47-59 53 GMC longbed project

[Sebambam]

Hi team
i have a 53 GMC with a 228 and 3 on the tree
the truck belongs to my buddy and he had it in paint jail for over a year.

After a long thought process and deciding to use the Original Inline 6 (228)
i need your help with gathering parts for a DRIVER build , we are not to keen on originality ( besides the engine)
so we decided on a 12V conversion.

Here is just ordered a 12v conv. harness incl. the "modern fuse panel" setup.

i also ordered a Intake /header/weber kit from CLIFFORD to get a bit more performance out of the 228.
+ a HEI dizzy ( small cap)

parts/conversions i need help with

- 12V starter. is there a off the shelve GM part# i can use?
- is there a ignition /starter switch, so we dont use the foot start ?

also in terms of styling
the truck sits at OEM height but my buddy would like to get Steelies with moon caps , what size wheel and tires do you recommend?

and what way would be easiest to lower the truck with OEM suspension to give it a bit a stance ?

[dsraven]

for your 12v conversion, did you order a 12v alternator? which one-how many amps?
original 6v starter will usually handle the 12v if you have an engine that is in good shape/state of tune so the starter doesn't have to crank for very long before it starts, like a couple seconds. to swap in a 12v starter requires some work because the ring gear on the flywheel and the gear teeth on the starter are different. there are lots of 6V starters being used on 12 volts, just don't expect it to last if it has to crank for awhile before the engine starts. crank for a couple seconds, then let the starter cool off for a few minutes otherwise you will burn the contact plates off the armature in the starter motor. a good starter rebuild shop would be able to set up your original starter so it has what it takes to handle 12 volts, usually the field windings need to be swapped out, but most guys use the 6v starter on 12 until it cooks, then just get another 6v starter and carry on

[lv2tri2]

I had a 53 GMC with a 228. It was pretty reliable. Added two Carter W-1s, split the exhaust and it surprised me how much faster it was. It lasted a couple weeks. If a hot rod is your goal, I'd start with a different engine. Good luck.

[dsraven]

Possibly good advice. If you plan to abuse an engine maybe start with something less old. Lol.

[Sebambam]

Not building a hotrod.

Just a reliable inline 6.
The Clifford mods should bring a bit more power and reliability.

I probably also change to a foot gas pedal/cable setup.
If it's not to involved

And change from a foot start to a ignition key crank.

[dsraven]

if you plan to lower the truck there are lowed beams available for the front, maybe a few less leaves in the stack out back or a different set of springs. new shocks at the same time. an adjustable drag link as well. there are threads on here about how to do that and the do's and don'ts

[JDarby]

Hey SeBamBam we are neighbors, I am in North Dallas area.

The 53' is sweet, you have come to the right place to get answers during your project!

I am pass half way with a 55.1 GMC 1/2 ton RestoMod.

This forum has been a real blessing!

[fauXGT]

Powermaster Powergen alternator has a direct bolt in replacement to 12v.
About 2-3 times the price of a standard alternator, but no extra brackets or mount modding needed.

[mr48chev]

That powermaster is cute but not worth the money unless you are dead set on having it look period correct for the 50's or earlier under the hood. Delco 10 or 12 SI alternators aren't expensive, can be found every where and if one fails on the road the nearest parts house has one on the shelf or you can find one at a wrecking yard. Too much money for something the nit pickers can't even see on that engine.

As for wheels that Baby moons will snap on = Mid 60's Chevy or GMC 1/2 ton 15 inch pickup wheels or buy new. Aftermarket for what he wants I'd look at what Wheelsmith offers. https://thewheelsmith.net/ has. They build wheels to order inhouse .

As for a 12 Volt starter some of the truck trinket vendors offer a stomp pedal starter or conversion many like the filling station requiring your core in exchange. https://store.fillingstation.com/det...R_12_VOLT.html

[Sebambam]

Hey guy
Thanks for the help.

1st thing I have to do is tge wiring harness.
The truck has no harness at all. So I get this in first ( waiting for it to arrive)

The CLIFFORD intake /header kit is ordered as well but the headers are in production
So it will take a bit of time.

https://cliffordperformance.net/stor...68-combination

The owner asked for a automatic transmission
But I assume a th350 or 700r4 does not bolt up to the 228?

And so I want to look into the stock 3 on the tree and see what it needs

[mr48chev]

There are adapters to bolt a V8 pattern trans to the early sixes They aren't inexpensive anymore but they are available https://transmissionadapters.com/pro...e-transmission That is adapter, starter Flexplate and all though. His call on if he wants to spend the coin. A Turbo 350 would be simpler but the 700R2 or a 200R4 would let it have a lower geared rear end for a bit better low speed performance.