84 GMC C2500, V12 powered

[cayoterun]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

For the bed, I believe the stepside beds were the same from the 50's all the way till 1987. The only difference is the fenders on them and maybe the steps too...not sure on the steps. Since they were made so long that increases your chances of finding a good one, then you just have to find some year/style appropriate fenders to attach.

I've been searching pics on e-bay and other places since I read your post. It looks? like the beds, except fenders, are close to the same up thru '53. I think in '54 or '55, GM flattened the top rails of the bed horizontal. '53 back still had the top rails (lips) sitting at about a 45 degree angle. I'm anxious to get out and measure some. I have 30" from rear of cab to center of axle to work with. I wouldn't mind building some diamond plate running boards, (steps) front to back when we get final lengths figured out. Would like to have matching rear fenders.
Thanks for the lead. I'd like to get a pickup bed on there that'd look half way decent.

Cayoterun

[cayoterun]

Originally Posted by locomotive breath

I have seen several Chevy Luv V8 swaps done where they mounted the radiator at about 45 degrees with the top leaning forward up close to the cab. It draws fresh air up from the bed floor thru a section that was replaced with expanded metal for fresh air.

Yes, I would still like to find another distributor.

Gotcha'- Doing that, I could mount radiator either front or back of propane tank, and could even put an expanded metal top, (large perforations), over both top and floor as a fake toolbox, still have air circ. and pass inspection, but maybe not be too noticable.

PM follows.
Thanks,
Cayoterun

[cayoterun]

I think I have the cab mounts built and in place. Have found a '46 1 ton/w 9' pickup bed. May be able to use the running boards and shorten the long bed. Looks like it would be pretty simple to do. That comes later.
I'm about ready to hook up the steering and brakes. Have the master/booster, and pedal mounted. Looks like the '84 tilt wheel is going to fit pretty good too.

1: The pins in the tilt are pretty loose.
How hard are they to replace, and is now the time to do it.????

2: The '84 column has the tranny indicator in the dash.
Would a column from a year model that has the indicator up on the column be the same length??

3: This column also had cruise control.
Could I use the cruise control, wire circuit, and switch on this column for the overdrive on the 700-R4??

Thanks,
Cayoterun

[dammitmitchell]

the tilt isnt hard to do, there's alot of small parts. i would reccomend the steering wheel pulldown kit. makeds it a butt ton easier.
for the pivot pins (looks like brass pins on either side) i used large washers with i think a 8mm screw.. instead of shelling the 50 bucks for the specialty tool nobody rents..
they are pressed in pins.. so the screw will of course engage the oversized washers and pull it into the cavity.. that's about the only way to get them out.
this should be a similar write up to any GM steering column.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/322393...evrolet-camaro

[cayoterun]

Today, I may have escaped the space trap of the '84 cab. Just maybe, the '46 will be a much better route to go. At least it was one of those "aha" moments, that may work.


#1: Brake pedal and steering column roughed in from '84 donor.
#2: Master cylinder/booster, lower column in place, also from '84 donor.
#3: Good clearances for all so far. May have to drop lower column to pull valve cover, but simple. Shaft and brake lines still needs to be lengthened and connected. This lets all chassis stuff be stock '84 components.
#4: Under the sealed trash bags is rebuilt seat from springs out/w black covers.
Still have the accelerator pedal to mount, but it will be on the floor board part that's removed in pic.

Plan for the truck to be Appliance almond/w black fenders, running boards, and lots of other black trim inside and out.

Yep, plan to use Ace Rust Stop thru spray gun in large areas, rattle can in small ones.
When these trucks were new, the paint was enamel and never shiny very long and soon turned chalky, unless waxed real often. In our rural area, the dull look won't look near so out of place as in large towns.

Gonna' enjoy my temporary high this evening, but not be disappointed if my bubble is busted by a new problem tomorrow.

Cayoterun

[Palf70Step]

Nice. Looks like it all belongs there.

[cayoterun]

Little slow progress being made. At least now, we can gee, haw, and whoa. Maybe someday we'll be able to go.
Had to make all the mount brackets for ps pump, but came out ok. Used the existing steering rod from bottom of steering column to box. Cut it near the bottom, and a 1" piece of pipe slipped right over it. Spot welded, then drilled holes thru both ends and put a bolts thru it all for good measure. Was able to leave crush joints and everthing stock.
Extended the brake lines from master to valve on frame. Will clamp them to frame after fenders are put on. Been able to stay with all '84 parts so far, except for cab.
I think next I'll try to get all the wiring from the motor hooked up back in the cab, so can run it now and then.

Wife and I may head for the mountains for awhile. Heat is about to get us. Temps running 100-110 almost everyday, driest weather in history, no relief in site according to weathermen. Hate to gripe, because we'll probably wish for a little of it this winter.
That swamp (water) cooler on rollers in the back ground is a life saver. Coke cost has been running pretty high, too.

Cayoterun

[bluex]

Progress looks great! Just keep plugging away at and it will be finished before you know it....
Posted via Mobile Device

[dammitmitchell]

show off hahahah
looking good. hope the heat's treatin you well

[cayoterun]

Originally Posted by dammitmitchell

show off hahahah
looking good. hope the heat's treatin you well

We ain't lucky like some folks. Down in sunny central Texas. Summer temps, days Mid-80s, nights low-60s. Plenty of rain. (grin). Seriously, this year is being tough one, ain't it?

Thanks, Mitch,
Cayoterun

[Dieselwrencher]

Man, it's really looking great! And yes this heat is getting a little old.

[cayoterun]

Need info and ideas:
Goal: Steering column with SHIFT INDICATOR on column, not in dash. Tilt would be nice, but not necessary. I've tried a van column, but too short to reach thru firewall enough. I like having turn signal and brake light switch on the column, too.

The '84 column fit pretty good, but the length from dash to steering wheel puts it real close to the driver, as well as indicator is located in dash.

Is there an older model of Chevy, Gmc pickup that has the indicator on column?

Right now, it looks like I have two options:
1: Use the '84 column and suck my gut in to drive.
2: Modify the '46 column and add the old time turn signal switch to the column and use a floor mounted gear shifter with indicator on it.

Thanks,
Cayoterun

[Palf70Step]

67-72 has the indicator on the column and a 71/72 came with tilt

[cayoterun]

Thanks a million. Now I know they're out there. Helps to know where to look. Will go shopping tomorrow.

Cayoterun

[cayoterun]

I struck out on the 71-72 column, so settled for the '84? van column, and it also had the indicator for the od.
By changing the mounting brackets, etc., was able to get it in. The wheel sits pretty low, but did get it away from the drivers belly. Now to get the shift linkage figured out.

Cayoterun

[cayoterun]

Summer heat has moved out, having mild weather, so nice to be back in shop.
Finally enjoyed an "aha" moment today, but sure wouldn't show in a pic for proof.
Been moving the wiring from the irrigation control panel to the truck. Got some gauges hooked up temporarily, and enough wires changed to fire it up from the cab. No fuel or cooling hooked up, so run a few seconds on starting fluid. Feels goood!

Cayoterun

[dammitmitchell]

ahem.. still showing off! good job brother cant wait to see it done.

[cayoterun]

Will Spray-on bed liner stick to plywood and make a good weather-proofing??

I'm cutting the bed down, and since I'm sure not close to being stock, I think I'll use a piece of 3/4 plywood for the floor or maybe expanded metal if I need to put a radiator back there.

Have a new 5-row radiator ordered for the front, Hope it will cool it, but ifffy.
Hope to see a front to back "rough-fit" sometime this week.

Thanks,
Cayoterun

[Dieselwrencher]

Yeah, we've used bed liner on plywood in pick up beds and it held up until the wood rotted out.

Good luck with the radiator as well.

[1985-GMC]

I think Id try to paint it real good with epoxy primer first.

[Rap'em Pappy]

My work truck has a plywood liner and has taken loads well. I have used bedliner spray, por-14, and chassis coat. Brushed or sprayed
they all seem equally the same toughness. Bedliner had the gripping surface.
I used rustoleum on my 8' wood trailor, it wears off easy.

[cayoterun]

Am I headed in the right direction? I'd forgotten how simple these older trucks are to work on. Kinda' like Legos. The bed is all bolted together, the cross members can be located anywhere they're needed. A cutting torch is a must to get all the bolts cut out. If we do need to add a radiator back there, there's plenty of room for it and the propane tank. It could be partly below the floor if needed.

I hope tomorrow I can open the big shop doors and get a full side view. I thought I'd want to shorten the bed behind the rear fenders some, but after getting it sit on the frame, It seems to me that with it like it is, it seems more in proportion. I can shorten the rear anytime. It would be a simple change. The bed is exactly 7' long as it is. When I can post a good overall side view, maybe you guys can help me decide.

Pappy, Let's keep our fingers crossed on the radiator and wish me luck.

Cayoterun

[Vernski]

Hey Cayoterun I like the looks of this one I'm subscribed...Vernski

[1985-GMC]

Looking good! I like the bed!

[cayoterun]

Originally Posted by 1985-GMC

Looking good! I like the bed!

Faint memories returned-----anyone else old enough to remember them?

When I looked at the bed with the long overhang, it kept reminding me of another pickup from a long time ago. I finally remembered the late '40s Hudson pickups. I was 6-7 yrs old when we had a Hudson dealership in town, and I always liked the looks of them. Hudson used straight 8 flatheads. When I'd mention them to my dad, He'd always say, "They sure wouldn't be any good feeding cattle in a snow storm".
El Caminos and Rancheros were about 10yrs behind Hudson.

I think I'll leave the long overhang, at least for awhile. It can always be changed later.

Thanks for the comments,
Cayoterun