69 GMC "Ol' Blue"

[mjensen]

Well, I figured since I started tearing into my truck I would create a build thread on it.

Story:
My grandfather bought this truck brand new in 1969 with a camper and paid a little over $6,000 for both (camper was over 4k of it ). This truck has seen its better days, but is still kicking. It's been through 6 kids driving/beating it. It's been stolen, wrecked, it got in a fight with a deer, been shot in (inner fender well still has the hole), and various other "good times". I loved this truck since I was a kid when my father was using it as his daily driver. I remember standing on the seat trucking down the road and just how cool of a truck it was. I would keep asking grandpa when he was going to give me the truck and he would always tell me no way. Well, in June of 2006, he passed away and my grandma gave me the truck. I'm soooo happy to have this truck and can't wait to get the time and money to get it back on the road.

[mjensen]

Here's today's progress. I removed the hood and fenders so I could re-align the front end. After I put new hood hinges on, the hood wouldn't align anymore. Hinges are straight and fenders weren't.

Next weekend I hope to get the core support back in line and re-hang the fenders. While I have it down this far, I will probably do some clean-up work on the engine compartment.

[highperf4x4]

Goodluck with it. Sounds like a heck of a story. Is the front frame bent?

[mjensen]

I don't think the frame is bent, but I'm going to check just in case.

[mjensen]

Well, I'm at it again. I can tell that this is not just going to be a simple re-align the fenders. It's just to damn much fun ripping stuff apart

Here's are the latest pics

[highperf4x4]

You've been busy!

[mjensen]

Yeah, this project's going to go real fast until I need to start spending money on it

[nuke1]

ain't that the truth, darn mioney just has to be involved. good luck on the build and i know what you mean my in the family, mine has been since new also.

[samwise68]

Great to hear you finally have the truck - the history behind it is worth the effort to get 'er back on the road!

Keep at it man, it's a fun journey.

-Sam.

[mjensen]

Well, the shag is gone!!!! As I expected, I have some work to do here

[highperf4x4]

Yeah I have a similar situation with mine. The rocker panel won't get all of it and neither will a floorboard patch. have to do both!

[mjensen]

Well, I removed some more of the cab. I've also started the arrangement to have the cab media blasted and primered with some primer that you can actually bondo over (don't remember the brand/name). I even had some of the neighborhood kids stop by and want to help. This could turn into a neighborhood project

[highperf4x4]

Well you can never have too much that's for sure. I'm curious about that primer you're using though, I didn't know you could bondo over anything but bare metal.

[mjensen]

I'm going to do a lot more research before I commit to anything, but the guy doing the blasting tells me they you can bondo right over it. I'll find out what it is and post that information.

I've also made a little more progress today. I removed the pedal assembly, heater box, electrical, etc. It's getting close!!! Okay, it's just getting started. Got it in the garage just before the rain and hail came down.

[highperf4x4]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

Well you can never have too much that's for sure. I'm curious about that primer you're using though, I didn't know you could bondo over anything but bare metal.

I mean to say, you could never have too much help! Not bondo!!

[mjensen]

Well, I haven't done much with the truck but I did build a dolly that I can set the cab on and roll it around when I get it off.

Sorry for the poor pictures. They're from a Cell cam.

[mjensen]

I'm also getting a rendering done so I have some inspiration to work from. I've changed the color that it's going to be. It's now going to be Bud Light blue

[mjensen]

Finally, some progress! I removed the windshield and back glass (without breaking I might add ), and finally got the cab off!!! Now I just need to save up to get it media blasted.

[mjensen]

Well, the cab is loaded up and headed to the media blaster.

[highperf4x4]

You went quiet for a while.

You staying with the original color?

[mjensen]

No, it's going to be bud light blue

[highperf4x4]

I'll drink to that brother!

[mjensen]

Well, it's been dropped off. I should have it back in a couple of weeks!!!

[highperf4x4]

Are you gonna paint it in your garage?

[mjensen]

I'm thinking about trying to rent a paint booth. I'm looking at the options right now. I'll be doing all the body work in my garage...I'm sure it's going to be a while and it's going to take some time, but when I get to that point I'll evaluate my options.