Johnny's '65 GMC SWB project

[johnny mac]

I thought I would create a project log for my build. This is my daily driver when it rains so it is difficult to do a frame off restoration but I figure I can take small bites at a time and eventually have this elephant eaten in about 20 years.
Plans include upgrading to power steering, upgrade to disc brakes on front, power brakes, 5 lug, swap rear end to 3.07, and replace a whole lot of sheet metal.
Here is how she looked when I bought her. I had to do something about the camouflage so I painted the truck in my driveway.







Here is how she looks today:

[johnny mac]

Couple things I have already done to the truck include fixing the interior light and adding door pin switches. I also fixed the fuel gauge. Let me tell you, a fuel gauge sure beats using a stick to measure fuel in the tank. I removed about 5 leafs out of the rear leaf springs and cut a coil off the front springs for a little bit better stance.

Here are some parts and cores I managed to pick up cheap.



I also picked up CaptainFabs bracket to change over to power steering.

Here are a couple pictures to show the amount of cancer in the cab. I've been looking for a donor cab but any I have found are prices out of my range.
I know you west coast guys would see this and decide to use my cab for license plates so don't laugh.

Passenger side:




Driver side isn't as bad:

[johnny mac]

more pics:

Interior


Passenger side patch panels courtesy of LMC Truck. My biggest issue is living so close to the LMC truck warehouse. Since I can pick up stuff and save on shipping I can see myself spending way too much money.



Only major mechanical thing done lately is I had to replace the drivers side head. It had cracked in several places...

[1963c-10]

Welcome to the forum, and great project you have going. Keep us updated w/pics and progress.

[Jmorales3181]

Hello and welcome! Looks much better black
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ta2Don]

aboard!!! Nice start, I'm in for watching as you make this yours!

[johnny mac]

Thanks for the Welcome's guys!!!

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Welcome to the forum, and great project you have going. Keep us updated w/pics and progress.

Originally Posted by Jmorales3181

Hello and welcome! Looks much better black
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

aboard!!! Nice start, I'm in for watching as you make this yours!

[johnny mac]

small update. I am in progress of upgrading to power steering. I have the old steering box removed, the new steering box bolted up using Cap'tFabs bracket, and the pump mounted. I need to go and exchange the PS belt I bought as it is about 1 inch too short and I need to weld on the flange to the steering steering rod. If all goes well I should have this knocked out today.

Here is the original steering box I removed.



Here is the new steering box installed. This one is much beefier than the original. I still need to weld up the flange to the rod.



Here is the pump installed. I had to modify the mounting bracket a bit where it bolts to the motor mount. I still need to go exchange and get the correct size belt. Eventually I think I'll need to replace the pressure hose. This one looks a little ragged.

[johnny mac]

In addition to working on the truck, I have a thousand and one things I need to get done in the garage.

When I built my welding cart I didn't include a handle. That made it difficult to move around the garage. So I got some 1 inch pipe and fabbed up a handle. I think it will also help protect the cables coming out of the welder. I still need to fab up a better tank holder. Chain and vice grips can only work for so long. lol Eventually I'd like to add some cable mounts and a couple brackets to hold my grinders.





I am also working on plumbing the garage for air. I would eventually like to have air available on both sides of the shop, a drop for a future sandblast cabinet, and plenty of drops for air tools. I am planning on using 3/4" copper for the main run and then 1/2" legs for each drop. For now, I think I'm just going to get the air hose connection fabbed. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Here is the location of the hose reel compared to the compressor.



Here's a little (not much) better view of the location of the hose reel on the left side of the garage.

[johnny mac]

I wrapped up my power steering upgrade yesterday. The difference in handling is mind boggling. I used to have to drive hand over hand to make turns in my truck. Now I can turn the wheel with two fingers. I am stoked!