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.

[dsraven]

just so we aere all on the same page, what is the final use for the truck, like what does the owner want out of it? is he looking for an around town cruiser/daily driver with not much freeway or high speed driving? if so then the 3 on the tree may get him by. if he's looking for highway use then he will have trouble keeping up with traffic. a trans with an overdrive would be good to have in that case. the thing is, any changes to the transmission will also mean the rear axle and driveline will need to be swapped out to be an open driveline with a visible driveshaft like a more modern vehicle has. I assume it still has the torque tube rear axle.?
it's all kinda like a downhill slide. it can be hard to stop once you get going. this change means you gotta change this other thing and while you're at it maybe you'll chis other thing cuz it's right there. pretty soon the truck is up on blocks and torn down but there is so much to do you get overwhelmed and it gets put on the back burner or tarped over for years.
I suggest small changes, keep driving it, get a list going of what you wanna change to make it better, decide from there if you wanna spend the time and money. otherwise, keep enjoying it. it looks like a nice truck.

[Sebambam]

Originally Posted by dsraven

just so we aere all on the same page, what is the final use for the truck, like what does the owner want out of it? is he looking for an around town cruiser/daily driver with not much freeway or high speed driving? if so then the 3 on the tree may get him by. if he's looking for highway use then he will have trouble keeping up with traffic. a trans with an overdrive would be good to have in that case. the thing is, any changes to the transmission will also mean the rear axle and driveline will need to be swapped out to be an open driveline with a visible driveshaft like a more modern vehicle has. I assume it still has the torque tube rear axle.?
it's all kinda like a downhill slide. it can be hard to stop once you get going. this change means you gotta change this other thing and while you're at it maybe you'll chis other thing cuz it's right there. pretty soon the truck is up on blocks and torn down but there is so much to do you get overwhelmed and it gets put on the back burner or tarped over for years.
I suggest small changes, keep driving it, get a list going of what you wanna change to make it better, decide from there if you wanna spend the time and money. otherwise, keep enjoying it. it looks like a nice truck.

Very much what I suggested. I don't have the time and space for all the can of worms mods that are needed with all the upgraded that could be done...

So
1. Wiring
2. 228 upgrade mods
3. Stock 3 speed working ..

[dsraven]

include in that a check on the tires and brakes. tires don't last forever even though the tread may lool like new and you don't need a blowout, brakes likely need an adjustment at least and while its off the ground grease the chassis. check the lights, door latches, steering linkage etc. just an overall mechanical check before it hits the road. then drive it and enjoy it. make a list of what changes are most wanted.

[vintovka]

My Ad is a real Daily Driver. Its is almost completely upgraded to at least 1985 tech and just barely gets by in even light traffic. Biggest problem is braking. New cars can stop in fraction of the time and changed the way folks drive. Roads today seem a technological battle ground equipped with both poor and sometime downright vicious "combatants". To turn a phase "old school is cool but tech will get you home"

[dsraven]

yup, braking and steering would be the biggest issues with the old vs newer vehicles. next up would be visibility from the drivers seat just because of the small back window cabs that don't allow much for viewing the lane next, the mirrors are pretty small and usually vibrate a lot
unless the owner is building a bone stock truck for a purpose it would be a great upgrade to install power disc brakes up front, power steering and some decent mirors.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by dsraven

yup, braking and steering would be the biggest issues with the old vs newer vehicles. next up would be visibility from the drivers seat just because of the small back window cabs that don't allow much for viewing the lane next, the mirrors are pretty small and usually vibrate a lot
unless the owner is building a bone stock truck for a purpose it would be a great upgrade to install power disc brakes up front, power steering and some decent mirors.

Too true. Many hop in their old trucks and flat forget the tech they are accustomed to is NOT there. Had another near incidents in last 2 months where power brakes and steering saved the day. Both due to to folks cutting in front of me and sort of "brake checking". As said many times "peep mirrors" are an invitation to disaster and may be problem for you should you wind up in an accident - or worse court. I'll bet there's actuarial data relating incidents with older vehicles, tech and those of us getting on in years.

Speaking of tech/legal issues i predict the push for mandatory dash cams will be a big deal soon.

[dsraven]

personally I think I will get flack over the mirrors I will install on my daily driver style 57 GMC. they will be large because I plan to tow with it plus I plan to be checking traffic behind me and beside me. the little old side mirrors from the days gone by are just that, gone by. if you wanna drive on todays roads with an old vehicle you really need to upgrade the steering, brakes and visibility items. then lights and wipers etc. seat belts fit in there too.
I always tell guys who ask me about hotrod upgrades and I say make it stop fast before you make it go fast. I add on that most people nowadays don't know the difference between a fan belt and a seat belt so making it look good is more important than making it go fast. the beat up looking old car that will go zero to 60 in record time, parked next to a really nice looking slug, will lose the popularity contest most times these days.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by dsraven

personally I think I will get flack over the mirrors I will install on my daily driver style 57 GMC. they will be large because I plan to tow with it plus I plan to be checking traffic behind me and beside me. the little old side mirrors from the days gone by are just that, gone by. if you wanna drive on todays roads with an old vehicle you really need to upgrade the steering, brakes and visibility items. then lights and wipers etc. seat belts fit in there too.

Too true big mirrors and great brakes are essential to survival in todays battlefield road conditions. It is sad that dash cams may save your net worth.