Soon to be 63 GMC owner. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

creep · 06-26-2009, 12:45 PM

Hey guys (and girls?). I'm buying a 63 GMC 3/4 ton longbed 2WD from my buddy's uncle. It has 305 v6 with plaid valve covers, a 4 speed manual, and posi rear end. I have some questions that hopefully won't sound too stupid as this will be my first classic.

1. Can the 305 be modified to run on regular gas with out the lead additive?
2. Does anyone know the story behind the plaid valve covers?
3. Can drop spindles for a 1/2 ton Chevy be used on a 3/4 ton GMC?
4. What's the best way to switch to a 5x5 lug pattern (switching from 8 lug)

That's all for now. Thanks in advance for any and all future help.

daverod · 06-26-2009, 02:16 PM

I think Twiggythedrumer start the whole plaid thing.

**Captainfab** · 06-26-2009, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creep

Hey guys (and girls?). I'm buying a 63 GMC 3/4 ton longbed 2WD from my buddy's uncle. It has 305 v6 with plaid valve covers, a 4 speed manual, and posi rear end. I have some questions that hopefully won't sound too stupid as this will be my first classic.

1. Can the 305 be modified to run on regular gas with out the lead additive?

You don't have to do anything for it to run on unleaded gas. The only issue with running unleaded gas is the older engines don't have hardened exhaust valve seats. You most likely wouldn't notice any effects for quite a while.

2. Does anyone know the story behind the plaid valve covers?

Sorry can't help you there.....I'm sure one of the GMC guys will fill you in.

3. Can drop spindles for a 1/2 ton Chevy be used on a 3/4 ton GMC?

As long as you are switching to 5 lug disc brakes up front.

4. What's the best way to switch to a 5x5 lug pattern (switching from 8 lug)

Find yourself a '73-'87 C10 parts truck. That will give you all the major parts as well as all the small parts you are likely to need for the conversion....including power steering

That's all for now. Thanks in advance for any and all future help.

Hope that helped.....

jonzcustomshop · 06-27-2009, 12:27 AM

www.6066gmcguy.org/
he has a write up about the plaid.

daverod · 06-27-2009, 10:04 PM

Good web site. A lot of nice trucks. So much stuff I got lost in time, I could'nt find anything about the valve covers. Found a lot of other stuff though

4dranch · 06-27-2009, 10:17 PM

try this link tells about the valve covers like Jonz mentioned.http://www.6066gmcguy.org/GMCplaid.htm

And welcome from west tn. how about some pictures of your rig.

daverod · 06-27-2009, 11:53 PM

Cool now I know. I knew Twiggy did'nt start it.

Thanks 4d

creep · 06-28-2009, 11:30 AM

This is the truck I'm getting. Right now it's in Denver, CO and I live near Cleveland, OH. My buddy is buying the truck right next to it so we're going to split the shipping cost.

creep · 06-28-2009, 11:40 AM

After I get the truck and iron out any kinks my plans for now are disc brake conversion (fronts at least),rear end swap to 5 lug axle, air ride, rims and tires, holly 500 conversion and maybe attempt the HEI conversion too. Plus small custom touches here and there, probably nothing drastic. I really like the faded and worn paint look so body work wont be too high on my list except any major holes like floorboards and bed floor.

TwiggyTheDrummer · 06-28-2009, 02:03 PM

Welcome to the GMC side of the board! As far as the plaid valve covers go, they are called Scotch Plaid because they were supposed to show the thriftyness of the new E Series compared to the previous engines (305A,305D). I'm quite certain though that they were only put on a few 305E's and not every single one of them. Not sure whether it was based on the factory, if it was at random, etc. I'm also pretty sure that they were only used on the '63 models that were built in late '62. I think they're pretty BA though, so I kept the engine in for nostalgic purposes. Plus the 305 was the first successful V6 to come out of Detroit and more powerful that all of the other comparable engines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daverod

Cool now I know. I knew Twiggy didn't start it.

Thanks 4d

Na, I didn't start it. You can thank GM for that cool little addition. All that I did was clearcoat them to give them some protection.

**Corts60** · 06-28-2009, 03:41 PM

Welcome Aboard! Those valve covers are very rare. Hang on to 'em. Agree with your body decisions, I really like the patina that truck has.

creep · 06-28-2009, 05:07 PM

Yeah I'm keeping that motor because of those covers. If the rest of the motor turns out to be junk I might pull it out, clean it up and just haul it around in the bed but I'd really like to keep it were it belongs.
How hard is it to find gaskets for the 305?

TwiggyTheDrummer · 06-28-2009, 05:36 PM

Well it's definitely not a 350 but not too hard to find them. I know you can buy full gasket sets also for a little over $100. I'm pretty sure that even includes the rear main seal, etc.

retodd7711 · 06-28-2009, 06:42 PM

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1340840
Here's Rockauto site for 305 engine parts, gaskets and other assorted necessities.
And WELCOME from South Tennessee.
EDIT_*_*
That's the list for 1962 but you can change it to '63
P.S. GMC owners Got More Class

creep · 06-30-2009, 10:49 AM

There's more parts availabe than I thought! Now my concerns about the motor are quickly diminishing. Does it share any parts with more common motors?

06-26-2009, 12:45 PM	#1
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Soon to be 63 GMC owner. Hey guys (and girls?). I'm buying a 63 GMC 3/4 ton longbed 2WD from my buddy's uncle. It has 305 v6 with plaid valve covers, a 4 speed manual, and posi rear end. I have some questions that hopefully won't sound too stupid as this will be my first classic. 1. Can the 305 be modified to run on regular gas with out the lead additive? 2. Does anyone know the story behind the plaid valve covers? 3. Can drop spindles for a 1/2 ton Chevy be used on a 3/4 ton GMC? 4. What's the best way to switch to a 5x5 lug pattern (switching from 8 lug) That's all for now. Thanks in advance for any and all future help.

06-26-2009, 02:16 PM	#2
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. I think Twiggythedrumer start the whole plaid thing. Last edited by daverod; 06-26-2009 at 02:16 PM.

06-27-2009, 12:27 AM	#4
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. www.6066gmcguy.org/ he has a write up about the plaid.

06-27-2009, 10:04 PM	#5
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. Good web site. A lot of nice trucks. So much stuff I got lost in time, I could'nt find anything about the valve covers. Found a lot of other stuff though

06-27-2009, 10:17 PM	#6
4dranch Shloooooong bed member #2 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Millington Tn. Posts: 1,864	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. try this link tells about the valve covers like Jonz mentioned.http://www.6066gmcguy.org/GMCplaid.htm And welcome from west tn. how about some pictures of your rig. __________________ *David,* Daughters 66 truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=484601 Learning to drive a 3 on the tree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCMvRgBo1Q

06-27-2009, 11:53 PM	#7
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. Cool now I know. I knew Twiggy did'nt start it. Thanks 4d Last edited by daverod; 06-27-2009 at 11:54 PM.

06-28-2009, 11:30 AM	#8
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. This is the truck I'm getting. Right now it's in Denver, CO and I live near Cleveland, OH. My buddy is buying the truck right next to it so we're going to split the shipping cost.

06-28-2009, 11:40 AM	#9
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. After I get the truck and iron out any kinks my plans for now are disc brake conversion (fronts at least),rear end swap to 5 lug axle, air ride, rims and tires, holly 500 conversion and maybe attempt the HEI conversion too. Plus small custom touches here and there, probably nothing drastic. I really like the faded and worn paint look so body work wont be too high on my list except any major holes like floorboards and bed floor. Last edited by creep; 06-28-2009 at 11:41 AM. Reason: additional info

06-28-2009, 03:41 PM	#11
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,687	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. Welcome Aboard! Those valve covers are very rare. Hang on to 'em. Agree with your body decisions, I really like the patina that truck has. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(winter unit)https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...25#post8900725

06-28-2009, 05:07 PM	#12
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. Yeah I'm keeping that motor because of those covers. If the rest of the motor turns out to be junk I might pull it out, clean it up and just haul it around in the bed but I'd really like to keep it were it belongs. How hard is it to find gaskets for the 305?

06-28-2009, 05:36 PM	#13
TwiggyTheDrummer Keep It Simple Stupid.. Nope.. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Live Oak, FL Posts: 665	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. Well it's definitely not a 350 but not too hard to find them. I know you can buy full gasket sets also for a little over $100. I'm pretty sure that even includes the rear main seal, etc. __________________ 1963 GMC SWB Fleetside in Sunburst Orange Metallic 305E V6 w/ Plaid VC, Powerglide, BOSS 313 20" Chrome Wheels, Kumho Ecsta STX 275/45/R20's, Alpine/Clarion System, Dynomax Exhaust Old custom classic trucks have soul. Their dashboards aren't plastic, and they've survived both the best and worst of what the 20th century had to offer. For the owners of these trucks, it's often the same story. Through both good and bad times they persevered, until one day they could turn the key and roll up in a customized truck everyone with good taste would admire. – Custom Classic Trucks

06-28-2009, 06:42 PM	#14
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1340840 Here's Rockauto site for 305 engine parts, gaskets and other assorted necessities. And WELCOME from South Tennessee. EDIT__ That's the list for 1962 but you can change it to '63 P.S. GMC owners Got More Class __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005 Last edited by retodd7711; 06-28-2009 at 06:44 PM.

06-30-2009, 10:49 AM	#15
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Re: Soon to be 63 GMC owner. There's more parts availabe than I thought! Now my concerns about the motor are quickly diminishing. Does it share any parts with more common motors?



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.