The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Where should I start?

Looking for some advise.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a '55 GMC which was the first new delivery truck that my family's business purchased in Flagstaff, AZ. It was in service until ~1970 when it was retired and my Dad sold it to his nephew, I was three at the time. It bounced around from one cousin to another over the years, but always remain in AZ. In the late 90's the husband of one of my cousins decided to 'restore' it. From what I gather he took it apart and rebuilt the engine, some/all of the driveline and sandblasted most of the body parts. Springs, brake lines, new booster, shock mod and power steering box were put on.

Then, a divorce and all progress stopped. It has sat for a number of years in Prescott at the ex-husband sister's house. They had no interest in finishing the project and thought that the truck should come back to someone in the family. Enter me.

So I brought her home and here we are. The engine was covered in a moving pad, so I'm worried about what damage has taken place due to moisture. I'd like to use the original steering box but the shock mod is right where the drag link would go. Surface rust is, well, look at the pics.

Do I just start all over again?

Any recommendations welcome!

See Pics Here

Actually, it looks to me like you have a pretty decent start!
As for the steering box/shock mod issue... not sure what to tell you. I'm sure that someone will have an excellent suggestion soon!
Laterz,
Gator
>|--|~

Welcome aboard! Looks like you've got a decent truck to start with, The best place to start is a thorough inspection of what you have, like making sure the engine turns over and isn't stuck. I see that the floor pan has been cut out, not really a mojor problem, as replacements are available. On the shock mount/steering box, I take it you want to re-install the stock box. As long as the mounts/frame wasn't butchered too much, you should be able to put the shock mount back to it's original position, which will allow the stock box to fit correctly.
I'm certain others will chime in with more suggestions.

So the upper shock mounts actually go forward of the axle?

Yes. The power steering conversion moves it behind the axle to allow the steering box to mount ahead of the axle. I'm not a fan of it as it changes the suspension geomentry. Here's a pic of mine from when I had it apart to repair some accident damage. http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2575824580092261295BDcQcw
You can see where the shock and box should mount.

The moving pad over the engine shouldn't have hurt it. The pad can breathe, unlike a tarp, which would have been a moisture trap.

I agree on the pad, I'm just worried given the vented valve cover and air cleaner. Not to mention how strong AZ monsoons can be!

Probably a stupid question, but is sandblasting the only alternative for the surface rust, or is there a dip process that can be done?

Sandblasting is not recommended for body panels, but there will be people wanting to argue the point after I post this.

Yes, there are places that chem-strip vehicles but if it's only surface rust you might want to try phosphoric acid and a wire wheel.