6066 (1960-1966) GMC Truck Club Bitcoin now accepted here! 
Pay Dues
Pay Dues or become a Site Supporter
 



Go Back   6066 (1960-1966) GMC Truck Club > 6066 GMC Truck Club Forum > Builds and Journals


Builds and Journals This is where the magic happens. Photograph & document your GMC build progress for posterity.
NOTICE - Photobucket will delete your pics after a time. Use another host if possible.

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #11  
Old December 17th, 2016, 07:57 PM
John Mann John Mann is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Monument, CO
Truck: 1963 GMC Fenderside
Posts: 32
Rep Power: 76
John Mann is on a distinguished road
Default Re: '63 Fenderside in Colorado

Okay everyone, I have been piddling around with this '63 long enough. I have it disassembled down to the frame, without a really solid plan for rebuild. But enough wandering around aimlessly. Here's the plan; would appreciate opinions and advice.

It's a great piece of American history. I want to put it back together so that, hopefully, it will be around for the next 25+ years. I also want to do as much of the work myself that I can. But I'm in my 60s, and I want to drive it before, well, you know.....

So I want it finished by the end of 2018.

To that end, I see three phases. First, rebuild it mechanically--clean, paint, etc. Second, bodywork, most of which is way beyond my ability. So I'm going to rebuild for a while, until it's time to bail on that and hire it out.

As far as rebuilding it mechanically, I don't want to make a Christmas tree of it, but I would like to make is so that when someone who has never turned a wrench looks at the frame and mechanicals, way off in the future, (s)he can see the different parts/pieces. So I'm thinking of painting the frame black, but using a contrasting color on stuff that bolts onto it: front axle, A-arms, etc. Has anyone ever seen that sort of thing done? Again, not to overdo it, but want people to see how the GMC was really built "back in the day". It's the history piece for future generations that is important to me.

I think it good to do a few safety upgrades (move the fuel tank to under the frame, disc brakes on the front) while preserving as much of the original as possible (leave drum brakes on the rear). Of course, leave the 305 and SM420 in it; it seems lots of folks on this site like the Holly 500cfm upgrade. Maybe change the gearing in the rear end, or does that change the truck too much? Could really use some opinions and advice on balancing original equipment/design with really long term safety and drivability.

Okay, thats enough. Thanks in advance for anyone's feedback and advice.

John
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old December 18th, 2016, 12:31 AM
TJ's GMC's Avatar
TJ's GMC TJ's GMC is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cave Junction, Oregon
Truck: 1964 GMC 1500 LWB Wideside 305E V6.
Posts: 1,341
Rep Power: 399
TJ's GMC is on a distinguished road
Default Re: '63 Fenderside in Colorado

Start your parts search now for rebuilding that 305. Your gonna have a hard time finding cam and main bearings if you wait. There are sets on Ebay as I type that you should get before they are gone. The Rod bearings are produced repop so no problems there, but main and cam bearings will have to be picked up NOS. Here is a list of parts that I know are available from the auto parts stores from within that last couple of months:

Block:
Full Gasket Set
Oil Pump
Pickup Screen
Timing Gears and Chain
Rod Bearings
Piston Rings
Water Pump
Clutch Kit
Distributor, Points type and HEI are available

Not sure on head parts, but I think you can get valve springs, guides, and seals. Valves are NOS as well I believe.

Stuff I think you have to get NOS:
Valves
Camshaft
For sure on Cam and Main bearings


You can get a carb kit or go the 500 hollley route. I'd do the 500 holley, you'll get a nice little performance increase. Also dual exhaust helps and with stock type mufflers it won't change the "stock" feel if that's what you want.

But my opinion, Get parts coming for that engine Now. They are getting scarce.

To view some links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Maybe you should introduce yourself with a new topic?

__________________
"Excuse the rust I use my truck"
1964 GMC 1500 305E/sm420 4 barrel intake mod and dual exhaust.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

1964 Chevy C20 292/SM420
1966 Chevy C10 292 hotrod 6/TKO600


My youtube channel aka Military Chevy:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old December 18th, 2016, 04:29 AM
John Mann John Mann is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Monument, CO
Truck: 1963 GMC Fenderside
Posts: 32
Rep Power: 76
John Mann is on a distinguished road
Default Re: '63 Fenderside in Colorado

Thanks, TJ,

To be honest, I hadn't thought about rebuilding the engine to that degree. Gaskets, etc, sure. Bearings weren't on my radar. I'll think about that. Probably should figure out how to know if bearings are worn, etc.

Appreciate the advice.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old December 18th, 2016, 02:34 PM
WDShaffer's Avatar
WDShaffer WDShaffer is offline
GMC Advisor
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Truck: 1961 Short Fenderside
Posts: 145
Rep Power: 106
WDShaffer is on a distinguished road
Default Re: '63 Fenderside in Colorado

I wouldn't know if there is one main bearing over anther that has critical wear or not. (e.g. '80s GM v6 center crank bearing was the critical one due to oil starvation.) Wile oil pan is off remove a bearing cap, use a piece of Plasti-gauge on both the crank and at least one piston connecting rod (secure piston so it doesn't drop when the bearing cap is removed). A visual inspection of the condition and the Plasti-gauge results will tell you.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old December 18th, 2016, 02:43 PM
WDShaffer's Avatar
WDShaffer WDShaffer is offline
GMC Advisor
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Truck: 1961 Short Fenderside
Posts: 145
Rep Power: 106
WDShaffer is on a distinguished road
Default Re: '63 Fenderside in Colorado

Cam bearings not as easy, look at the wear on the cam lobes as an overall indicator.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2950.JPG (945.2 KB, Multiple views, 3 clicks)
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old December 6th, 2017, 03:51 PM
apedoc apedoc is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: sonoma ,ca
Truck: 63 gmc short fleet
Age: 67
Posts: 2
Rep Power: 0
apedoc is on a distinguished road
Default Re: '63 Fenderside in Colorado

I'm kinda doing the same on my 63 shortbed fleet. New motor however. Same age....Me...as you.. If I can help let me know. dan
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
'63 Fenderside in Colorado John Mann GMC V6 and V12 Engines 18 August 24th, 2016 03:07 PM
Re: 63-66 Short Fenderside Archiver Previous Forum Posts 0 June 12th, 2004 01:29 AM
63-66 Short Fenderside Archiver Previous Forum Posts 0 June 11th, 2004 01:08 AM
Some parts needed for 63 Fenderside Archiver Previous Forum Posts 0 May 22nd, 2004 03:40 AM
found 63 GMC fenderside on Ebay Archiver Previous Forum Posts 0 October 26th, 2001 05:29 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:12 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd 681711554703|1710425575|0