Duramax 2500HD '58 Panel

[FinnDiesel]

Door Locks:
I wanted the ’01 door lock mechanisms and factory remote fob capability.
Had to fab some pivot brackets to allow use of the ’58 exterior door handles which push instead of pull. The problem was converting the inward push of the thumb button to straight down for the latch module within the limited space inside the back end of the door behind the door window rear vertical track.
By chance, the ’01 lock module is vertically U-shaped, perfect to fit around the window track. The ’58 interior door latch handle and flat metal linkage stays stock except for the end drilled to accept the modern thick wire linkage and connectors.
They work great. The doors close real smooth and soft now. The 2 doors took approx. 3 days to figure out and complete.
At this point I am leaving the rear door as factory manual lock only.
The factory fob works perfect, one push driver door, 2nd push passenger door lock opens.
A problem with the ’58 door key, is that the key only deactivates the thumb push. Its function does not extend beyond that – meaning that when the power door locks are locked, you still cannot open the door with the key.
You can lock the door via the key though, even with the power lock unlocked.

[FinnDiesel]

The lights were a bit tricky, as I wanted to retain the ’01 light wiring and bulbs, connectors etc for reliability.
I used a hole saw to drill out the middle of the stock task force front indicators to graft in the ‘01 indicator twist-in bulb housings and modern 3157 bulbs. Go J-B weld.
It all fits with the stock mounting bolts to the body.
For the headlights, I bought new headlight units with the replaceable H4 bulbs and installed LED bulbs.
Found a wiring conversion harness which converts the ’01 dual 9005/9006 hi/low beam wiring to the hi/low beam single H4 bulb. Really simple plug and play mods to convert from 4 light set up to 2 light setup. They are super bright.
The rear tail lights with the single small bulb were again cored out to accept the 2 separate brake and turn signal bulbs. It works and looks great!

[FinnDiesel]

Finally received the windshield after 4 months. Installed it myself as not a single shop in my area would take it on. I will say, a factory gmt800 windshield is 100x easier! Good workout though.
Then it was off for BC's out-of-province inspection to get on the road.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by FinnDiesel

the wheels in question

I believe those are Dodge wheels from 90's trucks and vans.

[FinnDiesel]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I believe those are Dodge wheels from 90's trucks and vans.

Awesome find, thanks @bnorth! I see the matching wheels on ebay . . good to know.
It's neat that the 1958 era hubcaps fit. I'm gonna add some retaining screws just in case though.

[FinnDiesel]

Passed the out of province inspection - forgot to install the upper fan shroud, and the aftermarket windshield squirters do not fit the factory bezels - smaller thread. They made me clean up some loose wiring at the foot well. As the windshield squirters were not mandatory in 1958, they passed it. Used the same plates off the '01.
This beast drives amazing.

[FinnDiesel]

I posted in a separate thread re: collapsed plastic gmt800 clutch pedal. I will add here as well.
Being a little robust with shifting, my clutch pedal suddenly twisted down to the right while pushing on it.
I had to pull over. I went upside down and managed to push the pedal straight - it turns out the pivot 'bolt' plastic spring loaded mechanism gave way, not the typical master cylinder pulling through.
Strange how such a strong workhorse gets a plastic clutch pedal - the most used pedal of the 3.
Found out KB Diesels makes a real metal clutch pedal for gassers 5 speed and ZF6 6 speeds.

[FinnDiesel]

Finished the clutch pedal install 4 days ago. Nice metal pedal assembly now.
I bought the heim joint upgrade. Have to cut and thread the pushrod - easy enough on the truck. No disassembly required.
Allows adjustment now. Cool.
I will say, there is NO MORE FLEX in the pedal as before. Mine failed at the springed-pivot bolt. The pedal just folded sideways.
Remember this is a stock '01 GMT800 LB7 chassis/drivetrain/firewall and front floor section.