Projects Everybody needs a shop truck, let's build a 49 GMC

I am embar***ed to say how much time I have invested in mounting this gas tank.

 

Next, I picked up some axle pads at TSC, made careful measurements, took pinion angle into consideration, and welded them up.



I also ran a tube across the frame rails for the shock support, mounted the shocks, and fabricated the lower axle plate.

 

Since the rear is ****oned down, I moved to the front, and placed my core support and inner fenders in place (it been cold, so I haven't had a chance to blast and prime them)



The inner fenders have to be trimmed to clear the upper A arms, and I plan on filling the extra "bump" for the steering box.

 

The first thing that I noticed, is that my late model master cylinder/comb valve touched the inner fenders.

I could reroute lines, etc. but I figured it would be easier to just put a "bump" in the inner fender under the master cylinder.

I marked it for clearance.



Then pushed the metal in, and made a filler panel.

 

Next, I ran all the brake lines.

 

Great build.
Looking forward to seeing more.

 

Your build is looking real nice...you are making great progress.

Here's G-78-15's and L-78-15's on 15X5.5 and 15X7's for the bias ply look...



and 205-75-15's and 235-75-15's on 15X6 and 15X7's forthe radial look...



Neal

 

Yeah, Neal

I forgot to update the thread with my tire choices, you're right, I went with 215/75 and 235/75 with 1 3/4 " whitewalls, that I may enlarge to wide whites.

Got 'em for $298 mounted/tax out the door.

Rich

 

nice work Rich

 

you should put some patina on like mike lavears and a bunch of others.

 

Rich,

Great build as usual and thanks for taking the time to do***ent it for us.

So I spy yet another carefully positioned High Life bottle. I'm starting to suspect that they sponsor you and those bottles are actually product placement!!


Ed

 

Next, I started shortening the running boards.

I made a cut in a strategic location, then starting measuring to see how much needed to come out.



Then clamped the pieces together...




S***ched together....




An hit with a flapwheel.

 

This past weekend was super nice, so I spent a full day sandblasting, and priming the fenders and running boards.

Just to see how things were going to fit, and for motivation, I threw the fenders on the truck.

I'm really digging the stance, and the front should come down even more with the rest of the sheetmetal installed.

 

Looks like everything is gunna fit.



The stock clutch fan wasn't gunna fit, so I bought a new reverse direction fan, and a two inch spacer.

It sits kinda low on the radiator, but I think it will be OK.

I HATE electric fans.

 

WOW this is a great threat for a do it your self econo hauler.

 

I have a 53 GMC panel truck and this thread is proving to be very useful. Looking forward to any updates.

 

Just read this thread from start to finish, great work! Looking forward to reading and seeing more

 

you are my hero....I have had my 55 ford f100 for 2 years now and have made nowhere near the progress you have...hats off to you man

 

Ain't nothing lackin' when you're Cadillacin'!!!!!

 

Chevy small block, pulled from a Cadillac, with Studebaker valve covers, and Oldsmobile air cleaner.

What a ****rel.

Rich

 

Nice work, a cool truck!!!

 

How much did you end up cutting the running boards to make them shortbed boards?

 

Same distance you take out of the frame and bed, little over 9 inches.

 

Damned nice build! Keep the updates coming.

 

Yeah, holy **** do you guys amaze me.

 

I can't believe that I haven't posted and update in over a month.

The small things have been taking FOREVER.

stainless headers...

 

Fabbed up some four inch lowering blocks...

 

Running the fuel lines...

 

transmission cooling lines....

 

The steering was a *****.

First the old fatman crossmember didn't have the tabs welded on to mount the rack, so I had to pull the motor, fab the brackets, and put the motor back in.