So I haven't been keeping very good track, but I am in the midst of a frame of build of what was a 67 4x4. This was orginally an Illinois Dept of Transportation plow truck, and it had the rust to prove it. I still have the plow and mounting system but will be going to a modern style of plow mount and hydraulics. i have attached all the before pictures of the 67 i have and will have up to date shots up tonight.

I nearly have my late model HD spring swap done at this point (on powder coated frame, 56" springs using custom fabbed mounts front and rear; some I designed, some from DIY4X) and will begin working on the cab next. I have searched a lot on this site up to this point and for everyone's benefit I am going to document the resurrection of this cab/truck. For those faint of heart or paranoid of rust; turn away now; this won't be pretty. I have no prior experience and minimal training (grandpa and uncle on welding a bit and just the hard way so far) so everyone pay attention and see what can be with courage and a McGyver attitude. Also, I'm a tight as so this is being done on a tight budget, improving when possible and splurging when worthwhile, but this is a work truck not a show truck, so you'll see function over form here.

So far I have taken a rusty 72 GMC cab that had rockers and galvanized corners riveted and bondoed over rusted garabage and put it on a rack (it's actually better than the 67 was). I cut the small window out of the 67 before I scrapped it and have it fabbed into the 72. It needs final welding, but its in place. I did all of that with a 110v fluxcore welder. my uncle is letting me borrow a MIG if I pay to haev the bottle filled, so the rest should be done with that welder. I ordered all the patch panels I'd need (Tri-plus panels from a board vender; Muszclerodz) and will take shots as I go. Hopefully they fit, hopefully I can keep it all square. i have the 67 doors bolted in place to check fit. They lay like garbage, but they prove the opening are square, so I will measure, mark and brace before I start cutting (betetr safe than sorry). Please make suggestions as I go because I'm really diving off the deep end.

oh, and the 72 cab came with the truck so I feel I got nothing to lose but my pride and it wouldn't be the first time! So come along and let's see how a true novice goes!!!!

Sorry, no picks yet. Wife got a job so we celebrated. Will have welding bottled filled tonight and hope to get started on the cab. Will first be measuring and bracing, then working on the cab supports. Also having some guys come over and help me swap beds on my 68 and then going to use 68 bed to fix 67, then buy a better bed for my 4x4.

Looks like a good start! Paint it DOT Yellow when your done!

funny think about yellow, the 72 cab is yellow and with the red 67 doors my wife calls it "smoothie". I'm not a painter, but I plan to aresol the inside and the jambs and such so I can put it together and then pay to have the outside painted. It's also a work truck, so all I really want is a uniform color and no rust.

oh, silver or gunmetal metallic by teh way; not sure yet.

camera issues are making pictures difficult, but I have started the passenger side floor repair. the door is braced and I have cut the front of the floor out to reveal the front cab mount hole. God Bless air chisels, as that made short work of the rest of the support, the spread plate, and the inner sleave. I am now down to just the outrigger and after some cleaning, metal prep, and weld through primer I can begin reassmbly. I had hoped to keep the floor there, but in addition to the ease of access with the floor out, I also found rust between the floor and spread plate, so it's a good thing. Also thinking about how to redo the cab mount surface, as I have not order panels for that part of the floor. I may go to a carriage style bolt; then I can just do the floor flat with a square hole, rather than having to sink the area around the hole to keep the bolt head low.

some of the beginning

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8210022-1.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8190050.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8190049.jpg

here;s the 72 cab iwth the 67 doors for a test fit

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8210017.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8260030.jpg

the pieces as they came out

here's the front mount cleared down to the outrigger.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8260031.jpg


http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8260032.jpg

Gotta love new rocker put over rust!!

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8260035.jpg

oh, and here's the small window grafted into the big opening; just tacked in. I have the big window frame if anybody wants it!

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P4260026.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8260034.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8260033.jpg

Here's a shot of the front of the frame and the new mounts I made to accomidate the 56" leaves. you can see the old rear shackle eye in place, but I am moving them to inside the front cab mount.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8210018.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8210019.jpg

I have the front and rear pillars and the kick panel repalced. Have the outer rocker mocked in to test fit the inner. Has been tricking figuring out how it all need to go, but should have the inner rocker tied to the floor and the pillars so I'm just filling in from there. Seems like the cab supports don't fit greta, but I'll make them work. Also not sure how I'm going to finish the floor in the back orner, but we'll cross that bridge.

Great looking project, I love the grafted small window. Good luck with the rest of the build!

i like the small windows, which the 67 had and the 72 cab I'm using needed glass so I figured I had nothing to lose. You can see I screwed up on the edges of the inside as I had to patch back in a section I trimmed off (the radiouses are different and I didn't compensate enough and would have had a 1/4" gap. I need to finish welding it, but once it was tacked I wanted to amke sure I was keeping the cab. I have the passenger inner rocker in now so I'd say it's a keeper!

Here's where I'm at. inner in and everything weld thru primered. also cut out bad in dog house and get it ready.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040086.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040087.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040089.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040090.jpg

the round part of the floor had to be cut up the middle and reshaped to match the new floor piece. I also had to modify the rear of the rocker so it matched the rear pillar. I actually started with teh fender cup and got sidetracked with the cab; we'll get there. firewall rot is next; will have to fabricate for sure.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040093.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040092.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040094.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040095.jpg

also though I'd show off the 70 impala I bought

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9040096.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P8300074.jpg

nice project, where did you get that rad support mount? The hole in it looks too large, might have to research a little before you buy a new body mount kit with bushings.

mount is from the 72, and I recall the poly bushings I bougth fit ok but I guarantee I didn't look too closely. thanks!

I think 72 2Wd is larger than 67/68 2WD or any 4WD.... won't matter as long as they fit.

I bought an entire 4WD kit from LMC and it was 67-72 with a small hole... only reason I asked.

Nice. That back window conversion looks like it is quite a bit of work - just take it slow welding it up.


What type of "modern" plow set-up are you planning on using?

the old plow had 7 foot tie bars that had to bolted to the frame behind the transfer case and to the bottom of the axles (nice b/c there' no weigth on the springs) which was a pain in the butt. I want some kind of quick release. It's a big Western plow so I'm gonna take some picks and see what the local dealer says.

christmas in september

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9170104.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9170105.jpg

those look like some DIY4x4 goodies...

progress

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9250003.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9250004.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9250005.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9250006.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9250007.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9250009.jpg

fun fun...

You're making good progress, I see you made your own floor and inner rocker pieces. It's a good feeling knowing you have a nice floor--a nice solid floor. :lol:
Keep up your good work.

yeah, I should have just bought the front floor pieces, but this is my first try, and I didn't know that floor support repair required the floor to come out so completely.

I am a bit lucky in that the driver's side floor supports are good near the cab mounts, so I'm just going to weld in the outer aprt of the supports. I am, however, welding in a 3/4" nut like I did on the passenegr side so that bolt can come form the bottom.

Yeah, solid floor is AWESOME. I still have mud on the inside of the door glass becasue before there was no floor within 6" of the door . . .

Looking great if thats your first time you should have many great builds cause your doing great.

i thanks for the encouragement. Here's what I did this weekend. Think I managed to save the core support; who ah

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9280011.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9280012.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9280013.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/P9280010.jpg

That's a GMC core support... was that on your 67 chevy?

No I'm using the 72 GMC front metal that goes with the 72 cab. It'll be a mutt though with the 67 small window.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PA020019.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PA020018.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PA020017.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PA020016.jpg

Well, It's been a while since I've posted, but that's because I've been busy. 68 is leaving friday, and I gotta drive this things monday, then goign to Texas in it next weekend. Here's some updated shots. Currently ready for fuel lines, upper radiator hose, then stab the distributor and it should fire. Optima red top ETA next wednesday, 35" BFG TAs are being order, then a bench seat and brake lines are all that's left!

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090074.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090080.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090077.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090072.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090075.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090076.jpg

Here's teh driveway and my new work bench, since the neighbors calle dthe city on my intitled hotrods

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090071.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB090081.jpg

gotta love neighbors...


nice progress, I take it that you're keeping the from drum axle? Any newer axle will bolt up to those springs...

I'm keeping the front axle as is, but my plan is to have the impala my DD by mid summer, then upgrade the fron axle. Would like a Dana 60 but anything with disc, and the ability for crossover steering and 2wd power steering box will be worthwhile. Right now, I need it drivable.

Ok, so it's time for a great and final for now update, as the winter is here and this baby is complete (for now).

I ended up making the 72 booster work with my 67 drum M/C by means of an old bolt becoming a small push rod. I had to order Inline Tube brake lines because I could not get the correct fittings to go from -6 to the 7/16 on the new wheels cylinders. I hand bent all the hardlines and had a hell of time ghetting them all to seal up (and i'm still not convinced). i got my drop drag link in, and aside from being at the very end of the adjustment, i am very happy with it. I found a set of used but brand new 35" mud tires which I put on. I wanted an A/T but $500 was right to be able to just slap em on.

Thanks to Sean on the board, I got a rust free texas long bed!!! I ended up trading the 70 impala for transportation and couldn't be happier. now I just have the 70 nova in the garage to work on and a super nice bed; Thanks!!

i found a seat from an 80 silverado, $75 and it's in great shape. Fabbed mounts that reused the existing floor holes. I don't have 4wd right now, as my front driveshaft is too short, but after remoutning the rear leave perches I got the tire lcoation perfect and am safely reusing the original rear drive shaft. I estimate a 4" lift up front and 6" in the rear. Maybe too much rake, but I'm happy.

I custom welded dual 2" exhaust pipes into a single 3" down the driver's side which made clearing the T221 much easier. Went with a Flowmaster 50 series SUV and with no tail pipe yet it's very throaty at 2500+ rpm; perfect. Cracked the old Edlebrock RPm intake trying to get a seized alternator bracket bolt out (that I didn't even end up reusing) so I got an air gap and new cleaner element. I used a rely to run direct battery power to the distributor, and although I thought I had a tick, it was just a misaligned dist cap. My parents got me a red top battery and I did some modified power and ground wiring, but everything works great.

went with 16" wiper blades, and at least hooked up the driver's defogger for winter's sake. Currently the old front bumper is only psuedo attached, as my front leaf mounts are in the way. I will eventually make a bumper but I'm legal for now.

here are some pics. It still needs a lot but it's mechanically sound, rust free (MWWWHAHAHAHAHAA) and a hell o lot of fun to drive.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090018.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090016.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090015.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090014.jpg

more

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090019.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090020.jpg

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PC090021.jpg

glad that you got it going... that was quick...

BTW, you need a blue fender to complete the color pallet!

Was right on 6 months from when I took it off the road. All it takes is money and a lot of evenings!!! I love driving it, and obviously a uniform paint job would go a long way, but for now just enjoying it.

You could shoot it with some JOhn Deere black paint and roll for a few years...

You need some paint dont ya? :lol:

Paint is definitely what gets asked about most now, which I suppose is better than why there is no floor and mud on the inside of the door glass.

dude. If you think my cab work is a feat..I cannot believe your work..that cab was crusty// a tru rust belt truck.... shoot mine was just bent and a lil crispy....
Im goin with HMMV 36x16.5x12.5with about the same lift maybe a lil lower:metal:

ask and you shall receive pics of the T case with shifter and linkage I have another T221 out of a 68 also if you look at my posts look for my 292 pics its next to the engine
hope this helps

excellent! that third shot is the money shot. I actually have the vertical slotted piece on the driver's side. never thought it wen there; never noticed the dowel for it to pivot on. how is it attched at that pivot? and how long is the rod that loops from the shifter end to the vertical piece? Also, can you measure centerline to centerline on the shifter from end to pivot? thanks

not sure what you mean...the lil rod that connects the 2 (that has been welded once)U shaped is about 2 1/8 in. the pivot in the ****er to the hole for the u shaped interconnect rod is 3 1/2 inches

sounds like u are missing some of the parts.... the T221 is on the drivers side plus if you notice my shift rod is pointing forward i think it is because the SM420 has reverse to the left of second and the shifters might interfere (my guess)

An update. So I bought and parted a 79 k20 and moved the axles under mine. by bye eaton! still a 3/4 ton FF int he back, but I get disc front brakes and steering stabilizer! Need to convert to maual hubs though since I'm keeping the Timkin. I also did the raised steering arm, and add a leafs for another inch of lift. The front is painted now, and I'm working on another set of doors.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB130047.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB130049.jpg
http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l417/chrestenson/PB130048.jpg

cool truck and good job with the rust. Looks like one of my projects.....

any up dates

I've been driving the truck everyday mostly. I made soem new seat moutns to raise it a bit higher, played with the timing, and have found my power steering box wants to unbolt slowly on its own which makes it wander like a drunken sailor. I've rebuilt the carb on the 70 gmc I bought, so I'm going to start driving that and MAter goes abck under the knife. I've alreayd sourced a divorced np205, so I can use a more common 2wd overdrive (either 200-4r or 700r4; not sold yet either way). I'm also nearly done with the new doors, which will not only be straight and rust free, but all new rubber and such. I'm going to weld in the power steering reinforcement plate you can get for these, since I was using spacers to make up for the fact that I don't have the dimpled power steering box mounts. I have new steering lines while I'm at it. If you guys are like me, you liek pictures not talk, so I'll get some up!