Project "Killin' Time" 69 GMC Build

[RHGuyettejr]

Long story short, I bought this truck when I was in college (super dumb idea by the way from a monetary standpoint) because I decided I wanted a project. I already had a 71 Chevy I picked up for $400. Plan was to use the good body on the 4x4. Jump ahead a few months and I sold the 4x4 to pay some school bills and basically stuffed this truck aside until I could afford to do something with it.

Here are some day 1 pictures -

I'll add these when I get to my other PC, IE won't let me view image to get the links.

I'm going to try to make a few posts to catch up to where I am now in this process.

[RHGuyettejr]

Alright here are the day 1 pictures, now that I have firefox.

[RHGuyettejr]

When I first purchased the truck I was told that the motor had just had new heads put on it, well it wasn't running correctly and when I got it home (2 hour drive) I did a compression check and 3 cylinders had no compression. So I figured I would give adjusting the valves a go (my first time) and stumbled upon some other goodies.







One of the lifter studs had started pulling out so I replaced it, adjusted valves and got compression back. I also rebuilt the carb and threw a cheap exhaust setup on it for the time being.

[RHGuyettejr]

I also took the time to button up some of the wiring mess, and take out the old aftermarket cruise control etc....

[RHGuyettejr]

It's a long story but in the time it took me to take care of all these simple things the clutch rusted up (just as I was getting ready to road test it), and I could not get it unstuck, and with no garage to work in I called the local shop who cut me a deal on towing and freed it up for me, and I was able to drive it home..... well kinda.







After setting so long, the tank had rusted, and clogged the freshly rebuilt carb, and fuel pump despite a filter. So after fixing that I was able to use a "fuel cell" to get it home, and it ran good.

[RHGuyettejr]

That leaves us off where I am today, in a nutshell. Installing a new fuel system, or I would be if UPS hadn't managed to mangle my gas tank so that the filler neck is completely bent in the wrong direction. Oh well at least I was able to get the old tank out and clean the cab up a bit.





Ordering a new tank tonight, and we will see what happens this time. Minor setback, but I am very hopeful that it will be running this fall for some short trips etc.

[RHGuyettejr]

[RHGuyettejr]

Well It seems to run well and go down the road. Got to take it for a drive the other day.

http://youtu.be/Cu6r9HxguTw?list=UUk...Z7fMvmKECn1Qcw

[RHGuyettejr]

Well sorry this has taken so long, here are some pictures to go along with the above, now that I am running firefox and can view them correctly.

Improvised fuel cell to get it home:





Working on new fuel system:



Bent up some new lines: (LMC lines I got where not even close)



New tank installed with new sending unit



New lines:

[RHGuyettejr]

Here are some pics from adjusting the valves and fixing the compression issues, along with replacing some pulled studs with screw in type.





Some wiring before and after:





Note to self always disconnect battery when hanging exhaust, especially the y-pipe

Finally on the road for a cruise, then winter showed up.

[flashed]

This is a nice looking truck ,dont know how I missed it before .

[RHGuyettejr]

I also pulled the carb and cleaned it, right before doing all of the head work. I had planned to put the other motor I had built in it (Ill get to that) and use this carb.





Here is the new motor, which is setting for now, until I get my own garage to do the swap in.

[RHGuyettejr]

Originally Posted by flashed

This is a nice looking truck ,dont know how I missed it before .

Thanks man,

Probably because I have been super busy with so much stuff I tend to forget this site exists.

[RHGuyettejr]

Here are some photos from my sandblasting marathon.. trying to polish a turd.



and some primer:



Disk brake spindles...









I'll get them on some day, but have some other focuses for now, just got a good deal locally.

[RHGuyettejr]

I started messing around with a spare fender I had (in much worse shape than what is on the truck) to see if I could save it. Just started welding and wanted to get some practice in, and I am going to paint it the color I want to do my truck so I can get an idea if I like it or not.



Old repairs I uncovered


Upper fender by the hood












Trying out the new impact


Bought an auto dim helmet... what a difference

[RHGuyettejr]

Started on the hardest part, getting the inner lip repaired.

I don't think it will come out too bad.











Reinforcing the bolt holes for the inner fender

[flashed]

Those turds sure did polish up real good ,LOL.

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by flashed

Those turds sure did polish up real good ,LOL.

X2
I've polished many myself!!!!

I like the looks of the green grass in that one post, come on spring!!!!

Keep on keep'n on!!!

Look'n good in the neighborhood!!!

[RHGuyettejr]

Thanks guys, here are some engine bay pics as it stands. I am really hoping for above 20* weather this weekend. It's going to be -13 tomorrow (-35) with windchill, not the kind of weather I want to be outside wrenching in. Truck is under a carport so no snow or anything gets on it, but it isn't heated. I have wire looms, appropriate throttle return setup, and some AN fittings , fuel filter and new fuel pump coming in the mail. I'm hoping for spring too!

[RHGuyettejr]

Forgot I also scored a vaccum / throttle dash and radio delete for $20.00 and a set of 4 hubcaps in really good shape for $10.00 for the set, only thing is they are the 1/2 ton and not the 3/4 ton caps, but for $10.00 maybe I can trade for the right ones at some point down the road.

[68Gold/white]

Got a picture of the caps???

[RHGuyettejr]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

Got a picture of the caps???

The only one I have is the one above. They all look like the top one. A little scaly on the back. But I'm probably going to sandblast and repaint them.

[RHGuyettejr]

Well been a little while, did a lot of things, bought a house and have a garage now so time to get back on task here. Here are a few pictures of where she stands now. Fuel system is done, all gauges working as they should. Next project is rebuilding the whole front end and swapping to disc brakes. I also took the time to neaten up the engine bay a bit. Converted to HEI (best 30 minute job there is). Got some new 16" rims to replace the 16.5s and get some better tire options. I'm sure there is a lot I am forgetting but here you go.

[flashed]

You got the engine all cleaned up good and the wheels will look good too .And congrats on the house ,got to love owning a home .

[RHGuyettejr]

Thanks,

It has it's advantages. I am getting married this October and I am pushing hard to get this thing where I feel it is "safe" to drive before then. I have new shocks and rag joint parts coming this weekend.

I've gone though and put all new hoses in, new radiator, plugs / wires retainers, new valve cover gaskets etc. All from an engine I thought was toast when I got it. I also see that most of the pictures I had posted have broken links now.... technology is great. Maybe sometime when I have time I will try and update some of that. Maybe late this summer or fall I will have a chance to swap the new engine in, and it will basically be all body work after that.