Big Bertha Build thread x2 - Page 8 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MARTINSR · 01-17-2014, 08:59 PM

What a spectacular build, absolutely beautiful!

Brian

**buggy5872** · 01-20-2014, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Not surprising, I got better mileage with my v8 4wd than the six 2wd when I converted. I think it was because the six was always working in the upper range while the 283 did not have to work as hard. I am hoping the 350 is even better as it should be a little more torquey.

I just finished up putting a 468 in it over my Christmas break from work. Flat top pistons, rv cam....should have a little more than the stock 454. Hopefully it does not make the fuel mileage go the wrong direction. Now if this white stuff would go away and I could get out and test it......spring is just around the corner...I hope.

TowwDogg · 02-28-2014, 09:52 PM

This is a very cool build, I seen it the first time around,
Didnt you make drop in top rails for your bed that were the original parts that were trimed off ?

nebdrummer · 03-01-2014, 01:20 AM

Absolutely amazing build. And you did it so fast! I love it. Now, you need to make your own camper with the same nostalgia look and paint.

Again, I love it and hope to see it some day!

Harleyhouse · 05-06-2014, 12:16 PM

Buggy5872:

This is the most amazing build I have viewed. Your vision, creativity and follow through is perfect. Bertha turned out to be a show vehicle built in a home garage not in a million dollar hot rod shop. Foose, Coddington and Barris have nothing on you. This truck is beautiful. Please let us know if you will be showing Bertha around Pittsburgh this summer. I would love to see her and talk to you in person. Best Wishes and Happy Camping. Mark Harley Oakmont, Pa.

mr incredible · 06-03-2014, 09:11 PM

cool build have you started on bertha;s big brother? would that be buford?

BC Toy chest · 06-06-2014, 02:13 PM

Awesome build & you got some mad skills

. This truck is out of this world love your work on the bed. GR8 JOB!! Keep the photos coming. Now whatcha gona do for an encore?

Luther Grimace · 08-05-2015, 06:37 PM

Are the windshields the same on the Low Cab Fowards as the normal pickup truck windshields?

deejaaa1 · 08-05-2015, 08:12 PM

i echo all the positive comments. it's beautiful. i have seen a few HD dodge here in Canada. not a mopar fan but the old ones get my attention.
Posted via Smarter than me Device

lower50's · 08-28-2015, 12:31 PM

That is a really cool truck you have there. Great fab skills and I love the suicide rear doors

AtcoPoppers · 08-26-2016, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggy5872

Drove her to work today. Out on the highway she shifted into overdrive and never came out. There is a big hill I used to come up at about 70 in drive and I came up it at 80 in overdrive with only quarter pedal....I am so glad I switched to a big block.

There's no replacement for displacement. Such an awesome build. I hope to see it in person someday...

**Dieselwrencher** · 06-02-2017, 10:41 PM

What an awesome build! I don't know how I missed it. You did an excellent job on the fab work on Bertha. How is she doing now? I saw pics of your truck searching crew cab lcf's.

**G&R's57GMC** · 06-05-2017, 09:40 PM

It's been a few years since I sent you a couple of LCF doors for your next project, did you ever start that project ?

**buggy5872** · 06-15-2017, 01:03 PM

It got put on the back burner...I've been doing a few for other people. Should be back on my projects this fall. finish 59 NAPCO, start on 57 short fleetside for my oldest son, start on 58 GMC 600 diesel tow pig. Then maybe the LCF

**buggy5872** · 06-15-2017, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

What an awesome build! I don't know how I missed it. You did an excellent job on the fab work on Bertha. How is she doing now? I saw pics of your truck searching crew cab lcf's.

She is doing well, still pulling the camper around. She'll be due for some touch ups soon. Kids are hard on paint jobs. They have both scratched and dented it with bicycles. Its all good, I built it to use.

**Dieselwrencher** · 06-15-2017, 02:30 PM

I know what you mean about kids being hard on paint jobs.

What are the details on the 58 GMC Diesel tow pig?

**buggy5872** · 06-17-2017, 10:44 AM

Its a 58 GMC 600. I have a 99. Internatioal dt530 and 9speed. It will be air ride and air brakes. Setting it up like a semi with a sleeper.

350TacoZilla · 06-22-2017, 02:55 PM

Just read through this man and love the truck, modern drivetrain with classis body is the way to go. I plan to mount my 63 GMC 1500 on my 94 ram 2500 4x4 chassis though I would call mine a budget build lol, LS power and 5spd for just a dd truck that can pull car trailer here and there.

Okiefromwatonga · 08-24-2017, 10:21 PM

Re read the build as I want to do a similar build with my 58 GMC 450. What picture hosting site do you use just out of curiosity?

**buggy5872** · 11-14-2017, 09:55 PM

All my pics are hosted on this site

ky panel · 03-10-2019, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggy5872

Had Big Bertha out in the sun today. there is an old mill behind where I have her right now. Thought it was a good place for a photo.

What kind of milage are you getting

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-10-2019, 11:56 PM

Can I comment on just one thing? This truck is knock 'em dead gorgeous. A REAL testament to ingenuity and skills. HUGE congratulations on it.

But the side emblems are on backwards. The red portion goes to the rear. Any particular reason you put them on that way?

**buggy5872** · 01-30-2020, 10:23 AM

because I like them that way better

X Baldwin Motion · 01-14-2024, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggy5872

Duramax would not fit....I will get some pics of the interior. Seats are bolted in using the outermost seat bolt and the other 3 are mounts I made. rear seats are pretty much the same......

amazing build, in regards to Duramax not fitting, is that in the NPR frame or under the LCF sheet metal? or both ?
how is the rig 10 years later? anything you would have done differently?
thanks.

LT7A · 01-16-2024, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X Baldwin Motion

amazing build, in regards to Duramax not fitting, is that in the NPR frame or under the LCF sheet metal? or both ?
how is the rig 10 years later? anything you would have done differently?
thanks.

It looks like buggy hasn't been on the site for 3 years, so I don't know if he'll see this. You could try PM. It would be really cool to get updated on this and his other projects. I'm glad you posted and pulled this to the top. I had never seen it.

01-17-2014, 08:59 PM	#176
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 What a spectacular build, absolutely beautiful! Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

02-28-2014, 09:52 PM	#178
TowwDogg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fairview Missouri Posts: 58	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 This is a very cool build, I seen it the first time around, Didnt you make drop in top rails for your bed that were the original parts that were trimed off ? __________________ 2000 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 1965 Chevy C-10 on '61 Apache Frame [90s Build] 1997 3500 Chevrolet Custom Mega Cab Project My son's '92/'93/'94 GMC K2500 Conversion Project

03-01-2014, 01:20 AM	#179
nebdrummer Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 390	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Absolutely amazing build. And you did it so fast! I love it. Now, you need to make your own camper with the same nostalgia look and paint. Again, I love it and hope to see it some day! __________________ 1950 3600. 370cid, th400, 9", billet 80mm turbo under the bed, 4 link coilovers, hoping for a single digit! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=380212

05-06-2014, 12:16 PM	#180
Harleyhouse Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Oakmont, Pa. Posts: 2	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Buggy5872: This is the most amazing build I have viewed. Your vision, creativity and follow through is perfect. Bertha turned out to be a show vehicle built in a home garage not in a million dollar hot rod shop. Foose, Coddington and Barris have nothing on you. This truck is beautiful. Please let us know if you will be showing Bertha around Pittsburgh this summer. I would love to see her and talk to you in person. Best Wishes and Happy Camping. Mark Harley Oakmont, Pa.

06-03-2014, 09:11 PM	#181
mr incredible Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: mchenry ill Posts: 55	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 cool build have you started on bertha;s big brother? would that be buford? __________________ USN RETIRED there are two things you don't need in the navy. that's a wife and a pick up truck. cause when your out to sea someone else is using them

06-06-2014, 02:13 PM	#182
BC Toy chest Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 914	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Awesome build & you got some mad skills. This truck is out of this world love your work on the bed. GR8 JOB!! Keep the photos coming. Now whatcha gona do for an encore? __________________ *I'm not tail-gating, I'm drafting.* http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=432758

08-05-2015, 06:37 PM	#183
Luther Grimace Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 380	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Are the windshields the same on the Low Cab Fowards as the normal pickup truck windshields? __________________ 1955.2 Chevy 3100, 6bt, Getrag G360 5-speed, NP205, Dana 60/70 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=536540 1992 Chevy K1500 Silverado ECSB 1965 "Crewcab" Chevelle 300 Deluxe - soon to be LBZ Duramax/4L85E powered

08-05-2015, 08:12 PM	#184
deejaaa1 Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: texas Posts: 253	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 i echo all the positive comments. it's beautiful. i have seen a few HD dodge here in Canada. not a mopar fan but the old ones get my attention. Posted via Smarter than me Device

08-28-2015, 12:31 PM	#185
lower50's Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,254	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 That is a really cool truck you have there. Great fab skills and I love the suicide rear doors __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=769441 1951 MG TD 1967 Jeep CJ5 1.9L TDI 33X13.5X15 Mud Grapplers. 1952 GMC 9700 p/u 7.3L diesel on air, dually

06-02-2017, 10:41 PM	#187
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 What an awesome build! I don't know how I missed it. You did an excellent job on the fab work on Bertha. How is she doing now? I saw pics of your truck searching crew cab lcf's. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

06-05-2017, 09:40 PM	#188
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,624	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 It's been a few years since I sent you a couple of LCF doors for your next project, did you ever start that project ? __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

06-15-2017, 01:03 PM	#189
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 It got put on the back burner...I've been doing a few for other people. Should be back on my projects this fall. finish 59 NAPCO, start on 57 short fleetside for my oldest son, start on 58 GMC 600 diesel tow pig. Then maybe the LCF __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

06-15-2017, 02:30 PM	#191
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 I know what you mean about kids being hard on paint jobs. What are the details on the 58 GMC Diesel tow pig? __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

06-17-2017, 10:44 AM	#192
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Its a 58 GMC 600. I have a 99. Internatioal dt530 and 9speed. It will be air ride and air brakes. Setting it up like a semi with a sleeper. __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

06-22-2017, 02:55 PM	#193
350TacoZilla Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hancock Md Posts: 421	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Just read through this man and love the truck, modern drivetrain with classis body is the way to go. I plan to mount my 63 GMC 1500 on my 94 ram 2500 4x4 chassis though I would call mine a budget build lol, LS power and 5spd for just a dd truck that can pull car trailer here and there.



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08-24-2017, 10:21 PM	#194
Okiefromwatonga Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Watonga, OK Posts: 80	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Re read the build as I want to do a similar build with my 58 GMC 450. What picture hosting site do you use just out of curiosity?

11-14-2017, 09:55 PM	#195
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 All my pics are hosted on this site __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

03-10-2019, 11:56 PM	#197
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 Can I comment on just one thing? This truck is knock 'em dead gorgeous. A REAL testament to ingenuity and skills. HUGE congratulations on it. But the side emblems are on backwards. The red portion goes to the rear. Any particular reason you put them on that way? __________________ '55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda!

01-30-2020, 10:23 AM	#198
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: Big Bertha Build thread x2 because I like them that way better __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

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