61 GMC Project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Surfdaddy · 01-28-2011, 04:31 PM

I was given a 61 GMC 3/4 ton truck. (This is the 3rd car/truck that has been given me in the last 2 years). Anyway it's been sitting since the early 90's and I finally got it running. Only 77k orig. miles on it. I think the truck is pretty well equipped since it has V6, 4spd auto, coil springs in rear, big back window, a/c and custom interior. Still have the orig radio, and spot light. I got it running ok but need to still do the brakes. I wnat to put power brakes on it so with the single reservoir master cylinder can I just add the power booster or do I need to re route th brake lines and make it a duel circut. How effective will that be in stopping the truck compaired to the stock set up. I know going to disks would be better but with the torsion bar set up I don't know how practical it would be.

the last GMC I had was a 63 1/2 ton with leaf springs and 4spd, that was in the early 80's. Great truck

markeb01 · 01-28-2011, 04:44 PM

Welcome to the forum. A power booster won’t improve your braking at all, it will just reduce the pedal pressure required to stop. If you want to go discs on the front there are a variety of kits available that allow these to be adapted to the original torsion bar suspension.

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog....onversion+Kits
http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk.htm

If you want to educate yourself on everything known about disc brake swaps on these trucks, the following thread is the best resource available anywhere:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

Surfdaddy · 01-28-2011, 04:57 PM

Your right, I should have phrased it better, I know the only thing that will happen is the peddel pressure wil be less. I don't know it I want to go to disks yet. I had a power booster on my 63 that was dealer installed and it didn't seem to make any difference on the peddel pressure. It was probably worn out or the diaphram was leaking. It just made a swooshing sound when the brakes were applied. Most of the disk kits that I can find are listed for 1/2 ton trucks. I don't want to run two types of wheels. Or rework the rear end. (dana 60) Actually I would like to restore the truck to as stock as possible with adding a overdrive trans, power steering and brakes. Looking for a better alternitive to 1000 buck for the adapter from Hydramatic. Though, I got offers to sell me teh OEM adapters for 400 buck which while I am thankful for the offers I'm not quite ready to jump in until I can find out more.

markeb01 · 01-28-2011, 06:52 PM

I didn't catch the 3/4 ton on the first pass. Post pictures when you can, everybody here loves photos.

**Clyde65** · 01-28-2011, 07:19 PM

IDK, but couldnt you put a 3/4 ton spindle/a-arms from a 73-87 gm truck on it? is the bolt pattern the same? Im asking not telling.

OK, stupid me, I just saw the 1961. never mind guys.

Surfdaddy · 01-28-2011, 07:23 PM

Here are some pictures of my 61. I just removed the camper which was pretty sketchey with the orig cable lift. (finding the CG in 25-30mph wind) As far as I can tel from the orig owners son the camper was only removed once to repaint the truck. The wook in the bed still has the black paint / stain. http://flic.kr/p/9dUaFo

Surfdaddy · 01-28-2011, 07:28 PM

Lets see if this works.

Surfdaddy · 01-31-2011, 05:43 PM

Here are some more pictures

jbgroby · 01-31-2011, 10:06 PM

Your project looks sweet, the same paint pattern that I have (2 tone) does the spotlight work or a fake? You have the custom package with the RARE chrome trim around the windsheild ruber DO NOT PART WITH THAT! What you plan on doing with the camper top?

markeb01 · 01-31-2011, 10:51 PM

That is a cherry looking truck, and you sure can’t beat the price. Other than a couple of rust spots it looks completely untouched. The only GMC’s I’ve seen with the stainless windshield trim have the poorly fitted deluxe trim around the side windows, but they may have been the newer 64-66 cab design. I also don't recall ever seeing side trim like that before. There are so few GMC’s of this vintage with the deluxe trim I’m completely unfamiliar with what an upgrade trim package offered.

Regarding the windshield trim, as Jake noted it’s very hard to find and valuable. Also it cannot be removed from the gasket until the glass/gasket is off the truck, so if a windshield replacement is in the future, resist any temptation to pry the trim out of gasket before it is off the truck.

Should the spotlight need any repairs the following link may prove helpful:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=403869

**Corts60** · 01-31-2011, 11:49 PM

What's crazy is that truck is so beautiful and untouched but it seems that along the way someone put a 62-66 bezel in the dash...

That truck is awesome and, like Jake said, KEEP that trim around the windshield and on the back side of the cab.

Congrats!

markeb01 · 02-01-2011, 12:54 AM

Wow I hadn't seen the trim on the back of the cab. That has to be the rarest piece of trim in existence on any 60-66 Chevy or GMC. It appears to be different than the Chevy version, which is also exceedingly rare.

Surfdaddy · 02-01-2011, 12:14 PM

The friend who gave me the truck also gave me all the paperwork he had. I have the workorder from the dealer as well as all the sales brchures and quotes from the other truck makers. This guy did all sorts of comparisons, gear ratios, options, prices. He ordered the truck and the camper the same week. When the truck came in he took it to the camper dealer and had it put on. It didn't come off until he repainted it in the 80's. He replaced the instrument bezel at 10k miles (he has a tag with the milage on the orig bezel). The truck still has teh orig fabric on the seat. I have a second set of mirrors and heater core, radio delete plate and orig radio. I'm being very careful not to damage anything when I remove it so it can go back on after the body work is done.

Surfdaddy · 02-01-2011, 12:19 PM

I had to replace all the window rubber on the squareback I just finished. I cut the trim out while the window was still in the car and polished it and reinstalled it on new rubber. That was a big pain but I'll do the same with this. Though I think the trim is much stronger than the VW trim.

**jocko** · 02-01-2011, 01:27 PM

Ok, I'm dying to see this truck, but I'm only getting big red "you wish" x'es in the place of the posted pics above.... HELP!

Surfdaddy · 02-01-2011, 01:32 PM

I have been using Flicker and it used to work on the fiberglassics fourm I was on while i was restoring a boat. Something has changed since then and the URL looks different. I've got a question in to the this site administrator but haven't got a reply yet. I may have to go to some other photo share site. Any ideas? what site works ?

Surfdaddy · 02-01-2011, 08:24 PM

Found a way to post pictures. Seems like I was missing something.

Dinos63 · 02-01-2011, 09:15 PM

what a nice truck!!!!i would think its pretty rare

jbgroby · 02-01-2011, 10:10 PM

One other thing I noticed, I think you have the correct OEM mid-year 1960 hubcaps.

By the way you need to also join Jolly's National 60-66 GMC V-6 club.

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/

This site has EVERYTHING you ever want to know or learn about the 60-66 GMc V-6. Other than the faded blue, your truck and mine are 99% the same (no A/C on Mine)

63sbssbbw · 02-01-2011, 11:06 PM

Very nice...and rare ..truck you've got there
Ditto on the later dash bezel
T

Surfdaddy · 02-02-2011, 11:30 AM

The truck is completely stock. I even found spare OEM GMC points adn some parts in teh box of spares along with a new DELCO dist cap. The camper has some water damage (actually a lot) and you may see in teh picture that the dirvers side of the camper started to buckle when I was liftign off the camper. When I got the truck I intended to restore both the truck and camper. I thought it woud be really fun since I like wood working and working on cars. Combine the best of both worlds. But after looking at the camper all teh windows leaked and the vents. I may have to scrap the camper, which is too bad since it has a early Dometic fridge, 3 burner stove and porslin sink.

RockTonka · 02-02-2011, 07:31 PM

It would be really cool if you could restore the camper also. The original owner put alot into having that set-up just right...almost looks like the camper was built around the truck. Neat truck/camper!!

Surfdaddy · 02-02-2011, 07:51 PM

The camper was built to his specs. The width of the truck couldn't be any wider since it had to fit through the gate in his back yard. He had it fitted with a 10 gal propane tank. In intereior is all ASH but like I said it would take a lot to restore it. I'm lookin into if I can fit in my garage on the dollie that came with it. I have all the sales stuff that goes with the camper and all the other ones he looked at form all the manufactures in So Cal during that time. I've filled a 3" binder with all the papaerwork. Really cool going through all this stuff.

Surfdaddy · 02-09-2011, 01:21 PM

One step closer to bringing it home. Got the brakes bled and stripped out the camper, removed the stove / oven Fridge and fixtures. Going to sell them on e-bay to ofset the cost of storage. The wuestion is how can I get rid of the 20+ year old gas in the saddle tank. It's rusted and really bad. I can't seem to get any of the shops to dump it in their haz-wates cans. I've got about 6 gallons of it in one gal containers sitting on the side of my house.

jbgroby · 02-09-2011, 02:52 PM

You know that John Steinbeck wrote "Travels with Charlie" while driving a 3/4 Ton wideside with a custom camper see link below.

http://www.campingandrving.com/rocin...th_charley.htm

Jake

01-28-2011, 04:31 PM	#1
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	61 GMC Project I was given a 61 GMC 3/4 ton truck. (This is the 3rd car/truck that has been given me in the last 2 years). Anyway it's been sitting since the early 90's and I finally got it running. Only 77k orig. miles on it. I think the truck is pretty well equipped since it has V6, 4spd auto, coil springs in rear, big back window, a/c and custom interior. Still have the orig radio, and spot light. I got it running ok but need to still do the brakes. I wnat to put power brakes on it so with the single reservoir master cylinder can I just add the power booster or do I need to re route th brake lines and make it a duel circut. How effective will that be in stopping the truck compaired to the stock set up. I know going to disks would be better but with the torsion bar set up I don't know how practical it would be. the last GMC I had was a 63 1/2 ton with leaf springs and 4spd, that was in the early 80's. Great truck

01-28-2011, 04:44 PM	#2
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 61 GMC Project Welcome to the forum. A power booster won’t improve your braking at all, it will just reduce the pedal pressure required to stop. If you want to go discs on the front there are a variety of kits available that allow these to be adapted to the original torsion bar suspension. http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog....onversion+Kits http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk.htm If you want to educate yourself on everything known about disc brake swaps on these trucks, the following thread is the best resource available anywhere: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260 Last edited by markeb01; 01-28-2011 at 04:45 PM.

01-28-2011, 04:57 PM	#3
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project Your right, I should have phrased it better, I know the only thing that will happen is the peddel pressure wil be less. I don't know it I want to go to disks yet. I had a power booster on my 63 that was dealer installed and it didn't seem to make any difference on the peddel pressure. It was probably worn out or the diaphram was leaking. It just made a swooshing sound when the brakes were applied. Most of the disk kits that I can find are listed for 1/2 ton trucks. I don't want to run two types of wheels. Or rework the rear end. (dana 60) Actually I would like to restore the truck to as stock as possible with adding a overdrive trans, power steering and brakes. Looking for a better alternitive to 1000 buck for the adapter from Hydramatic. Though, I got offers to sell me teh OEM adapters for 400 buck which while I am thankful for the offers I'm not quite ready to jump in until I can find out more.

01-28-2011, 06:52 PM	#4
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 61 GMC Project I didn't catch the 3/4 ton on the first pass. Post pictures when you can, everybody here loves photos.

01-28-2011, 07:19 PM	#5
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: 61 GMC Project IDK, but couldnt you put a 3/4 ton spindle/a-arms from a 73-87 gm truck on it? is the bolt pattern the same? Im asking not telling. OK, stupid me, I just saw the 1961. never mind guys. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!* Last edited by Clyde65; 01-28-2011 at 07:20 PM.

01-28-2011, 07:23 PM	#6
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project Here are some pictures of my 61. I just removed the camper which was pretty sketchey with the orig cable lift. (finding the CG in 25-30mph wind) As far as I can tel from the orig owners son the camper was only removed once to repaint the truck. The wook in the bed still has the black paint / stain. http://flic.kr/p/9dUaFo Last edited by Surfdaddy; 01-31-2011 at 11:54 AM.

01-28-2011, 07:28 PM	#7
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project Lets see if this works. Attached Images Last edited by Surfdaddy; 02-01-2011 at 08:19 PM.

01-31-2011, 05:43 PM	#8
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project Here are some more pictures Attached Images Last edited by Surfdaddy; 02-01-2011 at 08:23 PM.

01-31-2011, 10:06 PM	#9
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: 61 GMC Project Your project looks sweet, the same paint pattern that I have (2 tone) does the spotlight work or a fake? You have the custom package with the RARE chrome trim around the windsheild ruber DO NOT PART WITH THAT! What you plan on doing with the camper top? __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829 Last edited by jbgroby; 01-31-2011 at 10:06 PM.

01-31-2011, 10:51 PM	#10
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 61 GMC Project That is a cherry looking truck, and you sure can’t beat the price. Other than a couple of rust spots it looks completely untouched. The only GMC’s I’ve seen with the stainless windshield trim have the poorly fitted deluxe trim around the side windows, but they may have been the newer 64-66 cab design. I also don't recall ever seeing side trim like that before. There are so few GMC’s of this vintage with the deluxe trim I’m completely unfamiliar with what an upgrade trim package offered. Regarding the windshield trim, as Jake noted it’s very hard to find and valuable. Also it cannot be removed from the gasket until the glass/gasket is off the truck, so if a windshield replacement is in the future, resist any temptation to pry the trim out of gasket before it is off the truck. Should the spotlight need any repairs the following link may prove helpful: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=403869

01-31-2011, 11:49 PM	#11
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: 61 GMC Project What's crazy is that truck is so beautiful and untouched but it seems that along the way someone put a 62-66 bezel in the dash... That truck is awesome and, like Jake said, KEEP that trim around the windshield and on the back side of the cab. Congrats! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

02-01-2011, 12:54 AM	#12
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 61 GMC Project Wow I hadn't seen the trim on the back of the cab. That has to be the rarest piece of trim in existence on any 60-66 Chevy or GMC. It appears to be different than the Chevy version, which is also exceedingly rare.

02-01-2011, 12:14 PM	#13
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project The friend who gave me the truck also gave me all the paperwork he had. I have the workorder from the dealer as well as all the sales brchures and quotes from the other truck makers. This guy did all sorts of comparisons, gear ratios, options, prices. He ordered the truck and the camper the same week. When the truck came in he took it to the camper dealer and had it put on. It didn't come off until he repainted it in the 80's. He replaced the instrument bezel at 10k miles (he has a tag with the milage on the orig bezel). The truck still has teh orig fabric on the seat. I have a second set of mirrors and heater core, radio delete plate and orig radio. I'm being very careful not to damage anything when I remove it so it can go back on after the body work is done. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-01-2011, 12:19 PM	#14
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project I had to replace all the window rubber on the squareback I just finished. I cut the trim out while the window was still in the car and polished it and reinstalled it on new rubber. That was a big pain but I'll do the same with this. Though I think the trim is much stronger than the VW trim. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-01-2011, 01:27 PM	#15
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: 61 GMC Project Ok, I'm dying to see this truck, but I'm only getting big red "you wish" x'es in the place of the posted pics above.... HELP!



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02-01-2011, 01:32 PM	#16
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project I have been using Flicker and it used to work on the fiberglassics fourm I was on while i was restoring a boat. Something has changed since then and the URL looks different. I've got a question in to the this site administrator but haven't got a reply yet. I may have to go to some other photo share site. Any ideas? what site works ? __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-01-2011, 08:24 PM	#17
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project Found a way to post pictures. Seems like I was missing something. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-01-2011, 09:15 PM	#18
Dinos63 chevy only Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,619	Re: 61 GMC Project what a nice truck!!!!i would think its pretty rare __________________ CHEVY ONLY... Nothin Else !

02-01-2011, 10:10 PM	#19
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: 61 GMC Project One other thing I noticed, I think you have the correct OEM mid-year 1960 hubcaps. By the way you need to also join Jolly's National 60-66 GMC V-6 club. http://www.6066gmcguy.org/ This site has EVERYTHING you ever want to know or learn about the 60-66 GMc V-6. Other than the faded blue, your truck and mine are 99% the same (no A/C on Mine) __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829

02-01-2011, 11:06 PM	#20
63sbssbbw UCA63 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lloydminster AB Can. Posts: 1,637	Re: 61 GMC Project Very nice...and rare ..truck you've got there Ditto on the later dash bezel T __________________ member#7816 "63 sb ss bbw 350\350 12 bolt rear Pwr Fr Disc PS tilt '61 GMC in progress '63 GMC to use for parts '90 Chevy Ext cab sbfs 5.7l (current d d)

02-02-2011, 11:30 AM	#21
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project The truck is completely stock. I even found spare OEM GMC points adn some parts in teh box of spares along with a new DELCO dist cap. The camper has some water damage (actually a lot) and you may see in teh picture that the dirvers side of the camper started to buckle when I was liftign off the camper. When I got the truck I intended to restore both the truck and camper. I thought it woud be really fun since I like wood working and working on cars. Combine the best of both worlds. But after looking at the camper all teh windows leaked and the vents. I may have to scrap the camper, which is too bad since it has a early Dometic fridge, 3 burner stove and porslin sink. Attached Images __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-02-2011, 07:31 PM	#22
RockTonka Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,524	Re: 61 GMC Project It would be really cool if you could restore the camper also. The original owner put alot into having that set-up just right...almost looks like the camper was built around the truck. Neat truck/camper!! __________________ 1958 Chevy 1 ton dually 4X4 dump/flat bed My build thread 1966 "Not-So-Original" Chevy Custom Trim Suburban My Time-Killing Project Truck 1966 GMC Extended cab 1 1/4 ton 4X4 My Son's build thread

02-02-2011, 07:51 PM	#23
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project The camper was built to his specs. The width of the truck couldn't be any wider since it had to fit through the gate in his back yard. He had it fitted with a 10 gal propane tank. In intereior is all ASH but like I said it would take a lot to restore it. I'm lookin into if I can fit in my garage on the dollie that came with it. I have all the sales stuff that goes with the camper and all the other ones he looked at form all the manufactures in So Cal during that time. I've filled a 3" binder with all the papaerwork. Really cool going through all this stuff. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-09-2011, 01:21 PM	#24
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: 61 GMC Project One step closer to bringing it home. Got the brakes bled and stripped out the camper, removed the stove / oven Fridge and fixtures. Going to sell them on e-bay to ofset the cost of storage. The wuestion is how can I get rid of the 20+ year old gas in the saddle tank. It's rusted and really bad. I can't seem to get any of the shops to dump it in their haz-wates cans. I've got about 6 gallons of it in one gal containers sitting on the side of my house. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-09-2011, 02:52 PM	#25
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: 61 GMC Project You know that John Steinbeck wrote "Travels with Charlie" while driving a 3/4 Ton wideside with a custom camper see link below. http://www.campingandrving.com/rocin...th_charley.htm Jake __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829 Last edited by jbgroby; 02-09-2011 at 07:44 PM.

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