Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SacramentoJoe · 03-20-2007, 11:19 AM

Well after poking around this site for a few months, I have decided to join the party. I am amazed at the beautiful trucks here and feel a bit un-deserving to be in the same room with some of you guys. After I introduce myself and tell you my little story, I will go back to my corner.

My truck was purchased new for $2,700 by my DAD in December 1968. It’s a ½ ton long-bed with the 307ci V-8 and the three-on-the-tree. This truck came with absolutely no options. It did have a heater, but no AC, radio, or cigarette lighter. Nothing automatic. Even the choke is manual.

My older brother and sisters learned to drive in it and used it regularly. In 1984, my dad purchased a new GMC S-15 4WD. I got the old truck w/ around 120K miles. This GMC was my regular daily driver through all my college days, and for quite a while after I graduated, got a new job, and got married. This truck is my best friend and a true member of the family.

When I was sixteen I had a job at the local gas station/repair shop and remained employed there all through my college years. The job allowed me to keep the GMC maintained during those high mileage years, although in the beginning I was pretty naive.

At around 140,000 miles, it developed an oil leak from the timing chain that was swinging out into the cover and had sliced a hole through it. With a little piece of electrical tape and a couple quarts of oil, I limped the truck through another summer. We replaced the timing chain only to discover that the nylon-covered gear had disintegrated and been sucked into the oil pump. Lack of oil and improper timing damaged the No. 8 cylinder, which lost some compression. We replaced the oil pump and I chugged the motor for another 25,000 before I pulled it out and had it rebuilt in 1986. I rebuilt the transmission and front end at around 200,000 miles and just like any young boy would do; I continued to drive hell out it. That stock little motor will still kick out an occasional third-gear scratch for me.

About three years ago, my buddy convinced me to strip it, do some body work, and repaint it. The primer was showing through what was left of the original weather-beaten pigment. “Heck, we’ll have it done in a couple weekends!” he said. We worked together many days and many nights (Thanks, Joe) and after about 14+ weekends; the truck was sprayed in his neighbor’s body shop. Holy Cow! All of the sudden the GMC looked great! But still, the truck continues to spend its life outside, bravely weathering the elements. Currently, I am giving some attention to the neglected interior where I discovered some rust at the typical locations. It pains me to see that I have been a bit naive in body maintenance too, but I sit here, typing proudly, to gain some recognition for my GMC, inspired by this truck and motivated by the passion and enthusiasm others have shared towards it, and by you awesome people on this forum. I have searched this site many times since I discoved it a few months ago and want to say thanks for all of your prior posts. And I'll have some more questions for y'all, too.

Now at 296,000 miles, the engine bay is the area that truly shows the age and dedicated service provided by this good-ol’ GMC. It is extremely familiar to me and reminds me of the older, simpler automobile era. Just like when I sit behind the wheel, everything looks like home. Right now, I don’t think it needs much work done there (although I drool when I see you guys with your nice engines) but I don’t want to modify the stock motor and spoil the unique character and the true heart and soul of my old GMC. Maybe I will add that chapter….. someday.

If you got room for an old stocker like me, keep a chair for me in the corner and I’ll yell out something stupid every now and then.

krue · 03-20-2007, 12:19 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! That truck should make CPNE very happy.

shaneschevys · 03-20-2007, 12:33 PM

Welcome from FT Worth TX. Thats a good looking GMC you have there.

redneckgirl · 03-20-2007, 12:52 PM

Welcome to the board from Maryland....and might I suggest...Don't stay in your corner! Jump on in and enjoy the fun!
AWESOME GMC!!!!

BACKYARD88 · 03-20-2007, 12:54 PM

from South Texas. That's a nice GMC.

86swb · 03-20-2007, 01:30 PM

Welcome to the board from Western Kentucky. Truck looking good.

CAL 58 GMC · 03-20-2007, 02:59 PM

Welcome to the board from central California!

Great story!

LUV2XCLR8 · 03-20-2007, 04:40 PM

From West TN

jsbgump · 03-20-2007, 08:29 PM

Welcome to the board from Texas

Yell'r69 · 03-20-2007, 08:55 PM

Gotta love them GMCs. Welcome from Cleveland, OH

49studebaker · 03-20-2007, 10:10 PM

Nice truck and a good story, I tend to feel the same way on a few trucks I've owned. My biggest problem is I can't keep anything stock, but I agree with you that the simplicity of it all has it's own appeal. Welcome from North Eastern Nevada. Buy the way, I still own the truck my mom got her drivers license in when she was 18. It's a 49 Studebaker and I still love the heck out of it.

L0WRIDE · 03-20-2007, 10:29 PM

Welcome to the board from New zealand

**Canadian694x4** · 03-21-2007, 12:11 AM

Welcome To The Boards From The Great White North! Sweet

!

droppedgmc · 03-21-2007, 12:22 AM

welcome from WA

19GMC63 · 03-21-2007, 12:39 AM

neat story, and nice truck

motopatzo · 03-21-2007, 12:50 AM

Same here! Great story and nice truck......welcome

**Ron 586** · 03-21-2007, 12:59 AM

Welcome to the board from West Tennessee. Love the story and that's one nice truck.

Big Block · 03-21-2007, 06:01 PM

It's great that the old truck is still part of you family. The old GMC look good. Welcome to the board from NC. I lived in Middletowe Ca. and work for the City of Napa back in the 90's. Used to get over to Sac.to visit family every now and then.

70gmcjimmy · 03-22-2007, 07:35 PM

Hey Joe,
Great truck and story. I dig the passion you have for this GMC, and how you feel it is part of the family. I too consider my GMCs family members.
Thanks for the pics and history - welcome from the Black Hills!

Later---DAC

Pickles · 03-22-2007, 08:21 PM

Welcome from Ky

SacramentoJoe · 03-22-2007, 11:14 PM

Got my new dash pad in. While I was in there, I put on some new defroster hoses and outlets and rebuilt the heater control levers. I haven't had levers/knobs in the truck for around 25 years! Got some POR-15 to cover the rust at the kick panel-floorboard joint and made a couple L-shaped patch plates and stuck them down with the second coat of POR-15. Then I used some of their epoxy putty to fill around the patch plate. It worked great and I covered it all up with a new floor mat. Hope to price some new seat upholstery this weekend. Once the weather get nice, I plan on doing the window tracks and felt.

dan42 · 03-22-2007, 11:48 PM

Welcome, northern neighbor - like they say, you own a car, but you adopt a truck.

58 gmc · 03-25-2007, 08:51 PM

Welcome to the board from OKC, and nice lookin GMC you got there.

kenm78 · 03-25-2007, 09:42 PM

Welcome from Oklahoma City.

SacramentoJoe · 05-25-2007, 02:11 PM

Okay, so I got the seat done, and the windows don't rattle anymore, and I'm pretty happy with the rest of the truck.

What do I do about that engine bay? It there a easy way to get it cleaned-up??

03-20-2007, 11:19 AM	#1
SacramentoJoe Always Fixing Things Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 390	Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Well after poking around this site for a few months, I have decided to join the party. I am amazed at the beautiful trucks here and feel a bit un-deserving to be in the same room with some of you guys. After I introduce myself and tell you my little story, I will go back to my corner. My truck was purchased new for $2,700 by my DAD in December 1968. It’s a ½ ton long-bed with the 307ci V-8 and the three-on-the-tree. This truck came with absolutely no options. It did have a heater, but no AC, radio, or cigarette lighter. Nothing automatic. Even the choke is manual. My older brother and sisters learned to drive in it and used it regularly. In 1984, my dad purchased a new GMC S-15 4WD. I got the old truck w/ around 120K miles. This GMC was my regular daily driver through all my college days, and for quite a while after I graduated, got a new job, and got married. This truck is my best friend and a true member of the family. When I was sixteen I had a job at the local gas station/repair shop and remained employed there all through my college years. The job allowed me to keep the GMC maintained during those high mileage years, although in the beginning I was pretty naive. At around 140,000 miles, it developed an oil leak from the timing chain that was swinging out into the cover and had sliced a hole through it. With a little piece of electrical tape and a couple quarts of oil, I limped the truck through another summer. We replaced the timing chain only to discover that the nylon-covered gear had disintegrated and been sucked into the oil pump. Lack of oil and improper timing damaged the No. 8 cylinder, which lost some compression. We replaced the oil pump and I chugged the motor for another 25,000 before I pulled it out and had it rebuilt in 1986. I rebuilt the transmission and front end at around 200,000 miles and just like any young boy would do; I continued to drive hell out it. That stock little motor will still kick out an occasional third-gear scratch for me. About three years ago, my buddy convinced me to strip it, do some body work, and repaint it. The primer was showing through what was left of the original weather-beaten pigment. “Heck, we’ll have it done in a couple weekends!” he said. We worked together many days and many nights (Thanks, Joe) and after about 14+ weekends; the truck was sprayed in his neighbor’s body shop. Holy Cow! All of the sudden the GMC looked great! But still, the truck continues to spend its life outside, bravely weathering the elements. Currently, I am giving some attention to the neglected interior where I discovered some rust at the typical locations. It pains me to see that I have been a bit naive in body maintenance too, but I sit here, typing proudly, to gain some recognition for my GMC, inspired by this truck and motivated by the passion and enthusiasm others have shared towards it, and by you awesome people on this forum. I have searched this site many times since I discoved it a few months ago and want to say thanks for all of your prior posts. And I'll have some more questions for y'all, too. Now at 296,000 miles, the engine bay is the area that truly shows the age and dedicated service provided by this good-ol’ GMC. It is extremely familiar to me and reminds me of the older, simpler automobile era. Just like when I sit behind the wheel, everything looks like home. Right now, I don’t think it needs much work done there (although I drool when I see you guys with your nice engines) but I don’t want to modify the stock motor and spoil the unique character and the true heart and soul of my old GMC. Maybe I will add that chapter….. someday. If you got room for an old stocker like me, keep a chair for me in the corner and I’ll yell out something stupid every now and then. Attached Images __________________ Just an Average Joe ‘68 GMC 307 3spd – My dad's original truck 310,000 miles

03-20-2007, 12:19 PM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! That truck should make CPNE very happy. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

03-20-2007, 12:33 PM	#3
shaneschevys Its always something! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FT Worth,TX Posts: 4,992	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome from FT Worth TX. Thats a good looking GMC you have there. __________________ 79 p10 stepvan 72 Short Fleetside 72 Suburban 67 GMC One Ton Flatbed 64 Short Fleetside 57 Chevy 2DR Hard Top 57 Chevy 2dr wagon 65 f* short fleet 63 C 60 Flatbed Member of the patina club**

03-20-2007, 12:52 PM	#4
redneckgirl Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bel Air, Maryland Posts: 4,853	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from Maryland....and might I suggest...Don't stay in your corner! Jump on in and enjoy the fun! AWESOME GMC!!!! __________________ The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... and still on your feet. Stephen King

03-20-2007, 12:54 PM	#5
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC from South Texas. That's a nice GMC. __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting

03-20-2007, 01:30 PM	#6
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from Western Kentucky. Truck looking good. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

03-20-2007, 02:59 PM	#7
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from central California! Great story! __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

03-20-2007, 04:40 PM	#8
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC From West TN __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

03-20-2007, 08:29 PM	#9
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from Texas __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

03-20-2007, 08:55 PM	#10
Yell'r69 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Willoughby, OH Posts: 90	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Gotta love them GMCs. Welcome from Cleveland, OH __________________ '72 Blazer 4X4 '69 GMC LWB 350/TH350 2WD (SOLD) '89 Mustang 5.0 LX Ragtop '02 Jeep Liberty 4X4 - Wife's '00 Taurus Wagon - gets me to work and hauls a load of crap

03-20-2007, 10:10 PM	#11
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Nice truck and a good story, I tend to feel the same way on a few trucks I've owned. My biggest problem is I can't keep anything stock, but I agree with you that the simplicity of it all has it's own appeal. Welcome from North Eastern Nevada. Buy the way, I still own the truck my mom got her drivers license in when she was 18. It's a 49 Studebaker and I still love the heck out of it. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

03-20-2007, 10:29 PM	#12
L0WRIDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,166	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from New zealand __________________ 49 CHEVROLET 1/2 TON, 52 CHEVROLET SEDAN 62 HARDTOP NOVA 65 CHEVROLET BB LWB FLEETSIDE 90 CHEVROLET EXTRA CAB CHEVY ONLY - NZ Chapter http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=137984

03-21-2007, 12:11 AM	#13
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,307	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome To The Boards From The Great White North! Sweet ! __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 22 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada!- 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 3 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 17 Yrs- 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 8 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

03-21-2007, 12:22 AM	#14
droppedgmc Truck Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arlington, WA Posts: 1,346	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC welcome from WA __________________ '85 swb

03-21-2007, 12:39 AM	#15
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC neat story, and nice truck Last edited by 19GMC63; 03-21-2007 at 12:39 AM.



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03-21-2007, 12:50 AM	#16
motopatzo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: maple ridge, b.c., canada Posts: 190	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Same here! Great story and nice truck......welcome Last edited by motopatzo; 03-21-2007 at 12:50 AM. Reason: spelling

03-21-2007, 12:59 AM	#17
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,150	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from West Tennessee. Love the story and that's one nice truck. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

03-21-2007, 06:01 PM	#18
Big Block Big Block Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durham, N.C. Posts: 1,649	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC It's great that the old truck is still part of you family. The old GMC look good. Welcome to the board from NC. I lived in Middletowe Ca. and work for the City of Napa back in the 90's. Used to get over to Sac.to visit family every now and then.

03-22-2007, 07:35 PM	#19
70gmcjimmy GMCDAC Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 837	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Hey Joe, Great truck and story. I dig the passion you have for this GMC, and how you feel it is part of the family. I too consider my GMCs family members. Thanks for the pics and history - welcome from the Black Hills! Later---DAC __________________ 1970 GMC K5 Jimmy Custom 4X4 Mom's driver from 1971 to 2001!! Under rebuild! 1972 GMC C2500 Pickup owned since 1979 Needs a rest and refurbish! 1955 GMC 100 2nd design driven almost daily! Rest In Peace Mom. "Dolly" 7/15/23 - 5/18/09 GMC driver for 30 years! Last edited by 70gmcjimmy; 03-22-2007 at 07:45 PM.

03-22-2007, 08:21 PM	#20
Pickles Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dickson,Tn Posts: 811	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome from Ky __________________ Pickles

03-22-2007, 11:14 PM	#21
SacramentoJoe Always Fixing Things Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 390	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Got my new dash pad in. While I was in there, I put on some new defroster hoses and outlets and rebuilt the heater control levers. I haven't had levers/knobs in the truck for around 25 years! Got some POR-15 to cover the rust at the kick panel-floorboard joint and made a couple L-shaped patch plates and stuck them down with the second coat of POR-15. Then I used some of their epoxy putty to fill around the patch plate. It worked great and I covered it all up with a new floor mat. Hope to price some new seat upholstery this weekend. Once the weather get nice, I plan on doing the window tracks and felt. Attached Images __________________ Just an Average Joe ‘68 GMC 307 3spd – My dad's original truck 310,000 miles

03-22-2007, 11:48 PM	#22
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome, northern neighbor - like they say, you own a car, but you adopt a truck. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

03-25-2007, 08:51 PM	#23
58 gmc ToTM Winner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: okc Posts: 243	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome to the board from OKC, and nice lookin GMC you got there.

03-25-2007, 09:42 PM	#24
kenm78 Broken Down Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Choctaw, Oklahoma Posts: 1,267	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Welcome from Oklahoma City. __________________ kenm78 1982 Chevy 4X4 Project truck “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder about your ignorance, than open your mouth and reveal all doubt”

05-25-2007, 02:11 PM	#25
SacramentoJoe Always Fixing Things Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 390	Re: Hello From a Caaaleeeefornia GMC Okay, so I got the seat done, and the windows don't rattle anymore, and I'm pretty happy with the rest of the truck. What do I do about that engine bay? It there a easy way to get it cleaned-up?? Attached Images __________________ Just an Average Joe ‘68 GMC 307 3spd – My dad's original truck 310,000 miles

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