1956 GMC panel truck - POS to RatRod in one year.........

Next step is to tear down the motor and see where it's at - being a '71 - it probably needs to have hardened valve seats put in it.



I found a bad pushrod, short by 1/8" :eek1 and of course the rocker arm that goes with it was bad, and the head of the valve looked like a old cold chisel, all mushroomed over. Head is off to the machine shop, along with the flywheel, which had seen some action. Getting the full valve job done.



Judging from the orange paint on the edge of the oil pan gasket, it looked like the oil pan had never been off this engine. Good news. Pulled the rear main cap, bearings look like brand new. Bores have some wear (in spec though), and the camshaft is worn. The plan is to leave the bearings + bores alone, have the head totally re-done, install a new cam, lifters, pushrods, rockers, timing gears and a new oil pump. Seals, etc - rebuild the rochester mono-jet carb, and we'll run it like that for a few years, and then perhaps build some "other" engine in the meantime.







turns out the carb is missing the fast idle cam + rod linkage, anyone have one of these carbs kicking around? Carb is ok, had a torn pull off diaphragm, and I put a new float in. Don't need the fast idle stuff to get it running anyways.



I dropped off my starter at the auto electric place last week, the driveshaft goes to the machine shop this week.

Can ya fit a dirt bike in it?

Cool truck.

I already have the correct cargo load for the rear, and yes, a bike will fit in it.

The cargo load I have just needs crank seals replaced. When it is done and both rigs are rolling, I'm headed to a f'n ADV rally with this pair.



I'm going to try to relive "On Any Sunday" to the best of my abilities!!!

Color me jealous!

I think calling your project a "rat rod" is a disservice. You're doing all the right things to make it a solid driver. Great work! I'll be looking forward to more posts.

I got a pile of patch panels, and cut the rust out of the floors, and the step-plates/rockers. I had to replace the front cab mounts as well, they were bad. I rebuilt the lower cowls, and door posts/a pillars.



I took measurements of the door opening before cutting out the step plates and the floor pans. One side at at a time!!!



Ancient Metalworkers Proverb -

"he who bad with welder destined to be great with grinder"








More primer on the front, I'm using SEM self etching primer in a rattle-can.





Working on the radiator support pieces. This was all apart when I got it, and a bit of a puzzle putting it back together.



The sheel metal in the front end is surprisingly good. Except for the fenders, but I have two sets.

We're gaining!!!!!!

You're after my heart on this one. There's two of those around here that neither owner would part with.

Looking good Scott

Ooooh, this is good!

Subscribed! Maybe it'll give me inspiration to get started on my Willys.

Fantastic!

There's a few things I might do different if it was my truck....................but it's not, it's yours.................so do it your fucking way


Now somebody pass me the butter

That thing would be cool with a stinky Cummins 4BT.

If you ever get interested in that possibility:

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/index.php

I originally thought it would be nice to find a wrecked sprinter van, and just snag the whole driveline out of it.

I'm not really into making this thing a powerhouse, as that will force rear axle replacement, and I really just want to ride around.

I do have a buddy with an old Power Wagon that has a slick mitsubishi t/d in it.

We're sticking with the 6 on this job, and only the 250, cause I found it for cheap connected to the right trans I wanted, yes, the one w/o a syncro in first, just like original. I'm sticking with the column shift - more room up front for my Lady.



Besides with a gasser and no cat, I can put one of these on it!

http://www.flamekitz.com/flamingexhaustproducts.html

Shoot flames!

:eek1

"Three on the tree"- I love it!

Your dare has been accepted.