Pretty happy with the results.

[swamp rat]

No way! Now i need to do an experiment.

[TheCougarine]

Wow thats really impressive.

[corndoggydogg]

Now THIS is impressive...

[Xeen]

I have never heard of removing oxidation with acid before.
I worked in the car detailing business for awhile and in my experience you don't have to use a chemical to do that, simply using clear coat compound and a polisher will do the same thing, just sayin.
I would be worried about the consequences of not neutralizing the acid after it is applied to the rest of the components on the pickup because I'm sure some of the acid got down into the cracks and crevices when you were applying it and acid is some nasty stuff.
You should probably take it down to the local brushless car wash and run it through because that will help remove any acid that accidentally got where it wasn't supposed to be.