My "64 GMC Build Thread

[Wolfinthesnow]

So I figured Id start me a build thread of my progress on the Olde GMC. Long story short, I was given the truck from a guy I used to work with. From there begins the fun, torment, agony, and accomplishment.
Heres a pic of when I first got her a few years ago. No engine, no transmission.

[Wolfinthesnow]

I dismantled the beast. I had a 63 chevy truck in high school and learned that it isnt easy to restore and drive your truck at the same time, so none the less, down to bare frame. Once apart, I realized the frame was bent up front. I got a suburban with a good frame from the same fellow I got the truck from, so I used it instead. Here they are side by side.

[Wolfinthesnow]

The next photos are of the center cross member I moved to the rear for my
4-link setup, and the final result from its trip to the powder coaters.

[Wolfinthesnow]

When I started this project I had planned on making this a blown big blocked pro street weekend toy. Buuuuuut the lack of money is very quick to change ones mind, so now its going to be a lot milder. No fun in it if I cant drive the beast on a regular basis right? I kept the f*rd 9" plan and built one with 4.11 gears and disc brakes.

[Wolfinthesnow]

I didn't want to go with the ever so common chevy 350, not that theres anything wrong with it. I like different, so in goes a buick 401 nailhead. Im doing this right now. I actually got the engine mocked in the frame this evening, and once finished Id be more than happy to help anyone else if they'd like to do the same. Don't let anyone tell you a center sump oil pan wont fit, cause it will. Behind the engine is the nailheads Super Turbine 400 tranny. Actually have 3 of these engines in my possession. All 401s. Heres the mock up.

[Wolfinthesnow]

Here is the beast that will eventually take the place of the mock engine.
401, punched out .030, and the numbers stamped on the block state that it is the 340hp, 445ftlbs wildcat engine
I hope to load a video of its first firing soon. We will see

[S-31]

Subscribed! I've always thought it would be cool to have a nailhead in a 60-66. I'd like to see some pics of how you build the motor mounts when you get a chance.

[Wolfinthesnow]

No problem. Once I get them fabbed up I'll take pics and give measurements. I plan on starting on them Monday.
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[Wolfinthesnow]

Here are the mounts I made for my nailhead. 3/16 flat plate, for the bases. The channel on the block mount is cut from 2x3x3/16 tubing and the frame mounts are 3/16 flat plate, broke into 3" channel.




Tacked together.

[Wolfinthesnow]

Here are the mounts mocked up to the engine and frame.

Driver Side


Passenger Side



All TIGed together thanks to my friendly local sheet metal shop.



The notches on the frame plates are for the recess that is right in front of the upper A-arm. For what ever reason it wasnt necessary to do this to the passenger side, but I did them both at the same time.

The bushings I used are from Energysuspension.com

Here is a link to the actual bushings.
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...sp?prod=9.4101

I used part #9.4101. Although theyre nothing to get excited over, Ive got to say Im extremely happy with them. Im also going with this transmission mount.
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...?prod=3%2E1108

Id be more than happy to give you guys the measurements of these once Ive gotten everything bulted up and double checked. Im still waiting on my transmission crossmember part#CP9427 I ordered from CPP.
Ive been told that the mounting for the buick st400 is the same as the chevy turbo400. If not dont tell me, id rather be surprised that upset before it even gets here. Nothing a drill and big hammer cant fix it it doesnt fit!

Anyhow, hope this sheds some light on any of you guys trying to put nailheads in their rides.

[Wolfinthesnow]

I dont have any kind of overhead lift, so here is how I manage to get my cab on and off with semi-ease. Just thought Id share, I know I cant be the only one needing an easy way to pull a cab. I actually stole the idea from someone else on here, so props and my deepest thanks to the unknown individual!

[Wolfinthesnow]

Finally got the beast in. Picked up another 401 and a 400 tranny for $350!!! Basically bought a transmission and got a running 401 for free. The cross member it from CCP.

Before the clean-up





And here it is sitting in the frame.

[Wolfinthesnow]

Ill be needing your help on this one. This is the type of carbs Id like to run. The intake is a nailhead offy, but Im not too sure on the carburetors. I think theyre studebakers side-breathers? Any thoughts?

[MikeS.]

1st off I'll admit I'm very limited on engine experience SBCs and Ford 390s. I'd never seen a nailhead before. Thanks for posting this up and broadening my horizon. That Offy intake and those carbs are really different as well. Not so much the Offy, I was a big Offenhauser fan with Indy car racing.

I like your cab riser too.

[markeb01]

Can’t wait to see this all put together. Love those nailheads. My son has one in a 69 Riviera. What a torque monster.

[Wolfinthesnow]

Decided to set the cab back on the frame to get some visual motivation and to check the fit. Like a glove!!! Oh and on another note, those carbs are stromberg WW back-drafts. Atleast thats what people refer to them as...

[MikeS.]

Why dual single barrel carbs? Not a 2 or 4 barrel?

[Wolfinthesnow]

Welp <cracks knuckles> What I found out from the HAMB is that these carbs are actually like the stromberg 97 two-barrels. The top was bent at a 90° angle for clearance issues under the studebaker hood. So it would basically be like running 2 stromberg 97s. Make sense? The intake is for 2x4 barrels with a 4 barrel down to 2 barrel adapter on each carb base. Im mainly interested in these because they are different. Ive never seen any before, not even at car shows. I just hope they dont become a head ache. From what Ive gathered though, the hot rodders that run them, love them.

[Wolfinthesnow]

Picked up a new parts truck last weekend. I was only interested in the hood, but wound up getting the entire truck for $500. Shes a 1960 GMC long bed step side. Has the 305 V6 in it that runs!! I dont need the engine, not sure what to do with it yet. Other than a good hood, I got a newly upholstered seat, another grill, the bed, and other misc new parts such as door rubber, windshield rubber, mirrors, and a chrome bumper. The truck even has a title!!! Here are a few pics of the old beast.


The cab is pretty much shot. Im surprised I didnt lose the roof while towing it home. Ill be cutting the passenger side corner off of it; my cab corner is pretty banged up. This will save me a lot of work in the long run.


The engine had sat for 2 years so the p/o said. After new set of plug wires I had lying around and points cleaned she started right up! The transmission is an automatic, but I have no idea what it is. Steering column has N, 4-1, 3-1, 2-1, and R. Any ideas?

[sergioperez78]

Hi! Could you finish this truck? I´m planning on a 1962 nailhead powered chevy truck. Thanks in advance, Sergio

[Straydog]

Love the nail head idea. its refreshing to see people take a different road on their builds. The intake and carbs is absolutely beautiful.
I got a Mopar 360 in mine and although it would not have been my first choice it is unique.
Keep thinking outside the box.....Great build!

[Wolfinthesnow]

So it's been a stupid long time since I've been able to work on the old girl. Finally got her back on the front burner. Long story short, the majority of the roof skin was rotted through around the drip rail, so cab hunting I went. Located one in Daytona. Needless to say it was a little rougher than I first realized but it was still a good cab. Ultimately what I've decided to do is cut the rear skin off of my old cab, and take said skin and put it on the newly acquired cab. Is it a lot of work? Yes, but once finished my cab will be pretty much rust and rot free. Here's some pics of my progress. The two cabs I'm using, and my rocker woes.

[Wolfinthesnow]

Here I've got the inside of the cab all braced up for when I cut off the rear skin panel. Also, while I've got grinder out, I've cut off and am in the process of replacing the lower door pillars. So far I've got the rear passenger side done. In my opinion it turned out rather well for my first time. Ultimately I will need to cut out both sides of the floor about 6 inches in. I've got replacement panels for that too.

[Wolfinthesnow]

The truck ain't the only thing I'm modifying... god knows I can't just leave something the way I received it. My air compressor tank I painted.

[rusty76]

Man such a cool truck. Love it.