1958 GMC Memorial Build

[ChuckDriver]

Did you get the headers sorted out yet? Looking forward to seeing your progress!

[58-GMC]

Hey ChuckDriver - I went with some Patriot Clippster Headers. Haven't tried fitting them yet. Hoping to try them out this week. I will post back with the results.

[dug224]

First rate!!! Love the frame and the fact that you painted in mint. Subscribed.

[ChuckDriver]

Nice, hopefully you've found a set that fit!

[58-GMC]

Looks like the Patriot Headers will fit! Very slight trimming necessary on driver side near the frame rail. No trimming on the passenger side!

Did run into a fitment problem with the 4l80 transmission though. Have to build a small tunnel in the cab floor. Nothing too major.

Firewall is done and in primer.

[58-GMC]

Here is a full pic. Everything will get a nice layer of black epoxy primer before it rolls out of the shop.

Still have a bit to go.

[ptc]

Originally Posted by 58-GMC

@ptc - I have heard good things about the Champion Radiators. Glad to hear you think so too!

Seen quite a few at the tracks and in custom cars, so I went to them for just some info. But the folks at Champion totally worked with me for days on end to get the right radiator for my truck that wouldn't be a custom build (to save money). I made measurements and they checked all their stocked sizes to find the right one. They went way above and beyond to help out.

Good luck with the build!

[ChuckDriver]

Would you please post some pic's and part number for the headers!!

[58-GMC]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Would you please post some pic's and part number for the headers!!

I will get some pics up once they're installed. Should be fairly soon.

In the meantime...here is the part#: PTE-H8073

[greystoke]

Did the cab fit down on the frame ok with the transmission cover removed?

[58-GMC]

Originally Posted by greystoke

Did the cab fit down on the frame ok with the transmission cover removed?

Unfortunately no. They have to build a small tunnel in the cab floor. I guess when the transmission was first installed it was at the wrong angle which made it appear that it would fit without floor modification.

I'll get some pictures up this week of the results.
Posted via Mobile Device

[58-GMC]

Here are some pics of the headers mounted. The driver side header took a couple taps with a hammer to dent one pipe to clear the frame rail. The passenger side had to have the collector moved back 1-2" since it dumped right at the frame rail. All-in-all a really good option for trucks running an LS engine and Porterbuilt suspension.

[ptc]

Gonna be a 'tight' fit for a steering shaft ..... They didnt have a rear exit type header you could go with to get them out of your way?

Heres a set from BBK - they make some nice stuff for LS engines.

[58-GMC]

Originally Posted by ptc

Gonna be a 'tight' fit for a steering shaft ..... They didnt have a rear exit type header you could go with to get them out of your way?

Heres a set from BBK - they make some nice stuff for LS engines.

Hey ptc - I agree it looks like a tight fit. I dropped off some parts yesterday and discussed the headers and steering. The shop seemed confident it was gonna work - I guess we will see. The BBK headers look good but from the pic I can't tell if they hug the block enough to squeeze between the frame rails.

I looked around and had a hard time finding any info on what worked for headers on these trucks with the LS/Porterbuilt combo. Even PB couldn't give any recommendations. I saw Delmo use a corvette manifold but I wasn't super keen on the way that looked.

[wheelbarrow]

Very Nice!

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks for the pic's, hope the steering linkage is not a problem.

[Kim57]

Looks like they should work out.
Kim

[ptc]

Originally Posted by 58-GMC

I looked around and had a hard time finding any info on what worked for headers on these trucks with the LS/Porterbuilt combo. Even PB couldn't give any recommendations. I saw Delmo use a corvette manifold but I wasn't super keen on the way that looked.

Thats always good news from a shop.... when they find solutions to problems instead of just telling you it wont work!.... hate that.

If PB is gonna stay in this 'build world' I would think that they would either start finding suppliers that fit their systems or start building their own headers and anything else that needs to fit their kits and provide supplemental kits to their product line.... you cant just leave people hanging.... in this "want it now type of world".

Cant wait to see you driving this thing!!!!

[Nut Case]

In my wandering the net I came across information that for the 55-59 TF trucks with BBC's, that a Hooker or Headman Super Comp long tube heads will fit. When I come across any nuggets I take notes. My notes on headers don't list where or who furnished the info, only the suggestion. I bought Mark VI 454 block that I was assuranced that it ran. Not with 5 of the jugs full of water and bore to +.40, now I have a mock up block. Purely by luck the 454 seller threw in a set of long tubes. No ID anywhere on the headers. With the guts out of the block, and the heads and headers on I did a test fit, and it did with about 3/4 clearance on both sides. So I going to order the Hooker Super Comps when the time comes and cross my fingers. Gook Luck Nut Case

[Nut Case]

Look for the Headers that fit a 70 Chevelle, sorry left the important information out.
It's late I should turn out the lights and go to sleep. Maybe I'm in a dream and sleep typing.

Nut Case

[Nut Case]

Big Block 70 Chevelle. Doe

it only took 3 posts.

I'm outa here Nut Case

[greystoke]

Because the PB front clip is narrowed a bit it does lack header space...I'm looking forward to pictures of how the steering linkage ( firewall to unisteer ) is installed. Love this build and the truck..oh yeah, Shanes a nice guy too

[ChuckDriver]

Nate has developed a newer version for the TF truck that has more room for headers.

[58-GMC]

I will try to get some pics once the steering linkage is all installed.

@ptc - I will definitely get some pics up of it driving!

@greystoke - thanks buddy, appreciate the kind words!

@ChuckDriver - of course they come out with something new before I even get mine on the road, haha. That's good though that he modified the front drop member to make more room for the headers.

[58-GMC]

The shop hasn't done the final steering shaft assembly but they assured me again it would work out slick. Fingers crossed.

Wiring is in full swing. Here are a couple pics.






They also sprayed the front clip and bed with black epoxy.