1978 GMC Build! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

budget78gmc · 01-14-2011, 01:48 AM

This is the start of the very slow build of my 1978 GMC Sierra Grande.:

Picked this up from my dad. Total cost, $750= Cost of the tranny he just dropped into it. Score!

The Good: Newer rebuilt 350, Fresh 700R4 Tranny, 4 brand new tires, Straight and solid frame.

The Bad: Rust, Both side front wheel bearings welded to spindles, Rust, Leaking heater core, Rust, And did I mention Rust.

Pop's C-10 · 01-14-2011, 01:54 AM

welcome

sgtvanmp · 01-15-2011, 11:53 PM

They all have some somewere. On my 76, the inner fender well under the battery has a port hole. Good luck on the build. Let us know what your looking to do.

and Keep the pics coming.

budget78gmc · 01-16-2011, 08:04 AM

First thing is 3in drop spindles, with 3in drop springs. And for the rear a flip kit. That should get it down to the earth more. But at the moment its cold and with my newborn son, money is tight. Little by little it will take shape

budget78gmc · 01-16-2011, 03:44 PM

Then I will slowly start replacing or fixing body parts 1 at a time. The cab and bed will be the worst of it. Trying to find a good bed in Hutchinson KS is not easy.

budget78gmc · 01-18-2011, 03:20 PM

Here is the motor. Looks dirty and grimy

, but runs like a champ. Clean up is in store as soon as it warms up a bit.

scubasteve16 · 01-19-2011, 07:01 PM

Try looking for a good bed outside of Hutchinson Kansas like in smaller towns. I know there are several here in Abilene that are not to bad. I will keep my eyes open for ya... I have seen a few that just need minor work....I am on the look out for one for my 75 with dual tanks but has to have the round holes on both sides and those seem to be the one that hard to find....

budget78gmc · 01-19-2011, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the advice. I need one with the round hole on the passenger side. Mine could be fixed easily, But i am not a welder and have no garage for working. And no welder LOL!!!

scubasteve16 · 01-19-2011, 07:26 PM

Thats why you make friends with people in the area that do....I am sure if you help them do something they will help you....Trust me I have been in your shoes...I helped one guy who helped me and the friends started coming and before you knew it I had many friends....

budget78gmc · 01-19-2011, 09:42 PM

Sweet. Everyone needs friends!

budget78gmc · 01-23-2011, 12:36 AM

Nothing new as of now. Drop spindles being ordered next week, well I hope so anyways. Will snap pictures of the before and after.

budget78gmc · 01-23-2011, 12:52 AM

Another quick question, I cant locate my book, but I need the torque specs for upper and lower ball joints for when i put the new spindles on. Thanks!!

budget78gmc · 02-01-2011, 10:40 PM

Got home from work to see this!!

Too bad its snowing like a big dog.

budget78gmc · 02-05-2011, 12:12 AM

Not much new. My father unexpectedly passed away Tuesday morning, been a tough week. He was a loving father who touched a lot of peoples lives.

Squareforceone · 02-05-2011, 01:38 AM

Sorry for your loss thats a tough blow man. I hope you can really build this truck up and make it nice in memory of your dad good luck man

**N2TRUX** · 02-05-2011, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budget78gmc

Not much new. My father unexpectedly passed away Tuesday morning, been a tough week. He was a loving father who touched a lot of peoples lives.

Thats the best thing we can leave behind. God be with you and your family.

budget78gmc · 08-07-2012, 10:18 PM

Well i'm back. Hoping to get the drop spindles and rotors on in the coming weeks. Also wanting to do a flatbed, but dropped. the front is coming down 5 inches, the back 6. Need some pics of dropped trucks with flatbeds. Want to be different.

JRANGER · 08-07-2012, 10:38 PM

nice..just like mine but blue

JRANGER · 08-07-2012, 10:40 PM

BTW....Whats the condition of the bed? If your going flat bed i might be interested

budget78gmc · 08-07-2012, 10:51 PM

The bed is very rough. lots of rust and banged up pretty bad.

**N2TRUX** · 08-07-2012, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRANGER

BTW....Whats the condition of the bed? If your going flat bed i might be interested

This isn't a "For Sale" thread so please don't get it closed by making offers to buy.

JRANGER · 08-08-2012, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

This isn't a "For Sale" thread so please don't get it closed by making offers to buy.

no offer...was just saying interested...But i will make sure i dont from now on sorry

budget78gmc · 08-10-2012, 11:10 PM

Well gonna put the spindles on tomorrow morning. I need torque specs for upper and lower ball joints and tie rods for when i put it back together. Any ideas

budget78gmc · 08-14-2012, 03:54 PM

Alright, Got the drop spindles on and cut 1 1/2 coils from springs.
before, then after.

budget78gmc · 08-14-2012, 03:57 PM

And the front view. Looks like its leaning, but the front bumper is bent on drivers side.

01-14-2011, 01:48 AM	#1
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	1978 GMC Build! This is the start of the very slow build of my 1978 GMC Sierra Grande.: Picked this up from my dad. Total cost, $750= Cost of the tranny he just dropped into it. Score! The Good: Newer rebuilt 350, Fresh 700R4 Tranny, 4 brand new tires, Straight and solid frame. The Bad: Rust, Both side front wheel bearings welded to spindles, Rust, Leaking heater core, Rust, And did I mention Rust. Attached Images

01-14-2011, 01:54 AM	#2
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: 1978 GMC Build! welcome

01-15-2011, 11:53 PM	#3
sgtvanmp Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 34	Re: 1978 GMC Build! They all have some somewere. On my 76, the inner fender well under the battery has a port hole. Good luck on the build. Let us know what your looking to do. and Keep the pics coming. __________________ Mike '76 C10 350/350 Edelbrock Performer carb/intake Link to my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...62#post4377162

01-16-2011, 08:04 AM	#4
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! First thing is 3in drop spindles, with 3in drop springs. And for the rear a flip kit. That should get it down to the earth more. But at the moment its cold and with my newborn son, money is tight. Little by little it will take shape Last edited by budget78gmc; 01-16-2011 at 08:06 AM.

01-16-2011, 03:44 PM	#5
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Then I will slowly start replacing or fixing body parts 1 at a time. The cab and bed will be the worst of it. Trying to find a good bed in Hutchinson KS is not easy.

01-18-2011, 03:20 PM	#6
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Here is the motor. Looks dirty and grimy, but runs like a champ. Clean up is in store as soon as it warms up a bit. Attached Images __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

01-19-2011, 07:01 PM	#7
scubasteve16 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Abilene Kansas Posts: 78	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Try looking for a good bed outside of Hutchinson Kansas like in smaller towns. I know there are several here in Abilene that are not to bad. I will keep my eyes open for ya... I have seen a few that just need minor work....I am on the look out for one for my 75 with dual tanks but has to have the round holes on both sides and those seem to be the one that hard to find.... __________________ "If it throws you back in the seat when it shifts, it was slowing down before it shifted" Disturbed Customs 1992 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 wore out 350 1975 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4/ 8" suspension lift/ 468 Big Block/ 4 speed/ 4.56 gears/ 17' American Racing simulated beadlocks with Pro Comp 37x12.50 tires 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Straight 8/Hydromatic tranny

01-19-2011, 07:15 PM	#8
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Thanks for the advice. I need one with the round hole on the passenger side. Mine could be fixed easily, But i am not a welder and have no garage for working. And no welder LOL!!! __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

01-19-2011, 07:26 PM	#9
scubasteve16 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Abilene Kansas Posts: 78	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Thats why you make friends with people in the area that do....I am sure if you help them do something they will help you....Trust me I have been in your shoes...I helped one guy who helped me and the friends started coming and before you knew it I had many friends.... __________________ "If it throws you back in the seat when it shifts, it was slowing down before it shifted" Disturbed Customs 1992 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 wore out 350 1975 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4/ 8" suspension lift/ 468 Big Block/ 4 speed/ 4.56 gears/ 17' American Racing simulated beadlocks with Pro Comp 37x12.50 tires 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Straight 8/Hydromatic tranny

01-19-2011, 09:42 PM	#10
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Sweet. Everyone needs friends! __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

01-23-2011, 12:36 AM	#11
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Nothing new as of now. Drop spindles being ordered next week, well I hope so anyways. Will snap pictures of the before and after. __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

01-23-2011, 12:52 AM	#12
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Another quick question, I cant locate my book, but I need the torque specs for upper and lower ball joints for when i put the new spindles on. Thanks!! __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

02-01-2011, 10:40 PM	#13
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Got home from work to see this!! Too bad its snowing like a big dog. Attached Images __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536 Last edited by budget78gmc; 02-01-2011 at 10:41 PM.

02-05-2011, 12:12 AM	#14
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Not much new. My father unexpectedly passed away Tuesday morning, been a tough week. He was a loving father who touched a lot of peoples lives. __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

02-05-2011, 01:38 AM	#15
Squareforceone Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rustville USA or southeast Ia Posts: 654	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Sorry for your loss thats a tough blow man. I hope you can really build this truck up and make it nice in memory of your dad good luck man



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-07-2012, 10:18 PM	#17
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Well i'm back. Hoping to get the drop spindles and rotors on in the coming weeks. Also wanting to do a flatbed, but dropped. the front is coming down 5 inches, the back 6. Need some pics of dropped trucks with flatbeds. Want to be different. __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

08-07-2012, 10:38 PM	#18
JRANGER Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 3,595	Re: 1978 GMC Build! nice..just like mine but blue __________________ PLEASE HELP WITH PROJECT UNDERHAULIN http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=306320 Gemini - 1978 GMC C15 High Sierra - 305 c/e - Given to Mother Electra - 1967 Mustang Coupe - 302/w 3 speed Build Chyna - 1968 Chevy C20 Long Stepper

08-07-2012, 10:40 PM	#19
JRANGER Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 3,595	Re: 1978 GMC Build! BTW....Whats the condition of the bed? If your going flat bed i might be interested __________________ PLEASE HELP WITH PROJECT UNDERHAULIN http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=306320 Gemini - 1978 GMC C15 High Sierra - 305 c/e - Given to Mother Electra - 1967 Mustang Coupe - 302/w 3 speed Build Chyna - 1968 Chevy C20 Long Stepper

08-07-2012, 10:51 PM	#20
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! The bed is very rough. lots of rust and banged up pretty bad. __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

08-10-2012, 11:10 PM	#23
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Well gonna put the spindles on tomorrow morning. I need torque specs for upper and lower ball joints and tie rods for when i put it back together. Any ideas __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

08-14-2012, 03:54 PM	#24
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! Alright, Got the drop spindles on and cut 1 1/2 coils from springs. before, then after. Attached Images __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

08-14-2012, 03:57 PM	#25
budget78gmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Hutchinson, KS Posts: 215	Re: 1978 GMC Build! And the front view. Looks like its leaning, but the front bumper is bent on drivers side. Attached Images __________________ SOLD 1978 GMC Sierra Grande "Slow Budget Build" 1969 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440536

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.