47-55.1 My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project

[Nima]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Wondering if you plan to go through the whole engine. If not you may want to investigate using any type of internal engine cleaner. I have seen guys use a high detergent additive and shortly after the engine was burning oil like crazy.

I really don't plan ( and hoping not) to go through the engine. I run the seafoam once and then change the oil and run the engine for a little, maybe the total of 45-60 minutes on my stand, and then check the compression. If my oil pressure is okay and compression holds up, I just take the heads and oil pan off for good cleaning and replacing the gaskets, rear main seal and the water pump.
That is the extend of my skill and knowledge in the engine department. I never rebuild an engine before.

[dsraven]

cross member ideas?

[Nima]

Originally Posted by dsraven

cross member ideas?

Sorry, been too busy around the house and Thanksgiving.
I made this engine crossmember prototype to get thing where I want it. I was hoping to get a tube bender and make a nice from this one since it locates the engine where I want it. I like this crossmember type engine mounts since I can move things forward, backward and also, I have clearance issue with headers and steering box, I can move or offset the engine to one side. Originally, I ordered a tubular engine and transmission mounts from classic industries which have been on backorder.

[Nima]

Basically, I have been doing some cleaning and beatifying, at least my version of it!

[Nima]

Also, I got a chance to play around few ideas for gas pedal type and electric power steering while the paint was drying

[Nima]

Engine is back together, and I rebuilt the engine mounts.

[6DoF]

yeah, i'd say your mount has quite a bit more beef than the CI one. what mounts was the CI piece using?

[8man]

I like the firewall.

I wish I knew about transmissions. I have a 700R4 that needs a rebuild.

[NorCalGal]

It’s like anything else Robert, take it apart then put it back together. I remember the first time I took one apart, I was thinking uh oh…….but I bought a book and figured it out.

[dsraven]

my last auto trans rebuild was a 700r4 but that was a few years back. I had a manual from atsg on that specific model. likely still available. try your local auto trans parts supplier or online. it was very detailed. maybe if your tans is pooched anyway the rebuild will be a learning tool and you will see what makes it tick inside. if it works out you have a rebuilt trans from it all. if it doesn't then you were only out a few bucks for parts and some time.

[dsraven]

heres a link to a video, never watched it but maybe somebody could comment.
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/th...ssion-rebuild/

nima, you are sure coming along quickly. nice work. did you make the firewall emblem? bead roller?

[Nima]

Originally Posted by 6DoF

yeah, i'd say your mount has quite a bit more beef than the CI one. what mounts was the CI piece using?

It is their own relabeled in a plastic bag. Not a name brand.

Originally Posted by 8man

I like the firewall.

I wish I knew about transmissions. I have a 700R4 that needs a rebuild.

I thought to make something different with firewall!
This is my second attempt at 4L60E. First one was a year ago and it was a failure(!!) but I have some clues as what I may have done wrong. I have a book and also transmissionbench.com has very nice videos for 4L60E. I believe 700R is pretty much the same. I don't know if this transmission has any issues or not. So far the inside looks okay but I am changing all the seals and clutches anyways.

Originally Posted by dsraven

heres a link to a video, never watched it but maybe somebody could comment.
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/th...ssion-rebuild/

nima, you are sure coming along quickly. nice work. did you make the firewall emblem? bead roller?

Thanks.
The emblem on firewall was made by just using a punch. Initially I thought I am going to use solid rivets instead of screws around the boarder and then use them to make the emblem. When I made the drawing and use the punch to drill holes for the rivets, I thought it looked nice the way it was with a lot less work! Then I decided to just use SS screws for the boarder, besides I needed additional hand for doing the rivets which I don't have.

[Nima]

So, I was about to put the tranny back together and I was debating about changing the case bushing since it didn't look bad but then I decided to change it anyways since I already had one in the rebuild kit, why not? Well, have you had those feelings that you are debating about doing something or not since it is not really needed but then you say "why not" and then, that little thing become a headache and comes back at you and bite you in the rear! I messed up the new case bushing when I was trying to drive it in. You can't buy this thing from local car part store. I ordered couple online and of course the shipment has getting delayed repeatedly by Fedex (what a poor service they are offering these days!).
So, I switched gear. I painted inside the cap:

[Nima]

Nest, I installed the brake booster and pedal mounting bracket. I also fiddled with gas pedal options and locations. It seems I have to cut and reposition the lower section of the pedal but first I need to find a brake pedal. Where do you buy these pedals? I have searched and came empty handed.

[dsraven]

good idea to leave the frustarting things and come back to them. do somethimg you know you can make forward progress on. inside cab looks great, what did you paint it with?
I think a lot of guys grab a pedal they lie from a donor and make it work. they usually have a hard pedal arm so if you plan to bend or drill it then maybe heat it up and let cool first and/or try a cobalt drill bit.
on the accel pedal, put the seat in and try it out for fit when sitting in the truck. nothing worse than a weird angle because you get a cramp in your leg on any trips with some seat time. get it in the right place and then wedge the bracket so you get full throttle with your carpet etc in place. its good to have a steering wheel in place as well, even if onlyn mocked up, just to get the feel of things.
keep posting your progress, doing great.

[8man]

The cab is looking good. I can sympathize with the bushing issue.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by Nima

Nest, I installed the brake booster and pedal mounting bracket. I also fiddled with gas pedal options and locations. It seems I have to cut and reposition the lower section of the pedal but first I need to find a brake pedal. Where do you buy these pedals? I have searched and came empty handed.

these guys have anything you'd ever need for pedals, pedal pads, and bolt-on adapters. the tech support i got was kind of meh, but they are better at sorting part numbers for ya.

https://www.johnnylawmotors.com/cata...pedal-pad-kits

[6DoF]

if running a manual steering box ... i 110% vote for NOT hydro-boost. that's just adding systems that aren't needed. very not KISS. on the other hand i gives you an easier "upgrade" later.

if running manual steering, why not manual brakes!?!? sure they feel different and can take a little more foot, but they work just fine. for a classic ride i feel like manual steering/brakes adds so much to the character of the drive.

[Nima]

Originally Posted by 6DoF

if running manual steering, why not manual brakes!?!? sure they feel different and can take a little more foot, but they work just fine. for a classic ride i feel like manual steering/brakes adds so much to the character of the drive.

With bigger wheel and tires and added horse power with more modern engine/tranny compare with what the truck originally came with, I feel power brake has some advantages.
I am in total agreement with you when the whole setup is in stock form which this truck is far from.

[Nima]

While I am still waiting for tranny bushing to get here, I keep busy with the inside.
I thought to make something out of the original radio spot without damaging the original cover, just in case I needed in the future. These covers are expensive online!
Please ignore the cabinet door knobs! I didn't have anything at that size to cover those holes and the knobs fit great for now

[8man]

That works! Very nice.

[Nima]

Originally Posted by 8man

That works! Very nice.

Thanks

[dsraven]

Nice, now, what is going on with that brake pedal, haha.

[Nima]

It got drunk! LOL

[Father&son56project]

Awesome detailed description and pics of that electric steering conversion (as well as everything else you have done). I am having a blast watching you problem solve your way through this build!