1958 GMC Fleetside C4

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

good looking truck, like the gmc grills
looks like it wants to eat something

Thanks Orge

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC C4 project

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Can't wait to see this one done. Would like to see how you do the front bags. I reused the cradle and the stock vette spring is too soft. Mine is too low and hits with large dips in the road. The back was too high but longer bolts and a spring shave and it sits just right. Bags and coil overs are expensive. I've got a stiffer (and adjustable) VB&P spring ordered to see if I can fix the front but it's been 2 weeks so not real happy there.

Your other truck is beautiful... but I have to admit I like the GMC pickups better because you never ever see them on the road or at shows!

Thanks OKGMC4
Your 56 GMC looks Cool!!

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 project

[Chevette]

I have admired your 57 on the internet for a few years now. It's always been one of my favorites. Your new project is coming along very nicely.

There is a fellow selling a complete C4 front and rear suspension on CL (mint condition $1200) in my area. I'm wondering if I should buy it for my next project. Only problem is, I have no place to store it. Of coarse I would likely die of old age before I got the new project started and my dear wife would end up giving it to the new man in her life that she met the day of my funeral. That would anger me deeply......I better stop thinking about Corvette suspensions. Hmmmm....I just saved $1200.

[Lolyin58]

Very nice truck. Your your short step is really Bad A**. Definitely a build to keep watching. I may know of a set of bumper bullets for sale. I will find out and send you a PM.

[ChuckDriver]

Great start on a cool project!!

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by Chevette

I have admired your 57 on the internet for a few years now. It's always been one of my favorites. Your new project is coming along very nicely.

There is a fellow selling a complete C4 front and rear suspension on CL (mint condition $1200) in my area. I'm wondering if I should buy it for my next project. Only problem is, I have no place to store it. Of coarse I would likely die of old age before I got the new project started and my dear wife would end up giving it to the new man in her life that she met the day of my funeral. That would anger me deeply......I better stop thinking about Corvette suspensions. Hmmmm....I just saved $1200.

Thanks Chevette, Your 56 Chevy one Bad Truck!!

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 project

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by Lolyin58

Very nice truck. Your your short step is really Bad A**. Definitely a build to keep watching. I may know of a set of bumper bullets for sale. I will find out and send you a PM.

Thanks Lolyin58, Looking for 58-59 GMC bumper Bullets. Please send PM w more info.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 project

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Great start on a cool project!!

Thanks ChuckDriver, My bro Mario w 56 GMC C4 hooked me up with O.G. Dash, Fleetside Rear Bumper, & brackets.
Going to remove the rear C4 suspension next.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 project

[OKGMC4]

Have any pics of Mario's truck?

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Have any pics of Mario's truck?

Mario's 56 GMC C4 w coilovers, big block caddy eng., turbo 400 w gear vender o/d unit.
Few pics






Napa Valley Wine Cruise 6/4/2011

[MrBeast]

Harvey, looks like it is going to be a great build, I am subscribed! Keep us posted.

[Chevette]

How's that truck coming along, Harvey? Anxious to see how you're makin' out.

[hp1957]

Thanks MrBeast, Chevette
Summer heat wave is over, time to make some progress. I removed the C4 rear suspension.
Madd Doc, going to use my front stock suspension. Post new pics soon.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...65#post5510465

[Kabwe]

Okay whats going on with the truck build inquiring minds want to know.

[98layinframe]

Very interested to see this build! Hos well does the C4 factory crossmember fit the frame?
Posted via Mobile Device

[hp1957]

Kabwe, update found on local C.L. original Fleetside stainless spear trim. Next remove 58 stock front suspension.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...65#post5510465

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by 98layinframe

Very interested to see this build! Hos well does the C4 factory crossmember fit the frame?
Posted via Mobile Device

98layingframe, Few pics of my bro Mario's 56 GMC C4 frame notch on the top side.
My 58 GMC going notch bottom side for the lowered look.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepsside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...65#post5510465

[OKGMC4]

That's interesting. I never thought about notching the top. I notched the bottom on mine as well. Do you think my height problems stem from that? I took measurements from a 92 vette and set my k member to match, and I can't get it in the air high enough. I had to put 3/4 inch blocks under the spring ends (with a Z51 spring) to shim it up enough to stop bottoming out. Just assumed it was too weak a spring to hold up the truck. I just ordered Qa1 coilover shocks from Summit yesterday. What scares me is your brothers truck seems to have a good height, with a top notch. Makes me second guess whether coil overs will be enough on mine. Do you happen to know what springs Mario used(coil length and rate)? Looks like the bags you're planning may be easier. With a bottom notch and bags it should lay on the ground!

[hp1957]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

That's interesting. I never thought about notching the top. I notched the bottom on mine as well. Do you think my height problems stem from that? I took measurements from a 92 vette and set my k member to match, and I can't get it in the air high enough. I had to put 3/4 inch blocks under the spring ends (with a Z51 spring) to shim it up enough to stop bottoming out. Just assumed it was too weak a spring to hold up the truck. I just ordered Qa1 coilover shocks from Summit yesterday. What scares me is your brothers truck seems to have a good height, with a top notch. Makes me second guess whether coil overs will be enough on mine. Do you happen to know what springs Mario used(coil length and rate)? Looks like the bags you're planning may be easier. With a bottom notch and bags it should lay on the ground!

OKGMC4, bro Mario going to measure his 56 coilovers this weekend. Bottom frame notch put your truck lower to the ground w coilovers you can set ride height & have a smooth ride.

Harvey
1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...65#post5510465

[98layinframe]

Okgmc4 - are your lower control arms level when the trucks sitting at the ride height you desire?
Posted via Mobile Device

[OKGMC4]

They won't be, but they were with the stock spring and Z51 spring. Iv'e measured twice and mine was 3 inches lower than my dads all original 92 vette. I measured from the ground to the center of the lower control arm bolt to verify it. His arms don't sit completely flat either. With the coil overs I should be able to make mounts and choose a stiffer spring to make it hold the correct height. With the tranverse spring it would start out great, then sag over a period of a few days. Just not strong enough....

If a vette weighs 3200lbs and our trucks are 3500 lbs they are 300lbs more total, but figure a 50/50 bias vs at least a 60/40 bias and the weight difference is closer to 400 lbs extra over the front. The fiberglass spring wasn't designed for the extra weight and that's most likely why all the C4 trucks are bagged or converted to coil over shocks. If only I had been smarter and realized this earlier...

[hp1957]

OKGMC4, sorry for the wait. bro Mario's shocks are a PAS 755. the PAS indicates that my shock ends are bearings and not just bushings. also the spring rate is 600 lbs. they had a blue and white stripe on the ends. length depends on your upper shock mount location they make the 600 lb. springs in different lengths. to be one hundred percent sure you should have an axle weight for your truck. i had that info, total truck weight, front axle and rear axle weight when i talked to the tech guy. that way you can give that info to the tech guy at Aldan and let them help you with the choice.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 build thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...65#post5510465

[OKGMC4]

Thanks for the reply though! I got mine in and went with a 12 inch, 400lb spring. I know total weight but had to guess on bias. Guess I was wrong. It still sits 1 inch lower than I planned. But, as installed, my QA1s are still 2 inches higher than it was before with the glass spring, doesn't bottom out anymore, and has the same comfortable ride I had. Maybe I should have went 450 or 500lb but for now I'm going to save the $90 for springs and just drive it a bit. Thanks again. Any progress lately?

[hp1957]

I've been working with the big D's chrome shop from Downey, Ca. to locate my bumper bullets and big D's came through. Picked up my original 58 gmc bullets Saturday over at the Pleasanton Goodguys show.

Harvey

1957 Chevy Stepside
1958 GMC Fleetside C4 build thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...65#post5510465

[Kim57]

Those are sweet.
Kim