Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation

[Dads79GMC]

Jayson, I'm going with the factory color two-tone blue. Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Hey Mike, this is a thing of beauty. Please keep us with you as you put it together. The pace doesn't matter to me, I just want the chance to watch this one go together. I like the attention to detail.

Thank you for all of your years (decades) of service. And I'm grateful for your Dad's as well. It's cool to get to watch the build that you are doing in his honor. Congratulations on your retirement. If you're willing to, keep us posted on that process too.

LT7A, thanks for the nice comments. Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Got bored and put the bed together last night and put it on its dolly!

Also met Jaysonb today. He came down and got a few extra parts I had lying around.

Mike

[gmachinz]

I just noticed you're using an older bed?

[Dads79GMC]

Correct. Because gmachinz won't give me his NOS bedsides!!! Hahahahaha!! I'm gonna pretend it's a 78. Lol!

[gmachinz]

LOL! I fully expect to sit on them until I find the right truck....I could never replace them if I sold them-that's the dilemma. I managed to save my shortbox without resorting to using them.....I had to hammer/dolly a few big dents and it required me to cut an access panel on the inside to get to it. But I was determined to NOT use one of my GM boxsides on just one friggin side lol

[Dads79GMC]

Spent some time yesterday picking up some extra parts.....! I think I have enough parts now to build two trucks now. Was able to get the title with the cab and some very nice interior pieces for an 85!! Just gonna put most of the parts in the attic for now......Pictures won't load. I'll try again.

[Dads79GMC]

Pictures

[Dads79GMC]

More

[gmachinz]

What's the plan for that err...um...truck?

[MTCK]

Couple bolts you will be on the road in truck #2.

[Dads79GMC]

The floor in the cab is perfect. Underneath it's normal scale but solid. The only issue is the actual corners. Plan? I may put the other cab (blue) back on the LWB frame and go totally stock since I have all the pieces (all) from that one to include the engine/trans etc. Put this cab on the SWB and call it a day. Make it look like a 78. We'll see. Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Well, a Soldier buddy on mine picked up my NOS fenders, doors, hood, valance, front bumper and front marker lights in CO and dropped them off this morning. Thanks cochino12 for all the parts. As you know, I found an 85 cab in great shape and have decided to use that cab on this project. And, that means this build has nothing left of Dad's old truck!! So, since i have all the LWB stuff, like frame and running gear, original 350/350 and minus a box, I'm going to put that aside and finish this as a 1978 clone with an 85 title!! After removing the hood hinges off the 85' cab, fenders bolted right up. I know there are other things I'll need to change over on the cab, I'll make it work.

May have to change the build name??? Na!

[Dads79GMC]

For this truck, I have some mid 70s low-back buckets w/tracks and the weld-in floor brackets. Center console from late 70s and some 77-80 door panels (bare). At some point I'll be listing/trading the door panels out of the 85 that are in awesome condition for some 77-80 trim parts that I'm missing - hint hint!. If you're wondering, the color for this truck will be silver/gray two tone with carmine/maroon interior. Mike

[cochino12]

Just found your build! Glad everything made it up there ok. I'll be honest I have a bit of sellers remorse letting that stuff go. Looks great so far

[Dads79GMC]

The only damage I found Adam was one very very very small ding on the passenger door where the sport mirror will go. I haven't opened the bumper, but from the looks of the back of the bumper, it's extremely clean. Mike

[MrFinland]

Very nice work!

[cooperhw]

Nice project. I am getting ready to pick up a 78 SB. Been on the fence whether to build my 63 SB or a square body & have decided to go for it. I will be following along.

[Dads79GMC]

Been collecting parts most of the winter. I plan on taking the 85 cab and putting it on the 77 frame. Took all my 73-80 extra interior pieces and parts and fitted them into the 85 cab. Will have to adjust a couple things on the dash and dash pad. Will have to slide over the VIN opening on the dash pad before I get it recovered; and, figure out the 1979 dash bezel where I'll need to switch around the light pull-switch and wiper switch, that shouldn't be a problem. NOS parts (doors, fenders, valance, bumper and hood) will be going on this "clone 78 Silverado."

The plan is to go back to my original plan and complete my Dads 1979 GMC Heavy Half and put it back to original! HOOOAH! I have all the parts to complete that project, to include 350/350 that need rebuilt. Even have the NOS full-set of LWB trim. I'm looking forward to that build down the road; It'll be so much easier.

Also found a mid-70s LWB wood bed floor with inner fenders. That was a PITA to take about. Has some rust, but nothing too difficult. Also just picked up two LWB 80s square hole bedsides, rust free with minor dings etc.

Enjoy!

[Dads79GMC]

Pictures of the LWB wood bed:

[Jaysonb]

Looks good Mike! The wood bed floor will be a nice addition to your 79.

[Dads79GMC]

Took this evening to take out the rear window on the 85 cab, took the front window out last week; fortunately I'm two for two with no cracks!!

Cleaned up the bucket seat mounting tabs and welded them to the floor. It was a put the seats in, take them out, put them in, take them out kind of job until I finally was able to spot weld the two in, then took the seats out again and then finished the welds off. Also gave them a shot of satin black for some short-term protection. Also started taking pieces and parts off of the firewall. Need to get this thing stripped and put away for safe keeping.

Not much else going one. Oh, finally got my title for the 85 cab; long story with positive results. Have a great week

Mike

[Dads79GMC]

First time these parts have seen the light of day in 10 years. Gonna need a lot of cleaning and reconditioning!!

[Dads79GMC]

Dads console and buckets are finished and hiding in the basement until installation; someday!! Lets see?????? They've been done since.........2009!!!!

[Jaysonb]

That's a sweet interior! I love the color.