47-55.1 My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project

[Nima]

Moving the radiator to the outside, and using chevy radiator with top fill cap created an issue with top ratiator brace/bracket. My solution was are in the pcitures!

[dsraven]

good thinking on the ras support. should work good.
nice to see an AD that still has air under the frame rails. most lately seem to be sitting on the bottom of the cab. nothing wrong with that either, just nice to see a taller one too. should be a great driver. did you get the steering figured out to work with no problems?

[Nima]

Originally Posted by 8man

Nice solution and fab work.

Thanks

Originally Posted by dsraven

good thinking on the ras support. should work good.
nice to see an AD that still has air under the frame rails. most lately seem to be sitting on the bottom of the cab. nothing wrong with that either, just nice to see a taller one too. should be a great driver. did you get the steering figured out to work with no problems?

I am with you on the height. It is cool to see the dropped ones but I'd rather to have some heights.
I have just started to work on the wiring. Hoping to finsh that, along with the steering soon.
Meanhwile I am finsihing up the cooling system. This is my solution for the cooling fan: a 2 speed junkyard taurus fan. the fan with its shroud is almost perfect fit turned at its longer length. I just had to trim the bottom of it to clear lower radiator hose. I made a little bracket at it bolted up to the original radiator nuts on rad support It clear the front accessories nicely.

[dsraven]

I would wire it to the ecm fan connection or a thermo switch and also install a manual overide just for peace of mind.

[Nima]

That is the plan. I did the same set up on my Nova's LS swap and it works great although the high speed has never come on so far.

[Jason 56]

Nice fab work so far. That fan fits great. Looks like it wade made for your application. Keep it the good work.

[Nima]

While I am waiting for few electrical connectors to arrive by mail, I finished most of the exhaust. I just need to add the tail pipes but I am not sure if I am going to cross the tail pipes over the axle all the way back since on the driver side, the coilovers have limited the space over the axle.

[6DoF]

turndowns like to drone under the bed, you'll probably want something that at least exits out the side.

[docrock]

Just read through your thread. Great work. I had no idea you could cut down an 8 lug rear axle and order shorter axles. Mind blown. I also didnt know the 8 lug hubs would work on the original axle. Keep up the good work and pics

[Nima]

Originally Posted by 6DoF

turndowns like to drone under the bed, you'll probably want something that at least exits out the side.

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by docrock

Just read through your thread. Great work. I had no idea you could cut down an 8 lug rear axle and order shorter axles. Mind blown. I also didnt know the 8 lug hubs would work on the original axle. Keep up the good work and pics

Thank you.

[Nima]

So, trying to finish up the wiring. A lot of cutting, shortening and lengthening. To change the process, I started insulating the cab (until I ran out of material!) and installed the gauges to get a feel where I want to place the gauges digital box.

[Nima]

Moving along.
Modified the original battery tray to accept new and bigger 12 volt battery. I'll keep the battery in stock location. I also lengthened the stock (5.3 engine) battery cable to reach where I want it in engine bay and have a brach for the starter.

[6DoF]

motivation ... CHECK!

[Nima]

I cannot believe that my previous post was dated on 7-7-22!!!
Time flies.
I ended up going back to work full time. Although I did not abandon the project (May I should say the projects as you see int eh picture ), but I didn't have much time to post the progress step by step I kind of missing my free time
Today was a nice day a rare day for some personal time to take a family picture:

[Nima]

And this is the 53 truck as it was today:

[Nima]

Working on the interior and the doors, Th seat are from 2001 Suburban which will get a new cover. The windshield is in and I am working on the wiring here and there. The carpet is cheap Lowes outdoor carpet for now. I got a new 15" steering wheel to get more leg room. The truck is running under its own power, and I cannot say enough how well the electric PS is working