57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed

[Old57]

Thanks guys, I was glad that it turned out better than I expected. Today, I got the repaired speedometer back in the dash and tested, inner windshield trim on, steering wheel back on, seat bolted down, a couple of other small items taken care of, adjusted the passenger door latch really nice, and I have the driver door latch close to being good. I started the motor and let it charge the battery and warm up to the thermostat temp, etc. too, since it hasn't been started in a couple of weeks. I think I'm involuntarily procrastinating on installing the door glass, wing windows, haha. I need to get that taken care of next, and hopefully my bumpers are done getting powder coated in the next couple of days. I'm starting to realize that I'm close to being able to take this thing for a drive.

[Old57]

I got the bumpers back from getting powder coated this afternoon. They look nice. I'll try to get them installed in the next day or so.

[mongocanfly]

Looks good!

[6BT 56]

Very nice . Period correct colour . I like.

[Old57]

Some more progress... I got the bumpers on, wired the trailer light harness, put in some simple black rubber floor mats, installed all of the door internals and glass, and the door weatherstrips. I need to modify the front bumper brackets to bring it up and back a little to look better. I had to clean and lube the window regulators before they went in, but I have them working nice and smooth. Everything went straight forward with all of the door glass and parts, and it all works great. I put the inner door handles on pointed up to give a little more leg room. I used soft seal door weatherstrips, and the doors close easy and just like they did without the seals, so that was great. One issue I had with the soft seal weatherstrips, was one side had a twist in the seal... it was seamed together with one full twist in it. I ended up cutting an angled slice in the seal at the bottom center of the door, untwisting it, and gluing the seam with 3M weatherstrip adhesive. My pile of parts to install has dwindled away. Tomorrow, I'm going to fit and mount the reproduction kick panels, then paint them and install them. I also will pull off the front hub dials and replace them with the blue anodized aluminum dials that I had made to replace the plastic ones. After that... I believe it's ready to go for a drive and start getting some break in miles on the big block! I'm waiting for the tag light and back up lights to arrive, but that won't need to be done to get some driving done. It's weird to think that after 3 1/2 years of working on this truck in every bit of my spare time, I'm finally going to get to know it this weekend. Paint will eventually come when I can afford the time and money, but I'm going to enjoy it for a while first.

[joedoh]

outstanding!

[Old57]

Originally Posted by joedoh

outstanding!

[OutlawDrifter]

That thing is a beast!

[mongocanfly]

man that things beastly looking.....enjoy the heck outta it

[6BT 56]

Looking great . I hope it drives and tows as good as it looks. I forget , did it have ac? I have see a few guys on here that put the front bumper on upside down. I can't recall how it turned out but I have always pondered it when looking at the front of mine. If your tweaking mounts anyway �� Keep up,the great work . Can't wate to see a out door pic or two.

[Black_Sheep]

Gabe be sure to post video of the maiden voyage, I really want to hear how the exhaust sounds...

[Old57]

Thanks guys! I'll try to do a video of the exhaust. It's very mellow and a deep tone, not obnoxious or anything. I didn't do AC on it yet, but I did plan for it in the future so everything will fit and clear.

Here's some pics of when I first got the 57 compared to today. I worked late last night and part of today getting the last few things wrapped up on it. The powder coated bumpers are on, door and wing windows in with all new seals/tracks, kick panels in, floor mats, changed the front lock out hub dials to custom made anodized aluminum ones, adjusted a few things, and gave everything one last check. We took it out on the maiden voyage and filled up the 32 gallon tank to feed the big block. It was pretty amazing to actually drive it around after 3 1/2 years of working on it in every bit of spare time, doing a complete frame off build, everything rebuilt, rust repair, frame swap, complete drive train build, etc. Its finally done except for a couple minor things I'm waiting on the mail for... tag light, back up lights, console/cup holder.

I put about 50 miles on it this afternoon, all is good so far!

It's pretty stout, and was fun to drive. It sure got some attention too... I even had to wait on some picture takers so I could take some pictures,

[Black_Sheep]

Your hard work and dedication paid off, congratulations Gabe.

[Old57]

Originally Posted by Black_Sheep

Your hard work and dedication paid off, congratulations Gabe.

Thanks! I put some more miles on it today, just out enjoying it with my wife. I do have one of the new shocks leaking oil on the ground. It is a Tuff Country shock that was from the 4" suspension kit from Offroad Design. I emailed them this afternoon, so I'll see if it will be warrantied or not tomorrow when they get the email.

Judging from all the response/thumbs up/pictures taken while out driving around, there's a lot of people that like what I've done with it

[6BT 56]

Nice . Did you keep the tool boxes from when you got it ? It looks great as is but if I had a set of those lying around I'd sure be a happy fella.

[Old57]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

Nice . Did you keep the tool boxes from when you got it ? It looks great as is but if I had a set of those lying around I'd sure be a happy fella.

No, the tool boxes were sold to a guy building a welding trailer back when I first tore apart the truck.

I took the truck for it's first "work" session this evening. I got a call from my dad saying that he had cut out a tree, and I could have the wood for the stove and fire pit. I loaded it up and took it home to put in the stack of wood in my back yard.

[dsraven]

wait, you got your truck dirty?

[mongocanfly]

Ohhh... I see now....a "working"truck....nice...

[Old57]

Yep... it will get some work experience. I won't be tearing it up or being careless with it, but I do want to use it. The bed liner I sprayed in it will protect it during the normal use.

[vintovka]

I toyed with idea of air force blue Bedliner for whole truck. Wish i had done it.

[Old57]

Originally Posted by vintovka

I toyed with idea of air force blue Bedliner for whole truck. Wish i had done it.

It's tough stuff, but I wouldn't want to have to remove it for anything down the line. I imagine it would be pretty hard to get off if you ever decided to paint the truck.

[Old57]

I got a reply yesterday from Offroad Design about the new shock leaking oil. They said there was a lifetime warranty on them, and they had already put one in the mail for me at no cost. Great customer service!

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by Old57

It's tough stuff, but I wouldn't want to have to remove it for anything down the line. I imagine it would be pretty hard to get off if you ever decided to paint the truck.

Th odds i'll ever be repainting my truck in my remaining years is pretty low. Now complete rhino lining is something i would consider. I would take large pictures before and after along with a big sign with the name of the shop who did the "before" work.

[Black_Sheep]

Funny how it’s so surprising to receive good customer service. If a leaky shock is your only problem, you’re doing alright...

[joedoh]

man you are living right with all the good customer service lately. I remember I bought a rad/fan combo on black friday special and when I installed it a couple months later the fan didnt fit the rad. when I emailed about it they said it was outside their window to do anything about it, I told them IT DIDNT FIT WHEN I GOT IT EITHER this wasnt something that occured from sitting around a couple months.

and hell yeah put that sucker to work, maybe we will get some snow for you to play in this winter too!