Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation

[Dads79GMC]

Excellent!!

[Dads79GMC]

Spent a lot of the day blasting parts, and painting them. I was able to paint the transmission as well.

Pictures:
1. Finished cleaning the transmission
2. Primed and painted
3. Pile of blasted primed and painted satin black with engine paint
3. Reshot the valve covers, cleaned the balancer, blasted it and again, primed and painted it.

Was able to get mount tires on the rally's that I refinished - gotta love Walmart on a Saturday!!!!!

I'll get this pictures of that project tomorrow.

Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Finally mated the transmission and engine. Tomorrow I will put together the flip kit/leaf springs on the restored rear end, put on wheels/tires and get everything ready for the trip up north on Tuesday. Jayson sent me an enormous list of items he needs, wish me luck finding everything Lol!! Mike

[aggie91]

Engine and Trans look great. Can't wait to see it all come together.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Finally mated the transmission and engine. Tomorrow I will put together the flip kit/leaf springs on the restored rear end, put on wheels/tires and get everything ready for the trip up north on Tuesday. Jayson sent me an enormous list of items he needs, wish me luck finding everything Lol!! Mike

most excellent!!

[Dads79GMC]

OK, just returned from the Northland; "Ya sure dontcha know!!" Couldn't help myself!! I was born in MN so I can say that. Ben a long day for both Jayson and me. Jayson worked all night and didn't get much sleep and he went and picked up a windshield. I loaded up my truck and trailer with everything I could find related to the 79, and I mean everything. Left about 1100 and arrived a bit late at around 1430; a little slow with he load. We got to work immediately.

Pictures:
1. Pulled the total drivetrain from the rear to the LS, then loaded that on the trailer after unpacking all the stuff I brought up north.
2. Once we pulled and packed away the LS/4L60e, and the rest of the drivetrain, we focused on putting the 350/350 and rear w/drums in place (flipped).
3. Lowering truck on rolling chassis.
4. Cab on frame with it's new shoes and 7" rally's.
5. Then Jayson showed me how to install the windshield. Installing was the final task for the day and the "End-State" for which Jayson wanted to achieve.

What a day!! Jayson was a great host and task-master, kidding on the task master part! We got it done! Just got home an hour or so and thought I share more of the great work Jayson is doing!!!

Enjoy, and have a great day!

Mike

[Jaysonb]

I've been feeling a little under the weather today, so I didn't get much accomplished this evening, I sorted through some of the load of parts Mike dropped off, I installed the rear glass, and got some the front end of the enine bolted together. This thing is going to be pretty sweet! I'm getting more excited the further we progress, the skinny white walls, and the uncommon factory 2 tone colors, are going to make a very nice stock look, but it's lowered enough to give it a great stance.

[Dads79GMC]

Glad you’re feeling a bit better!! Looks awesome!!

[Low Elco]

Looks great! Congrats on pulling off the swap-out in one day!

[CMACDONALD1]

Keep up the great work! Looks fantastic.

[MrFinland]

Very nice job Mike and Jayson!

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by MrFinland

Very nice job Mike and Jayson!

Thank you Sir! Been a busy three weeks after the decision was made to convert it over. Told Jayson the other day that I should rename this build the “schizophrenic Build” !!! I’ve changed my mind so many times!!

Thanks Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Looks great! Congrats on pulling off the swap-out in one day!

Originally Posted by CMACDONALD1

Keep up the great work! Looks fantastic.

Originally Posted by moregrip

most excellent!!

Originally Posted by aggie91

Engine and Trans look great. Can't wait to see it all come together.

Thanks guys!!

[MrFinland]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Thank you Sir! Been a busy three weeks after the decision was made to convert it over. Told Jayson the other day that I should rename this build the “schizophrenic Build” !!! I’ve changed my mind so many times!!

Thanks Mike

Haha! But now your truck looks awesome and my opinion is; Your decicion is just right!

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by Jaysonb

I've been feeling a little under the weather today, so I didn't get much accomplished this evening, I sorted through some of the load of parts Mike dropped off, I installed the rear glass, and got some the front end of the enine bolted together. This thing is going to be pretty sweet! I'm getting more excited the further we progress, the skinny white walls, and the uncommon factory 2 tone colors, are going to make a very nice stock look, but it's lowered enough to give it a great stance.

what size are those tires brother? thanks!

[Dads79GMC]

225/75/15 on 7" Rally's.

[aggie91]

Looking good. You guys got a tone of work done over the weekend...

[Jaysonb]

I was able to get a little work done over the last couple nights, I had to spend a little time going through parts Mike brought up, and get them all moved over to the storage garage, got the rear end all tightened up, did the final block sanding on the doors, and one of the fenders, and got the last coat of primer sprayed on those. On my next days off I'll finish up the other fender, and get the doors and fenders painted!

[Dads79GMC]

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

225/75/15 on 7" Rally's.

Looks like those are 28" diameter tires +/- a few.....I'm probably going to use this tire size as well....nice choice!

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by moregrip

Looks like those are 28" diameter tires +/- a few.....I'm probably going to use this tire size as well....nice choice!

moregrip: 235/70/15s and 275/60/15s are also 28" tall. I think I'm may put that combination on my 78????

****Wheel Update****

Jayson noticed that the wheels are actually 6.5" van rallys. Don't know how I missed that? From research, I believe the 6.5" rally has the same BS as the 8" rally, which doesn't work well with my 2.5" spindles and 2" coils. 7" rallys work with my drop....I'm not changing them back

Any recommendations?????? All I can really do is 1/4" spacer to fix any possible rubbing issues??????

Thanks Mike

[Jaysonb]

Coming along.

[Dads79GMC]

Looking excellent!!!!

[Jaysonb]

[Jaysonb]

On my next 2 days off I'll shoot for getting the hood, front valance, and door hinges and bolts, and core support painted. The doors and fenders turned out nice, I'm in a race with the weather now, when I ordered the clear it was below 0 outside, so I ordered it with fast activator, so I'm hoping to get the bulk of the panels painted while it's still cool at night!