1964 GMC Model 1002 build journal

[tbucketnut]

Thank you sir. I keep pinching myself, it is so nice to have room to work on things. Entire front clip is off now. So pleased everything came off just one bolt that got twisted off, so overall very happy. The only rust repair will be on both fenders lower patches. Core support and everything else looks great. Today will get that big lug of a V6 ready to pull.

[tbucketnut]

Well my parade is getting rained on. My V6 is out and I've completed measuring up everything. I bought a set of main bearings last year and have connecting rod bearing too. The piston bores have a .006" ridge at the top and so it will need a .030 over bore. Problem is I have not been able to source pistons. I can get cylinder sleeves and might be able to use the stock pistons and get them knurled to fit the sleeves. My pandora's box has been opened. I'd love to keep this engine, but it is not looking too good right now. I have another 305 complete motor I picked up and it was stored inside since it was removed. I might pull that one apart and take a look see too. Right now I'm punting the football and will play defense for awhile doing some rust repair in the rockers. I love this old GMC. Having a blast.
Thanks for reading, Steve

[tbucketnut]

I fear the days of the GMC V6 are numbered. I have been doing extensive searches for any and everything for the 305E. As of right now, I have managed to get most all of the engine gaskets. Pistons/rings standard size and over bore are non existent. Of course I could have a set made but not wanting to spend my full engine budget on just 6 slugs. I'm on the fence about abandoning rebuilding efforts. Ive got another engine and will look at that one too.

[snazzypig]

Steve, Don't give up yet. I have some pistons and rings if you're interested.
I'll send you a pm.

[tbucketnut]

Thank you Rolland aka snazzypig. Rolland saved the day by offering me his set of oversize 305 pistons complete with rings and wristpins. A thousand thank yous Rolland. I have met so many nice people here with top notch advice to go with. If it wasnt for Rolland my 305 engine would be dead and an off brand would of found its way into my GMC. It is not the same and it would of been a truck that I would of completed but not been in love with anymore.

The front clip is off the truck now and it is time to disassemble the front suspension and steering components. It is getting all new tie rod ends, power assist cylinder and valve. New upper and lower ball joints and A arm bushings plus front bearings and brakes.

I have some serious cleaning to do first. A leaky power steering valve collected about ten pounds of grease and dirt buildup over the last 50 or so years.

Pretty stoked to get started here. Engine is in the machine shop getting hot tanked then bored and honed, crank getting turned, then I'm doing all the assembly there.

[snazzypig]

You're very welcome Steve. I am glad I could help with your project. Your work is top notch and I'm sure your GMC will turn out great.

[tbucketnut]

Thank you sir, I like to put up some before pictures because once done, we tend to forget about the arduous cleaning projects these tend to be. I've been spending money like a drunken sailor again. Looking forward to a productive spring.

[GMCTom]

Steve, don't give up!

Remembers me on my control arms. Dirt and grease everywhere. When you have cleaned and painted them the smile on your face will be big

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[tbucketnut]

Hello all,
Update:
Front end is now complete. After disassembly, seemed like I was scraping and grinding dirt off the frame and suspension components for ever. It seems progress has been at a glacial rate at best.
Happy to report that all components have been cleaned the ones small enough to fit in the glass bead cabinet, got blasted then painted. I replaced all ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, A-arm shafts as well as power steering slave cylinder and control valve/hoses. Of course bearings seals and brakes too. Also, bought a neat tool for cleaning off the rust and grime off the frame and parts, it is pneumatic and is called a needle scaler. This tool is a must if you plan on doing much of this kind of work. Better than wire wheels and doesn't make dust go airborne either.
Looks a little better now.

Now onto more work:

[tbucketnut]

So a couple months ago I found a suitable stock bore engine that I decided to send to the machine shop along with a .040 piston to have it bored and honed too. I was lucky to find a set of main and rod bearings , so I had the crank turned too. I now have the crank and block back from the machinist and will start to assemble this motor. I post up more as I proceed. But this is what I have thus far. Also, I might add these replacement pistons have the extra compression ring and I decided to use a set of rods from a 305C motor. They are noticeably bigger stronger rods than the 305 E motor to make this bottom end bullet proof for my 1/2 ton truck.

Cheers,
Steve