702 GMC V-12 powered '62 GMC 1-ton

[ChevLoRay]

Yeah, it is a GREAT read! This reply should make 401 posts on this thread, too.

[Rob H.]

Just found the video of this truck on youtube today, thought it was very cool! I posted the video in the 60-66 truck section, then found out about this thread. I'd hate to have to buy the gas for it but love it!

[ceruzziracing]

Amazing read...been debating on whether or not to cut up a frame tomorrow for a build with my father-in-law. Found out the cab I was going to use was shot, going to blow it off...
You've inspired me to cut the frame just for the sake of doing something together with him ...
I think some missed that you lost both a friend as well as a family member during your build. I bet he's looking down on you now, happy that you never gave up on your project. Thank you for sharing it with us (as well as inspiring us!) I'll admit I shed a tear during the read.... I'm getting off my soapbox now

[cayoterun]

Just got back from oldest son and his Missoula, Mont. girlfriends wedding in Las Vegas. No, didn't bet once while there. I'd rather "lose" my money on old cars and trucks.

I'd like to give a BIIIG thank you to Jonzcustomtrucks for the pair of 60-61 hoods he sent down by our other son while we were gone. They are just what I need
for "Balaur", better that he described, and was very fair on price. Hope we can work together again sometime, Jon. Thanks

wwhijr: I believe I'll pass on the trade for your "puppy". I'm afraid it's fuel bill would be higher than "Balaur's".

ceruzziracing: Welcome to the best website on the internet and thanks for your comment.
I've been tinkering as a hobby for a long time, so let me warn you if you are fairly new at it. It's more addictive than dope, and about as expensive, but much more harmless and rewarding.

Cayoterun

[jonzcustomshop]

you're welcome on the hoods, I can't wait to see them on the truck!

[cayoterun]

Jon:
Sorry for my screwup in my earlier post on your screen name.

The edit part on this machine is no longer on this and I didn't know how to correct it.
Cayoterun

[texanidiot25]

Glad to see it back on track!

[cayoterun]

Little by Little:

Radiator: After looking, driving, and measuring truck radiators, never could find anything that would fit as well as this one, so dropped it 5" for hood clearance. Will go with electric fans. I'll have to use pullers. Any advice on size, brands, etc?
Will probably mount an expanded metal screen below bumper to protect from rocks.

Hoods: Front hood is stock and mounted on original hinges. Rear one will be on original hinges too. 31" inches long will let the front hood overlap the rear one. Will probable need weaker lift springs on rear. Close rear hood first, then front hood.
From the drivers seat, it sure looks long.

Front view: Some have said they didn't like the 60-61 hoods as well as later ones. I lucked out and like it on this truck.

May make the June 1st parade about 70mi. from here. I'm tryin'.

[wwhijr]

Man thats looking good. I loike those hoods too. You are gonna get a lot of strange looks when you drive that thing.

[ChevLoRay]

Cyrano de Bergerac......comes to mind when I look at the proboscis on that truck.

Glad to see it is coming together as well as it has. It is inspiring to say the least.

[jonzcustomshop]

you might try heating the springs?? that might weaken them....
or you could skip them altogether, and just use o prop rod, like on a modern honda...
BTW orange hood looks great!

[cayoterun]

Jon: They worked fine.
It sure looks long from the drivers seat.
2 hoods, 2 sets of hinges.

It's been asked how this truck handles and turns. The wheelbase on this truck is 159" and the '97 crew-cab dually is 168". The turning radias is shorter than the chevy. "Balaur" has power steering and brakes, so I think the long hood is what makes it look clumsy.

A little more fitting and "dirty brown" paint, and I'll probably quit on the outside. Lots of wiring, etc. left yet.

[jonzcustomshop]

that looks great!
I assume that driving it is a little wierd, because it woud be as if you were steering from the back seat of the crew cab.
my model t hot rod is a little like that too 119 inch wheelbase, but you sit right by the rear wheel, so it feels like you are driving a rail!

[74 C-30]

i like the look of the enclosed bed, how did you go about it?

[cayoterun]

Hood from bottom of windshield to front tip of hood is 6'-8".

Bed Skirt: I used 1/8 plate, run 1" angle iron top, bottom, and corners, then tack-welded to bottom of bed.
I made a pattern of the front wheel openings, cut out the shirt, then butted a 1" strap iron to the outside to make a little lip, as well as strengthen it.

[cayoterun]

Just looked at the Youtube video site.
"Balaur's" first run had over a 100,000 views.
When I told my wife, she said, " ha, probably half are yours"

I take it she wasn't impressed.
Cayoterun

[jonzcustomshop]

Even 50K is pretty cool!!!

[cayoterun]

Balaur---Snappin' Dragon

[Lated]

Does the green hood latch closed, or is it just held shut by the springs?

[cayoterun]

The green hood is only held closed by the springs, and 1-1/2" overlap of the front hood. No latch.
Close rear hood first, then rear of front hood closes over it.

Cayoterun

[62 C60]

IMO you should have made 1 long hood that is split down the middle and opens to the sides. The way it is now it will be a major PITA to work on the engine.

[79Silv4x4]

Originally Posted by 62 C60

IMO you should have made 1 long hood that is split down the middle and opens to the sides. The way it is now it will be a major PITA to work on the engine.

Yeah, but now he can say he has a truck with 2 hoods.

[watahyahknow]

this is the eaziest way to construct it
the mounts for the hinges where allready in place
if he realy wants to work on the engine he can allways remove the front hood and have move room than he would have with the split in the middle version

[cayoterun]

Hope to get back to the "toy". Been busy long hours on a rent house.

We had this discussion before, but I'm ready to try any approach this time. This relates to the '72 Ford F350 chassis under "Balaur".

Rear end ratios:

Would a 1/2 or 3/4 ton rear end have higher rear end ratios more readily available than the F350?

I would want to stay with dual wheels for appearance sake by using adapters if that can be done.

Would the F150/250s be a direct bolt-up to the springs and still accomodate duals with adapters?

I'm about ready to go "junkyard" shopping. GVW loss isn't a factor here.

Thanks,
Cayoterun

[locomotive breath]

I've got a 9" with 3.00 gears out of an '82 Econoline sitting in the shop floor. Not wanting to sell it but it may help narrow your search. I'm not sure if the van is the same width as the pickup but it does have the 5 on 5 1/2" bolt pattern like the trucks. I'll check the overall width for you in the next day or so. I think the 1 ton springs are also wider than the 1/2 ton springs but spring perches are easy to change.