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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 106 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 106 | You do nice work. That two barrel should help. Congrats on getting her running. I'm especially fond of the yellow engine!!
Yellow forever!!
"I always win." Working mainly alone I do not let my trucks win a war. Maybe a battle here and there but never the war.
Robert
55.1 GMC 450 COE
51ish GMC Suburban
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,061 Big Bolt Forum Moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Moderator Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,061 | cool! looking forward to seeing more pics as you progress! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Very nice set of photos, Chris
You are doing a great job of bringing this to drivability.
Nice looking 261 you are putting into it. You probably know that yellow was a 261 truck engine color for several years? Was that one yellow originally (not that it matters)?
It looks like you are not relocating the water pump? Do you have a short-shaft pump, or, is there enough room in a COE for that water pump?
Sorry about the questions.
You have more motivation than I do. Your COE will probably be running before mine will.
Keep at it - we'll enjoy seeing your progress photos. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 103 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 103 | Hi Tim
A lot of the pics show the regular water pump. When we installed the radiator, The shaft was to long so I did buy the kit and installed the relocation plate and 216 water pump. As for the yellow, I bought two cans of yellow from caterpillar(what quality paint). The 261 was original yellow which came out of I think a 56 truck. I wanted the yellow to be reminiscent of a diesel!
We will be starting on the body in about a month. I am still on the fence on cutting two feet off the frame. If I do should I cut it off on the back and move the axle up or behind the cab?
Thanks for your interest.
Chris | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | If one cuts it in a straight section just behind the cab, all the running gear, axle, springs, cables, brake, etc. parts will not have to be repositioned, not a small task. Just make sure of a straight section.
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.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,538 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,538 | Chris, It already looks like your truck is the medium 134in. wheelbase. How short do you need it ? What type body are you installing ? 47-54 Chevy COE's came in three wheelbases, 110in., 134in., and 158in. I shortened a 158in. wheelbase COE, down to a 134in. wheelbase, by cutting the frame just to the front of the rear most cross member, then cutting the frame again just to the front of the middle cross member, removed that 24in., section, then welded the two sections back together. I only had to remove the center drive shaft, and reconnect the brake line, but everything else lines back up. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 99 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 99 | Chris, I want to echo everybody else's comments. Great job. I've had my truck for years and it still looks like all your before shots. And if you're going to cut it, I say go 110". At that length, an 8' bed fits just right and it's sure a lot easier to maneuver around.
Geo | | | | | Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 103 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 103 | Hey all, Thanks much for the input.
I will finish the body, get it running then decide. Reason to shorten the frame would be maneuverability, and looks. Should not be to hard after, brake line, drive shaft. Not a big deal.
The other major decision (person preference) is picking the color, black, 2014 fj cruiser trail teams heritage blue, or ????
Thanks
Chris
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