Stovebolt.com Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 'Nother new guy from the Mitten State

Hello, guess I'm outa my mind, my son says I'll never drive it...we will see. My newest project is a "Basket case" 1953 GMC 1/2T P/U. Frame and axles, cab, doors,box & tailgate, inner and outer fenders, and a hood. Bought it all taken apart for $100. Easier that way, to put back together the way one wants to. There is a long list of what isn't there; that just makes it more interesting a challenge for one who hot forges steel and welds, to 'Git'er Done'.


I've had a little experience with these iron beasts. Had a 1930 AA Ford Stake truck, rescued from the cutter's torch.
"Old Fords never die, they just get new owners" was painted on the inside of the cab cowling, just before I sold it. It should be considered a universal expression to "Old Trucks never die, they just get new owners". Nuff said.

Will have lots of questions to ask, and will make use of this forum for possible answers. Modify as necessary, just make it work. The '53 has no bumpers, grille, or running boards. Just leaves more to the imagination to create from scratch.

Good luck with the project and welcome to the bolt!

Welcome, I'm building a 53 too but I seem to have a bit more to work with. if you need pics or have questions just ask.

Stephen..Welcome to the 'bolt.
There are few folks here who have rescued trucks from a fate worse than death!
Prove your son wrong.........
You'll get plenty of good info here,and don't forget the pics!
Jock

Welcome Stephen, the 53's are nice all right. The cheapest way to get an old truck is to get one all done up and completed. Many of us get basket cases in various levels of disrepair and put them back together. Occasionally, a truck really is too far gone to resurrect, but it can still be used for parts. For someone who has had experience, it's easier to restore while others have to hire out a lot of the work. I feel you are up to the task, you seem to like a challenge. This is a good place to find out stuff you don't know yet about your truck. Many of us have already done what you are about to start and we are willing to help. Just fire away with your questions. Take the time to post the questions in the proper forum.

My two Bolts were pieced together ('48 and '53). So I know where you are coming from.

Stephen, just do "something" on it everyday and it will surprise you at how it will go.... and with help from the Bolt it will be a nice experience...frustrating at times but still a neat thing to do. It will also be a great time for you and your son.
Keep us posted. We like pictures.

Welcome to the Bolt Stephen, and HOW BOUT THEM WINGS !! Whoo hooo !!
Now back to the topic it wont be long before 'Git'er Done' becomes "Got'er Did !! Keep plugging away a little at a time good luck with your project,
And as the others said...dont forget pictures
Todd

Welcome to Stovebolt!

StephenA, Welcome to the bolt, I too am from Michigan..
I live in the thumb area...Good luck on Your project, and don't
hesitate to ask questions...Bill B.

Thanks to all of your responses. Yes, I will prove my son wrong. I 'm now an Army Dad, as he is now in S.Korea, as part of the 2ID.
Anyway, there are a lot of 'options' that can be inserted when reassembling a 'steel puzzle' in this day and age. Since there is so much missing, this truck will turn into a street rod project before long. My aim is to use General Motors parts, in a GM truck. I may not be staying inside the lines, but will work mostly "outside the box", but will make it functional.
Does anyone know if they ever made a pickup with a dump box? I also realize that if this route is taken it will get heavier axles. I use a welder as part of my 'hobby' and have worked helping to make airplane hangar doors. I make my own utility trailers. I am on my 2nd, 1ton 4-door Chevy P/U [a 1989 and now a 2000 CK3500], so this will be a double challenge to see just how much room I can get out of a 'little' truck. Again, thanks for the input and your time.

Thanks guys. Just got back from being on staff at the TrainFestival in Owosso. {Steam Locomotive Heaven}
Now I can get the frame and cab home, and then get you some pics posted here. I do arc welding and some blacksmithing, so it should be an interesting build for me.

Thanks guys. Truck is finally in the garage.
1] I was going to make it a monster truck with 1-ton axles, but it'd be too much mess and modifications. I just want to drive it, and prove a lot of people wrong.
2] It doesn't have a steering box or column. What years are these items interchangeable with?
3] Will stick with the existing axles, just make them 'better' than stock. Newer GM parts in a GMC truck. I know LMC has the conversion from ball to roller bearings on the front axle. BTW, does anyone know what can be done to swap out the torque tube diff for a more modern application? want to focus on the chassis first.
4] I know it needs a bit of new steel in the floor, [particularly the curbside] as it has been driven on Michigan roads, and no rustproofing existed in those days.

Finally did something, that's a start...! Arc welded a crack in the frame behind the first running board bracket on the passenger side. Laid it up vertically on it wheels, with the come-along. It sits on the jack stands again. Next on the list is replacing the floorpan. The cab was removed with ropes and a 1/2ton come-along, and a wooden truss in the rafters. It presently sits on a wooden cart with caster wheels, on its back. Looking at doing the buckets/console street rod uograde. i can't see in spending $700 for a floor I can replace myself for a fraction of the cost. I can get a 4x8 sheet of 16guage sheet steel locally for just $45, and some tubes and angles, to make the floor solid enuff to dance on. Will note and remount the rear cab mounts in the proper locations [to be detiremined and noted]. When this is done, will set it up on the frame to find and note the front mounting hole locations, then set it back on the cart, "nose-down" to work some new steel into the rear edges of the pan at the cab walls. Then it will sit upright, and then I can start putting the cab parts back on.
....Still going to be a modern-day Frankenstien to some folks. Beauty IS in the eyes of the creator, but not the beholder.

OK. Now since I'm thinking of keeping with the stock front axle, the question arises? Where does one get a 'rebuild kit' for the kingpins, let alone what do I do with the tie rod ends and other linkages, in as much as replacements? I don't think I can get these at Autozone. I have a nibble on a steering box from another member, and will act upon it, straight away. Set yer hooks.

The rear end that is on the truck had its torque tube butchered with a torch, so that is the main reason for all the inquiries and other rear end types. Besides, the THM350 in the garage will give me some rebuilding practice.
Also, if I'm able to stay with the six-lug wheel arrangement and the Blazer rear end, I can stiffen the suspension and take her two-tracking without too much flaring of the fenders. Asit is, I plan to make her into a short-sided dumping flat bed, so I won't need the pickup box and rear fenders. I want to keep the tailgate, and make it a part of the upright of the bed, since it the only item I have so far that shows the truck type. I could use a GMC emblem[s] for the hood, or just make them from scratch when I design and build the grille and front bumper setup.

I did a bit of measuring and taking notes on a sheet of loose leaf paper. There is now a wooden framework in place, that will hold most of the cab together while acting as spacers in place of the doors. These will be in place during the design and installation of a new floor.
...The 16 guage sheet is next to get, and the angles and square tubing. There is a space for one piece of 48 x 57 inches of sheet steel from the firewall, to the back edge of the old seat frame. This will be welded to the 2x3 angles on the edges of the cab frame, and attach to the vertical sides just below the floor, and the firewall. yes, I might be building a battleship.
... For now, this will have to do. When I get some spending cash, there will be more new cab parts bought and not fabbed. Once the floor is attached, the cab goes back onto the frame to locate mounting holes.

... sounds interesting. Sure would love to see some pics whenever possible. Keep us posted.

Ok. got the first 5 pics in the photo gallery incoming list. check 'em out.

Since the '53 floor will be replaced, is the existing seat frame and stuff on the old floor worth keeping? Does anybody need it?

My truck is on the back burner, since I'm replacing parts of the floor in my camper. [got to keep the peace]
Soon as that, and other things are done, I can return to working with fresh sheet steel.

camper done and stored, pool is down and stacked up. Steel supplier is next. will post pics of new floor fabbing on photobucjet and my Facebook. Old seat and floor will go to scrappers at the curb.

Yikes. Needed room in the garage, so the sheet metal got assembled onto the frame. Got all the parts to hold the fenders to the radiator core support, but the hood won't close. The latest pic on photobucket shows it held open with a 4-way. It seems I was given a Chevy hood, but all the rest match the illustration for GMC sheet metal. Just need to get the inner part in front that holds the hood bolt and spring for a GMC. At least I think they are different...

..... aren't these old truck fun

Yup, they are just loads o' fun... Tinker with it a little at a time. At least this one gets a little easier to put back together, then that big AA Ferd I had so many years ago.
Since it now sits on the jack stands, I will have time to design and over-engineer a front bumper, push bars, and a new iron grille with "GMC" in it. It gives a more personal touch than the store bought or catalog ordered stuff.

I don't have any GMC parts but plenty of Chevy. I work for a GM supplier and get to Warren quite a bit. If you need anything, holler! If you've got stuff to scrap, let me know, I might be able to bring it down to my "pile" down here!!

Keep at it and have fun. Looks like you've got PLENTY to do!

Dan

Sounds like i need to take a drive when I have time and you are home....and visa versa.

"Sounds like i need to take a drive when I have time and you are home....and visa versa."

The garage is the Man-Cave also. The forge is brick and steel, and kept the garage at 70 for 2 hours, while it was 14 outside. But its getting tight in there, floorspace-wise, if ya know what I mean. {besides the truck parts, workbenches, blacksmith and shop tooling, and tent camping 'stuff'} Enuff blabbing.

I do have a 4x8 worktable with a shelf and electrical outlets, that can be given up for barter. It sits directly behind the '53 chassis against the back wall, and I want build a workbench on the wall with shelves there instead. Been a Recycler for 30+ years, so let's what ya got that I can use first. After working in a "fab shop" and doing my hot "hobby", I've learned that there is no such thing as 'scrap'.

I see from the map where you are located. Do you use the Luna Pier exit on I-75?

Am considering fabricating the hood part from scratch, just because I can. Also, it will make a better top grille line to work the iron for it from. Since the 'front clip is in place, the first measurements of front bumper and grille work can be taken down, and sketches drawn on big paper, and MSPaint work done.

So, you say you've got some interchangable parts... how about a steering box, column, and a steering wheel? This one of the major needed items missing from the truck. There was a guy here from Utah that had a box and column, but I don't have a PayPal account, and would rather deal with a member from the same state, if ya kno what I mean.

Welcome OldeScouter

Although I am presently in Maryland I bought a farm up the road a piece from you in Vanderbilt and will be scouring the state for parts . Welcome to Stovebolt and I feel you will achieve Extreme Gabster in no time
Dan

...Extreme gabster...Thanks for the compliment?!?
Just got a lot on my mind, and a lot of "irons in the fire", that's all. May be lining up an L6 or V8 engine, and a Blazer rear axle thru family connections. The front axle will be one of the projects for the snow season. Should start looking to get a steering box for it, 'cause after the axle get some fresh grease in it, steering control will become a priority. In no hurry, as long as I can keep the tires on the ground and be able to move the chassis, until I have the needed parts to swap out, that will keep it on jack stands thru the winter.
Am saving up for the flooring at this point. All things in moderation, as the purse strings are tight these days.

Ok. Not going to be stepping on toes or invading one's personal space. The '53 isn't going anywhere, so I have some time to mellow out. I can either turn this into a real frankenstien's monster {it may end up that way} but will keep all parts in the GM family. Yes, I have a "we need" list, and a steering box, column, a steering wheel, and a Blazer rear axle tops it if I'm to keep with the 6-lug wheel setup.
Otherwise the "Radical Change R&D" department is suggesting going for 8-lug axles. Please note: the pickup box is going to be exchanged for a "made from scratch" short-sided hydraulic dump bed, with the tailgate in its front wall under the rear window. Since I have some time {32 years} with the PM1225 group, and they do photo shoots with old pickup trucks, I thot they needed something new in their viewfinder. The '53's doors will read "Owosso Fuel & Supply" when she gets the final coats of paint. This means that I have a stepside box with rear fenders on the swap table.
Getting a newer 1-ton 14-bolt rear is easy, but did they make a straight axle with 8-lug wheels? Or do I have to hunt for a newer chassis like the '89 2WD had {coil springs and A-arms}?

2nd Note to 1-ton axles:
If the Swap to the newer and heavier suspension is a GO, then one has to cut and widen the stock fender 4", to match the changes in the wheel tread [width of the axles], without affecting the standard truck appearances. I don't work in a body shop, but having both time and experiece in metal working, this will be well thought out before any action is taken. Appearances are decieving. I am used to creating 1-of-a-kind things, and driving them on the hiway as if nothing is wrong. After all, our 'babies' are a work in progress...

Add another item to the list of GM parts: a 1984 307cu inch Oldsmobile V-8.

**New question**
During my "search and rescue" of the Olds 307 motor, I also picked up a Waukesha VRG-155 engine for $25. Does anyone know if there is a section of the 'Bolt forum, as to where I can post questions about this oddity? It free spins so it can run again. Being rated at only 14-29hp, it ain't going into the '53, but it has the makings of a garage powerplant. It runs on gas, but I can convert it to steam.

1] Have another motor in mind. Checking out an older Olds 350 4bbl, on a shelf where the '53 came from. Will see what parts from the 307 are interchangeable [besides the water pump] and put the core on Craigslist for scrap...
2] Still scrounging for a chassis to get the axles from. May consort to using model car kits to figure this puzzle out, since space in the garage is limited. It sounds silly, but it gives one a better idea of how to proceed, and keep the peace with the wife.

[1] The Tinker's Toy is still alive. It has been put on the back burner, but not forgotten. Priorities change, as the holidays start, and the new batch of college classes start next month.
[2]The frame will again go vertical, and be put on rollers against the side wall, to make room for a trailer update {shocks}.
[3]Just put a $50 deposit on the $150 {1980} 350 4bbl engine. It's missing the oil pan, carb, exhaust manifilds, and oil filler tube, but was a running 2-bolt engine from a 98 Regency before it was put in the shop attic. The existing 307 is for parts and scrap value only, as it is a slug engine, and nothing close to a Rocket.
[4]And after seeing the stuff in your Tech swap areas, I may also work on getting some newer front suspension and rear axle from an Chevy Astro van. Can use the old front axle and pickup box/fenders for a utility trailer...and the torque tube is parts for a new 'smithing tool.
[5], I'm to be getting the original title for Christmas.

Got some money down on a 350 Olds [1980] motor, and a set of axles from a '90 Astro Van. Also got the title, finally.

...The front axle is actually the entire sub frame, including the power steering box and motor mounts. Did ya know they offset the motor mounts [to the right] to make room for the steering? This will be an advantage to the makeup of this little beastie. As it appears, I will have to 'adjust the location and angle of the steering box, so I won't need a right angle gearbox in between the steering gear box and steering shaft.

If I stay with the stock van {fiberglass!} springs, the max weight it could carry, will only be around a ton. Also, when 'blending' the 2 frames together, there is the chance to lengthen it a few inches, if the need be. The parking brake linkage just behind the cab, has the option of becoming a release for the hydraulic dump bed. I plan to use what ever is handy and mostly stock from the truck....It just may not be for the originally intended purposes.
The battery will be carried someplace else, perhaps under the hood. Also need to start working on the new cab floor.

Had time to think...

1] The USPS sent me my new title for my truck.

2] Change of heart.
....Anyway, after looking at the chassis laying on its side in the garage, it has made me realize there is no way in Hell I will butcher the stock frame to that extent.

3] The rear axle has had the torque tube end burnt off with a torch. So unless somebody knows of a way to bolt on an old trans to a newer bellhousing for a 350 Olds motor[ if I were to keep the stock axle with replacement parts], the rear axle will be swapped by itself to a newer style. I believe they make adapter plates that go fron 5 to 6-lug pattern. Will do this option if I can't find a suitable axle. The '53 came with 6-lug chrome rims on all 4 corners.

4] Also, rather than getting an automatic trans, I will be scrounging for a manual truck trans {with a creeper gear and possibly an overdrive and a parking brake}, and a GM bell housing with the two ears on top. Fits Buick or Oldsmobile engines only. Will also need to get a manual Olds flywheel. Got a clutch pedal in the '53. Might as well use it.

5] And lastly, I have $5 left to pay off the 1980 Olds 350, which was the last year they made the Rocket engine.

Finally got my title in the mail for the '53, in my name. Now the fun can begin.

New year, brings new things to look for and do. Listing stuff made sense.

1] After bolting things together on the frame, I found out that I have all front end sheet metal for a GMC, but have a Chevy hood. The bolt and spring will fit both models, as I know that most parts are interchangeable between Chevy and GMC. Does anyone have the inner sheet metal part for the hood for a GMC, so my hood will close and latch?

2] I will undergo the learning experiences of rebuilding the stock front axle assembly and kingpins. Gives me a reason to build a hydraulic press frame. The emails have told me that I do have a PayPal account now. I had an offer for a steering box and column from another 'Bolter, and was wondering if it still is valid. Something that will be added to the front axle {to help with handling} will be a sway bar. The front bearing sets will be roller.

3] Does anyone know of another company, other than LMC for truck parts?

4] A rear axle replacement is still being looked at. There are six lug Chevy axles being produced again, so things are not just focused on Blazer parts alone.

5] The space in my cab is limited to the amount of sheet metal it has. The bracing is in place for the new floor to be fabricated and installed. I will make sure that it is welded secure just after the door framing, but stop at that point.

The idea is to extend the cab some, maybe 12 to 18 niches, but still retain the general shape. Aftermarket van windows can be installed later, or not. This has probably already been done by others. The frame will be stretched and strengthened a bit also, since there needs to be ample space for the bed and new spring mounts. I'm used to driving long wheelbase 4-door trucks.

Replies are welcome, thanks for your time.

Sounds as though you have been busy and from the vehicle list you have seems that you have and will stay busy Nice collection you got going there.
There is lots of places to buy parts than LMC. Go to the Links here and you'll find most of them. JimCarter, Classic Parts, American Classic are all Stovebolt friendly. There are others but as I mentioned, these are stovebolt friendly. Especially Carter and American Classic.
For the sheet metal and some of your other questions you'll bet more responses if posted in the best forum...for example the sheet metal could be ask in the Paint and Body.
....and the 6 lug axles ran well into the 60's.
Good luck. Keep us posted. Some pics would be nice if you get th time to link us to them.
later

Thanks.

1] Do you know of any 'Bolters putting camper shells of some type in the space where the pickup box would go, and what suspension changes would be recommended? Just thinking of all options first, when one has free reign in vehicle designs with a clear title. Most folks take their rides on weekends and camp at the state parks, then take their pride and joy to the local car shows.

2]...If it comes to the rear half of the frame needing to be re-enforced to compensate for a newer axle, it may as well get some more distance between the axles in the rebuild.

...Camper shells are like flat beds, they need more springs and strength for the expected heavy loads and road stresses. The "Structural Engineer" in my head told me so. That's what I get for working at an Industrial Door company. Some of it is still stuck in my head, and surfaces from time to time.

Busy summer.

....But the recipe for re-construction is still on the drawing board. [1]Have located and paid for the '80 Olds rocket motor. [2]Will get an adaptor plate and use the Chevy T350 I have already in the garage. [3]Am getting a pair of 1 Ton rear springs, and searching for an early '00 - 02 Tahoe or 1/2T pickup rear with the same 6-lug pattern. [4]The cab still lays on its back and am gathering funds for the new floor to be installed. [5] Change of heart - the pickup box and rear fenders will come home soon. Will store it on the new shelf over the frame and axles.
...and [6]There is a second wooden truss being assembled in the back rafters, to help support the 6inch I-beam, trolley, and new chainfall. Will center it over where the chassis is right now. Will be sure there is enuff clearance for engine and cab installations, plus use the bed to hold all the loose sheetmetal in on place.

sounds like a plan of action, good luck with it.

May be the last posting here for me... the 53 got sold.