61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

I found this truck off of Craigslist a few weeks back anddddddd I decided to do something stupid.

Paperwork shows it as an original Washington truck, originally a 305 V6. Early 90s it was "restored" (I put it in quotation marks cause the body shop overcharged the PO and ripped him off in my opinion.) He had put in a supposed 350 and than for some reason it sat for a number of years and he sold it. New owner supposedly let it sit cause of the master cylinder being bad. He then decided to sell. I saw it on the craigslist, decided to see the truck. When I did see it I noticed right away the battery was missing and the fuel line was cut. So of course I ask how it ran and all that jazz. (Guy had numerous engines and project vehicles so I figure he knows a thing or two) Guy said it ran fine when parked.......... The pictures beg to differ.

So far I have taken out the seat (interior WREAKS of animal urine and feces), started bleeding the brakes to see where the leak is and so I can atleast move it on the property. (that was the POs complaint, "master cylinder went out")

I was doing research on parts and decided to pull a spark plug to bring it to the parts store. The one I grab was out of cylinder 2. Coolant gushes out like Niagra falls. I was frustrated needless to say (see pictures).

So it looks like I'll be doing an engine rebuild soon among other things.

That is a .40S&W for reference. (It is what I had on me......)


I do apologize on this first post, still kinda POd that I was lied to.



End goals are to make it a truck that would be beneficial to wilderness Search and rescue, hunting, messing around, and for when I need to have a truck climb a tree.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Pictures would not upload with the first post for some reason.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

that's one heavy duty hole! Will be a heavy duty truck for sure!

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

From the sounds of things the truck is finally in good hands.
You're right up the road from me.
Watching

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

i have never seen a hole in the cylinder head like that before!,usually piston takes the punishment,how did it fair out?

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Because I am the type of guy who doesn’t like doing a job twice, I will pull the engine and have a machine shop go thru it for SNGs.

So far I know it will be a cylinder head and pistons. Hopefully nothing else.




The truck did come with an original operators manual as well. Once I get my scanner working correctly I’ll upload the photos for anyone that gets excited in stuff like that like me.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Sad that you got lied to. I figure any vehicle that " ran when parked" and minus a battery or carb should be considered to need a replacement engine and priced accordingly. If the seller doesn't agree, walk away.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

I am kicking myself a little. If I had brought my coolant pressure tester I would have found out up there and maybe been able to negotiate.

But you live and learn and believe no one ;)

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

I think you got a good deal- I was wanting to buy it but you beat me to it! And if it helps any, I have seen hood ornaments like you have there, go for $500 on ebay! Good luck... I will be watching your progress.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Got a little side tracked over the summer. Was only able to work on her a half hour here a half hour there. But I said screw it and did a headgasket set and cleaned up a set of heads to make it work. I figure a truck running on 7 cylinders is better than a 2 ton paper weight. So with a lot of buffing, I got it started the other day.

Currently waiting on getting a fuel tank from TFS down in Lebanon and I need to mess with the carbinator.

She does run, fairly well, but I only have a carb full of gas at a time. Down side RPM is at 2500 and I have the Idle/Air mixture screw all the way backed out. But hey, it runs! And no rods through the block, yet.

Thought I should give an update. HAHA :gmc2::metal::flagw:

I will get some photos later.
I also replaced the wood in the bed. I have a thought of making a vampire style wooden coffin as a spare tire carrier/ tool box. Partially dubbing the Project as Frankenstein since I just got it running before Halloween.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

I went through and replaced the wheel cylinders, master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, front shoes, and the flexible hoses. Working on replacing some seals as well.

Pretty confident the front axle bearings are probably shot. When I popped the front diff cover this grayish goop of a fluid came out. See pics.

Eventually I will rebuild the axles (Dana 44 front and HO35 rear supposing I can find parts) and upgrade to a dual master/hydraulic clutch upgrade kit from one of the fabricators on here, it just wasn't in the cards this time around.



Also had a question if this external brake booster was an after market addition or what? I have not found a lot of information for this truck. It is a Haldex brand.


Also I appreciate all the information on the FAQs and the various other posts I have combed through for answers to some of the hiccups.


Not sure why the photos are sideways.....

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

The booster was a dealer installed option for power assist. my tk had one on it also (a rebuilt one) ck out my build, lots of info ------ 61k10build

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

61K10

I skimmed through your build. I will be referencing a lot later :) very good looking truck.

Thanks for the information!

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Since the last update:

Figured out the clutch was frozen. Pried it apart and it is now moveable. It traveled by its self on the road.

Pretty confident the alternator is dying, it needs a cap rotor and wire set, and I get to figure out the electrical madness that comes from a vehicle sitting.

Also, the winch works........ but does not like to disengage, so it looks like I will get to unravel 270 feet of cable again. :/


It may still need a clutch kit, but I will find that out later. I no longer have a 2 ton paperweight and that is what matters.



Also, I picked up some new to me rims that had tires on them already. (235/85r16) Eventually I will upgrade to same size but BFG All terrains.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Forgot to add photos

Re: 61 GMC 4x4, project getting stuck
 

Wish I had that bumper and winch setup on the front of m 64 GMC!