1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis

[1tonwannabe]

Right now the bars are just tacked into place.

[1tonwannabe]

[1tonwannabe]

[1tonwannabe]

I still have to find places for the computers, and batteries under the hood. I have to fix the passenger side cab corner that I let a "Professional" due. I did the driver side cab corner and the rocker panel, and my door gaps are great. I let a "pro" due the other side, and I have to redo it. I gave them the cab, doors, and new hinges, and I still need to do it over.
On a better note. I found a paint guy. I can't afford him, but he still came over to the house, even after I told him I couldn't do it. He said he wanted to see the truck. I told him I would probably try to paint it myself, and he said he would help me out with pointers. He was at the house for three hours. He was really helpful and super cool. He is currently painting a car for the Detroit auto show, so you he knows what he is doing.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice work man! It's looking great!

[RatRod68]

Wow! The bars for the bed look awesome! Sorry to hear about the gaps. That is one thing I am pretty anal about as well. If you're going to do it, do it right. Ya know? I hate when people cut corners to save 30 minutes of time, and end up costing 3-4 hours to fix down the road. Just do it right the first time, and its done. Guess that's why it takes me so long to do anything! lol

[spudz]

Very cool!!!!

[bufmatmuslepants]

love love love love love love love this!

[1tonwannabe]

Just wanted some opinions. I was thinking of painting the H2 wheels white, with the chrome GMC center cap. I think it would be a throw back to the old steel wheels with the dogdish center caps. I am already planning on keeping the truck the stock blue with the white top.. I have not seen white H2 wheels yet, so it might be cool or just ugly. What do you think?
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[1tonwannabe]

Thanks for all the previous comments.
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[Pop's C-10]

i'm loving this build

[bufmatmuslepants]

I think the white would match the white top nicely, but what else is going to be chrome?

Can you post some more pictures of the body mounts you fabbed? Or anything else that you fabricated that hasnt been shown yet? I have been scouring ebay and copart.com and other auction sites for a while now looking to do this same type of hybrid/body swap project. Did you do any preventative maintainence to the truck before you fasten the fenders on for good like ARP head studs, lift pump and EGR delete? The EGR delete I would definiately make a priority, there are a ton of threads on duramaxforums.com that show how gummed up the EGR can make a duramax. LB7s are known for injector failures and a good fuel filter/seperator and a lift pump can help prevent those costly repairs.

[1tonwannabe]

I plan on putting all the stock trim back on. It was a Sierra Grande with the wood trim on the bottom ,and black and chrome trim on the upper part of the body. I plan on removing the cab to finish welding up all my mounts that I made. I'll take a bunch of pics of the mounts at that time. once the bed is located in the right spot, I can take the truck apart and finish the welds.
As far as preventive maintenance, I have not done anything yet. It ran when I pulled it in. Once everything is done I'll do all that. I just didn't want to take stuff apart yet. This way I can do one thing at a time, so if it doesn't run I'll know where to look.

[AllenMC10]

Lookin good man, diesels are are awesome!! But one thing I learned is that you need to box the frame, at leAst in the front because, in can sag or twist... Or worse. Just a oil advice. Keep at it, your doin good!
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[boonedogs72]

I think he is using the d max chassis so he should be good Togo.
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[AllenMC10]

Yeah, forgot about that. Oops! Yeah I'd say he's probably in good shape then!
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[1tonwannabe]

I just bought a used Cherokee for my winter driver. I fixed it up so now I can get back on the 72. I got the bed situated exactly where I want it. So now I need to drill a bunch of holes. Pics to come.

[1tonwannabe]

I got a '72 1-ton frame that I was going to use on this truck before I got the D-max chassis. I shortened it so it would work with a 8 foot bed. I ended up cutting a 45 degree cut in the center of the frame, and welding it back together. Then I boxed in that section. It's already pre-drilled for the DIY4X front 4X4 52" spring kit. The frame is from Texas, so it's got no pitting.
Anyone interested in it? The frame is 1/4" thick. I think it originally was a 14 foot flat bed or dump, not sure.

[1tonwannabe]

Nevermind about the frame. Just sold it.

[chevyboy73]

wow, first of this ive seen! subing!

[Maxxd07]

Dont know how I misse this sweet build but I am now in for the finished product! Great work so far!

[Lazzardkng]

Sweet project. I'm actually doing the same. 70 Chevrolet onto a 2003 gmc Sierra 4x4 duramax. Be more then happy to trade you steering wheel horn/airbag so you can have gmc and I Chevrolet. I was lucky enough to find a reg cab short bed to start from so no shortening the frame. But I will have to move the rear axle forward 6" to meet the bed wheel opening. Making cab body mounts now. Hope you don't mind but I I like the ones you made so I may just have to copy them.
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[1tonwannabe]

Copy away. I got the bushings and sleeves from DIY4X.com.
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[1tonwannabe]

Lazzardkng. I sent you a message about the horn button. I'll trade with you.
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[skchevota]

Very nice job! Lookin good. I took a turn with my truck and picked up a 2007 dodge 2500HD chassis a few years back. I have my cab on but haven't had time to move forward with it. Seeing your build makes me want to move forward!
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