Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Thank you! Hopefully the pictures were helpful. Did you find the missing part?
Regards, Ilkka

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

My son and I spent the evening putting the body on the chassis. We placed the cab on the frame and noticed that something was out of whack???? The right side of the cab was high on the passenger side. I took several measurements and came up with about 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch hight on the right front??????? WTHeck???? Frame bent......no???? Mmmmmmmm? BAM!!!! Check the new 2" coil springs. Well, noticed the right coil was not in-place properly....duh!! Yes, had to take it apart and reposition it. That was a drag!!! Anyway, I'm loving the stance and the working with NOS doors and fenders. Front panel of bed is resting on lumber on the frame and the back crossmember is bolted in. No floor.

Stopped by Jaysonb's yesterday on the way home from Minneapolis. Great visit! He has an awesome shop!! Can't wait to get this thing to him for paint. He's also gonna rework my corner/rocker repairs I did 10 years ago....I took a pretty big leap on my first welding attempt by doing the corners and rocker etc. Oh well.

Thanks Mike

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

MrFinland, no, I haven't really looked.....but I'm glad I know what I'm looking for when I do look. lol!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Bingo! Found it in the first box opened!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Hello Mike!
Congratulations, you founded it!
By the way; The height of the truck looks really good. You've done a lot of work forward.
-Ilkka-

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Yesterday I stained my floor pieces (natural) and put one coat of poly on. Figured I put one coat on now for protection and do several layers later upon putting all back together. Also primed the bed x-members.

Today I found my 70s blazer tailgate panel in my stash of stuff. Kind of dusty. Purchased it for $10 about ten yours ago. It has one small blemish on it!!!

Thanks Mike

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Hi Mike!
How´s your project going? I have been waiting for new pictures and information about your truck. You do so good job.

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Well, I got talked into taking a job training Army National Guard Battalions and above staffs on planning operations in a defense contractor capacity, started that in June. I travel to ND and SD quite frequently since that is my territory.

As for my build, it's awaiting its turn to get into the paint shop. My good friend JaysonB (on the site here) will be painting it, should be soon. However, that hasn't stopped my quest for parts and good deals.

I purchased a 1978 Silvrado, LWB, rolling frame and cab for $150 buck, with title. I have so many spare parts I can basically built another truck and still have enough parts to collaborate with JaysonB on a third truck to build out of both of our extra parts.

I have been rebuilding Dads original 350/350 and that will now go into the 1979 GMC. So, Dad's GMC Heavy Half Transformation will become a stock build with its original drivetrain etc. The LS/4l60E that has been in and out of a couple different frames, will end up in the 1978 Silverado. I will start a build thread on that one soon, once I have all the parts I need, for which I'm extremely close: (1973 full front clip in original - beautiful patina, the bed I built for Dads79GMC (wood floor with bed sides) will go on the 78 Silverado, All interior parts are procured, all front suspension is slowly being rebuilt, My extra set of low-buckets and console, Built by Brooks shortening kit, I have new springs as well coil/leaf).

JaysonB was able to find me an awesome duel square hole Short bed in excellent shape for Dads truck and that is sitting up at his place awaiting my truck.

Also, I was asked to participate in a Veterans Art Show at the Heritage Gallery in Des Moines. I completed six works of art for that show and it took a lot of my time and effort over the last two months. Here's a link http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/current-show/ My works are the ones that are large-scale photo-silkscreens on panel with acrylic. Kind of a hobby of mine.

Photos:
1. $150 Starting Point
2. 78' Paperwork
3. Bucket Seat Covers
4. 56" springs for 78. Will need to remove a few leafs
5. SPID

More to follow.

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Engine rebuild pictures for Dads79GMC

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Some of the art work that I submitted for the Veterans Show at the Heritage Gallery in Des Moines;

Picturs:
1. Gallery View (the small framed pictures are not mine), the other three are. Size 3x4 ft. Helicopter pic is 25x40in Title DoAB, The one in the middle is basically about the political divide in this country, it's kind of funny.
2. 3x4 ft Silcskreen with acrylic on panel. Title Politics
3. 3x4 ft Silcskreen with acrylic on panel. Title RG5
4. 4x5.5 ft silkscreen with acrylic on panel. Title Guardian

Mike

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Great Mike! I didn´t know you were good in art. Great art!
Congratulations on a new truck. Remember to put more photos from the project. ;)

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

your art is fantastic

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Thanks fella's. I'm gonna start working on some truck art soon!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

I've got the perfect spot in the garage for some custom truck art! First dibs when you get some ready....

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Clear a spot on the wall!!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Well, got a text from Jayson Saturday saying that we needed to develop a course of action on getting my truck to his garage before the snow starts flying and things unpredictably get sloppy here in the great Midwest. So, yesterday my wife and I turned the truck on a dime inside the garage and my son and I pushed it on the trailer. Now, it wasn't as easy as that, there was a lot of other straightening and cleaning of tons of parts and debris before any movement of the truck could occur. I went out and rented a U-Haul trailer (great shape surprisingly), which was 30 miles away in the direction of Jayson, turned back around, headed home and then loaded the trailer. I had a quick supper and was on my way around 6:30PM. I arrived at Jayson's just around 10:00PM. After several discussions on how and where to unload the trailer, we pushed it off without damage to the truck and especially the truck he's working on. We swapped the original hood with an NOS one that I had in the back of my truck, and the two of us kind of lifted the SWB bed that had been sitting at Jayson's for some time onto the frame. Dads79GMC is now in the talented hands of Jayson. Oh, after two hours of work and discussion, I headed home, dropped off the trailer at 03:10AM and arrived home around 04:00AM. Talk about being hyper-alert.....seemed like every 5-10 miles there was either deer splatter/guts on the interstate or deer in the ditch....Terrible.

BTW, Jayson has to redo my handiwork from 9 years ago and replace my floor, cab corner, inners etc, the "correct way"! :) Sorry Jayson. What can i say.....I tried!

Take it from here Jayson!!!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Here it is in its new home for the winter! It looks right at home!:metal: It is going to be a treat to work with all the NOS sheet metal.

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Hey Mike, I had read your thread awhile back and just got caught up. Cool line-up of projects! Jealousy doesn't look good on me but I've got some nonetheless, ha. Congratulations on the new job and thank you for how you've served our country. Your artwork is compelling. How did you get started doing that?

I look forward to seeing the progress that JaysonB makes on your truck. Couldn't hardly be in better hands. And don't feel badly that he is going to re-do some of your past work. I think one of the great things about these trucks is that they always look cool -- all the way from old and beat, to pristine. My approach to my trucks is the idea of improvement. Fix them to the level of my skill with what I can afford now, and then maybe take it to the next level next time around. The cool thing is that you are now at that next level. Keep us posted on all 3 trucks. Thanks! LT7A

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Body shop rates:

Aftermarket sheetmetal installs $250/hr

NOS sheetmetal installs $60/hr


��

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

LT7A,

I went to school for graphic design (Bachelor of Fine Art) way back. However, didn't do a thing with it because I was too busy playing war games and war. I learned silkscreening in college, just recalled it for something to do. I have too many hobbies :)

The third truck will be a while since Jayson and I both have our additional projects that need done. We plan on building a true "Spare Parts" build when we get the chance. We believe we have everything to do it???????

As for my truck #2 (the one I paid $150 for), I'll start a build thread on that one soon.

Thanks Mike

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Not having to do a bunch of cutting and welding on new parts to make them fit is going to be a treat for sure! The next few weeks will be spent coming up with a plan of action, and gathering parts and supplies, while I finish up the current project. Having Mikes truck sitting here is a good motivator to get stuff done.😀

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

True-NOS is the only way to go! I'm building my father in laws 77 GMC and we have all NOS stuff on it as well....so much time saved its great!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

gmachinz, those bedsides are just rotting away...you know....the ones you should sell me!!!!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Looks amazing!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Thanks STOCKISH. BTW, I can't get your build link to work. Thanks Mike

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

I am going to be updating Mikes thread here as I make progress on Dads79gmc. We are starting out with a truck that is in nice shape, we have NOS hood, fenders, and doors, and we found a very nice box that just needs some minor dent repair. There is the standard rust repair to do on the cab, rockers, cab corners, and floors. I'm excited to get started on this truck, we are painting it up the factory 2 tone blue, not a combo you see alot. So I'm going to start off adjusting the doors and fenders to where they need to be, and start getting after the floors and rockers! Let the fun begin. :metal:

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

I made some decent progress for the few hours that I had to work with. I adjusted the doors, and I can tell I'm going to get spoiled working with NOS parts! The stuff just fits with no messing around!:metal: After a quick tear down, I dove into the drivers side. Kick panel is in, and the inner rocker tacked in. I had a clean shop for almost a full day!:lol:

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

I'm exhausted!!!! Well, the stuff I put in lasted ten years! Lol. Looks great Jayson!!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Awesome

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Nice start on the paint and body. Looking to see the paint combo when it gets to that point.

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

I wonder how fast but still a good work you can do! So great work!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Looking forward to more of Jayson's great work!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

The metal work on the drivers side is getting pretty close!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

wow! what a project! Your dad will be proud :)

Reminded me of my Dad . He had a light blue long box . He died in 1996

I just restored a stepside 99 . Your patience is unbelievable ...

Thanks for your service...

I am a Vet, but we don't say thanks in Canada lol

I have new toy

found a original paint and body 88 Suburban.. 29 years one owner

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Thanks for the comments. I'm very excited that Dads79GMC is now in the hands of Jayson!!

Mike

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

First round of body work is done on the drivers side. :metal: Waiting for some grinding discs to show up before I get after the other side, so I figured I would start making some dust.:lol: Working on the little dents and dings as well.

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Nice

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

very !!!!

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

Now it's time to re-hang the door, and put the front fender on to see how things fit. The last 3 or 4 sets of rockers i have done, have been stamped kind of funny, sort of smiley face shaped when you look at the bottom door gap, and they have also left me with a big gap between the rocker and fender. I have bought them from diffrent vendors, ordered some in town here, and everything I find is the same. So this is what I have come up with to make the fit acceptable. The front edge of the rocker got a vertical slice, and the end moved forward about 1/4" to close up the big gap from the fender to rocker, and when you move the front forward, it also comes out a little, fixing the leading edge of the smiley face at the same time as closing the gap. To fix the rear end what I have done is sliced along the length of the rocker, and down next to the cab corner, closed the door, and moved it to make the bottom door gap even. It is a bunch of work, but worth it in the long run.

Re: Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation
 

I guess it's hard to tell the difference in the pictures! :lol: You'll just have to take my word for it.