Mr Green Jeans - the 69 (or not) chevy, er gmc, project

[OKGMC4]

Almost looks like a truck

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Almost looks like a truck

Looks good to me. You have made a bunch of progress

[OKGMC4]

A little closer

[OKGMC4]

Problem with the unibody conversion is that the body lines aren't even so I have to work to make them match up. I even used a level to verify that the bed actually tilts down a bit in relation to the cab. Will have to build my own inner bed panels.

[OKGMC4]

Got tired of the hood hinges and springs going wonky with every hood close so I got new hinges and converted to hood struts. Shuts to the same place every time now.

[knomadd]

Just found your build. You've done a bunch of nice work. I like how the engine turned out and the unibody conversion is looking good. I'll be following along now.

[OKGMC4]

Progress

[OKGMC4]

More progress

[OKGMC4]

Raised bed floor. My tailgate isn't working out. It was twisted about 3/4 inch. Tried to untwist it and it bowed out at the bottom. Tried to straighten it and it sunk in at the mid section. Guess it would have worked better with a straight tailgate but it was free. I'm getting a new one and going from there. My wife wants me to make a bench seat out of it by our front door. Also not sure if that tank hangs too low. AND not sure if that dakota rack will turn the truck tight enough. AND not sure if my homemade rear disc conversion is going to work. Lots of trial and error. Might even spend more money trying to save a few bucks. We'll see, for now just keep on welding and grinding and cutting and welding and....

[OKGMC4]

Driver side outer panel very close.

[swamp rat]

Did your inspiration come from *****en rides on doing the bed this way? I like it when people think outside the box.

[mcbassin]

Killer progress! Looks great

[OKGMC4]

Thanks! Actually my inspiration comes from being an idiot. The first cab was rotten through and through from top to bottom. The second (and free) cab was only rusted out at the rockers but it had a bunch of damage on the back. I think it was used a flat bed truck and got smacked from things sliding into the back of the cab. I BELIEVED that covering the damage would be easier than repairing it. I also thought that doing a unibody would be more unique. I was half right. I could have had the cab repaired a while back. This is turning out to be more work than I imagined but hopefully the end result will be worth it. I still plan a 1 or 1.5 inch chop to bring the roofline back in proportion to the 3" shorter than normal bed. Still into new territory for me. Had never cut a bed, and have never cut a roof. Have seen some unibody conversions done but as of yet no GMC versions. Still think I need a plate that says IMPOSTR...since my 69 chevy long bed 6 cyl is going to be a 67 gmc short bed v8.

[OKGMC4]

Often look at these for inspiration...

[OKGMC4]

Today

[OKGMC4]

Yesterday. Helping swap out a bent frame on a Spitfire.

[swamp rat]

I asked a question then get back in here only today to read the answer


I admit i must live a sheltered life in the gearhead world because i have never seen any other trucks modded this way except watching that show on the tube, for a first time i think your doing great!

[brushbuggy]

Looking good.

[OKGMC4]

Next project. Taped the pillars with 3/4 inch tape, little paint, pull the tape and cut between the lines.

[OKGMC4]

Convertible

[OKGMC4]

Leaning the pillars into each other. Going to flush fit the glass. 3/4 inch isn't a lot but I don't want it to look chopped, I want it to look proportional since I'm already 3 inches shorter than a short bed truck.

[flashed]

Dont know how I missed this build but Im in to see the rest ,very impressive .

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

Leaning the pillars into each other. Going to flush fit the glass. 3/4 inch isn't a lot but I don't want it to look chopped, I want it to look proportional since I'm already 3 inches shorter than a short bed truck.

Mr. Green Jeans is coming right along!
I thought for a second, NO.... but as it turns out it's not a super chop top after all. I like the idea of the flush glass too. This puppy just keeps getting cooler.
Keep up the good work. More pictures please

[OKGMC4]

First fitting of the wheels. They are Vision 143 wheels in 20x8.5 and 20x 9.5. The fronts don't seat over the hubs. I'll get the space I need with 1/4 wheel spacers. Ordered the hub centric ones that billet specialties makes. The rear is off, too. I got the least backspacing I could and my narrow 69 axle pulls them way in. My measuring tells me I need a 1" bolt on spacer to get them where they need to be. Such are the dilemmas of ordering cast wheels. All four of these cost what one custom forged rim goes for.

[OKGMC4]

REALLY trying to avoid a polished billet street rod look on this one, though chrome is good so no worries, I'm keeping bumpers, door handles, etc. Since I want a modern feel inside I'm planning on some very different techniques and parts to get the look and texture I have in mind. One thing is the MOMO wheel I got. Looks like it belongs in a new camaro. Started out with silver on red in mind on this truck but now looking like red on black.