And so it begins................

[highperf4x4]

This is my project jump-off thread. I've talked about the truck already but here's a recap. The truck belonged to my late grandfather. My uncle had purchased it from him before he passed away. I'm not sure exaclty how long he's had it but I know I've been wanting it for the last 20 years. Time has taken a small toll on the truck but it's still driveable and I'm gonna have fun fixing it up. It will be more of a resto-mod than a restoration. I know my grandfather and my uncle would want me to build it where it will bring the most enjoyment. I've got a 1983 Celebrity ski boat that's gonna look right at home behind this truck!


Here's the before pics...............














Definitely going to need a seat!











I'll give you 2 guesses what my first order of business will be................ here's a small hint!!!!!







Just for kicks, this is the motor I built for the 4x4. The truck I used to pull the green beast back from Rogers, Arkansas to OKC.



Did you spot the HEI distributor? lol, no more computer controlled anything in the 4x4.


I'll be looking for advice and parts as I go along. Starting with a cool seat! And then a nice shaft mount stereo! lol I'll post the update pics in this thread as I go.

[justtime520]

Nice truck, I am exited to see it come along.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like a great truck to start with.

[OARNGESI]

Nicve start

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by justtime520

Nice truck, I am exited to see it come along.

You and me both brother!

[highperf4x4]

I knocked out the insurance yesterday, I'll hit the registration tomorrow and then it's break out the toolbox.

I also noticed today that the right rear is slightly lower than the left rear and the tires are inflated the same. Since there aren't any rubber body mounts on the bed, I'm assuming it's in the springs. Anyone know if it's better to go after some new springs or try to have these re-curved?

[tim21391]

keep us posted on your build.. we all love pictures glad to see another truck being restored

[allen123]

Subscribed
Looks like you got a really solid truck to start with

[bigblazerboy]

nice looking gmc. i will be watching this one

[big_al_71]

looking good!!!!

[Green Machine]

Looks like a real solid truck, less rust is alway great. Nice that it has A/C too.

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by Green Machine

Looks like a real solid truck, less rust is alway great. Nice that it has A/C too.

Actually that pic of the engine is from my 4x4 that I used to pull the 72 back from Arkasas with. I just threw it in for kicks. It's a high performance 350 that I built myself. I pulled it out of a 76 chevy and dropped it into a 90 GMC 4x4. It's about 375hp. Too much for the stock drivetrain though, I've been replacing yokes/axles ever since I put it in. The 72 has a 402 Big Block in it.

However, the 72 does have the factory air also, I just need to replace the froze up compressor. Upon checking the valves, it appears to still have freeon in it.

[badpeanut]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

I also noticed today that the right rear is slightly lower than the left rear and the tires are inflated the same. Since there aren't any rubber body mounts on the bed, I'm assuming it's in the springs. Anyone know if it's better to go after some new springs or try to have these re-curved?

My leaf-spring GMC was the same way. Turned out one of the leafs had been broken on one side and only that leaf was replaced so the spring packs were not identical from side to side. I'd recommend you look yours over well before you make any decisions.

[highperf4x4]

Yeah, I'm thinking about settling for independent air shocks until I feel like messing with it.

[highperf4x4]

Update

New wheels

New dual exhaust complete (2.5" pipes and 30" glass packs with 2.5" cores)

New Door locks, ignition switch, locking gas cap

New spark plugs

Fluids and filters changed.

[Highsteel]

Nice! Are those wheels 10 inch? All around?
The tires look good, man!

[badpeanut]

Nice exhaust! Was it custom bent or a kit (and if it was a kit details please).

[bigblazerboy]

rims look nice on there. where the vid of the exhaust?

[allen123]

Nice how much did the rims and tires cost all together

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by Highsteel

Nice! Are those wheels 10 inch? All around?
The tires look good, man!

Thanks!

The rear wheels are 15x10, the fronts are 15x8. The front tires are 255/60/15

Originally Posted by badpeanut

Nice exhaust! Was it custom bent or a kit (and if it was a kit details please).

It was custom bent front to back by University Muffler in Norman. They ordered me the glasspacks with true 2 1/2" cores.

Originally Posted by bigblazerboy

rims look nice on there. where the vid of the exhaust?

I will get that soon. Any suggestions on where I could upload the video to?

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by allen123

Nice how much did the rims and tires cost all together

Less than $800 from Summit Racing for wheels/tires/center caps. The wheels are Cragar Nomad 2's.

The 2 1/2" exhaust was 290.00 complete including all new brackets dampers.

[highperf4x4]

Ok here's my first shot at a video upload. It will sound the best if you have a sub on your computer!

Truth be known though, the exhaust sounds louder in the video than it actually is. But it does sound good though, you can barely touch the pedal and it sounds like a beast!!! I love the Big Blocks......

YouTube - 1972 GMC SierraGrande

[highperf4x4]

As a note, that video is with the secondaries on the carb disconnected. It's the original quadrajet running only on the primaries right now. When I hook the 4bbl back up I'll do another video to see how much difference there is in sound.

[maddog1331]

Those wheels look awesome man! They really set off the truck.

Have fun with it

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by maddog1331

Those wheels look awesome man! They really set off the truck.

Have fun with it

Yeah, my only regret is that the tires are not quite as tall as I'd like them to be. I really wanted that 295 in the back though. I also wanted it in a BFG T/A Radial but they won't put that size back into production until October of this year.