Meet Plain Jane 1963 GMC Shortbed

[cooperhw]

Here's a pic of my new little 63 GMC project truck. Plan is to keep it simple (stupid). About the polar opposite of how I usually do a build.

[cooperhw]

Another shot from drivers side.

[cooperhw]

Interior.

Cool little stamped sill plates. Cab appears to be 100% rust free.

[cooperhw]

Sorry for these pics being so huge.

[cooperhw]

You can tell this truck has a pretty good life. Look at this rear bumper. Straight as an arrow.

[cooperhw]

How about this cool short side mirror. Most of the ones I have seen on here are longer. Looks to be a factory or dealer installed item.

[cooperhw]

Back side of these cool side mirrors. Sure couldn't find that kind of detail on a new mirror. Too expensive.

[cooperhw]

Now this is funny. Seems they replaced the windshield at some time in the past. Couldn't afford a new gasket so the caulked it in place. Must have worked as the cab is rust free. When I picked it up a couple weeks ago it was already on a trailer with two busted tires so I just backed my trailer up to his and winched it onto my trailer backwards. Driving home a guy honked the horn next to me (doing 55 MPH) and when I rolled down the window he asked "do you know your windshield is out on the hood of the truck you are towing"? I said no, pulled over, and loaded it into my truck. Seems it held just fine going forward but with the rear glass out the air going into the car at that speed was too much force for the old caulk to resist.
Bought the only thing hacked on this truck is the radio hole.

[cooperhw]

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1415065944

[Turtleman]

What are you going to do to it?

[cooperhw]

Plan as of now is to put a newer disk brake front crossmember and rear end under it. Small block and make it a daily driver. want to start putting the 90 miles a day on something older (and cooler) and keep my 06 diesel for trips and hauling.

[TJ's Chevy]

Welcome aboard! Like the truck. Diggin the plans.

[4mulaSvaliant]

Whats the latest man? Looking like a fun truck!

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by 4mulaSvaliant

Whats the latest man? Looking like a fun truck!

Actually have gathered up parts for the front end rebuild, power steering brackets, etc. but have not touched the truck in a while. I got sidetracked by a 68 1 ton dually (thread name "Meet Homer") that I am focusing all my time on. Not sure if I will keep it or sell it yet. We'll see.
I am kinda excited to actually see a 1 ton dually short step side bed truck.

[cooperhw]

Moderator,

Anyway I can get this moved to the 60-66 projects and builds thread? If not no sweat, I will just start a new thread. Thought it might be better to move it. You decide.

This project got derailed by a 68 (Meet Homer) C30 that had more immediate needs. Time to get rolling again.
Wayne

[Grizz1963]

I agree, the side mirrors are rather special.

The detail is awesome,and I suspect it is all stainless.

I hope you are going to keep them, if not, let someone doing a traditional build use them, they would probably look great and work well on a utility bed.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

I agree, the side mirrors are rather special.

The detail is awesome,and I suspect it is all stainless.

I hope you are going to keep them, if not, let someone doing a traditional build use them, they would probably look great and work well on a utility bed.

I did let a guy doing a traditional shop truck have them. Way 2 cool 2 throw away.

[cooperhw]

No new pics but I sold my Chevelle so it's order parts time for "Plain Jane". Picking up a low mileage LS1 with a 6 speed on Friday morning. Got a nasty cam coming. More parts to order. Almost like a honeymoon when I rip into a new project. Hopefully 1 year from now she will be running down the road & looking sweet.

[Bomp]

Im in.
One year. I remember setting that goal in 2011. lol
Are you going to lay frame,? I can't remember.
You'll have fun with air.

Sub'd

[namloc]

Good to hear some work to come for you on the GMC.

[flashed]

Im in for another one ,I love them too.

[cooperhw]

Yeah thanks guys. I know it will not be done in a year, but I am going to try and at least get it heading in that direction by then. I have to focus on a doable schedule or I get sidetracked.
Worked on my C30 yesterday and started working on my drag car 67 Nova today. Kinda got to get these two out of the way so I can focus on the 63.

[cooperhw]

Poor old Plain Jane keeps getting pushed aside for other builds. In January I said I had an LS motor to put in her and get rolling, well motor/trans went in the 72 El Camino I am building along with all my time, money, and motivation.
Fast forward to last weekend.
I am getting ready to move in the next few weeks so I jumped on the 63 and cleaned and first coated the frame. Installed the 454/turbo 400 I sourced from a motorhome just so I could get rid of the motorhome chassis and keep the motor mobile.
Anyhow, not a lot of progress, but, at least something is happening.
Here are a few pics of motor and trans installed.
Wayne

[Turtleman]

dang,,,, thats a tight fit...

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Turtleman

dang,,,, thats a tight fit...

I've had that trouble my whole life,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,