47-59 53 GMC longbed project

[Sebambam]

Hi team
i have a 53 GMC with a 228 and 3 on the tree
the truck belongs to my buddy and he had it in paint jail for over a year.

After a long thought process and deciding to use the Original Inline 6 (228)
i need your help with gathering parts for a DRIVER build , we are not to keen on originality ( besides the engine)
so we decided on a 12V conversion.

Here is just ordered a 12v conv. harness incl. the "modern fuse panel" setup.

i also ordered a Intake /header/weber kit from CLIFFORD to get a bit more performance out of the 228.
+ a HEI dizzy ( small cap)

parts/conversions i need help with

- 12V starter. is there a off the shelve GM part# i can use?
- is there a ignition /starter switch, so we dont use the foot start ?

also in terms of styling
the truck sits at OEM height but my buddy would like to get Steelies with moon caps , what size wheel and tires do you recommend?

and what way would be easiest to lower the truck with OEM suspension to give it a bit a stance ?

[dsraven]

for your 12v conversion, did you order a 12v alternator? which one-how many amps?
original 6v starter will usually handle the 12v if you have an engine that is in good shape/state of tune so the starter doesn't have to crank for very long before it starts, like a couple seconds. to swap in a 12v starter requires some work because the ring gear on the flywheel and the gear teeth on the starter are different. there are lots of 6V starters being used on 12 volts, just don't expect it to last if it has to crank for awhile before the engine starts. crank for a couple seconds, then let the starter cool off for a few minutes otherwise you will burn the contact plates off the armature in the starter motor. a good starter rebuild shop would be able to set up your original starter so it has what it takes to handle 12 volts, usually the field windings need to be swapped out, but most guys use the 6v starter on 12 until it cooks, then just get another 6v starter and carry on

[lv2tri2]

I had a 53 GMC with a 228. It was pretty reliable. Added two Carter W-1s, split the exhaust and it surprised me how much faster it was. It lasted a couple weeks. If a hot rod is your goal, I'd start with a different engine. Good luck.