Don't know why it took me so long to join Stovebolt, but I finally did. I live in northeast MO, near Hannibal. I'm currently doing my first build (better late than never, huh?) on a 64 GMC 1/2 ton LWB. I haven't gotten very far with it yet, but here are the details.
I'm using a 66 Chevy 3/4 ton frame (for the trailing arms), and I'm planning on putting an air suspension in it. Not going very low, just want a soft ride. I've got a work truck (01 Duramax), so this will never (hopefully) haul much. I do want to drive it a lot, though. It's a small back window (love those), and when I bought it the cab and engine bay were bare (and still are).
I've pulled the front crossmember/rear axle from a 82 Chevy heavy 1/2, and have accumulated body panels in very good condition. I am planning on a slightly updated interior, with seats from a 01 Silverado, ISSPRO gauges, and any good suggestions I get.
Here is where I expect to meet a lot of resistance: drivetrain. Please don't be too hard on me, but I am a diesel guy and married into a diesel family (father-in law AND brother-in-law). I have a 6.2 in a 84 GMC ton, and a later 5-speed to put behind it, that I plan on using. I am planning on changing the gears in the rear axle for gas mileage. My current daily driver is a 97 LeSabre and gets about 28-29 mpg. If I can get close to this (wishful thinking) I can 'justify' driving my 64 everywhere! Plus, I really love the growl of a good GM diesel! I have thus far run into three types of people when I talk about my planned build: those that are diesel people and love the idea, those that aren't really into the old trucks and couldn't care less, and the purists who think I should be dragged into the street, shot, and run over repeatedly with a properly motivated V6 GMC!
To everyone who reads this post, and any future project posts I make, I GLADLY WELCOME any and all comments, suggestions, and remarks - positive or negative!
