47-55.1 Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68blackbird · 04-09-2018, 10:37 PM

As suggested, starting a build thread. Bought it from a guy in Comanche , Texas. Was asking $1400 with clear title. After seeing several similar trucks that were in worse shape with no title, decided to buy sight unseen. 5 hour drive from Corpus Christi, the guy said next day he'd deliver for $200...I said have you left yet...

Truck shows up 9/24/17. I was still working o the '59 Apache, so didn't touch it for months. Truck was better than expected. Typical cab corner, floor pan repairs needed, but no replacing roof, door skins, fender patches like the '59. Even has the running boards intact, not rusted out or totally missing like most I had see. All the door/window hardware work, just a really solid find.

68blackbird · 04-09-2018, 10:49 PM

Disassembly started.

68blackbird · 04-09-2018, 10:54 PM

Speedway X-member & Mustang II IFS install.

68blackbird · 04-09-2018, 11:10 PM

More IFS install.

68blackbird · 04-09-2018, 11:16 PM

My DIY rotisserie. 2 HF engine stands, had to cut neck off and scab pieces in to raise the frame so running board brackets would clear ground/lift.

weim55 · 04-11-2018, 01:02 AM

Looking at the pics the bed looks like the longer 87 inch unit. Is that a long wheelbase half ton from the factory? That must be one rare bird if that's the case. Looks like you're motoring right along for just getting started!

Steve weim55 Colorado

68blackbird · 04-11-2018, 01:42 PM

Trial fitting LS, 10 bolt rear end that was traded for front axle from this truck, set of Foose wheels/Nitto tires from CL, mocked up rear leaf springs.

68blackbird · 04-11-2018, 01:42 PM

Springs

_Ogre · 04-11-2018, 05:38 PM

welcome to the forum 68blackbird

texas sun is a little rough on paint from what i see, easy on rust too
half that truck would be missing up here in michigan

Quote:

After seeing several similar trucks that were in worse shape with no title, decided to buy sight unseen.

i understand that 'no title' comment, been looking for a new project
$4500 rust bucket 'no title' is what i see all over craigslist
i call it barrettjacksonitis

68blackbird · 04-11-2018, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ogre

welcome to the forum 68blackbird

texas sun is a little rough on paint from what i see, easy on rust too
half that truck would be missing up here in michigan

i understand that 'no title' comment, been looking for a new project
$4500 rust bucket 'no title' is what i see all over craigslist
i call it barrettjacksonitis

Thanks Ogre, I joined bout 1 1/2 year ago when restoring the '59 Apache, got a lot of much needed help from this forum. I only started this restoring gig bout 5 years ago. My first was '68 Firebird, then a '70 Mustang for a buddy, my '66 Fury was next then the Apache. I guess I just have a knack for this stuff, that YouTube, and places like this make it all possible.

For anyone interested, here are my links to some of those builds. Kel

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1Q...VlLdWoqF1aemNK

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...VkTlBmak5KZmhn

68blackbird · 04-12-2018, 12:03 AM

Big step tonight, got front end put back together, even got springs in, uncut as Ogre suggested, glad you did man, I was really tempted to cut at least a 1/2 link out just to make it easier. As it was, having the right tool made all the difference. Also got the rear end back from my buddy who installed the new 3.73 gears, and did all that pinion, back lash stuff done. He's done a few 100 of them, so I feel good about that. Have the rear kinda snugged down till tomorrow, hope to get some wheels on it so we can nail down the rear and start on setting the LS in, I'm sure I will be hitting you guys when that time comes...Kel

68blackbird · 04-12-2018, 12:06 AM

More from tonight...that spring tool was worth its weight in GOLD!!

BTW, open for any and all suggestions on the rear end set up...Kel

68blackbird · 04-12-2018, 08:16 PM

Rolling chassis, very happy.

68blackbird · 04-12-2018, 08:18 PM

I guess we need to fit cab on to mock up LS install?

68blackbird · 04-20-2018, 05:07 PM

More progress...got cab back on to mock up LS motor mounts, started working on fender dents, pulled heads off LS to make sure everything is tidy, looks good so far.

68blackbird · 04-20-2018, 05:09 PM

Progress pics...

**mongocanfly** · 04-20-2018, 05:24 PM

looking good ...be sure to use new head bolts...those a tty bolts...

68blackbird · 04-20-2018, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

looking good ...be sure to use new head bolts...those a tty bolts...

Did not know that...many thanks!! Kel

68blackbird · 04-22-2018, 11:44 PM

Got motor, heads, intake cleaned up and painted.

68blackbird · 04-22-2018, 11:46 PM

Removed cab to install motor/tranny and mocked up brake booster.

68blackbird · 04-22-2018, 11:48 PM

LS & tranny bolted in.

Root2812 · 04-23-2018, 11:53 AM

What brake booster did you go with? What is the clearance to the transmission like? You used the 4l60e right? I am to the point of having to pick and buy brakes.

68blackbird · 04-23-2018, 12:09 PM

I used the drum/disc combo from Pirate Jack on ebay. I do have the 4l60e, not sure what clearance you mean? Kel

Root2812 · 04-23-2018, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68blackbird

I used the drum/disc combo from Pirate Jack on ebay. I do have the 4l60e, not sure what clearance you mean? Kel

I meant like how much room is between the two. When looking at my transmission it looks so close to the frame since its so wide. I was just wondering how much room was between the master cylinder and the transmission when all mounted up.

I have never heard of Pirate Jack. I will have to look him up. Thanks.

68blackbird · 04-23-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Root2812

I meant like how much room is between the two. When looking at my transmission it looks so close to the frame since its so wide. I was just wondering how much room was between the master cylinder and the transmission when all mounted up.

I have never heard of Pirate Jack. I will have to look him up. Thanks.

Here ya go Greg....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1947-54-Che...53.m2749.l2649

04-09-2018, 10:37 PM	#1
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build As suggested, starting a build thread. Bought it from a guy in Comanche , Texas. Was asking $1400 with clear title. After seeing several similar trucks that were in worse shape with no title, decided to buy sight unseen. 5 hour drive from Corpus Christi, the guy said next day he'd deliver for $200...I said have you left yet... Truck shows up 9/24/17. I was still working o the '59 Apache, so didn't touch it for months. Truck was better than expected. Typical cab corner, floor pan repairs needed, but no replacing roof, door skins, fender patches like the '59. Even has the running boards intact, not rusted out or totally missing like most I had see. All the door/window hardware work, just a really solid find. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-09-2018, 10:49 PM	#2
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Disassembly started. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-09-2018, 10:54 PM	#3
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Speedway X-member & Mustang II IFS install. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-09-2018, 11:10 PM	#4
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build More IFS install. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-09-2018, 11:16 PM	#5
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build My DIY rotisserie. 2 HF engine stands, had to cut neck off and scab pieces in to raise the frame so running board brackets would clear ground/lift. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-11-2018, 01:02 AM	#6
weim55 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Larkspur, Colorado Posts: 916	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Looking at the pics the bed looks like the longer 87 inch unit. Is that a long wheelbase half ton from the factory? That must be one rare bird if that's the case. Looks like you're motoring right along for just getting started! Steve weim55 Colorado

04-11-2018, 01:42 PM	#7
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Trial fitting LS, 10 bolt rear end that was traded for front axle from this truck, set of Foose wheels/Nitto tires from CL, mocked up rear leaf springs. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-11-2018, 01:42 PM	#8
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Springs Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-12-2018, 12:03 AM	#11
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Big step tonight, got front end put back together, even got springs in, uncut as Ogre suggested, glad you did man, I was really tempted to cut at least a 1/2 link out just to make it easier. As it was, having the right tool made all the difference. Also got the rear end back from my buddy who installed the new 3.73 gears, and did all that pinion, back lash stuff done. He's done a few 100 of them, so I feel good about that. Have the rear kinda snugged down till tomorrow, hope to get some wheels on it so we can nail down the rear and start on setting the LS in, I'm sure I will be hitting you guys when that time comes...Kel Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-12-2018, 12:06 AM	#12
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build More from tonight...that spring tool was worth its weight in GOLD!! BTW, open for any and all suggestions on the rear end set up...Kel Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-12-2018, 08:16 PM	#13
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Rolling chassis, very happy. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-12-2018, 08:18 PM	#14
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build I guess we need to fit cab on to mock up LS install? Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-20-2018, 05:07 PM	#15
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build More progress...got cab back on to mock up LS motor mounts, started working on fender dents, pulled heads off LS to make sure everything is tidy, looks good so far. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-20-2018, 05:09 PM	#16
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Progress pics... Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-20-2018, 05:24 PM	#17
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build looking good ...be sure to use new head bolts...those a tty bolts... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver



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04-22-2018, 11:44 PM	#19
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Got motor, heads, intake cleaned up and painted. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-22-2018, 11:46 PM	#20
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build Removed cab to install motor/tranny and mocked up brake booster. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-22-2018, 11:48 PM	#21
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build LS & tranny bolted in. Attached Images __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

04-23-2018, 11:53 AM	#22
Root2812 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Barnum, Mn Posts: 795	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build What brake booster did you go with? What is the clearance to the transmission like? You used the 4l60e right? I am to the point of having to pick and buy brakes. __________________ My 1950 Chevy build

04-23-2018, 12:09 PM	#23
68blackbird Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Texas Posts: 222	Re: Kel's '50 GMC 1/2 ton build I used the drum/disc combo from Pirate Jack on ebay. I do have the 4l60e, not sure what clearance you mean? Kel __________________ Kel's 1950 GMC 1/2 ton build

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