1971 GMC lwb to 1968 chev swb project

[gopokes]

Great job on the bed! I'm trying to work up the nerve to do the same thing. I have read every post on here about it. I like the way you cut the fram behind the cab, did you take any more pics of that process? I would like to do mine that way, seems a little easier. Thanks for the info.
Donnie

[mcbassin]

The welds look good! How did the warpage go? I haven't sectioned one in a while but I do remember it getting some killer waves in the large flat area. Keep it coming!

[chevy88]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

The welds look good! How did the warpage go? I haven't sectioned one in a while but I do remember it getting some killer waves in the large flat area. Keep it coming!

Just a note for anyone wanting to weld up bedsides. I did have some warpage. It was for about 3 inches on all cuts where the flattest part of bed side is. So if I had to do this again I would only weld about 1" long at a time and then move to other side of bed. Instead of welding for three inches at a time in the same spot. I will post some pictures tomorrow and maybe get some advice on how to straighten it.

[chevy88]

I only welded about 2 inches at a time after spotting then moved to next cut so I would move to the 3 other bed cuts before I returned to the 4th cut which was then cooled off, I haven't noticed any warpage but can't say for sure yet until it is grinded smooth but as far as I can tell it seems okay. I spot welded every 5 inches along cut before I started 3 inch length welds may also help from warpage. As far as pictures of frame cut I forgot to take more.

[chevy88]

New to me rims, before polishing

After 20 minutes of polishing

[chevy88]

Ha, didn't notice when I took picture but this is a good plug for Sear's.

[mcbassin]

Diggin the new slotted rims!

[C10-Driver]

Those slots look great on the truck... Glad that worked out for you. The truck is coming along great.

[nuke1]

Good morning! how is it going today, those are some killer rims, i dig them, I would like to get a set like that just for a shop truck. Truck looks good now, short and sporting the new rims. I think the next time i will be going that way is easter. I just may have to stop. If the wife is good with it. hehe. Looks good, i will check in later for pics of the warpage, i may be able to help you out.

[chevy88]

James, I tried taking pictures of distort but they don't show it. I think I will have to take it to an auto body shop in the end to have them fine tune everything before paint. I will probably sand down everthing with 160 grit sand paper, grind to 80 grit where body fill is going in, they pay to have it primed, and painted. Body work is not my strong point, mechanical/welding in steel from rust I don't mind. What's a good paint job worth from here?

[chevy88]

Got a bit done, took off big white mirrors, installed peep mirrors,and got all new window seals, felts and overhauled door window cranks, then tinted windows..

[chevy88]

Been away for awhile but have been picking away slowly.
I cut out all rust on the box and welded in some patches.


I have also been fixing up the cab, I decided to change over everthing that is blue in the cab to black. I have a seat cover coming in black and dash pad. Does anyone need a blue seat cover as it is brand new fom previous owner. I also installed a 1994 chevy truck steering wheel.

[mcbassin]

Very nice progress! Like the black interior!

[VA72C10]

looking good! nice work!

[Nova_Cobra64]

I just noticed this thread now, searching for GMC builds. Totally ironic though....I want to convert the front end of my GMC to the 67/68 Chev front end and the only reason I was searching was to see if I could maybe find some paint schemes that could convince me to stay with the GMC.

But it looks like I might do the same as you. Let me know if the RCMP give you any hassle over the front roll pan. I know vehicles require a front bumper but I'm not sure if there are structural requirements attached to this. I'm digging the look but when it comes time I want to keep my truck legal....I want to drive it anywhere and everywhere and the last thing I want is to get nailed at one of those SPS checkstops that seem to becoming famous in Saskatoon.

[chevy88]

Police haven't stopped me yet, but as long as you put a steel square tube in behind roll pan they can't say anything as that is you heavy bumper.

[Slammed66]

Hey man, great work on the truck from another canadian member!, im about to do the same to my 71 gmc, shortening, lowering, 67 front clip etc, shoot me a pm bout the blue seat cover, im sure I could put it to use.. thanks Matt

[chevy88]

PM sent.

[chevy88]

I haven't did much lately but I got new seat cover installed, and will try to get seat installed tommorrow and dash pad. The cover is from Lmc trucks and it seems to fit really well.

[mcbassin]

Hey, that seat looks like new! Nice work!

[chevy88]

Before

After




Just waiting for inside carpet and to finish body work so I can paint. I've been lazy just need to get more motivated so I can finish the body work. Can't wait for spring and get this truck back on the road.

[Normy71]

Looking good!
What is your steering wheel out of?
Posted via Mobile Device

[chevy88]

Originally Posted by Normy71

Looking good!
What is your steering wheel out of?
Posted via Mobile Device

1994 chevy truck but 1988 trucks had same design and wore shiny as these actually wear through outside coating making the 1988 steering wheels better.

How's your project coming along?

[Normy71]

Hi mine is coming along very slow, I have added a few updates on my build thread.
Keep in touch!
Posted via Mobile Device

[mcbassin]

Hey nice work on the interior. I know what your talking about having to wait till spring. I am only able to spend a few days a week out working on mine because of the weather. I know it's better here than where your at for sure. Hang in there!