Tyler,
I would agree more with your dad (and Jack) -- it would be a shame to chop up a
GMC that way if everything is pretty much in working order. Why not do a frame
up restoration as close as you can get to original and then modify the parts
that you really can't live with or can't work at the level you need? Jack's
suggestion of a different rear-end ratio is a good example; seat belts and a
dual master cylinder would also be on the list. As long as you do good basic
work, you haven't eliminated any options, so if you really need or want a
different engine or rear-end later, you can still do it. My reasoning is that
if you like this type of truck enough to make it your first car, there is no
reason to try to make it something different than what it is-- it would be much
easier to start with a Corvette if you want a lot of horsepower and sports car
handling.
Anyway, I'm sure there will be lots of views to the contrary as well. Good
luck and have fun whatever you decide.
Burton
Joel Brain wrote:
> Hi, I'm fifteen years old, I own a 53' gmc 1/2 ton. It's a five window.
> I have a bunch of questions about restoring it, so please answer as many as
> you can. I'm kinda of thinking of two different ways of doing the resto'
> (ya'lls lingo is wearin' off:) . The first way is my idea- strip the sheep
> metal and build it from the ground up with a mustang II front end- 700r4
> tranny, chev small block, f*rd 9 inch rear end (chevy 12 bolt?) -- get the
> picture right? The second way is my dads idea- do all the body work (I'm
> gonna do it myself!!) get it running really smooth ( it's got a 228 in it)
> and then paint it. Pretty much just make a reliable daily driver. After
> that I can decide wether I really want to strip it down and put all those
> goody's underneath. Is it better just to strip it now and do it right
> the first time or is this one of those 'father know's best' kind of things?
> Besides that, how does my drivetrain combination sound as a whole? any
> suggestions? I live forty miles out of the nearest big town so I'll be
> commuting quite regulary. Thus the overdrive tranny. Also has anybody
> had any background with Jim Pace Perfomance Parts? They offer a 300
> H.P.350 engine for 2000$. Is this a good deal? Are they very durable
> engine's? It sound's better than building my own engine, and that's
> about how many horsey's I want. Of course cost is an issue ( it always
> is, right?) . I'm a newbie ( like ya can't tell) and I need any/all the
> help I can get. Thank in advance, Tyler (Joel's son.)
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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