New Member

[JerrySC]

Hi all,

I have been working on 1961 GMC 1000 for about a year now. It's not an original restoration but more of a rat rod. It has a 305 V8 in it, an R700 transmission and a Ford 8.8 rear end. So it's a Frankenstein to be sure. The body is still all original. I enjoy working on it in my spare time. Nice to be among fellow enthusiasts.

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by JerrySC

Hi all,

I have been working on 1961 GMC 1000 for about a year now. It's not an original restoration but more of a rat rod. It has a 305 V8 in it, an R700 transmission and a Ford 8.8 rear end. So it's a Frankenstein to be sure. The body is still all original. I enjoy working on it in my spare time. Nice to be among fellow enthusiasts.

Welcome to the forum, Jerry! We'll be looking forward to photos.

[jbgroby]

Welcome Jerry,

You've found the best group in regard to this series of trucks and the 305 V-6. You mentioned that you had a 305 V-8, was that a typo or did you mean V-6?

This group are about the best and most knowledgeable you'll ever find, from Bone stock to modified and proven tips, tricks and short-cuts.

I run a 95% OEM 1960 with an upgraded transmission (700R4), without this group, I'd given up 15 years back.

Enjoy your ride, this is my ride.

[JerrySC]

It's a 305 V8. It has headers, an intake and a Edelbrock 4 barrel on it. It's a good running motor. Most hot rodders consider the 305 V8 a boat anchor but it has plenty of "go" for me. The truck has been lowered. Here is a picture when I first got it last year.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

It's a good looking truck. Not everyone is blessed with the 305 v6, but your number portion is right so that's just fine! Did you do a build thread with your "what I've done so far" pictures?

[JerrySC]

Most of what I've done so far is not picture worthy; rebuilding the front end, transmission work on the 4L60, getting the 305 V8 running well. Once I get it mechanically road worthy, I will start on the body, interior. etc. That should be picture worthy. I intend to use it as a truck, so I'm really questioning what I will do with the bed. The wood has completely rotted out. I need a bed that is functional but I hate to put a pretty new wooden bed in and then trash it hauling around things. Diamond plate is nice but way expensive. Any ideas would be helpful!

[jmfurgason]

Jerry I have seen plywood used in bed,cut 4x8 sheet to fit stain both sides place metal strips on top. looked pretty good less expensive and durable.

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by jmfurgason

Jerry I have seen plywood used in bed,cut 4x8 sheet to fit stain both sides place metal strips on top. looked pretty good less expensive and durable.

Jerry -- like JMF said, plywood is probably your best bet as far as cost goes. You'll need to cut separate pieces to fit in front of and behind the wheel housings.

May cost even more than diamond plate, but a truck I used to own had an aluminum plate over the old bed wood. Since it was so smooth, it was great for hauling crushed rock, making it easy to shovel out.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I third the plywood option. Cecilia had plywood in her when I got started and it held up nicely. Just use 3/4" and either treat it with linseed oil or paint it up to protect it from the rain.
That also makes it easy to swap it out when it's too damaged to use anymore.

[Jim A]

I used 1" marine plywood 30-40 years ago on my stepside. Kept it Thompsoned and hauled lots of different stuff.
On the stepside the wood is an integral part of the whole structure.