IMPOSTER! ( or hey guys I got a little jimmy!)

[OKGMC4]

I already had a build thread on this one but I am changing direction so wildly that I need to start over. I realized almost none of my previous work will be reused and it will be easier to start fresh. I got a 69 c10 for free about 8 years ago. It was a long bed, inline 6, wore out truck but it had a title.

[OKGMC4]

I cut 15 inches out of the frame in front of the wheels. 6 behind. Rather than doing a short bed, I wanted to build a unibody.

[OKGMC4]

But the roof panel had ridiculous rust inside. I kept fixing spots but more just popped through. I had already chopped the roof 1” and shaved the drip rail. I think that made it worse. Buying new inner and outer panels would be expensive and I’d have to modify new panels to fit the modified roof so I just made a new plan. Remove the roof.

[OKGMC4]

So I’m going the blazer roadster route. But it’s been changed to a gmc clip so it would be a jimmy. And I removed the bed, shortened the frame another 8” (for a total of 29” shorter) and shortened the bed as well to get blazer wheelbase. That’s why I’ll have a little jimmy. I’ve seen blazer roadsters before but not a gmc version. The reason why I call it the Imposter now is because it’s not a 69 Chevy long bed anymore. It’s disguised as a 67 gmc jimmy.

[OKGMC4]

Tailgate is modified and dash is a 60-62 c10 dash. I’ll post more details when I get a chance.

[CKfan]

Interesting ideas. Looks like some nice metal work.

[OKGMC4]

Using the 12 bolt with 3.73 but put a new Eaton limited slip in it, moser 5 lug axles, and a Wilwood disc kit. Front has Wilwood D52 calipers on drop spindles for 73-87 trucks. I wanted rubber bushings, heavier duty ball joints, and thicker tie rod connections.

[OKGMC4]

I originally raised the whole bed floor 6” so I’m leaving that. I welded in a notch that sits under the floor about 3/4”. Going to bag it, was a static drop truck. Anyone need drop springs? lol Tank is a poly Tanks Inc unit for late 40s ford. It won’t rust, price wasn’t bad, and it fits.

[OKGMC4]

Doors got bear claw latches

[OKGMC4]

High hump to clear 4l60e and cleaning up the firewall a little.

[OKGMC4]

Wheels are Vision 143. 20x8 and 20x9.5. I’m going with 245 40 on the front and 285 35 in the rear.

[raggedjim]

Nice work, I'm going to have to check your original thread.

I like the jimmy idea! Rg

[OKGMC4]

The axle won’t push up all the way. Tires were hitting inner fenders. Cut em in half and moving inside lip in 1.5” gives clearance, but tires still hitting outer edge now. More cutting in my near future.

[wpsharpshooter]

Wow, This is going to be a sweet build... Please keep the post updated!

[nicklear36]

More info on the latches?!?

[OKGMC4]

I did those about 7 years ago. At the time I wanted to change door handles and felt I needed bear claws to operate them. I had to cut big holes in the door and door jamb and weld a bunch of 18 gauge sheet metal in to get them flat enough to install the latches. I was just guessing but they turned out ok other than maybe how close the strike ended up to the weatherstrip channel. I have changed the plan a couple times since then but it’s way easier to leave them in than to go back stock. The only other photos I took are what I started with. I should probably try to get a chunk of rubber on that rail to make sure the latches operate with the weatherstripping.

[OKGMC4]

Just realized I haven’t posted my drivetrain plans. I was going to rebuild a 5.3, but built a 6.0 I got with a broken crank. Then I put that engine into my 56 gmc. Then I was going to turbo the 5.3, but all the turbo stuff is now on the 6.0 in the 56 running 10lbs of boost. (Yes, it is fun!) I’m just going to run the 5.3 as is. It’s a 2001 engine with 85K miles and has only been opened to swap the cam to an LS1 Camaro cam I got for $25. Runs smooth and used to get 18mpg in my 56. Going to make it a cruiser, don’t need a lumpy cam or 600 horsepower. A looong time ago I bought some BH custom designs engine covers. Will need to change color scheme but will likely use these as they go with my dash and tailgate treatment.

[fatbass]

What you're doing to this truck is probably illegal in 15 states LOL.
Subbed!

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by fatbass

What you're doing to this truck is probably illegal in 15 states LOL.
Subbed!

You might not be wrong!

[72 tigger]

Nice fab work!
Thanks for the updates

[OKGMC4]

I originally wanted a flush windshield so I modified the cab to fit the glass with no rubber seal. I’ll still urethane the glass in but I’m working on capping the pillars and deleting the weatherstrip tab down to the door. I filled the cowl in a long time ago but now I’ll need to delete the wipers as well.

[OKGMC4]

Attached what was left of the cab back to the bed floor. Need to pick up a sheet of 18 gauge to make the side panels.

[CanadianNascar]

Wow, awesome workmanship, loads of man hours.
Insane build, dash, unibody, engine, windshield frame, bed rails, tailgate, insane!!

Your last pic, rear bed floor looks high, is that due to tubbed/wheels/low rider?

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by CanadianNascar

Wow, awesome workmanship, loads of man hours.
Insane build, dash, unibody, engine, windshield frame, bed rails, tailgate, insane!!

Your last pic, rear bed floor looks high, is that due to tubbed/wheels/low rider?

Thank you! My bed floor is raised 6 inches. I knew I wanted to lower it but I’m actually going to bag it lower than I originally thought. That worked out since I ended up putting in a notch and it’s covered. I’m mounting the air tank to the back of the notch under that bed floor to take advantage of the space.

[OKGMC4]

I didn’t have seating so found some today at the salvage. Place had a handful of square bodies and one 68 c10 but no seats. Found one in a 1980 Ford for $50 that I can make work. I originally wanted buckets but now that I’m going topless I think it would be nice to sit 3 if I want. The pattern I have planned it had to be a flat bench, no split benches or armrests.