Intro 1965 GMC K1502

[1965GMCK1502]

Looking forward to getting educated on this board! I've been reading for a few days and just wanted to say thanks for all the great info.

1965 GMC 3/4 ton K1500
Original 305e v6, 4 Speed
14K miles on odometer

[Funky61]

Welcome; Nice truck you have there!

[bigblockv6]

1965 GMC 3/4 ton K1500
Original 305e v6, 4 Speed
14K miles on odometer[/QUOTE]

Nice looking truck you got there, the later model bed looks good on it too.:coolphotos: Would love to see some more pics posted of it.:ok:

[1965GMCK1502]

Thanks guys. Having a blast driving this old girl the last few days.

[1965GMCK1502]

Hopefully not too dumb of a question....but how do you remove the original air filter (oil type filter) from the housing? I couldn't figure it out so just bought a new edelbrock filter. Thanks for any info/advice!

[Ed Snyder]

Hopefully not too dumb of a question....but how do you remove the original air filter (oil type filter) from the housing? I couldn't figure it out so just bought a new edelbrock filter. Thanks for any info/advice!

Stick with the paper element filter -- your engine will thank you for it. They're about 99% efficient compared to about 95% for the best maintained oil bath filter. Much less than that for a poorly maintained one.

Looks like your frame got shortened in order to accommodate a short bed. That's what I did to the '66 Clyde in South Carolina has now. You can see it in my avatar photo.

[bigblockv6]

I've heard some guys have gutted these oil bath air cleaners and installed paper elements but do you really want to do that? Just recently in the last couple of weeks we've had posts on original GMC air cleaners.

[bigblockv6]

Thanks guys. Having a blast driving this old girl the last few days.

Like the cab clearance lights, that's been a tradition in my family on all our green GMC's from the 62 K1000, the 68 KM2500 and to the most recent truck I inherited from my father a 2001 1500 GMC Sierra HT. The 62's were dealer installed back in 66 and they didn't quite do it right:pullinghairout: with 4 clearance lights rather than 5, The 68 we ordered the truck to be equipped with the lights from the factory:upyes:

[1965GMCK1502]

Thanks Ed. Will stick with the paper element! As to the frame. Not shortened, maybe the previous pic was a bit skewed. Here's another angle....

[1965GMCK1502]

I've heard some guys have gutted these oil bath air cleaners and installed paper elements but do you really want to do that? Just recently in the last couple of weeks we've had posts on original GMC air cleaners.

No interest in gutting it. I thought for sure I was missing some simple way to pop the oil bath filter out. Guess not. Thx!

[1965GMCK1502]

Like the cab clearance lights, that's been a tradition in my family on all our green GMC's from the 62 K1000, the 68 KM2500 and to the most recent truck I inherited from my father a 2001 1500 GMC Sierra HT. The 62's were dealer installed back in 66 and they didn't quite do it right:pullinghairout: with 4 clearance lights rather than 5, The 68 we ordered the truck to be equipped with the lights from the factory:upyes:

Looks great, with four or five!:welldone:

[Ed Snyder]

Thanks Ed. Will stick with the paper element! As to the frame. Not shortened, maybe the previous pic was a bit skewed. Here's another angle....

Still looks like a short bed to me. Do you have a 6-1/2 foot bed with 115" wheelbase, or an 8 foot bed with 127" wheelbase?

[1965GMCK1502]

still looks like a short bed to me. Do you have a 6-1/2 foot bed with 115" wheelbase, or an 8 foot bed with 127" wheelbase?

115" wb.
78" il
186" ol

[Ed Snyder]

115" wb.
78" il
186" ol

If you didn't shorten it, then a previous owner did. Three quarter ton pickups only came with a 127" wheelbase. Cool truck for sure! Glad you found our forum!

[1965GMCK1502]

If you didn't shorten it, then a previous owner did. Three quarter ton pickups only came with a 127" wheelbase. Cool truck for sure! Glad you found our forum!

Very interesting. Thx !

[1965GMCK1502]

If you didn't shorten it, then a previous owner did. Three quarter ton pickups only came with a 127" wheelbase. Cool truck for sure! Glad you found our forum!

Thanks, Ed. Great eye! Here's how she started life as a LB.

[Ed Snyder]

Thanks, Ed. Great eye! Here's how she started life as a LB.

Looks like it led a pampered life at the fire department!

[TJ's GMC]

Welcome aboard and a very nice truck to show. :thumbsup:

[POWERSTROKE]

Oh, Former firetrucks are great values! very well maintained, usually very low miles, and good drivetrains, meaning good power and durability. Will normally be a couple holes in the body to patch from lights and sirens, but normally no rust.

I actually like the Orange paint, readymix concrete company I worked for between my Jr. and Senior year in College and after I graduated had everything painted the same shade of orange, even the D100 Dodge shop truck.

With the miles and condition of that truck you should enjoy it for another 20-30 years!

[1965GMCK1502]

Looks like it led a pampered life at the fire department!

Yes sir!

[1965GMCK1502]

Welcome aboard and a very nice truck to show. :thumbsup:

Thanks! I love Crustine and she's the one that got me interested in this truck! Love the mods you've done. Looks and sounds great!

[1965GMCK1502]

Oh, Former firetrucks are great values! very well maintained, usually very low miles, and good drivetrains, meaning good power and durability. Will normally be a couple holes in the body to patch from lights and sirens, but normally no rust.

I actually like the Orange paint, readymix concrete company I worked for between my Jr. and Senior year in College and after I graduated had everything painted the same shade of orange, even the D100 Dodge shop truck.

With the miles and condition of that truck you should enjoy it for another 20-30 years!

Thank you. That sure is the hope! Bought her for my 14 year old to prep as his first car. A few simple mods coming up this fall. Looking forward to it. Thanks again to all on this site for the great information.

[POWERSTROKE]

Bought her for my 14 year old to prep as his first car. A few simple mods coming up this fall. Looking forward to it. Thanks again to all on this site for the great information.

That sounds like a great Father-Son project. Take lots of pictures. Something you will remember forever!

[1965GMCK1502]

Curious about the original stance on a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive.....the current setup I inherited from the prior owner has a 1" block on the front and a 6" block in rear....pics attached....would like to return more to original....any pics/experience out there? Keeping in mind the current Short wheel base.
Thank you!

[bigblockv6]

Here's a factory pic from 62, it's not the greatest since it shows the suspension articulating.

[1965GMCK1502]

Here's a factory pic from 62, it's not the greatest since it shows the suspension articulating.

The folks on this board are incredible. Thanks so much for the pic. It looks like the stance is pretty much the same as my current truck.

[bigblockv6]

It does look close but I think your may have 2-3 more inches of height.

[bigblockv6]

[QUOTE=1965GMCK1502;68024]Curious about the original stance on a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive.....the current setup I inherited from the prior owner has a 1" block on the front and a 6" block in rear....pics attached....would like to return more to original....any pics/experience out there?


How's this for a 3/4 ton stocker:upyes:

[1965GMCK1502]

[QUOTE=1965GMCK1502;68024]Curious about the original stance on a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive.....the current setup I inherited from the prior owner has a 1" block on the front and a 6" block in rear....pics attached....would like to return more to original....any pics/experience out there?


How's this for a 3/4 ton stocker:upyes:

Looks great!!

[POWERSTROKE]

I've always read that front lift blocks are not a good idea. They typically have more stresses from turning and are more prone to loosening, And all kinds of bad things happen if they fall out.

Plus I like trucks with a little Rake to them, a little higher in back than in the front. Then if you haul something the truck levels out. Nothing worse in my opinion than a truck with it's tail sagging or dragging.

My truck is not a GMC but is a stock 3/4 ton 4wd long box, 8 ft., rear sits about 4-5 inches higher than the front. It takes over a Ton sitting on the back half of the box to get it sitting level. I does have over-load springs, an extra short spring on top of the normal 4-5 leaf pack that catch "L" shaped spring perches. With your short box the rear about 3 inches higher would look nice.

I still like that Orange paint! And the clearance lights!

[1965GMCK1502]

I've always read that front lift blocks are not a good idea. They typically have more stresses from turning and are more prone to loosening, And all kinds of bad things happen if they fall out.

Plus I like trucks with a little Rake to them, a little higher in back than in the front. Then if you haul something the truck levels out. Nothing worse in my opinion than a truck with it's tail sagging or dragging.

My truck is not a GMC but is a stock 3/4 ton 4wd long box, 8 ft., rear sits about 4-5 inches higher than the front. It takes over a Ton sitting on the back half of the box to get it sitting level. I does have over-load springs, an extra short spring on top of the normal 4-5 leaf pack that catch "L" shaped spring perches. With your short box the rear about 3 inches higher would look nice.

I still like that Orange paint! And the clearance lights!

Thanks! I like the rake as well just think this current set-up is a bit off. Will remove front block entirely and reduce rear to 2", maybe 3". Totally agree with you re orange paint and lights! Considering a black cab roof and black step rails...
Current rear-end whine is taking precedence though. Need to figure that one out.

[POWERSTROKE]

Milwakee Railroad Intermodal Trucking used a LOT of Mack trucks, orange with black frames, wheels, and front fenders, front bumper too. Sharp looking paint scheme. But that was the way trucks got painted back in the early days, -Teens, -'20's, '30's, '40's. Hood and cab a color, front fenders black.

I've seen Orange and White work really great too. Depends on how much brightwork you want. I'm NOT a fan of these "Murdered Out" cars & trucks.

[James]

Current rear-end whine is taking precedence though. Need to figure that one out.

Have you check the rear end oil? Could also be bearings/gears noise. In my truck before I drove it I check it and found it only had a 1/4 cup of oil in it. When I removed the cover I discovered the gears and bearings were shot. Fortunately I was planning on removing the 4.11 and installing the 3.54. With the new parts I can only hear the wind blowing in my hair. :ahhhh:

[1965GMCK1502]

Have you check the rear end oil? Could also be bearings/gears noise. In my truck before I drove it I check it and found it only had a 1/4 cup of oil in it. When I removed the cover I discovered the gears and bearings were shot. Fortunately I was planning on removing the 4.11 and installing the 3.54. With the new parts I can only hear the wind blowing in my hair. :ahhhh:

Thanks, James. Planning on getting in there in the next few days. 3.54's must be a pleasure to cruise in!
Started scraping the exhaust manifold to get ready for paint last night and wondered about original manifold color? Found some press pics from when engine debuted on the 6066 info sight and looks like all red? But some others show silver or black. Deciding on which way to go.....?

[bigblockv6]

Why some press photos show the manifolds red is because the engines were painted with the manifolds on but after running the engines the red would burn off revealing the actual color which is yellow. When my father took delivery of the brand new KM-2500 back in March 1, 1968 I clearly remember the exhaust s being yellow. A 1960 GMC tilt cab commercial confirms that, you can find it on youtube. I painted the exhaust manifold on my 478 yellow as well:thumbsup:

[1965GMCK1502]

Why some press photos show the manifolds red is because the engines were painted with the manifolds on but after running the engines the red would burn off revealing the actual color which is yellow. When my father took delivery of the brand new KM-2500 back in March 1, 1968 I clearly remember the exhaust s being yellow. A 1960 GMC tilt cab commercial confirms that, you can find it on youtube. I painted the exhaust manifold on my 478 yellow as well:thumbsup:

Looks great! Thanks for the research and reply.

[1965GMCK1502]

Oh, Former firetrucks are great values! very well maintained, usually very low miles, and good drivetrains, meaning good power and durability. Will normally be a couple holes in the body to patch from lights and sirens, but normally no rust.

I actually like the Orange paint, readymix concrete company I worked for between my Jr. and Senior year in College and after I graduated had everything painted the same shade of orange, even the D100 Dodge shop truck.

With the miles and condition of that truck you should enjoy it for another 20-30 years!

I’ve been driving her around as much as possible the last month or so and have really enjoyed learning the history behind these old GMC’s. A month in and that 305e has really grown on me! Here are some recent pics....still haven’t gotten around to lowering the rear end. Next on list! After that looking to bolster the interior support on bench seat. Has anyone had any luck with aftermarket benches or sport seats that they could recommend? Thx in advance.

[BillT]

Beautiful truck.

Same color as my old Lumber Trucks.

(The 6500 and 9500 listed below)

[1965GMCK1502]

Beautiful truck.

Same color as my old Lumber Trucks.

(The 6500 and 9500 listed below)

Thanks, Bill! Any pics to share?

[Ed Snyder]

Curious about the original stance on a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive.....the current setup I inherited from the prior owner has a 1" block on the front and a 6" block in rear....pics attached....would like to return more to original....any pics/experience out there? Keeping in mind the current Short wheel base.
Thank you!

Your truck appears to be lifted by a couple inches or so. Here are photos of the factory lift block on the rear end of my '62 Suburban, and the front end showing no block.

[1965GMCK1502]

Your truck appears to be lifted by a couple inches or so. Here are photos of the factory lift block on the rear end of my '62 Suburban, and the front end showing no block.

Thanks, Ed. The rear block on yours looks like a 6” lift? Would you be able to measure? Thank you.

[1965GMCK1502]

Your truck appears to be lifted by a couple inches or so. Here are photos of the factory lift block on the rear end of my '62 Suburban, and the front end showing no block.

Also, I see the rear lift on yours came with a stop extending out from the block to receive the axle bumper. Guess that’s missing from mine as well!

[1965GMCK1502]

Finally getting around to lowering the truck. Front down to factory specs and rear lower by 2". Dual exhaust going in shortly. Any favorites when it comes to mufflers?

[Ed Snyder]

Dual exhaust going in shortly. Any favorites when it comes to mufflers?

I'm sure everyone has their favorite, so you may get a variety of opinions. This may not be relevant, but years ago I had a '66 Nova with the 350 HP L79 engine. It had Flowmaster 40s on it when I got it. The droning noise and resonance at certain RPMs was so bad I had them replaced with Magnaflows. No more headaches! I can't say the Magnaflows were much quieter, but they were certainly less annoying.

You might find this comparison interesting: http://exhaustsystemsguide.com/magnaflow-vs-flowmaster/

[1965GMCK1502]

I'm sure everyone has their favorite, so you may get a variety of opinions. This may not be relevant, but years ago I had a '66 Nova with the 350 HP L79 engine. It had Flowmaster 40s on it when I got it. The droning noise and resonance at certain RPMs was so bad I had them replaced with Magnaflows. No more headaches! I can't say the Magnaflows were much quieter, but they were certainly less annoying.

You might find this comparison interesting: http://exhaustsystemsguide.com/magnaflow-vs-flowmaster/

Thanks for the tip, Ed. Much appreciated.

[Ed Snyder]

Thanks for the tip, Ed. Much appreciated.

You can read a lot of other opinions too, on this site: https://www.bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/tech-section/21944-magnaflow-vs-flowmaster

Many of them comment on the annoying drone of the Flowmasters that I experienced at highway speeds.

[1965GMCK1502]

You can read a lot of other opinions too, on this site: https://www.bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/tech-section/21944-magnaflow-vs-flowmaster

Many of them comment on the annoying drone of the Flowmasters that I experienced at highway speeds.

Thx again, Ed. I’m going to go straight out the back with a smaller pipe (2 1/4 or 2 1/2). Also, not sure I’ll be doing any highway driving so think I’m going to try the 40’s and work my way down if I find them too loud.

[bigblockv6]

Give the 40's a chance, I run the 50's on my truck not bad at all on noise and drone, I'm considering 40's for a bit more aggressive sound, running 2 1/2 inch pipes.

[1965GMCK1502]

Give the 40's a chance, I run the 50's on my truck not bad at all on noise and drone, I'm considering 40's for a bit more aggressive sound, running 2 1/2 inch pipes.

Will do. Thanks.

[POWERSTROKE]

. Dual exhaust going in shortly. Any favorites when it comes to mufflers?

We put DynoMax cat-back on our '88 Mustang GT 5-speed in about 1993. Stock exhausts didn't last then like they do now. Bad drone at highway speeds.

Keep in mind your V-6 is a totally different animal when it comes to exhaust. I'd start with what you think would be a quieter muffler and run it 10,000 miles and see how loud it gets. A V-6 is kinda the worst of 4 cylinder and V-8 combined into one. Definitely not a smooth quiet in-line six. Think I'd run 2-1/2" pipe to the rear bumper. Your 305 V-6 needs the exhaust of a 396 V-8. It's a Big block minus two cylinders and wants to rev up under load.

[1965GMCK1502]

Thanks! A Dynomax turbo muffler is also on the list but already started with the Flowmaster...by the way the truck just hit 15,000 miles after about 53 years....something tells me the next 10,000 will arrive much sooner!
Thanks for the muffler feedback all!