1971 GMC Fenderside 4x4 Build

[Ryanz]

Well - here we go. Got the cab off today. Although we used straps to lift it and bent the drip rail on roof of cab. The SPID lists the optional 3rd seatbelt for middle but I can’t think this is it - ha.
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

Well - here we go. Got the cab off today. Although we used straps to lift it and bent the drip rail on roof of cab. The SPID lists the optional 3rd seatbelt for middle but I can’t think this is it - ha.
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Here is how it looked when we picked it up. After running the VIN through the Vintage GMC company in Oshawa I learned it’s one of 16 made in Canada. We’ve got a lot of work ahead, but a fun project that’s worth every penny. It’s been untouched. Every piece is original, outside of wheels.
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

Here is how it looked when we picked it up. After running the VIN through the Vintage GMC company in Oshawa I learned it’s one of 16 made in Canada. We’ve got a lot of work ahead, but a fun project that’s worth every penny. It’s been untouched. Every piece is original, outside of wheels.
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

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This is a pic of a wire on the frame. Any ideas what this might have been? A winch?
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

This is a pic of a wire on the frame. Any ideas what this might have been? A winch?
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

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This is all the crud I scraped off the undercarriage. Fun stuff. But this thing is amazing. The back hubs are even still black! Unreal.
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[Ryanz]

My apologies, I'm posting pics from my phone. For some reason they show up sideways. I got the mono carb rebuilt which was why I posted the pic of it.

[StingRay]

So is it getting a floor or is it good enough to repair? I coulda loaned you a cab lifting fixture. Might want it when the time comes to put it back on. Are you attempting the metal work yourself? Looks like you got that manifold surfaced.

[57taskforce]

Awesome work so far, next time on the cab, run a 2x4 across the roof that is wider than the drip rail, hook the straps over the ends of the 2x4 and your drip rail will survive. Looks like you’ve got a solid truck to start with and a great plan! While you’ve got it apart, take the steering box off and check the frame and very front cross member and rivets for cracks. Both of my K trucks have had cracks there. ORD makes a plate kit to fix the problem if it exists.

Also if you’ve got an IPhone if you take the pictures horizontally with the home button to the right your pictures will post correctly.

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Awesome work so far, next time on the cab, run a 2x4 across the roof that is wider than the drip rail, hook the straps over the ends of the 2x4 and your drip rail will survive. Looks like you’ve got a solid truck to start with and a great plan! While you’ve got it apart, take the steering box off and check the frame and very front cross member and rivets for cracks. Both of my K trucks have had cracks there. ORD makes a plate kit to fix the problem if it exists.

Also if you’ve got an IPhone if you take the pictures horizontally with the home button to the right your pictures will post correctly.

Thanks - we'll do that. Yes, great reminder. My Blazer came with one of those plates.

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by StingRay

So is it getting a floor or is it good enough to repair? I coulda loaned you a cab lifting fixture. Might want it when the time comes to put it back on. Are you attempting the metal work yourself? Looks like you got that manifold surfaced.

Well the passenger side looks like it only needs the outer rocker, but the driver side needs it all. Until we get it up and start cutting into it, and get a really good look I don't think we'll really know. Not sure yet if we'll do it ourselves, I may have Terry do it. Yep, got the manifold fixed, and the carb kit done. I may take you up on that lift. We have to lift it onto some saw horses to get a better look at it.

[factorystock]

IMO, probably was originally purchased by a public utility or government agency. Private buyers rarely ordered a 4x4 with side mount spare and 6 cylinder 4 spds. Probably had a painted front bumper and 16" wheels. Spid in glove box?

[rowdy11]

I'd be curious to see the SPID too...was either a rarely ordered option or perhaps aftermarket addition (although still old).
I'd love to hear your plans on the floor as well...it looks pretty hammered. Although surface rust is worse on the drivers side, based on the condition I would bet your corners and rockers are going to be pretty bad as well.

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by rowdy11

I'd be curious to see the SPID too...was either a rarely ordered option or perhaps aftermarket addition (although still old).
I'd love to hear your plans on the floor as well...it looks pretty hammered. Although surface rust is worse on the drivers side, based on the condition I would bet your corners and rockers are going to be pretty bad as well.

Here you go
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[Ryanz]

I am looking for your opinions on the emissions canister/charcoal filter. Do you guys leave them on when redoing your projects or toss them? All of mine is there, I'm just curious if it's necessary?

[StingRay]

If restoring keep it. Won't change your performance.

[factorystock]

A 292 in a shortbed 4x4 is a real stump puller.

[DeadheadNM]

That doesn’t look too rusty.

[BigBird05]

That wire looks added on. GM doesn't run wires between the cab and frame. If it were factory it would be inside the frame rails.

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

That wire looks added on. GM doesn't run wires between the cab and frame. If it were factory it would be inside the frame rails.

Yes, I realize that about the wire. I was just curious if anyone has seen anything like that before.
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

That doesn’t look too rusty.

The usual spots. Floor, rockers, cab supports, cab corners, door skins, rear fenders on bottom, and the damn roof skin. So, it’s salvageable but work to be done.
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[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by factorystock

A 292 in a shortbed 4x4 is a real stump puller.

That’s what I’m learning. I’m excited to get it back together and see what we have
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[DeadheadNM]

Just thinking out loud here but if it needs a roof skin a replacement OEM piece stamped for cab marker lights sure would be cool.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Just thinking out loud here but if it needs a roof skin a replacement OEM piece stamped for cab marker lights sure would be cool.

I agree, it would be killer with cab lights!

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

I agree, it would be killer with cab lights!

Update - floor is cut out, box fenders are off - making progress
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