33 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
I'm not sure about VERY favorite, but I'm really glad I installed a dual reservoir master brake cylinder! Oh, and the heater, which I need to connect to the engine soon.
Tim
I am currently digging back in to a 1953 3800 (one ton) with a nine foot bed. I've owned it since 1979, and drove it until 1982 (or so). My wife got me involved in restoring it back in 2002, got the body removed and the frame redone, then things came up. Now I am retired and starting again. If anyone is interested I have photos on Imagur ( https://timwhiteblues.imgur.com/ ). I live way back in the woods in the Ozarks on 40 acres at the end of a 2 1/2 mile private road.
My favorites so far are the 5x7 mirrors on stock arms. So much better than the original small round ones, you can actually see what's back there when backing or checking traffic. And of course the T5 transmission. If your AD is fairly stock and a true driver, you really should check into this fairly easy and (relativity) inexpensive upgrade.
No specific images of the mirror upgrade, but the ones below gives a good idea of how they look.
1954 Suburban: 1960 261 (with spin-on oil filter) and GMC 270 2-barrel carburetor seat belts on both rear seats front seat need seat/shoulder belts SM420 that was available but not stock/standard (added later by me) shift pattern on shifter knob 3.55 Ring & Pinion radial tires on original wheels/rims stainless steel brake lines
1954 5-window 1/2-ton deluxe 3104 pickup shoulder/seat belts 3.55 Ring & Pinion original number-matching transmission/block with "848" head, and, with cam and valve modifications radial tires on original wheels/rims stainless steel brake lines
Earlier this week, I installed a front anti-roll bar (usually, incorrectly called a sway bar). Took it out for a ride today; BIG difference in handling on the corners. Worth it!
I am more of a purest, so my trucks don't have too many non-stock items. One exception is an antifreeze "puke can" made from period correct vintage/technology items, down to the 1925 soda bottle. Keeps the truck from marking her spot in inappropriate places.
Earlier this week, I installed a front anti-roll bar (usually, incorrectly called a sway bar). Took it out for a ride today; BIG difference in handling on the corners. Worth it!
GM called it a "ride stabilizer" on the Advance-Design trucks on which it was standard equipment.
Backup lights activated by SM420 shifter. Cup holder 6 to 12v conversion blah, blah, blah
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
For my 53 3600, Radial tires (Ford 8 lug rims). 12 volt everything, 1 ton tie rod (modern ends and its a bolt on). 4:11 gears, reman springs, 235 ci motor with dual exhaust. 390 cfm Holley. On my 46 half ton: factory sway bar, dropped I beam, modern tube shocks, radials, all new/rebuilt suspension. 261, T-5 trans, 60s rear end and open drive, 12 volt, vintage air, modern seat,
Last edited by JiMerit Boltr#43; 11/13/20198:09 PM.
Moparguy, how well does the T-5 work in your 3/4-ton truck?
Frank, it works Great. The frequently heard concern is a T5 isn't nearly as robust as the original SM420. And that's true, however few will work their truck as hard as GM engineered the 3600 and 3800 trucks to work. When these truck worked for a living they pulling loaded grain wagons, loads of logs, stock trailers or hauled loads that likely far exceeded their rated GVWR. I find my T5 with 4.03 1st and .72 5th to be very capable when doing the light to moderate work my truck does frequently. Hauling hay and fire wood are the most frequent work truck jobs.
Best is how it quietens the engine down by dropping revs. The T5 and 4.10s have made the old rig a comfortable 60 (plus) mph highway truck. Before in pure stock trim, 50 was the fast happy speed.
Lots of info here and on the interweb dealing with how-to info for the conversion.
