GM 1956 GMC gets an upgrade or two!

[Michael B]

Getting started on the tear down.

 

[Michael B]

Not much picture worthy today, the bumpers and hood are off. The bed is completely loose and the front fenders are loose. I need to disconnect the front turn signals and headlights, then the fenders can be removed.

 

[Michael B]

A good QST day. I started here this morning.

I finished here this evening.

 

[Michael B]

Now for a few pictures of the process.

 

[Michael B]

Then it was time for the other end of the mule.

 

[Michael B]

The end.

 

[cruiserdan]

Cross-posting this in two forums makes me dizzy

Which one should I be following?

 

[Michael B]

Cross-posting this in two forums makes me dizzy

Which one should I be following?

I apologize for any confusion Dan. The build thread here is for the everything concerning the GMC. I cross post cliff notes in my shop thread as ongoing shenanigans in my newly completed building.

I do appreciate your following along both threads.

 

[Michael B]

A little more QST today. I installed the radiator support and bumper mounts after performing a little surgery. I also installed the new front cab mounts to bring it up to level.

 

[Michael B]

I worked on mounting the front bumper this weekend. Progress was made but I’m not there yet. This picture was taken on the 6th try.

 

[Michael B]

I think I’m happy with the front bumper.

Then I had to catch her before she got to the door!

 

[Michael B]

Then I started working on the rear bumper.

 

[Michael B]

A very good friend of mine drove down from Virginia to bring me his extra LQ9 6.0L. It just happened to still be in the 05’ Escalade that GM packaged it in. He also brought me some GMC parts for the truck since he also happens to be a parts vendor for 55’-59’ Chevy/GMC trucks.

 

[Michael B]

My friend and I started stripping the bent sheet metal away yesterday. Now I can see the engine.

 

[Michael B]

A little rearranging of the shop was in order for the next steps.

 

[Michael B]

I haven’t really liked newer vehicles (ie anything post 1980 ) but the last couple of weekends have completely reinforced my opinion. I honestly don’t know how professional mechanics handle working on these new vehicles everyday.

I probably went about pulling this LS motor the wrong way. I wanted to pull the drivetrain complete, 1st mistake. Then I didn’t want to remove the intake before engine removal, 2nd mistake. I did manage to accomplish my goals, but it took some unorthodox methods to get the job done. I ended up pulling the body mount bolts and lifting the front of the body about 6” so I could lift the engine high enough to clear the front differential. But enough chatter about my stupidity.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Nice work Michael. I dont know how I missed this! Sub’d!!!! The stance with mag wheels is the ticket!!! Damn nice son!

 

[Michael B]

Nice work Michael. I dont know how I missed this! Sub’d!!!! The stance with mag wheels is the ticket!!! Damn nice son!

Thanks CD!

 

[bobm]

Love it. Newest thing I own is a 79.. Except for my tractor

 

[Michael B]

Love it. Newest thing I own is a 79.. Except for my tractor

Bob I own a 17’ Outback and an 01’ S2000 but I don’t do much work on them.