1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

I watched this truck sit on the side of the road for years trying to get the older gentleman to sell it to me. He finally did sell me the truck and I am happy to have it at my place. This is what the truck looked like when I found it parked on the side of the road.








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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Here is the truck after towing it back home. I now have the truck under the awning of my shop and began the repairs this past weekend.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

I removed about a pound of unnecessary wiring and removed the bench seat and fuel tank. I will send the fuel tank out the be stripped and lined before I put it back in the truck. I also plan to remove all the propane attachments. The propane fuel system was put on after the original owner bought the truck. Everything was pretty loose to say the least.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Here is a picture of the 305B V6. As big as the engine is there is still a lot of room under the hood. I do love these old trucks!

Spark plugs, plug wires and the battery had to be replaced. The motor would turn over but would not start. I am optimistic she will run once I get the basics back in order.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Another view from the rear of the truck. That is my John Deere 4020 tractor in the background. Another sunset in Texas. The wood on the bed will be replaced as well.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Good looking old truck.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Mice to see another of the big GMCs getting Rescued.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Today it rained pretty good here in the Dallas area so work was cancelled. No interest in being in a crane when lightning is striking everywhere.

I took the day to take the gas tank to the radiator shop and I was told it should be ready by Friday. They will acid bath and seal the inside of the tank. The fuel residue in that tank is like syrup right now. I still have to get a new sending unit for the tank so getting to start the truck this weekend maybe a bit optimistic.

I did pick up a new fuel pump, fuel line, spark plug wires and a new gas cap today from NAPA. I took the propane mixer off the top of the carburetor. Special thanks to Cayoterun for his time on the phone explaining to me what to expect with the disassembly and the "in's and out's" of the propane system. I installed the new fuel pump today as well. I did not remove but I did clean up the Zenith carburetor so I could read any information stamped on it. I should get all the plug wires installed tomorrow evening.

Any pointers of how to clean out steel fuel lines would be appreciated. The short steel fuel line from the tank to under the cab is easy to clean out with diesel. The long steel gas line from the fuel filter on the frame to the fuel pump is a different story. Again, any incite would be appreciated. As I said, the fuel residue in the fuel line now is like the tank. It's all like syrup.

The last years the truck was running was on propane. I am hoping the transition back to gasoline is smooth.




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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Subscribed! That's a good story on how you got her. (him?) That's exactly how I got Cecilia too, just pestering an old farmer that wanted someone to appreciate her.

Now he/she needs a name :thumbsup:

So about the gas lines, my neighbor has the same problem with an old ferd mustang. I'm going to help him flush them out by filling them up with carb cleaner, let it sit overnight, then blow them out with a compressor.

If you have money coming out of your ears you can just replace them. Its easier, but it adds cost to the build. I hate spending money lol.

:goodluck:

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Just replace the fuel lines!!!!!!!

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

I pulled off the gasoline fuel lines starting from the tank behind the seat to the carburetor. The steel fuel lines I have cleaned and look pretty good. The rubber fuel line with 3/8" fittings that runs over the frame rail under the cab has to be replaced. I ordered that section of the fuel line from NAPA and will pick it up tomorrow with the fuel tank from the radiator shop. I will also pickup the grommet that wraps around the fuel tank fill spout that comes out next to the drivers side door. That had to be delivered from the east coast according to parts GURU'S at NAPA. She is coming together with parts so hopefully I will get the chance to start her this weekend.

After I get her running, then stripping all the wood off the bed then working on the brakes. Stripping the wood will make it easier if I have to change out the brake lines. Speaking of brakes, has anyone upgraded a truck like this to all around disk brakes? If so, where do you buy the kit to do that? As much as I want her to run, I want this huge girl to STOP! I will post more pictures tomorrow. Thanks for all the comments. I have received some good information since I started this project.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Don't overlook the obvious when you reinstall the gas carb. Eliminate the off/on gas line solenoid. Without hot wire activated, it stays in the off position. Back to gas all the time, it no longer serves any purpose.

Cayoterun

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Went to pickup the gas tank that had been soaking in a chemical bath since Monday. The only thing keeping that tank from leaking was the sludge in the tank. After the bath, the tank had about 15 holes in it.

Obviously there will be no starting of the truck this weekend.

So I got online and found a brand new replacement tank with a sending unit and should have them here by Thursday of next week. The tank is also lined so I should not have any problems. I will shoot pictures when the new tank is delivered new week.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

New tank arrived with sending unit and stainless steel screws. I checked over the tank for any issues and it all looked good. Packaging was really good. The sending unit with screws came in a separate box.

Here is a picture of the tank. Do not forget to place the gasket first before installing the sending unit. Install the float first when installing the sending unit. I laid the tank down on a piece of the notched packing cardboard to hold the tank steady and let the sending unit hang freely in the tank while I tightened the screws on the sending unit.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Next I cut some cardboard strip from the fuel tank packing to run under the straps that hold the fuel tank in place. It all went together pretty easy. Remember that the fuel tank neck extension that comes out next to the drivers side door has to be installed.
I strapped the tank down the same as it was removed. Tank fit perfectly. I connected the power wire to the connection by the drivers side door and the ground wire to the cab over the tank.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Tomorrow I will install the steel fuel lines with new fuel filter. I have the fuel filter canister soaking in diesel. All will be cleaned up good and I will finish the fuel system overhaul. I have new plug wires and a new coil as well. With any luck, I will have the old girl running tomorrow.

Many thanks to Cayoterun for locating me a breather (air cleaner) for the truck. I received a message this evening that he shipped the breathers (2 air cleaners) out to me today. One is and oil bath type and the other is a filter type. When I removed the propane system from the truck, the air cleaner was part of the propane assembly.



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Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Those oil bath cleaners are awesome. I have a paper and an oil, and the paper sits in the cabinet collecting dust while the oil...oh wait. I guess they both collect dust :D
Anyway, the fact that I never have to spend another $15.00 on a piece of paper really makes me happy.

Can't wait to see you driving! :3gears:

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

man o man - what part of the United States do you have to live in to see something this cool and solid just sitting by the road....geez

PS - top money will be paid to anyone who can turn me onto a set of 60-63 solid doors like this truck has :)

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

GMC Nut,
I will look for you a set of doors like what is on my truck. I may know where to find them.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

I have the entire fuel system back in the truck and fuel is running great to the carburetor. I put 5 gallons of fuel in the tank. No leaks anywhere with the fuel lines and the gas gauge is working perfectly. I put the new plug wires and coil on today which I purchased from NAPA. I cleaned out the ignition wiring connector on the firewall with compressed air and contact cleaner after using a wire brush on the contacts. I traced the wires from the distributor and all connections look good.
I replaced the battery terminal connectors as well. I tried to start the truck this evening and I am not getting any spark at all. I assume it's the distributor (points) that are bad. I have been reading some of the posts from "Ray" regarding troubleshooting the ignition. I will try this again tomorrow. I do believe I will upgrade the points to the Pertronix ignition setup. I have also talked to Cayoterun regarding this upgrade. I would like to get the truck running with what I have now if possible. I will know more after tomorrow.

I also need to do a compression test on the engine. That is a gauge I do NOT have so I will be looking for that as well tomorrow.

Thanks for all the messages I received regarding the truck. It is just a matter if time before I have her back on the road. Thanks to all the experts on this site whose posts I have read to get me this far. More to follow!

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

thanks Crosshair - just PM me if you find some nice solid ones like yours....

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Ok members.
I have been off-line for some time now with work as well as dealing with an injury. Also, I bought a new place in the northwest and I'm in the process of moving. I still have the truck and most certainly will finish my project. Sometimes, life gets in the way.
Thanks for all the email comments and advice I have received. More to follow after the move is complete.
S/F,
Crosshairs6

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Great looking truck, looking forward to more. I'm a '60 as well, thanks.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Back online and working on the 1961 GMC 4000. Pulled the carburetor off to rebuild. The carburetor kit from NAPA did not come with enough gaskets so I am waiting on more gaskets to come in the mail.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Started taking off the old wood from the flatbed. I've never seen 2X6 tongue and groove till yesterday removing the bed. There was about 30 pounds of caulk removed as well.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Zenith model 28 Carburetor rebuilt. Still waiting on gaskets.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Pulled out center floor-pan today. Great access to linkage and emergency brake. Removed a lot of gunk and emergency brake works great now. I'm thinking I need a new master cylinder but I am having problems locating the specific model with the brake line coming off the front of the master cylinder. There is a lot of surface rust but the truck is solid.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

The carburetor gaskets did not come in the mail today. I focused on removing the Fontaine bed.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Cross-members on the Fontaine bed are cracked in too many places to count. I will have to cut it all out and weld in new C-channel.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

I didn't realize how much the drive shaft is offset until I removed the truck bed.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Everything looks pretty good considering. The wiring on the bed lights and tail lights is a mess.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Replacing all brake wheel cylinders. Note: There are 3 screws that hold on the brake drum on the GMC 4000. I did not see that in the maintenance manual.
I will be power-washing out all the wheel wells and frame rails once brakes are complete.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Waiting of brake shoes and wheel cylinders. Parts should be in tomorrow. Looking at the steering shaft, the boots need to be replaced. Obviously everything with the steering shaft needs to be power washed and greased. That said, I have not found any of the boots online specifically for a GMC 4000. I tried NAPA today and they don't list a GMC 4000 in their system. I figure boots for a different model truck will work but any ideas on where to source them would be appreciated.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Still waiting on parts. I had to rebuild the carburetor on my Honda power-washer to blast the truck. I also took time today to clean up the bench seat. The seat cleaned up pretty nice being all original upholstery.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Good looking truck.

Nice improvements.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

New master cylinder arrived and will be installed over the weekend. New master cylinder being installed ended up being the part number was for a 1961 C80 truck. The master cylinder has a brake line coming off the front of the reservoir.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Pulled out clutch slave cylinder today. No wonder the clutch would not actuate. The slave cylinder was completely rotted out on the inside. New part ordered from NAPA today and I will pickup in the morning.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

I picked up the floor plates from powder coat today. I plan to media blast the entire cab but for now I wanted these coated.

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

New jack stands delivered as well. These are 10-ton stands that are obviously overkill but I need the height to reach the frame rails. Go big or go home right!

Re: 1961 GMC 4000 Rescue and repair
 

Floor plates before powder coating.