The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun New 9ft bed progress!! & 1ton GMC build

The last week has been extremely enjoyable and eventful.

I completed my 4.10 exchange into the GMC and everything went extremely smoothly. I cleaned it up with a wire wheel and die grinder, lightly sanded, brake cleaned and shot it in black paint. New gaskets, oil, bolts and it slid right into place. I noticed right away how much tighter it was compared to the old 5.14 when spinning the yoke. It was a chore installing it by myself but I wasn’t complaining! First big hurdle!

I next addressed my brakes. I wasn’t able to maintain pedal pressure and closer inspection showed the back right was leaking at the wheel cylinder. I ordered a replacement and changed it out. No more leak there. I did not get a chance to bleed them so it sat for a couple days.

History Road. I attended History Road in Wetaskiwin. It is a fantastic car show in central Alberta hosted by a great museum, the Reynolds Alberta Museum. I met up with fellow Bolters Doyle and Howie and their ladies, Isabel and Val. It was a great afternoon (albeit short because of our young WrenchFetcher Everett’s nap time and feeding schedule) spent touring cars and trucks, making new friends, having coffee and running from the rain! Doyle provided me with a wheel cylinder for the back left of my 1 ton as well! (Thanks so much, Doyle!) Sadly, Howie and I were not able to get our trucks to the show, but lived vicariously through Doyle as he showed off his freshly shined up 1 ton! It looked amazing in the line. I couldn’t believe it was the same truck. That elbow grease Doyle applied really changed the truck’s dynamic! Next year we’re there!

I promptly installed the new cylinder from Doyle and reattached my lines on Sunday. My Dad came over tonight and he and I bled the system. I am very happy to report that I have functioning brakes and that I can lock up the rears. The fronts not yet, but I suspect that I need to adjust the fronts and I should be done. YAY! I’ll double check in the morning to make sure that I have no leaks. My Dad and I went for a drive around the block a few times. It was great having him with me on the GMC’s first “full run” with everything working. Tonight was awesome! I immediately noticed how that 4.10 changed the truck’s speed as I pulled out of the garage. It sure upped the transmission’s abilities. Very sweet. If you are thinking 4.10...DO IT! I wanted to go for an extended rip down the highway, but my voice of reason (Dad) quietly reminded me to not. 😉 Thanks Pa! I’d hate to have it towed before I even got it out.

Some of my neighbours came out and congratulated me on getting it completed, too. They said, “It’s nice to see it done as we’ve been watching for the last couple years.” It does feel good!

I have an inspection lined up for the end of the week. Insurance early next week and then I’m driving this truck to school everyday if it’s nice out! What an epic journey! Thanks Bolters. I think I’ll post some photos of it on the road very soon.

This is what’s left on the to-do list:
1 cover door panels and install handles.
2. Rubber coat underside of fenders.
3. Re-zip tie a couple wires under the dash.
4. Drive it... often!

1 truck done...2 to go...maybe 3? Yeesh. 😉😎🐺