My 85 GMC Project - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

80chevyshortbox · 08-28-2009, 12:02 PM

looks awsome. keep up the good work.

joe231 · 08-28-2009, 12:51 PM

looking good!!

who's flip and notch are you using?

Turbo85GMC · 09-01-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe231

who's flip and notch are you using?

The C-Notch is Western Chassis. I liked the round cut-out rather than other brands had straight cut-outs. Good quality, thick metal, good welds.

The flip kit I got used, but I think it's also Western Chassis. It had the same grey hammered-looking paint, but it was flaking off so I repainted the pieces. Good quality, thick metal, good welds.

joe231 · 09-01-2009, 12:51 PM

sweet!

thanks for the info!

Turbo85GMC · 09-10-2009, 07:47 AM

I got the second notch (driver's side) measured, cut, and (mostly) installed. I drilled and installed 4 of the 12 bolts on this side before my pilot drill gave up the ghost. The last hole or two it was taking a really long time to punch through, now it just spins and gets hot. (Good for making camp fires "caveman" style!)

For anyone that's interested, I've been using a 3-bit system for drilling the holes in the frame for the C-Notch. The holes in the C-Notch are 1/2", so I've been starting with a 1/8" pilot, then stepping up to about a 3/16" bit (doesn't really matter, just a sharp one in the middle), and finally going to the full 1/2". This seems to work really well and it's easier on the bits, except maybe the pilot bit. But then, 1/8" bits are a heck of a lot cheaper than 1/2" ones!

Some words of advice on drilling:

Use sharp bits!
Don't spin the drill too fast, you'll just cook your bits.
Use sharp bits!
Firm and steady pressure.
Use sharp bits!
Use a center punch to keep your pilot bit from wandering.
Use sharp bits!
Don't talk about fight club. (oops, wrong list)
Use sharp bits!
Step up to the full size hole, don't try to drill two dozen 1/2" holes in your frame from scratch!
Use sharp bits!
Accept the fact that it'll take a while.
Use sharp bits!
Advil.
Oh, I almost forgot: Use sharp bits!

joe231 · 09-10-2009, 08:40 AM

My suggestion for drill bits would be these

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

they are pilot point bits
I use them at work to drill through all kinds of material
they will go through frames "like butta"
the pilot is built in so it is a one bit process, it will save you some time and the whole set is right around $20

70stroker · 12-22-2009, 07:55 PM

got any pics of this thing lowered yet?

glock35ipsc · 12-23-2009, 12:51 PM

Thunderbits! I've been using those for at least 20 years. When I did van conversions, I had to drill about 8 holes per frame on 4-6 vans a day. One 1/2" bit would last for at least a years worth of drilling frames.

Driveway Dreams · 02-18-2010, 12:05 PM

Any updates on this thing? You have a good start to it for sure!

Turbo85GMC · 03-22-2010, 01:10 PM

Hello again everyone!

I took the winter off from working on the truck. Too damn cold in the instant garage. With the promise of spring around the corner, I'm back working on it again. Last weekend I managed to drag the rear diff into the (real) garage, fire up the heater, and get the brakes on one side replaced. The brakes on the second side are on tap for next weekend. From there on out, it's actually all about putting things back on the truck!

Turbo85GMC · 04-05-2010, 01:11 PM

Didn't need the heater this weekend, shorts and a t-shirt! (finally!) I got the brakes on the other side of the rear end rebuilt, drums on, and the diff back under the truck. It's not attached yet, but at least it's under there and out of the garage.

When I had originally taken the rear diff out from under the truck, one of the u-joint caps from the driveshaft popped off and made roller bearing confetti on the driveway. Now that the diff is ready to go back in, i have to replace the u-joint. I used the BFG + sockets method to push out the u-joint, but I couldn't get it far enough out to pull the cap. After some muttering of choice 4-letter words, a 4-1/2" angle grinder w/ cut-off wheel took care of that pesky cap. The rest came out with a couple love taps.

glock35ipsc · 04-05-2010, 01:23 PM

Next time, clamp the cap down in a vice, then give the tube a good whack with a large mallet or soft-faced dead blow hammer.

Turbo85GMC · 04-09-2010, 07:33 AM

More progress!

I got the differential up under the truck again, installed the flip kit and springs, and the brake lines are about 95% done!

Turbo85GMC · 04-09-2010, 07:43 AM

I noticed (the hard way) that the bottom shock absorber bolts have an interference issue with the flipped spring plates. After measuring with a longer bolt, I need a 2-3/4" long bolt to fit without hitting the spring plates, yet have complete thread engagement on the nut. Every hardware store in the area carries grade 8's in 2-1/2" and/or 3". I went to Fastenal (an industrial supply place) where I've ordered tons of odd sized bolts before. The guy there was a total dick and wouldn't let me order 2 bolts, said I had to order them in quantities of 10x. Then on top of that he wanted to charge me shipping! WTF?! They get daily deliveries from the warehouse and they can't throw two extra bolts on the delivery truck? What a dick.

Turbo85GMC · 04-13-2010, 07:33 AM

It feels awesome to be putting the truck back together instead of taking it apart.
Recent progress includes:

Got the brake lines and parking brake cables all hooked up.
Installed a new u-joint in the driveshaft and put the driveshaft back in.
Reinstalled the muffler and tail pipes.
Set the bed back on the frame. (no more poor-man's bed lift!)

Still to go:

Install bed bolts.
Bleed brake lines.
Adjust brake shoes.
Adjust parking brake cables.
Alignment shop.
Exhaust shop.
Inspection.
Drive it!

Turbo85GMC · 04-23-2010, 07:49 AM

Let's see, now where was I...

Oh yes, I had a bit of an issue with the rear shocks. When I ordered the shocks (from Sport Truck Direct, IIRC) I told the guy what my drop would be and he picked out the shocks. Turns out they sent me 4 of the same, front and back. The fronts went on like nobody's business, but the rears were too short to bolt up. Even with the full weight of the truck on the axle! So yesterday I did a full-extension/full-compression test and took measurements for shock length. Should have done that from the start. I'll be ordering new rear shocks today. The short ones are now in the "to-sell" pile.

Turbo85GMC · 04-23-2010, 07:59 AM

The bumper on the truck when I got it was a step/tow bumper. Fine for a work truck, but not exactly what I had in mind for a lowered sport truck. So, like so many others, I set out on a search for the ever elusive sport bumper.

Ok, so they're not that elusive.

So in scouring my local junky... er, "used parts superstore", I found a nice one. Most people seem to get these off of Burbs/Blazers where they were more common, but not all the brackets fit. I managed to find one that is actually on a pickup, complete with the correct brackets! I'll be going back today, with tools, to rescue this bumper from it's life of leisure.

Turbo85GMC · 04-23-2010, 08:06 AM

Progress Report:

Install bed bolts. DONE!
Bleed brake lines. DONE!
Adjust brake shoes. DONE!
Adjust parking brake cables. DONE!
Order & Install new rear shocks.
Install "sport" rear bumper.
Get new battery.
Alignment shop.
Exhaust shop.
Inspection.
Drive it!

flamingbig10 · 04-23-2010, 08:12 AM

the bumper looks good from here

Turbo85GMC · 04-23-2010, 01:15 PM

Picked up the bumper! Those rusty bolts were no match for my 3' breaker bar.

The bumper is in good shape, no rust through. Really not too much rust at all. A little cleanup this weekend and it'll be going straight on the truck.

West Texas Z · 04-23-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbo85GMC

Picked up the bumper! Those rusty bolts were no match for my 3' breaker bar.

The bumper is in good shape, no rust through. Really not too much rust at all. A little cleanup this weekend and it'll be going straight on the truck.

Cant wait to see it layed out.

Turbo85GMC · 04-26-2010, 12:35 PM

It's alive! Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha....

Back on all four's, running, and almost street legal!

Progress Report:

Install bed bolts. DONE!
Bleed brake lines. DONE!
Adjust brake shoes. DONE!
Adjust parking brake cables. DONE!
Get new battery. DONE!
Order & Install new rear shocks. ON ORDER
Install "sport" rear bumper. PAINTING BRACKETS
Bleed/Adjust brakes again.
Swap out original wheels to new wheels.
Alignment shop.
Exhaust shop.
Inspection.
Drive it!

Turbo85GMC · 04-26-2010, 12:39 PM

I know you guys love pictures, so here ya go!

1974ChevyC10 · 04-27-2010, 09:17 AM

looks good so far.you should ditch them running boards the truck would look much cleaner without them.cant wait to see the sport bumper on it that would make look that much better in my opinion.

Turbo85GMC · 04-28-2010, 11:36 AM

Thanks for the feedback!

Yeah, the running boards will be coming off in a bit. After I get it inspected and I'm driving it around I'm going to start on the body work. There's a couple of rusty spots that need fixing up, some screw holes where the DPO put a visor, and the running boards will be coming off.

08-28-2009, 12:02 PM	#26
80chevyshortbox Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: lethbridge Posts: 269	Re: My 85 GMC Project looks awsome. keep up the good work.

08-28-2009, 12:51 PM	#27
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: My 85 GMC Project looking good!! who's flip and notch are you using? __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

09-01-2009, 12:51 PM	#29
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: My 85 GMC Project sweet! thanks for the info! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

09-10-2009, 07:47 AM	#30
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project I got the second notch (driver's side) measured, cut, and (mostly) installed. I drilled and installed 4 of the 12 bolts on this side before my pilot drill gave up the ghost. The last hole or two it was taking a really long time to punch through, now it just spins and gets hot. (Good for making camp fires "caveman" style!) For anyone that's interested, I've been using a 3-bit system for drilling the holes in the frame for the C-Notch. The holes in the C-Notch are 1/2", so I've been starting with a 1/8" pilot, then stepping up to about a 3/16" bit (doesn't really matter, just a sharp one in the middle), and finally going to the full 1/2". This seems to work really well and it's easier on the bits, except maybe the pilot bit. But then, 1/8" bits are a heck of a lot cheaper than 1/2" ones! Some words of advice on drilling: Use sharp bits! Don't spin the drill too fast, you'll just cook your bits. Use sharp bits! Firm and steady pressure. Use sharp bits! Use a center punch to keep your pilot bit from wandering. Use sharp bits! Don't talk about fight club. (oops, wrong list) Use sharp bits! Step up to the full size hole, don't try to drill two dozen 1/2" holes in your frame from scratch! Use sharp bits! Accept the fact that it'll take a while. Use sharp bits! Advil. Oh, I almost forgot: Use sharp bits! __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

09-10-2009, 08:40 AM	#31
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: My 85 GMC Project My suggestion for drill bits would be these http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053 they are pilot point bits I use them at work to drill through all kinds of material they will go through frames "like butta" the pilot is built in so it is a one bit process, it will save you some time and the whole set is right around $20 __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

12-22-2009, 07:55 PM	#32
70stroker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: pittsburg kansas Posts: 894	Re: My 85 GMC Project got any pics of this thing lowered yet? __________________ 70 GMC build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613130

12-23-2009, 12:51 PM	#33
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: My 85 GMC Project Thunderbits! I've been using those for at least 20 years. When I did van conversions, I had to drill about 8 holes per frame on 4-6 vans a day. One 1/2" bit would last for at least a years worth of drilling frames. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

02-18-2010, 12:05 PM	#34
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: My 85 GMC Project Any updates on this thing? You have a good start to it for sure! __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

03-22-2010, 01:10 PM	#35
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project Hello again everyone! I took the winter off from working on the truck. Too damn cold in the instant garage. With the promise of spring around the corner, I'm back working on it again. Last weekend I managed to drag the rear diff into the (real) garage, fire up the heater, and get the brakes on one side replaced. The brakes on the second side are on tap for next weekend. From there on out, it's actually all about putting things back on the truck! __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-05-2010, 01:11 PM	#36
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project Didn't need the heater this weekend, shorts and a t-shirt! (finally!) I got the brakes on the other side of the rear end rebuilt, drums on, and the diff back under the truck. It's not attached yet, but at least it's under there and out of the garage. When I had originally taken the rear diff out from under the truck, one of the u-joint caps from the driveshaft popped off and made roller bearing confetti on the driveway. Now that the diff is ready to go back in, i have to replace the u-joint. I used the BFG + sockets method to push out the u-joint, but I couldn't get it far enough out to pull the cap. After some muttering of choice 4-letter words, a 4-1/2" angle grinder w/ cut-off wheel took care of that pesky cap. The rest came out with a couple love taps. __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-05-2010, 01:23 PM	#37
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: My 85 GMC Project Next time, clamp the cap down in a vice, then give the tube a good whack with a large mallet or soft-faced dead blow hammer. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-09-2010, 07:33 AM	#38
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project More progress! I got the differential up under the truck again, installed the flip kit and springs, and the brake lines are about 95% done! Attached Images __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-09-2010, 07:43 AM	#39
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project I noticed (the hard way) that the bottom shock absorber bolts have an interference issue with the flipped spring plates. After measuring with a longer bolt, I need a 2-3/4" long bolt to fit without hitting the spring plates, yet have complete thread engagement on the nut. Every hardware store in the area carries grade 8's in 2-1/2" and/or 3". I went to Fastenal (an industrial supply place) where I've ordered tons of odd sized bolts before. The guy there was a total dick and wouldn't let me order 2 bolts, said I had to order them in quantities of 10x. Then on top of that he wanted to charge me shipping! WTF?! They get daily deliveries from the warehouse and they can't throw two extra bolts on the delivery truck? What a dick. __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!" Last edited by Turbo85GMC; 04-09-2010 at 07:43 AM.

04-13-2010, 07:33 AM	#40
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project It feels awesome to be putting the truck back together instead of taking it apart. Recent progress includes: Got the brake lines and parking brake cables all hooked up. Installed a new u-joint in the driveshaft and put the driveshaft back in. Reinstalled the muffler and tail pipes. Set the bed back on the frame. (no more poor-man's bed lift!) Still to go: Install bed bolts. Bleed brake lines. Adjust brake shoes. Adjust parking brake cables. Alignment shop. Exhaust shop. Inspection. Drive it! __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-23-2010, 07:49 AM	#41
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project Let's see, now where was I... Oh yes, I had a bit of an issue with the rear shocks. When I ordered the shocks (from Sport Truck Direct, IIRC) I told the guy what my drop would be and he picked out the shocks. Turns out they sent me 4 of the same, front and back. The fronts went on like nobody's business, but the rears were too short to bolt up. Even with the full weight of the truck on the axle! So yesterday I did a full-extension/full-compression test and took measurements for shock length. Should have done that from the start. I'll be ordering new rear shocks today. The short ones are now in the "to-sell" pile. __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

04-23-2010, 07:59 AM	#42
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project The bumper on the truck when I got it was a step/tow bumper. Fine for a work truck, but not exactly what I had in mind for a lowered sport truck. So, like so many others, I set out on a search for the ever elusive sport bumper. Ok, so they're not that elusive. So in scouring my local junky... er, "used parts superstore", I found a nice one. Most people seem to get these off of Burbs/Blazers where they were more common, but not all the brackets fit. I managed to find one that is actually on a pickup, complete with the correct brackets! I'll be going back today, with tools, to rescue this bumper from it's life of leisure. Attached Images __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!" Last edited by Turbo85GMC; 04-23-2010 at 08:01 AM.

04-23-2010, 08:06 AM	#43
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project Progress Report: Install bed bolts. DONE! Bleed brake lines. DONE! Adjust brake shoes. DONE! Adjust parking brake cables. DONE! Order & Install new rear shocks. Install "sport" rear bumper. Get new battery. Alignment shop. Exhaust shop. Inspection. Drive it! __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-23-2010, 08:12 AM	#44
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: My 85 GMC Project the bumper looks good from here __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326

04-23-2010, 01:15 PM	#45
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project Picked up the bumper! Those rusty bolts were no match for my 3' breaker bar. The bumper is in good shape, no rust through. Really not too much rust at all. A little cleanup this weekend and it'll be going straight on the truck. __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-26-2010, 12:35 PM	#47
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project It's alive! Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha.... Back on all four's, running, and almost street legal! Progress Report: Install bed bolts. DONE! Bleed brake lines. DONE! Adjust brake shoes. DONE! Adjust parking brake cables. DONE! Get new battery. DONE! Order & Install new rear shocks. ON ORDER Install "sport" rear bumper. PAINTING BRACKETS Bleed/Adjust brakes again. Swap out original wheels to new wheels. Alignment shop. Exhaust shop. Inspection. Drive it! __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-26-2010, 12:39 PM	#48
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project I know you guys love pictures, so here ya go! Attached Images __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

04-27-2010, 09:17 AM	#49
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	Re: My 85 GMC Project looks good so far.you should ditch them running boards the truck would look much cleaner without them.cant wait to see the sport bumper on it that would make look that much better in my opinion. __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

04-28-2010, 11:36 AM	#50
Turbo85GMC Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Medford, MA Posts: 307	Re: My 85 GMC Project Thanks for the feedback! Yeah, the running boards will be coming off in a bit. After I get it inspected and I'm driving it around I'm going to start on the body work. There's a couple of rusty spots that need fixing up, some screw holes where the DPO put a visor, and the running boards will be coming off. __________________ '85 GMC 1500 "Friends don't let friends drive stock!"

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.