The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts New Member: Up to my neck in a truck thats not mine:)

Hello!
I'm new, and I guess I'll come straight to the Big Bolt forum to introduce myself and my project. I'm working on a 1942 GMC 2.5 ton fuel truck... owned by Boeing. I was going crazy at my engineer desk job, so I volunteered at the Museum of Flight in the restoration center when I learned they had this old truck there. Since January I've been spending a few hours each week getting some therapeutic wrench time, and even though I only total about 80 hours to date, I've made some fair progress. Heres a link to a dropbox file with a few current pictures:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p3g46wvpvftya7l/AADn42c7p_tfbKBMakYyUhmIa?dl=0

Everything has been carefully tagged, bagged, and photographed as its been disassembled. I've been working on it completely by myself, since none of the other guys want to touch it... "ya know it'll never fly, right?" Lol. I've taken detailed notes of everything I've done, typed up with the pictures added in. I'm down to the frame, which is expected to leave to be sandblasted and powdercoated sometime this week, along with the springs and bumper.

SO... Here's the point: I'm pretty good at taking things apart, I've always done my own auto repairs, and I fixed up a '43 WW2 Jeep that I own, but my confidence for going back the other way on this truck is a little thin...https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/default/crazy.gif

If there are any stovebolters local to the Seattle or Everett area with some free time, and some interest, I'd sure appreciate any input! "Been there, done that" wisdom, data sources, tips on where to get parts, what to paint, or even companionship in the restoration work itself! The truck is right on Paine field at the restoration center, its only 5 bucks to get in to see it. Its actually been really fun to take apart - very little corrosion, and very low miles. The truck started its life at Boeing field during WW2, stayed on at Boeing until the 90's, then went to Monroe before being acquired again by the museum. The ultimate goal is to get it all back into its original shape, and park it under the museums B-17 down in Seattle... pretty cool, since the pair could literally have been together when they were both new.

Its also cool that right now it sits next to Kelly Johnson's personal Jetstar, which he used to fly back and forth to work while directing development of the Skunkworks stealth planes:)

There you have it! Any interested parties?!

Looks like you are headed in the right direction. And your inventory system is top notch. I'm really liking the stand-up storage system. We happen to be a few thousand miles apart or I would offer some assistance - or inspiration. You will learn this site possesses an unmatched knowledge base.

One thing I learned - start with the frame, get a good rolling chassis back as soon as possible. From there make a comprehensive list of tasks. I took it further and grouped efforts into a "time buckets". Plan your work around available time. Bank small accomplishments like sandblasting, scrapoimng and painting towards the end game of final assembly. And take pictures......lots of pictures.

Good luck - that is going to be a top-notch truck.........

We do have a "Bolter" or two in your State. Maybe some physical help will come your way. Glad you are saving a piece of history.

welcome to the site! That looks like a fun project! I am just South of Seatac airport. Not much extra time but, if you get stuck on something or want to chat, let me know!

Very good, thanks for the welcome and the encouragement! 69Cuda, we'll have to get together. If you are ever up this way, let me know!

So do you guys all have a favorite source for the softer parts like gaskets and brake rebuild kits and such? When I went through my old Jeep, there were one or two real comprehensive reproduction parts suppliers. I haven't found anything like that yet for old GMC's...

yes, we'll have to get together! Likewise, if you are in the south end, let me know!

I found brake cylinder kits at Napa and Rock Auto. I used Napa part # and cross referenced it on Rock Auto's site. My 58 has a 327 in it so, gaskets for it can be found anywhere!

I have found Rockauto.com to be a very handy resource. With your model, Chevy's of the 40's, has quite the inventory.🛠

Welcome to Stovebolt.com.

GMCs were probably 1/5th-1/10th the production of same year Chevrolet trucks?
So, GMC parts that were not used across those two brands are often harder to find.

Many of the non-matching parts are engine parts, front-end/cab sheet metal, and "badging" (and, exterior colors).
Other parts up through 2-tons trucks might match.

You might to also join the oldGMCtrucks discussion board and glean information and advice from both discussion boards. There is no problem posting the same question on both boards. Some members check out both boards, and some members frequent one of the boards.

I usually go to Rockauto.com first, check-out/find the part numbers and then check NAPA, Amazon, and an Internet search on the part number. Finding a vendor with cheaper shipping and no state sales tax is another factor to consider.

The reproduction parts vendor with a good selection of GMC reproduction parts is Jim Carter Truck Parts.

Is that truck, 5, or 6 lugs, on the front wheels. Looks like 5, on the pic. If it is 5 lug front, check your VIN/ID tag for the gvw rating. If it's 16000lb. gvw, it's a 2 ton, and not a 2 1/2 ton. That will make a big difference, when rounding up brake parts, etc. A 2 1/2 ton, will have larger axles, and different brake setup, than a 1 1/2, & 2 ton truck. Unless it was built in Canada. Canadian built trucks were rated differently, than U.S. built trucks. Lighter weight trucks, were rated higher there.

Ah, very good! I don't know why I did'nt think of RockAuto, I've had good luck with them for other projects in the past. I'll look up Jim Carter truck parts and check out the old GMC trucks discussion board as well. Thank you all for the very helpful posts!

Spanky, the front axle is definitely 5 lug. I believe the vin/id tag is the one on the cowl ("1574- 92936") but there is also a number stamped on the front right frame rail. (cc403 2727). Thats where I got the idea it was a 2 1/2 ton, but I'm not real sure what the GMC codes mean. would GMC codes be different from Chevy codes?

CC 403, would be a 400 series, which is indeed a 2 1/2 ton. Most 400 series trucks, I've seen had 6 lug front, and 6 lug rear, unless they were built in Canada.

Spanky, check your PM's please.

Just saw your post. I'd love to lend a hand, but the drive from Tacoma nowadays is daunting.
Do you have a scheduled work party time?

I agree Jim, I would rather slit my wrists than to go north on that I5 from T Town.