My 66 GMC LWB

[AZ66GMC]

Well, I made some progress on the truck last night and today. We had some great weather come in and I took advantage of it since triple digit temps are coming back next week...

I got the front frame rails sandblasted and painted last night. I put the front suspension and steering on today. I set it back on the ground and I think that I will be happy with the height after cutting one coil off the springs.




























Tony

[Captainfab]

Very nice job

I really like the look of satin black on the frame and suspension, with just a few contrasting colored components. What paint did you use?

Remember once you get the engine, trans and front sheetmetal back on, that will drop the front a couple inches.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Very nice job

I really like the look of satin black on the frame and suspension, with just a few contrasting colored components. What paint did you use?

Remember once you get the engine, trans and front sheetmetal back on, that will drop the front a couple inches.

Thanks Captain

I used Eastwood's Extreme satin chassis black and then their detail gray on the spindles, drag link and idler arm mount. I also used Eastwood's spray gray on the steering box.

Thanks for the steering box plate. It worked out great and was easy to install.

Question for you, rather than cutting the steering shaft I drilled out the plastic pins were the shaft is supposed to collapse in an accident and then just hammered it down 2" to shorten it. I think my column is out of a 67 or 68. Do you see any problems with doing this? I know that I just shorten the potential safety factor by 2" but it will still be safer than nothing...

I still have the shaft from the donor truck that I can use if needed, it's the same.



Tony

[Captainfab]

Yeah I don't see anything wrong with doing that to the steering shaft.

[AZ66GMC]

It's been awhile... a long while...


Work has been killing me and never have spare time to work on the truck... I did finally find time to get the engine/tranny resealed and back into the truck. I plumbed the brake lines and buttoned up the front suspension. It just needs an alignment and bleed the brakes.

I need to get the drive shaft shorten due to swapping in the 700R4. Also need a new dip stick tub as the one that came with the tranny has a split in it...

I also modified the AC compressor mounting system so that I can install my 14" air cleaner. The original location for the compressor was on top and to the right of the bracket and put this compressor on top of the intake right in front of the carb. I mounted the compressor on the opposite side and used a bracket to put the adjuster bolt on the left instead of the right. Looks much better now and my air cleaner has plenty of room




























Tony

[Shaky]

Looking good. I like the lack of chrome...

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Shaky

Looking good. I like the lack of chrome...

Thanks Shaky

I think chrome is over rated...

Now billet on the other hand....




Tony

[AZ66GMC]

I finally got the driveline shortened and installed. Had it cut down to 66 3/4" long and new u-joints installed for $120. Fits like a glove










I'm working on the truck today and I hope to have the front sheet metal back on. I'm getting impatient and need the truck, so I'm not going to spend much time cleaning a painting them so I can get this back on the road...

I'll post more pics later today.


Tony

[Shaky]

Kinda funny to call a drive shaft that long "shortened".

Did your truck come with a two-piece shaft or is there evidence that it left the factory that way? Just curious since there's seems to be some debate on whether you can get away with a one-piecer in a long bed.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Shaky

Kinda funny to call a drive shaft that long "shortened".

Did your truck come with a two-piece shaft or is there evidence that it left the factory that way? Just curious since there's seems to be some debate on whether you can get away with a one-piecer in a long bed.

Honestly, I'm not sure. It already had the one-peice when I got and it had been converted from the original inline-6 and 3-speed on the column to the 350/350AT combo. I'm sure that it originally had a two-peice, but I wouldn't know how to confirm.


Tony

[Shaky]

Some of the holes around the crossmember with the oval hole might show evidence of having had fasteners in them for the center bearing. Just curious...

[Dinos63]

Nice work !!

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Shaky

Some of the holes around the crossmember with the oval hole might show evidence of having had fasteners in them for the center bearing. Just curious...

I'll have to check that out and let you know.



Tony
Posted via Mobile Device

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Dinos63

Nice work !!

Thanks Dino. Doesn't compare to your projects, but it will be a nice daily driver.

I'd like to check out your rides someday do you ever get out to the Pavilions? I haven't been out there in awhile, but hope to when the truck is complete in the next few weeks.


Tony
Posted via Mobile Device

[AZ66GMC]

Well, I got to drive the truck today

Now, I just need to get the front end alinement done and finish the A/C.

I'll post some pics tomorrow




Tony
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[Dinos63]

Originally Posted by az66gmc

thanks dino. Doesn't compare to your projects, but it will be a nice daily driver.

i'd like to check out your rides someday Do you ever get out to the pavilions? I haven't been out there in awhile, but hope to when the truck is complete in the next few weeks.


Tony
posted via mobile device

tony any time you get to the valley look me up it would be cool to meet up, super chevy is coming to firebird in october

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Dinos63

tony any time you get to the valley look me up it would be cool to meet up, super chevy is coming to firebird in october

Hey Dino,

I'm actually in North Phoenix (35th Ave and Deer Valley) I just noticed that my location doesn't say Phoenix by my avatar. I'll have to change that...

I'll be at Super Chevy on Saturday as a spectator. I'll be the guy drooling all over himself when walking through the truck section....



Tony

[Dinos63]

Originally Posted by AZ66GMC

Hey Dino,

I'm actually in North Phoenix (35th Ave and Deer Valley) I just noticed that my location doesn't say Phoenix by my avatar. I'll have to change that...

I'll be at Super Chevy on Saturday as a spectator. I'll be the guy drooling all aver himself when walking through the truck section....



Tony

Tony i am central phoenix, and my shops on 24 st and indian school , stop if your close some time
dino

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Dinos63

Tony i am central phoenix, and my shops on 24 st and indian school , stop if your close some time
dino

Hey Dino, I'll do that. I'm usually in that area at Phoenix Children's hospital a few times a week since we do a lot of electrical work there...



Tony
Posted via Mobile Device

[AZ66GMC]

I finally got the pictures uploaded

I need to get a new front bumper since the original is bent and it was hitting the fender...



























Tony

[protrash64]

Nice work!!! The truck turned out super clean.

[Dinos63]

Yup ditto

[AZ66GMC]

Thanks guys, I hope it starts cooling off soon. I didn't finish the A/C...

I sure love driving it around even though I'm sweating my butt off...



Tony
Posted via Mobile Device

[AZ66GMC]

I spent some time today cleaning up the grill and GMC emblems. I went with the black color on the emblems instead of the red. I think it looks pretty good black. My fingers are sore from rubbing the hell out of the emblems to get them to shine again...

All of the headlight adjusters broke as soon as I looked at them... Bad thing about the "dry" heat here... Need to run up to Grumpy's and get some new ones tomorrow.

I also got the front alignment done yesterday, so now it rides much better

















Tony

[Shaky]

Man - you sure work fast. That looks great.