Operation : In to Deep!

[Tyz082]

Found this forum while surfing the web for new ideas and information about a restoration I have just started. I don't know much about what I am doing so all you veterans keep me on track and any help is appreciated!

Just bought a 1968 GMC 1/2 ton that was partially stripped down. Its came with a fresh 350 and fresh turbo 400 trans. neither of which were installed yet. with your help we are gonna make this baby look good and run like a top!

[litew8]

Like the way you think. from Iowa.

[Tyz082]

[Tyz082]

[Tyz082]

There, That's better!

[litew8]

What are your plans/intentions? Got any more history info?

[Tyz082]

[Tyz082]

Litew8 same as yours, not factory new, but relatively nice. Some modernization is needed as well. Wood bed, front disc brakes, maybe a/c, tilt steering, clean it all up. undercoat the frame, body work and fresh paint.

[Tyz082]

Bought this from a family member who had the intention of building a dragster. He is a custom hot rod builder by night and has become overwhelmed by all his paying customers projects and has no room or time for this one. this thing is stock/all original as far as i can tell or know. i will have to look at the VIN# and compare to the info in your thread to see what i can make of it. I know after reading your thread this is a 1/2 ton for sure.

[Tyz082]

And so it begins, gotta good start I think. gonna focus on cleaning the frame back to front with a wire wheel. clean it with a solvent, metal prep, self etching primer, paint the primer just to seal it, and then undercoat. Any wise men disagree with my plan?

[Tyz082]

New pics coming soon.

[stich626]

deeper and deeper

[litew8]

Looks pretty clean already. Others have done what you're about to do.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...35&postcount=9

[Tyz082]

OK, after some debate and trying to figure out "how in the world I was gonna get in there?" I have decided to spend a few dollars and have the frame and suspension blasted.

[Tyz082]

[litew8]

Just make sure they don't blast your brake lines too much. If they're old and thin, the blasting will tear them up. And since blasting doesn't like "grease", you should try your best to degrease it first. I used oven cleaner (well vented), soaked overnight - followed by power spraying.

[Tyz082]

Ok, thanks for the tips, I didnt know that. Guess I will be degreasing the frame also. As far as the brake lines go I was gonna go with front disc and run new lines throughout, or have it done. How costly was your trip to the brake shop LITEW8?

[litew8]

np man. For the d-greasing, if you use oven cleaner - you can probably get by buying the real cheap stuff at a Dollar General, or you can get Easy Off Original. Either way, the stuff is very potent, just make sure you are safe. Very well ventilated (outside in the open). It'll eat paint too (and prob. rubber) so be careful not to spray anything other than steel/grease.

The emergency brake line repair I had done after sandblasting for the passenger side rear was costly. It was a long piece that they had to replace and cost 100 if I remember. At that time I had to get it fixed so I could run the truck out to the body shop for work. It was done at a Midas. The other rear line I left since it still looked good. When I undercoated after sandblasting, I covered everything with Zero Rust, so hopefully the lines last. The front lines I bought pre-bent since I wanted a factory install, due to an emergency repair I performed about 5 years ago which was a mess.

[Tyz082]

well brakes are going to be a major cost on this job i can see already. basically want the whole works replaced. my truck has 4 wheel drum brakes and its not power brakes either. correct me if im wrong but i need a brake booster, new master cylinder for power brakes, replace all the lines in Stainless, prop. valve for the front discs, calipers and rotors. they make a kit for the front disc conversion though. any thoughts

[litew8]

Never done a conversion, but it sounds like you're on the right track. You can always call up one of the vendors from which you're looking at kits and ask them. Maybe someone else can recommend a good reputable vendor for conversion kits, or stop in and answer.

[Tyz082]

so far my most used links are Brothers, and LMC. they have about everything you could possibly need. looking at around 1100 dollars to do the entire brake system minus the rear drums. just going the re-shoe them and clean them up.

[Tyz082]

Made my appointment at the sandmans shop. got two days to get'r prepped for blasting. when i get home this morn. Looks like I will be de-greasing. Also will post some good pics of the front spindles. guy i bought it from says they are 2" drop. wonder if i can re-use them for disc brakes? dont wanna buy spindles if i dont have too

[67cheby]

i bet your spindles will work if they are drop spindles, maybe someone else can shed a little more light on that ! keep up the work, your in the right place...WE ARE ALL IN TO DEEP !!

[67cheby]

Originally Posted by Tyz082

so far my most used links are Brothers, and LMC. they have about everything you could possibly need. looking at around 1100 dollars to do the entire brake system minus the rear drums. just going the re-shoe them and clean them up.

check out CPP you could probably do 4 wheel disc brakes for that amount

[Tyz082]

need a little help. how do i get the taillight wiring harness plug out of the frame? rear frame where the rear taillights plug into. dont want to damage it