GM 1956 GMC gets an upgrade or two!

[Michael B]

Can't beat the 205. Heavy though.

You’re not wrong sir. With that said, the 205 is still the lightest part of the drive train.

 

[Michael B]

The manifolds clear, although the left one may touch the frame under power. The radiator appears to have plenty of room. I will need to reassess this when the fenders are mounted and the radiator support is in its final position. There is plenty of room around the stock oil pan. Which was a concern since it has an 8 quart stump.

 

[Michael B]

I believe it’s a keeper. With the engine and transmission in place I can make the final adjustments to the brake booster mounting bracket. It looks like there is plenty of clearance. Next I will see if the hydro boost unit I salvaged from the Caddy will bolt to my bracket. I haven’t run into any major issues yet.

 

[Michael B]

I feel like I reached a milestone today. I have been fussing with the brake booster mount for way too long. Today I made the final alignment and tacked the bracket to the frame. Now I’m able to hang the entire unit and check fitment. I’m pleased with the end results. The pedal shaft through the floor is almost centered and the booster clears the frame and the transmission. I may exchange the vacuum booster for the hydro booster from the Caddy down the road. But hydro booster is smaller than the vacuum unit so there shouldn’t be too many issues there. After the early American oak cross member is replaced with a more permanent/factory unit, I have a 3/16” plate to gusset the frame under the booster mount. That booster is heavy and there will be force excreted on the frame under braking.

 

[Michael B]

FYI this is an original master cylinder for that year.

 

[FJ40 MNTCRZR]

With the filler cap up against the floor, how do you fill the brake fluid?

 

[cruiserdan]

The same way Ford dealers work on the engines in Super Dutys? He does have a lift to raise the cab off the frame.

 

[Michael B]

With the filler cap up against the floor, how do you fill the brake fluid?
View attachment 3784183

There is a factory hole in the floor, just forward of the booster, that a tube from a squeeze bottle can be used to fill the MC from above.

 

[FJ40 MNTCRZR]

There is a factory hole in the floor, just forward of the booster, that a tube from a squeeze bottle can be used to fill the MC from above.

Nice… I was curious after seeing the pics… nice work btw.

 

[Michael B]

I started working on my steering setup this weekend. First the original steering gear box had to go.

Then the frame needed a couple of minor repairs. These frames are notorious for cracking behind the steering gear box. A reinforcement plate will be installed inside the frame rail, after the engine test fit is complete.

With the column installed along with the old steering gear box, I can get a look at what I’m going to need to connect everything together.

I need to make sure I have room to install the original automatic transmission shifter.

 

[Michael B]

Nice… I was curious after seeing the pics… nice work btw.

Thank you sir!

 

[bobm]

You should Sleeve the mounting points for Steering gear! D.O.M tubing through the frame . Just a thought .

 

[Michael B]

You should Sleeve the mounting points for Steering gear! D.O.M tubing through the frame . Just a thought .

Bob it’s an open C channel, not much use in sleeving this one

 

[bobm]

Guess that's out

 

[Michael B]

I finally got some parts (thanks USPS) and some time, so my steering column should be good to go.

 

[Michael B]

I installed the the column and shifter today. Although I had to back track and use another column tube. It turns out that a 4 speed steering column and a hydramatic steering column are different, who knew

The 4 speed column is completely smooth except for a centering tab for the turn signal cup. The hydramatic column isn’t. There is also what I believe to be a ground point at the base of the column. Please see the pictures.

 

[Michael B]

The top end of the column is complete, so now I can turn my attention to the bottom end of the column.

 

[Michael B]

I reassembled the bottom end of the column. There is a minor clearance issue I will need to address later. I’m probably going to ditch the original switch, for space and tidinesses.

 

[Michael B]

I spent a little time in the shop after the gun show today. The new steering gearbox mounts up nicely.

 

[cruiserdan]

It certainly shows up well against that frame