Jerry,

Thanks for chiming in, I removed the second battery since the second was dead anyway.
One is plenty, the starter is geared, so no giant current draw.

The 503 is a good engine, milled the head .090" after measuring that was OK. Most of the cyl. head bolts were loose on mine, so no chance of repair without new head gasket (rare).

Had to have new intake valve guides made, since found some on EBay. Since you live in the rust belt, worse than MO where my truck was, plan doing the brakes. Is there a bed on your truck? Let me know when you are starting on the brakes.

I'll send you a px of my shortening if you send me your email?

Ed

'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.