New Shop Truck Project

[71'tahoe]

Hey Guys,
I'm starting a new thread for an old project I started many moons ago. It began life as a 58' GMC. It now has a 55-57 nose and a smooth 57' hood. I know some guys like the 4 heads lights and others prefer 2 head lights. I'm not restoring this truck so I'm going to use what I have. Years ago I started a thread on this board about the truck. At that time it was just a body and no chassis/frame. I started building a 2x4 boxed tubing chassis and it laid all the way down to the rockers. That was back in my early days of fabricating and I actually "z" the front rails too much and couldn't get enough lift out of the mustang II front suspension I added to the 2x4 rails I built. I got busy with life and the truck just sat in the back of my shop while I built my businesses. The thread is still up I believe but photo bucket has blocked the photos. I don't know how to post current photos to this thread so if someone could point me in the right direction-I'd appreciate it.
So this brings me to the present. I bought a 57' big back window cab and stock frame to use on this project. I will only be using the frame as the cab had a tree branch fall on it and tweaked the A pillar, roof skin, and floor pan. I will some day rebuild the cab and use on a future build. So for now I will be working with a stock frame.

My plans are fluid and may change a little as I go but here are the bullet points.

Rear suspension will consist of Ford ranger shackles and spring hangers coupled with S-10 leaf springs with helper bags.

Front suspension will use a modified front dropped axle with a couple stock springs removed to achieve a proper ride height. I will use a CPP steering box conversion for the power steering. I know I could/should use something different but maybe I should call this project ''Left Overs" because I'm using up a lot of left over parts to build this truck. So I know I will be ordering some parts but the majority is second hand used parts.

Drive line will consist of a 350 engine with a few upgrades and backed up with a 700R4- both of which are left over from a friends square body build where he is using a No Limit chassis and an LT engine and a BMW transmission to build an auto cross missile. The rear axle will be either an S-10 rear axle (more than likely) or an 8.8 out of an explore. I do have a Sterling 9.75" with 13" factory disc brakes out of a newer ford truck that I am seriously wanting to swap in it. I also bought a returned Eaton locker for a 9.75". I like the idea of that axle due to the size being the same as a Dana 60. This truck will be used as a work truck and will have a trailer behind it more than not so I like the idea of strong parts. Yes I know people say 700r4's are weak but again my plans are fluid. I do have a 2003 6.0l with a 4l80e I may install at some point.

Interior will consist of an Ididt tilt column I bought years ago for this truck, An early OBS front seat, and a stock style radio and a rubber mat.

Paint will follow along the lines of a blue body with a white roof, grille, and bumpers. I don't anticipate any slick body or paint work. I will probably do some sort of blue sealer like PPG DP50 and possibly use an off white rattle can on the roof, bumpers, and grille. Again this is just a project I want to put together and enjoy and use as an actual work/shop truck.

Wheels and tires are up in the air. I do love some torq-thrusts and wheel size will be no bigger than an 18". I'd like to have a 10'' wide back wheel and I'm aware that I'll have to tub the bed. I want it as low as I can with a static suspension for now.

I'll post photos of the beginning as soon as I figure that out.

[nvrdone]

Looking forward to following this one. I think "Left Overs" is a great name. After all, most of our builds start with left over parts.

[71'tahoe]

Thanks man! That's very true. I also have a 67' C/10 We call the Mutt because it has so many pieces from other trucks on it. The front fenders are the only two body panels that came from the same truck...and who knows if they are originals. I may start a build thread on it some time later.

[Rickysnickers]

Sounds like a nice project. Here's a link to a thread we made on how to post photos. If they come out turned upside down or twisted, post them anyway. I can straighten them out for you.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=818026

[71'tahoe]

Thank you! Now if I can get my phone to talk to my computer I can get some photos added to the thread.

[dennislbrooks]

Good to meet you and I also will be watching the build.

[71'tahoe]

So here are the photos of the 58' GMC body. It is now on the 57' big window frame. In the first photo you can see the GMC dash where the gauge cluster is gone. I Like using Autometer gauges and this truck will be no different. What series I'll use is up in the air for now. The stock radio location was cut out for a single din radio. This will get cut out and a stock radio piece will be installed. Sames goes for the stock heater controls.

Second photo shows the backside. I'll need to find a tailgate. I do have several sets of doors to chose from. The current rear axle is a 12 bolt rear axle possible from an early Camaro or a 68-72 Nova. It'll be used in either my 72' Nova or my 67' Camaro.

Third photo shows where I shaved the firewall years ago. As well as the stock frame. I'll post the big window cab damage later.

[71'tahoe]

Here is the big window cab damage. Horrible photo but you can see in the one photo how the floor pan is bent down. Good thing for rusty floors...probably the only time I'm going to be happy about rust..
The other photo shows the roof where the tree fell on it.

[gsinon]

Should be a great project. Looking forward to following along.

[71'tahoe]

I had some parts starting to show up for the rear suspension. I ordered these rear hangers and shackles for a 2000 Ford Ranger. They work well with the stock frame as the bolt pattern will fit the side of the frame with out having to add to chassis or re-drill holes in the hangers. These will work with the S/10 leaf springs I plan to run. They will work for most any 2 1/2' wide leaf spring. The front hangers haven't shown up yet. Once they do I will move the truck in the shop and start the rear suspension swap.

I also decided to uncover the 86' C/10 chassis so I can get the engine and transmission pulled and get those cleaned up and resealed. The engine has an Edelbrock Performer RPM Airgap intake and some cool vintage M/T valve covers. When I reseal the engine I plan to check the timing chain and see if by chance it has had a cam swap. It also has a set of headers but haven't seen any tag to identify the manufacture. Ill sandblast them and Cerakote them. It also has some Cherry Bomb mufflers but those may not get reused.

I hope everyone who is in the path of the snow and ice storm stays safe over the next few days.

[6DoF]

i love the idea of a "leftovers" build! like frieburger says "don't get it right, just get it running"

[71'tahoe]

Yes Sir! I think that will be the name of the truck.
I do like Freiburger's theory. A couple friends and I use it a lot. This truck is a prime example of that. Instead of just getting it running and updating as I go..Back in the day I wanted it to be a perfect piece to show my customers and take to shows and I guess chase trophies.. Now I just want a fun hot rod truck I can use for shop use chasing parts and paint and whatever I can put on the trailer. I just want what an old speed shop would've built had they had extra Left Over parts from customers builds.