Project-GMC Slant Nose

[VDOG]

Im starting my new project, a 1968 GMC Shortbed Stepside, that from the Vin decode came with a 6 cylinder. Wonder if I have 3:55 gears, I heard they were installed on trucks with 6 cyls in them. Right now it has a 327ci installed with what looks like some cleaned up or new vette ram horns.

My plan was to get the engine running first, but after taking off the intake I see some rust on the heads and in the runners. So I might just concentrate on the rest of the truck. cleaning and painting the frame and working on the suspension, lowering, disc brakes, etc etc. Any input will be welcomed.

[VDOG]

I notice it has the finned Cal Custom Valve covers, not sure how old they are but a buddy of mine has been looking for them, so maybe I will cut him a deal. LOL

More pics.

[oldspowered67C10]

Short step GMC, cool, theres a combo you dont see too often. Do you have the grille parts?

[67c10rustbuket]

Cool new project. Looks like there has been some moisture in the engine though. Body looks to be pretty nice, lucky cali people. Cant wait to see what you do with it!

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by 67c10rustbuket

Cool new project. Looks like there has been some moisture in the engine though. Body looks to be pretty nice, lucky cali people. Cant wait to see what you do with it!

Yes the intake was not bolted down. I think the PO was taking it apart to paint the engine. Im still deciding if I want to rebuld this 327 for now.

Originally Posted by oldspowered67C10

Short step GMC, cool, theres a combo you dont see too often. Do you have the grille parts?

Still have to pick up the grille and steering column from the PO, not sure what kind of shape its in. Steering column, if its a stock one I will replace it with a tilt.

[VA72C10]

Looks like a nice start for a project!!!

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Looks like a nice start for a project!!!

Thanks, I hope to stay on a budget. Yeah Right!!

[faribran]

I really like what you are starting with...... plenty of potential.

[Tinkermc]

great place to start I have a 72 GMC

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

great place to start I have a 72 GMC

Any pics?

[VDOG]

Started removing the heads today. Purchased Metal Rescue from Home Depot. I saw it on one of those shows on the PowerBlock. Got the heads soaking in it to see if the surface rust comes off. Still not sure if im going to keep the 327 but I need this truck to move under its own power and if I have to rebuild, it wont be whats in there now. Cylinder walls dont look bad, but you can see the rust on the gasket where the head ports were sitting and some of the head bolts.

[shok]

Be interesting to see what the metal rescue does, I think I saw the same show you did.
Posted via Mobile Device

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by shok

Be interesting to see what the metal rescue does, I think I saw the same show you did.
Posted via Mobile Device

It actually worked. I should have cleaned more of the oil off of it, but it did get rid of the rust. Now before I found that, Harbor Freight had something called EvapoRust, so I got a small bottle of that and use it on a rusted Camaro shifter. It looks great also. The parts that are still rusted are what was not under the stuff.

[shok]

I might pick that up at harbor freight this weekend, I have a window mech piece that needs a soak.
Posted via Mobile Device

[VDOG]

So when I removed the head on the passenger side I found the last cylinder full of rust. Now I have to figure out which direction im going. Do I want to rebuild this or just build me a 383 or get an LS. Either way thats a later project. Guess tear down is next so I can roll it to another side of the yard.

[shok]

Fill that cylinder up with the evapo rust and then hit it with a scotch brite pad? Look at it as an experiment!
I've seen people clean up a cylinder like that and run it but I have idea if it was a smoker after or not.
Posted via Mobile Device

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by shok

Fill that cylinder up with the evapo rust and then hit it with a scotch brite pad? Look at it as an experiment!
I've seen people clean up a cylinder like that and run it but I have idea if it was a smoker after or not.
Posted via Mobile Device

I seriously had that same thought. At the near bottom of the cylinder, it looks like something of a build up, but im going to give it a try.

[shok]

i had lighter rust but still a significant amount in one cylinder in a ford 5.0 motor, i worked it over with a scotchbrite pad with wd40 and slapped it together. It was running fine when I sold it a few years later and would pass California smog.
So ya never know.....

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by shok

i had lighter rust but still a significant amount in one cylinder in a ford 5.0 motor, i worked it over with a scotchbrite pad with wd40 and slapped it together. It was running fine when I sold it a few years later and would pass California smog.
So ya never know.....

Your right. Been gone most of the day, so im about to go out and pour it in the cylinder. Results tomorrow.

[Tinkermc]

so nice that small problems like rust can be fixed easily

[VDOG]

Here is the result. Added Metal Rescue this morning, did not make it back to Harbor Freight to get Evapo-Rust yet. The cylinder came out much cleaner than before, but its going to take a lot more work than this stuff can do. So im using it to de-rust other small parts that im going to re-use on the truck.

[VDOG]

The first picture is from using PB blaster and Scotch Brite pad, the second is from using a wire wheel. Not bad but still need to be bored out. But good to know it can be rebuilt.

[VDOG]

After cleaning out the stuff in the bed, I remove the plywood to expose the frame. Looking at one of the center supports, its mounted at an angle, so cant tell if the frame is tweeked or what. Also if you look at the wheels, the driver side is centered while the passenger side is moved forward. Think I need an assembly manual to show me what goes where.

[VDOG]

I notice the rocker panel was wavy so I figure I would take a closer look and after a hammer and screwdriver, I found it was covered with fiberglass. So far that seems to be the only spot so no big deal. Then I got adventerous and went to the tailgate to see if it has GMC on it. Well I have to chip off 1/4 inch of bondo all the way across to find out. Guess I have to change the name of this one to Bondo Louie like my last truck. What is it with me and rust, fiberglass and bondo. I attract that like bees to honey. LOL

[shok]

can you take the tailgate off and soak it in water for a day and see if that will loosen the bondo? I've always heard bondo will absorb water and expand. If thats true it might pop it loose without much work.