I am in Santa Rosa and just had mine done at a local shop. They seem to have done a good job. I won't know for sure till it's gets on the road in a year or so. At least they had a good knowledge of what I wanted and how to do it. Rich
1947.2 GMC 1/2T SWB panel 1947.2 GMC 1/2T long bed 1948 GMC 1/2T short bed
Hi Rich, cool! I had another thread in the Driveline section and they referred United Auto Center in SR, did you take it there. The guy I spoke to said he did one 10 months ago, was that yours:)
I am currently doing a 47 GMC panel. I have a 48 GMC 1/2 ton short bed p/u that is done. I gave the p/u truck to the oldest of my two sons. The youngest will get this panel. I would like to find a 47 or 48 GMC suburban or canopy express for my truck. That would be a nice family outing, all three trucks rolling down the road. I grew up in San Lorenzo. Where abouts are you?
Last edited by Twin Jimmys; 05/07/20209:05 PM.
1947.2 GMC 1/2T SWB panel 1947.2 GMC 1/2T long bed 1948 GMC 1/2T short bed
I'm really surprised to find that you guys are also in Santa Rosa where I am. My "Stovebolt" is this '36 Chevy PU that I've had since 1965. The photo was taken at Bodega Bay. We also have this roadster.
You guys know about Chuck's Brake & Wheel in Santa Rosa don't you? That place is a gold mine of knowledge and long obsolete parts. They opened my eyes to the effectiveness of asbestos friction and recommended a MC that was perfect for the tandem MC conversion safety upgrade on my '36 PU.
This is an example of the kind of project I enjoy:
I took mine to Sun Valley Tire and Wheel in Pleasant Hill. [Concord] Did it in less than a day. My other truck, i did them myself. [3 days]. If you have the proper tools, its no big deal. But be prepared for busted knuckles. Good Luck, Have Fun, Marty
"If you have the proper tools, its no big deal. But be prepared for busted knuckles."
Good morning Marty. Like you I found it to be "no big deal" but without the "busted knuckles". On my '36 the holes in the axle were enlarged in addition to the bushings in the spindles being loose. Back when I did the job (1960s) parts were still plentiful for the '36 and I found some oversize kingpins. I used my adjustable reamer set to correct the holes in the axle to a light press fit and used the same adjustable reamer set to get a proper fit in the new spindle bushings I installed.
Thanks for the input! I have all my suspension parts out and disassembling, cleaning, painting then will see about getting the king pins replaced and any of the other steering components. @Twin Jimmys, love the old Jimmys, the canopy expresses are hard to find correct, not to mention a GMC one. I know someone who is working on a chevy one, but other then that don't see or hear about them. Im in Redwood City.
@Marty, thanks I will check them out! Do you remember how much on ave they cost to do it?
@Ray Nice 36, and great article on your rear end gear swap. Im thinking of changing mine to the 3:38. I have a 57 3100 w/ 265 and hydramatic (doing the swap) and I don't thing I won't like how it drives with the 3:90 at higher speeds.
"@Ray Nice 36, and great article on your rear end gear swap. Im thinking of changing mine to the 3:38. I have a 57 3100 w/ 265 and hydramatic (doing the swap) and I don't thing I won't like how it drives with the 3:90 at higher speed"
Good morning Cozsum,
I don't think you would ever regret having a rear gear ratio numerically lower than that 3.90. One option you have that would allow retention of the 3.90 is an overdrive automatic. I took a TH350 out of my roadster and put in a 200 4R and with 3.80 rear gears it's humming at a fast idle at highway speed in OD (0.67:1 ratio).
My son is doing resto mod on a '66 Chevy 1/2 ton and I found him a rare 3.08 ring and pinion for it that he will be using with his TH 350.
Good luck in whatever you decide. Please post a photo when you get a chance.
