Jer's 64

[Jer64]

So I'm finally starting my build thread! I grew up with a 63 GMC short wide side so I've always loved these trucks and when I found this forum, I was totally stoked! You guys are putting out some super nice trucks and I'm glad I'll be able to look to this forum for guidance. Here's some pics, there will be more to follow!

[Jer64]

I installed my Porterbuilt stage 1 kit a couple months ago along with a set of control arms and Addco swaybar. I was really impressed with how much of an improvement over stock this was. It really flattened out any body roll through corners! I also picked up a 2006 5.3L L33 and a 4L60E from a local salvage yard and ordered a wiring harness from PSI. I decided to finish my air system before doing the motor swap, so I got a system through Travis at AZ ProPerformance. Dual Viair compressors, accuair VU4 manifold and Porterbuilt mounting brackets. My goal is to get the air system and c-notches installed by August 17th and be ready for the Sittin Pretti car show in Arlington.

[Snowbound]

Nice lookin truck!

That Porterbuilt stuff looks top notch.
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[McMurphy]

and to the site, and 100% that is a sharp looking rig !!

[Grizz1963]

I would cheat on BillyBob with your truck.

That is rather good looking.

I do like a really yellow car, they can set off the chrome really well.

[Jmorales3181]

Very nice truck man!
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[Jer64]

thank you Sirs! The bed is coming off this weekend and hopefully I'll get the c-notches in and some of the air compressor stuff installed!

[lolife99]

Cool, cool truck.
Are those the standard PB a-arms or the "Forward Series" a-arms?

[Jer64]

Thank you! They are the standard arms, I got those instead of the forward arms because I plan on installing a touring dropmember when I install the new motor.

[markeb01]

Welcome and thanks for sharing the photos and details. That is a beautiful truck. The Porterbuilt equipment is real artwork. You're really moving right along. Look forward to the updates.

[Jer64]

thanks! glad to see another Wa. guy here! I have some family in Prosser, so I'm over on the eastside fairly often. you've come a long way on your truck, didn't know the '60 frames looked like that.

[Jer64]

I got the bed taken off this afternoon with the help of some friends, one step closer to finishing the air suspension! Here's some more pics as is, with just the front done and some with the rear suspension as is.

[Jer64]

I've had this truck for about 8 years and I've known that the original paint was a turquoise/green color, but this is the first time I've seen so much of the original paint! Although the yellow has been growing on me, i'm thinking a color change back to original might be the way to go.

[Jer64]

When I originally lowered the truck, I used 2 1/2" drop spindles and 2" springs in the front and 4" springs in the back. Then I added 2" lowering blocks to back. here's some of the pics along the way. the front springs came out in two pieces....

[Jer64]

with the new control arms and bags. I rerouted the airlines shown in these pics before I finished the install.

[Jer64]

Just found some old pics from when I first got this thing back in the day....the only thing I had upgraded at this point was the wheels and tires. The previous owner had black steel wheels with biased ply tires that were separating, made for a real interesting test drive. Pretty good base to start from though.

[Bomp]

Amazing how much difference that chrome bumper and grill make.
Along for the build.
Subscribed.

[Captainfab]

You're doing some nice work to an already nice truck. Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming too

[Jer64]

Originally Posted by Bomp

Amazing how much difference that chrome bumper and grill make.
Along for the build.
Subscribed.

Thanks! I was pretty happy with how much it changed the look. What made it even cooler was that my wife (girlfriend at the time) and my mom new I was going to buy them, so they ordered them before I did and surprised me for my birthday!

[Jer64]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

You're doing some nice work to an already nice truck. Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming too

Thank you! So I'm still running the stock steering box and I'm looking to upgrade to a power steering setup. Happen to know anyone that sells the conversion kits????

[Captainfab]

I don't sell a kit. I just sell the steering box adapter plate, and the tube and flange. You can simply buy a steering box locally, either used or rebuilt from your local auto parts store. I just don't see the sense in paying shipping on a heavy item like that, when you can easily buy it locally. You should have the pump on that 5.3, so you will just need hoses, a rag joint and a pitman arm. A '80-'87 steering box would be best since it will have the Metric with an O-ring fittings just like that pump.

Originally Posted by Jer64

Thank you! So I'm still running the stock steering box and I'm looking to upgrade to a power steering setup. Happen to know anyone that sells the conversion kits????

[rmvlt1100]

Very nice project you have started. You made a great choice on the engine and trans combo. I did the same swap and it's a blast to drive. Great job so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jer64]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I don't sell a kit. I just sell the steering box adapter plate, and the tube and flange. You can simply buy a steering box locally, either used or rebuilt from your local auto parts store. I just don't see the sense in paying shipping on a heavy item like that, when you can easily buy it locally. You should have the pump on that 5.3, so you will just need hoses, a rag joint and a pitman arm. A '80-'87 steering box would be best since it will have the Metric with an O-ring fittings just like that pump.

well I'll definitely have to hit you up on those plates when I do the install. good to know about the 80-87 steering box, thanks for the info!!!!

[Jer64]

Originally Posted by rmvlt1100

Very nice project you have started. You made a great choice on the engine and trans combo. I did the same swap and it's a blast to drive. Great job so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! I just finished going through your build, hope my truck turns out as nice as yours has! I'm sure i'm going to reference your build a ton: the radiator, the headers, motor mounts and gauges are all things I have been concerned about. Glad to have your build as a reference, although it kind of makes me feel like I'll be cheating a little bit. I'm happy to hear your swap turned out good, I have a few buddies that got me worried about my choice, but I know it'll be worth it!

[Jer64]

got some work done to frame and the cnotch in!