The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk How does it all go back together?

Okay, okay, so we got my 1956 GMC truck apart, motor out, bed off, etc. then we welded in all new sheetmetal (floors, firewall, etc) and THEN . . . my body man left (serious medical condition) so NOW...how do I get it all back together?
I am talking about the front end - fenders, inner fenders, radiator, supports, etc. Not the motor and tranny. I'm tryint to dry fit all the partes BEFORE it goes to the paint shop.
Incidently, if you know of a good paint shop in maryland, that is AVAILABLE, please let me know!
Hey, it all came apart so easy.
Signed, perplexed in Pasadena,

Jim
410-456-9834

Best thing to do is assemble the front clip and THEN left it onto the radiator support. Bolt the radiator support on loose and then lift the clip onto the radiator support and cab mounting holes. Then insert the bolts at the rear upper fenders loose and then the bottom bolts loose. Then, SET the hood between fenders and adjust fenders if necessary with washers to get a supreme fit. I have done a few of these and this is by far the best way. Good luck and if ya have any questions feel free to send me a message.

Steve in I-DA-HO

Go on EBay and pick up a factory assembly manual. If you don't have one you need one!

The Chevrolet Factory Assembly Manual isn't going to be much help on the GMC front sheet metal and grill. I'm sure it will come in handy in other areas, though.

While the GMC sheetmetal shapes are different, the way they are bolted up are very much like the Chevy truck.

All good suggestions including most importantly the assembly manual. Absolutely put it all back together and test fit everything before it is painted. You will be amazed at how stuff can move around even if the body work was done well. You do not want to find problems after the paint is done. Good luck.