Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation

[Dads79GMC]

Last night I was able to swap the new stock coils springs with some 2" lowering springs. Can't remember if my spindles are -2 or -2.5? I'm somewhere in the neighborhood of 4.5 / 5-6 drop?? We'll see when the body is on.

Today I was able to get the trans x-member in place, torque all bolts in the front x-member, engine/trans back in, A/C compressor mounted and put on the new adapter for the power steering. I slid the engine back about 5/8", it was too close to that steering x-bar thingy!!

Pictures:
1. After 2" drop coil springs installed.
2. Pile of parts to put on today.
3. New power steering adapter for 73-87 power steering hose.
4. Power steering and alt ready for install after engine goes in.
5. Ready for engine install.

[Dads79GMC]

Also installed fuel tank.

Pictures:
1. Engine just got dropped in.
2. Accessories installed.
3. Shot from behind.
4. Close to putting body on!!!

Can't forget I need pick up six new cotter pins tomorrow!!!!!!
Tomorrow I plan on installing new stainless brake lines and start piecing together the exhaust system. Suppose to be 97 here in Iowa tomorrow.


Thanks Mike

[moregrip]

Looking stellar!! she's going to be a great driver/performer!

[OutlawDrifter]

Great progress!

[Dads79GMC]

Thanks fella's!!

[Dads79GMC]

Got a few things done today!!

Pictures:
1. Reworked the fuel line/filter and installed brake lines
2. Rear brake lines and E-brake cable hanging around
3. Rear disc brake lines
4. E-brake cable(s) mounted to frame

Thanks Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Just posted this on the message board, need help:


Ten years after taking this thing apart, I'm missing a piece that attaches the shift linkage rod to the steering column shifter. However, I may not be missing it if I know what I'm looking for. Lol!!

I need a picture so that I know what I'm looking for.

Here's what I have:
1. Old linkage parts on the 4L60E Transmission
2. Linkage rod
3. Linkage point on the column
4. __________ the piece I'm missing to connect the rod to the column???

Disregard the dirty parts, I'll get to cleaning and painting them later.

I appreciate any help I can get. Thanks Mike

[MrFinland]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Just posted this on the message board, need help:


Ten years after taking this thing apart, I'm missing a piece that attaches the shift linkage rod to the steering column shifter. However, I may not be missing it if I know what I'm looking for. Lol!!

I need a picture so that I know what I'm looking for.

Here's what I have:
1. Old linkage parts on the 4L60E Transmission
2. Linkage rod
3. Linkage point on the column
4. __________ the piece I'm missing to connect the rod to the column???

Disregard the dirty parts, I'll get to cleaning and painting them later.

I appreciate any help I can get. Thanks Mike

Hello Mike!
I hope these Pictures will help you. Or do I understand that right??

[Dads79GMC]

Thank you Sir!

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by MrFinland

Hello Mike!
I hope these Pictures will help you. Or do I understand that right??

Thanks MrFinland!!!!

[MrFinland]

Thank you! Hopefully the pictures were helpful. Did you find the missing part?
Regards, Ilkka

[Dads79GMC]

My son and I spent the evening putting the body on the chassis. We placed the cab on the frame and noticed that something was out of whack???? The right side of the cab was high on the passenger side. I took several measurements and came up with about 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch hight on the right front??????? WTHeck???? Frame bent......no???? Mmmmmmmm? BAM!!!! Check the new 2" coil springs. Well, noticed the right coil was not in-place properly....duh!! Yes, had to take it apart and reposition it. That was a drag!!! Anyway, I'm loving the stance and the working with NOS doors and fenders. Front panel of bed is resting on lumber on the frame and the back crossmember is bolted in. No floor.

Stopped by Jaysonb's yesterday on the way home from Minneapolis. Great visit! He has an awesome shop!! Can't wait to get this thing to him for paint. He's also gonna rework my corner/rocker repairs I did 10 years ago....I took a pretty big leap on my first welding attempt by doing the corners and rocker etc. Oh well.

Thanks Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by MrFinland

Thank you! Hopefully the pictures were helpful. Did you find the missing part?
Regards, Ilkka

MrFinland, no, I haven't really looked.....but I'm glad I know what I'm looking for when I do look. lol!

[Dads79GMC]

Bingo! Found it in the first box opened!

[MrFinland]

Hello Mike!
Congratulations, you founded it!
By the way; The height of the truck looks really good. You've done a lot of work forward.
-Ilkka-

[Dads79GMC]

Yesterday I stained my floor pieces (natural) and put one coat of poly on. Figured I put one coat on now for protection and do several layers later upon putting all back together. Also primed the bed x-members.

Today I found my 70s blazer tailgate panel in my stash of stuff. Kind of dusty. Purchased it for $10 about ten yours ago. It has one small blemish on it!!!

Thanks Mike

[MrFinland]

Hi Mike!
How´s your project going? I have been waiting for new pictures and information about your truck. You do so good job.

[Dads79GMC]

Well, I got talked into taking a job training Army National Guard Battalions and above staffs on planning operations in a defense contractor capacity, started that in June. I travel to ND and SD quite frequently since that is my territory.

As for my build, it's awaiting its turn to get into the paint shop. My good friend JaysonB (on the site here) will be painting it, should be soon. However, that hasn't stopped my quest for parts and good deals.

I purchased a 1978 Silvrado, LWB, rolling frame and cab for $150 buck, with title. I have so many spare parts I can basically built another truck and still have enough parts to collaborate with JaysonB on a third truck to build out of both of our extra parts.

I have been rebuilding Dads original 350/350 and that will now go into the 1979 GMC. So, Dad's GMC Heavy Half Transformation will become a stock build with its original drivetrain etc. The LS/4l60E that has been in and out of a couple different frames, will end up in the 1978 Silverado. I will start a build thread on that one soon, once I have all the parts I need, for which I'm extremely close: (1973 full front clip in original - beautiful patina, the bed I built for Dads79GMC (wood floor with bed sides) will go on the 78 Silverado, All interior parts are procured, all front suspension is slowly being rebuilt, My extra set of low-buckets and console, Built by Brooks shortening kit, I have new springs as well coil/leaf).

JaysonB was able to find me an awesome duel square hole Short bed in excellent shape for Dads truck and that is sitting up at his place awaiting my truck.

Also, I was asked to participate in a Veterans Art Show at the Heritage Gallery in Des Moines. I completed six works of art for that show and it took a lot of my time and effort over the last two months. Here's a link http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/current-show/ My works are the ones that are large-scale photo-silkscreens on panel with acrylic. Kind of a hobby of mine.

Photos:
1. $150 Starting Point
2. 78' Paperwork
3. Bucket Seat Covers
4. 56" springs for 78. Will need to remove a few leafs
5. SPID

More to follow.

[Dads79GMC]

Engine rebuild pictures for Dads79GMC

[Dads79GMC]

Some of the art work that I submitted for the Veterans Show at the Heritage Gallery in Des Moines;

Picturs:
1. Gallery View (the small framed pictures are not mine), the other three are. Size 3x4 ft. Helicopter pic is 25x40in Title DoAB, The one in the middle is basically about the political divide in this country, it's kind of funny.
2. 3x4 ft Silcskreen with acrylic on panel. Title Politics
3. 3x4 ft Silcskreen with acrylic on panel. Title RG5
4. 4x5.5 ft silkscreen with acrylic on panel. Title Guardian

Mike

[MrFinland]

Great Mike! I didn´t know you were good in art. Great art!
Congratulations on a new truck. Remember to put more photos from the project.

[Whamo]

your art is fantastic

[Dads79GMC]

Thanks fella's. I'm gonna start working on some truck art soon!

[Jaysonb]

I've got the perfect spot in the garage for some custom truck art! First dibs when you get some ready....

[Dads79GMC]

Clear a spot on the wall!!