Ford man buys GMC...advice needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

I1502 · 04-03-2005, 01:03 PM

Hi Folks...I'm in the process of buying a '65 I1502 (3/4 ton long bed, floor shift 4-speed) and I assumed that the orange small block V-8 (ramhorn manifolds, 2 BBL) was the original engine but it seems that this came with a straight six . I'm a veteran old car guy (Fords, Studebakers) and can usually spot any "butcher" work, but I'm not as yet familiar with these trucks. The installation must have been done years ago. The wavy round fan shroud looks factory, and everything seems to be all stock. Was this an easy "bolt-in" swap from a Chevy or were small blocks an option?
- The vehicles condition; looks like original paint, bed wood has rot, but you can stand up in it. Dings and dents. The drivers door is bent in the front edge because the little restraining bar broke at the pin. The door was opened too wide as a result, and the front fender edge did the creasing. Is this a common fault?
- The dashboard instrument cluster has three round holes for gauges, but the far left one is just a gaping hole..what went there?
- The truck has 8 lug split rims. Are there any common later solid rims that will accept the original GMC hubcaps?
- The blue paint is worn off and there is plenty of surface rust, but the fender corners are solid ( I'm in Southern Califonia). There is a little stress cracking in the rear upper corners of the bed. I don't know the mechanical condition yet, it's sat for years. I plan on making it a clean work/tow vehicle.
Is there anything else I need to look for?
Thanks for any help!
P.S. I've always thought the GMC "dog bone" grille looked great!

***Josh*** · 04-07-2005, 12:59 AM

Welcome to the forum! These trucks are fairly simple to swap motors in with a donor vehicle, and make it look factory. Small block was available as an option also, as was a V6 (GMC only for V6) As for the door damage I'm not sure, I do mostly 67-72s, but someone on the 60-66 board should be able to answer our question. Sounds like a clean solid foundation to start a project, I'm unsure what gages go in it though...

***Liz*** · 04-07-2005, 01:01 AM

I1502 · 04-07-2005, 06:19 AM

Thanks, guys, I'll repost in the 60-66 forum

Brainchild · 04-07-2005, 10:30 PM

Welcome to the boards,and yes that pesky little pin has ruined many many doors.In fact it's tough to find a good drivers door sometimes that has no dents for that very reason.

*HerLonghorn71* · 04-08-2005, 02:11 AM

welcome!!i am glad to hear a ford guy has jumped the fence to the chevy side!!!!!the door may be easier to replace than fix

04-03-2005, 01:03 PM	#1
I1502 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Socal, CA Posts: 25	Ford man buys GMC...advice needed Hi Folks...I'm in the process of buying a '65 I1502 (3/4 ton long bed, floor shift 4-speed) and I assumed that the orange small block V-8 (ramhorn manifolds, 2 BBL) was the original engine but it seems that this came with a straight six . I'm a veteran old car guy (Fords, Studebakers) and can usually spot any "butcher" work, but I'm not as yet familiar with these trucks. The installation must have been done years ago. The wavy round fan shroud looks factory, and everything seems to be all stock. Was this an easy "bolt-in" swap from a Chevy or were small blocks an option? - The vehicles condition; looks like original paint, bed wood has rot, but you can stand up in it. Dings and dents. The drivers door is bent in the front edge because the little restraining bar broke at the pin. The door was opened too wide as a result, and the front fender edge did the creasing. Is this a common fault? - The dashboard instrument cluster has three round holes for gauges, but the far left one is just a gaping hole..what went there? - The truck has 8 lug split rims. Are there any common later solid rims that will accept the original GMC hubcaps? - The blue paint is worn off and there is plenty of surface rust, but the fender corners are solid ( I'm in Southern Califonia). There is a little stress cracking in the rear upper corners of the bed. I don't know the mechanical condition yet, it's sat for years. I plan on making it a clean work/tow vehicle. Is there anything else I need to look for? Thanks for any help! P.S. I've always thought the GMC "dog bone" grille looked great!

04-07-2005, 12:59 AM	#2
*Josh* He's got mean nasty FANGS! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 6,514	Welcome to the forum! These trucks are fairly simple to swap motors in with a donor vehicle, and make it look factory. Small block was available as an option also, as was a V6 (GMC only for V6) As for the door damage I'm not sure, I do mostly 67-72s, but someone on the 60-66 board should be able to answer our question. Sounds like a clean solid foundation to start a project, I'm unsure what gages go in it though... __________________ 2004 K2500 Burb 1999 C3500 1985 Cutlass Supreme 1969 C-10 1967 C-10 Panel josh@67-72chevytrucks.com

04-07-2005, 10:30 PM	#5
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	Welcome to the boards,and yes that pesky little pin has ruined many many doors.In fact it's tough to find a good drivers door sometimes that has no dents for that very reason. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

04-07-2005, 01:01 AM	#3
*Liz* Catchy title goes here.. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 39,767

04-07-2005, 06:19 AM	#4
I1502 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Socal, CA Posts: 25	Thanks, guys, I'll repost in the 60-66 forum

04-08-2005, 02:11 AM	#6
HerLonghorn71 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 730	welcome!!i am glad to hear a ford guy has jumped the fence to the chevy side!!!!!the door may be easier to replace than fix



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