Projects 1954 GMC Series 1

Here is the new to me heart. It ran good when pulled but I have heard that before. June 15 of 68 block if I decode it right. Sadly it thing I don't know till I pull the pan if it's a 2 bolt or 4 bolt. Why GM Why!?! Digging it out of its corner this weekend will be pulling plugs and borescoping it tbouroughly before I spend the money on getting it home and on the stand.

Some of the casting and stamps I'm clueless about. I know the one is a partial vin of the original car but the one above it ending in TDS I'm curious about.

So as far as I can tell the T8 is a 1968 Truck motor and the only 68 motor with 3970010 is a 327. So Big Journal 2 Bolt?

 

So it's a 350 from a 78. Not a 68. Has heads that will work if not cracked. But the good news is it's most likely a 4 Bolt Main. And it's a slim chance it's a Iron crank. It is out of a GMC truck according to the serial, so it's destined to keep living in a GMC. Have a low mileage TH400 now as well. Just need to get an adapter to convert the QuadraPuke (sorry I hate the things) to a Holley. I have a old Demon Road Demon ijna box someplace but I think it's a 750 cfm guessing I need a 600-700.

Another buddy is giving me a tilt column from a 70s Monte Carlo.

Get the correct yoke for the 400 and get my drive line done

Putting the order into Tuckers this weekend for the unmentionables.

I actually might be able to make this thing move this summer. Depending on my weekend work load.
One big jon turned into 2 working on a 55 and a 56 Chevy 2 tonners doing some wiring updates and some mechanical work that should cover everything i need. This winter pull the cab and dive into that disaster.

 

Playing with AI last night making where I want to go. And worked the Monroe Swap meet today and came home with a vintage Weiand Dual plane and a 650 vacuum secondary baby double pumper for $200.

*and yes I know it’s a square bore intake and a spread bore carb. He tossed in the adapter as well.

 

After some research and lack there of, this intake is intriguing me. Ever since I saw my first supercharger in the bay of an old T Bucket I saw Weiand on the intake and went one day. While it isn’t a supercharger setup, it’s going to be better than slapping an Eddy on it and following the rest of the sheep.
Anyway I see the newer with the W wrapped around the Weiand which is newer. But it’s a toss up what I am reading about Block Lettering vs the Say Why And I takes. I’m guessing the Say Why And is early or is the block letters earlier? Either way from the few pics I can find the intake is late 60s early 70s? A bit earlier than i thought it would be. I can even see the recess for machining out an intake fill 327 style filler.

Also noting they are called a Stealth intake today. Motors just getting an RV roller cam and a shade tree balancing. Long as the heads check out.

 

Got the Holley 4011 rebuilt today, had to make my own choke blade but it turned out good. But I found the choke assembly was broken so that's why it was missing the choke blade. Posted a WTB in the classifieds for a part. Or if the newer manual choke kit work on it.




Plugging away, feels good actually doing something to it. I'm years from seeing the thing on the road. But maybe see if this SBC is good or not in the next week or so.

Still playing with AI and came up with another good one. Still can't get it do a 5 window, it just puts the words 5 window on it someplace. lol or get the 54 Grill and windshield right. But it's just an idea

 

Well while the brakes have been firmly applied on the 54. I get to finally live up to my Screen Name and build a 32 this winter. Busy building others cars while mine sits in the barn.


It's a 1980s typical build with some updates. We have built this customer a 32 in the past but kept it gentlemanly. He regretted selling it and picked this one up. Pretty much blank check build. Full chassis, 347 Stroker , 2-2.5" chop, fill the roof. And more. I'll post a few updates occasionally. .

But I'm still kicking. Just been insanely busy.

 

Pretty nice. I could live with it just like that.

 

I found out I hardly fit inside. Lol part of me wants to just fox what needs fixed. Maybe some updates. But the kid on me sees the potential. And the owner has complete faith in my boss. And my boss has complete faith I will deliver. This will be my first complete.

And honestly I'm a bit scared.

Building a car to the level this car is going, is a dream for me. I'd never be able to do it myself. Maybe now I will. I hate neglecting the 54. But Things are coming together for it. 350 HP, 350 and a Turbo 350 sitting next to it. Just need the time to stuff it in the frame. And it will be something breally nice as well.

Only thing I can hope is my body is up for the task. Last few months have been a struggle pain wise. Docs can't do much about it. All i can do is keep busy and my mind occupied.

 

I can see a few things I'd change but they would probably put it at a lower level.

 

On a personal front. After a long summer waiting. All my parts for my Harley are back from machine work. Upping compression, big cam and some head work to make everything work well together are finally back in time for the snow to fly

Found the cause of my excessive oil consumption and it was due to someone else that should never touch another bike. Apparently there was an issue so they just ball honed the jugs like a man slapped the stock pistons with new rings back in and sent it. And me fed a bill of goods when I bought the bike 3 years ago. So now it should be done right. Have about 20-30 more HP and Tq. And project Hot Rod Harley will be finished.