I purchased this truck a few months back and am just now getting going. I'd like to make it into a reliable ride that is comfortable to drive on the highway. I was wanting to keep an old looking truck with patina, but after seeing what I have to work with, I'll be repainting.
About 10 years ago my sons and I rebuilt a 1970's car. We upgraded all of the mechanicals but did not address some rot. The car was able to be a daily driver for a few years. We did realize that we should have done more extensive unibody work and unfortunately, we ended up tearing it down again. So we have some experience with the process.
The GMC engine runs and the body is in decent condition. But, I feel that there are too many mechanical issues to drive it as is (the clutch is shot, brakes shot, tires mismatched to mention a few). So, I've decided to take it down to the frame.
First phase is to rebuild the I6, replace the transmission (don't want 3 on the tree), upgrade the brakes to discs and replace the rims/tires on it. I know many other items need addressed, this is just the items I'm starting on and I want to make sure they work together.
Some modifications that we plan are adding power windows, power locks, power steering, power brakes, A/C, electric ignition, LED lights.
Our current idea is to strip everything off of the frame, paint the frame, upgrade suspension, brakes, rebuild the 270, rewire and then drop the body back on. We may do some body work and paint, not sure yet. The truck has already been painted (very poorly) so unfortunately, no cool patina.
I've been kicking around on this site looking for information / recommendations on the transmission, rear axle and brake upgrades. I'll continue to look and eventually post in the appropriate area.
You are off to a great start. You've checked in with The Northeastern Bolters, figured out how to do the images, *know* to post question in the right forum. You must have done some *reading* in here. Thank you!!
Have you wandered into the Tech Tips for some more looking around?
It's nice to have another GMC in here.
Welcome.
Last edited by Peggy M; 10/06/202310:01 PM.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
Looks like you latched on to a great truck with a bunch of potential. Very good starting condition compared to many of them these days. You have clearly been doing your homework and have a plan in place to move towards your goals.
On a side note (and shameless plug for our Swap Meet Forums ), please consider offering up parts that you are looking at replacing/upgrading on your truck in the Truck Parts for Sale forum Pretty sure you will find fellow members that may have a need or interest in acquiring what you no longer want to keep.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Way cool truck. Id drive it as is. But hey, thats just me. Another option, considering you want or need "power" everything, is to find a modern chassis to swap over the body to. Might be easier to sell the rolling chassis, drivetrain all together? Just food for thought. Congrats anyhow.
Thanks for the welcome and the link to Tech Tips. I hadn’t found that part of the site. I’m amazed at the information in there! Hey thanks for the tip. I’ll definitely hold onto any good parts I’m not using for swapping!
I would like to add my concurrence to the recommendation to drive it as is to begin with. Your truck, in good, safe, operable condition is a thoroughly driveable truck with only minor mods.
I only say this to make sure you understand that extensive and expensive modifications are not really necessary to make the truck driveable and capable in modern traffic...
It is good advice to make the truck driveable to begin and have fun with it as is before doing things to it that will not be able to be undone ...
John
~ John
A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult.
1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 1963 Kaiser M38A1 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
We were able to get started over the New Year holiday. So far, no major surprises. The cab, front clip and bed are off of the frame. The brake, gas lines and wiring have all been removed. We started stripping the engine and it has an appointment at the engine shop next week!
While the engine is being re-built, we are going to get going on the frame.
I'm still researching and developing the build list so stay tuned!
I am really digging your truck and your shop. That is a sweet man cave!
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
I am really digging your truck and your shop. That is a sweet man cave!
Fox, thanks for the compliments! My wife and I just bought our farm in Jan 2022. The bank barn is 160+ years old. My first project was to dig out 2' in the lower level to be able to get our tractor inside, replace the rotten columns, pour new foundations and install that concrete floor! I just started setting it up now as my shop. I keep pinching myself, I love it!! take care, J
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Hello All.
You must have done some *reading* in here. 
Thank you!!
You have clearly been doing your homework and have a plan in place to move towards your goals.
), please consider offering up parts that you are looking at replacing/upgrading on your truck in the 
