Dad's 1979 GMC Heavy Half Transformation

[Dads79GMC]

Kind of back at it?

So, I'm un-smoothing the firewall that I smoothed 7.5 years ago. Yes, I changed my mind!!! Why.....I don't know? Prefer the look of the OE AC unit I suppose. I had a lot of rust in the cowl that really needed attention and it was better to do it now than when it went to $hi! down the road.......I couldn't ignore it any longer nor get to it without major surgery!!!!

Nothing is welded at this time. I have A LOT of cleaning up to do and fitting before I slowing spot-weld the pieces in. The rust you see is surface rust and ten times better than what was there before. Probably should have searched out another cab, just couldn't bring myself to do it!!!!

I'll post more this weekend as I slowly install.

Be easy on me, I'm no pro.

Mile

[y5mgisi]

Ambitious! Cool to see that done!

[walkerb]

Wowziers!

[bnoon]

I see no problems at all there. Fine work Mike!

[Dads79GMC]

Thanks Brad

[Dads79GMC]

Spent the day fitting, grinding, fitting, grinding etc etc etc. Could never get my MIG welder to work properly, probably shouldn't have used weld-through primer so liberally?? It was painful. It's been years since I've had such ugly welds. Thanks God for grinders.

Fitting:


Piece welded in:


Everything tucked away for the evening:

[Dads79GMC]

Almost forgot, purchased a set of wheels and some tires today off Craigslist, got a pretty good deal. Tires are virtually brand new!! Wheels are in great condition as well.

[73Super8]

Wow. Nice work. Love those rallies and BFGs.

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by 73Super8

Wow. Nice work. Love those rallies and BFGs.

Agree! Love the 73 K10. Mike

[bnoon]

What size wire are you running on your MIG? Flux core or gas shielded? Either way, I've noticed that sheet metal can be tough with thinner wire. If it's not a primer problem that is... Try some bare sheet metal once with it and see if the issue goes away, if not, bump the wire size up to the next size. If it is a primer problem, then a quick wire brush/sander/grinder next time.

With sheet metal though, it's best to do very short bursts and move around a lot anyway, so you probably did just fine.

[Dads79GMC]

bnoon, I'm running 30 wire and gas shielded. Yes, I hop all around with my tacks in very short bursts. I'll get it figured out before I do the next piece. Thanks Mike

[bnoon]

I went to .035 from .030 and the issue I had, which was popping and sputtering, went away.

[Dads79GMC]

I'll give it a try. Thanksp

[Dads79GMC]

Can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, sorry for that. It's been a very busy spring and summer. Anyway, got out to the garage and did a little work last night. Finally!!!

[1774btcrew]

Looking good Mike!

[Hunyoc]

I like the story, I like the truck, my hat's off to you and your father for your time for me.
your welding isn't that bad if a grinder can fix it. For me there some things I remind my self of every time I weld. Is it as clean as the grinder will make it before I start. (I have warped more steel removing excess weld with my grinder than my welder) do I start my weld by touching the welding wire to the side the ground is attached to IT Matters More with MIG even after a good tack, look at the ground clamp it has two sides the side with the wire on it should be on the sanded to bare steel no paint under it and keep it on the panel your welding its easy for 10 or more years of rust between spot welds all the way acrost your cab to change things. Adding larger wire is like adding more speed to the wire with out the voltage result in more grinding .035 will stop splatter only because it will demand and make its own clean ground .030 can weld 1/4' and down with my welder if I take the time to practis and adjust on similer thickness before I commit. I am sure I'm missing something even walk around it and hold your mouth just right. You would be surprised how often a welder with over 25 years exp. welding STILL needs to fix something (His mind) before he starts or client see's that perfectly welded and certifiable 6.0 SEC. CHASSY that passes NHRA CERT.
Your doing great so far keep up the good work. Finish this for your dad It will be the best thing you will ever do for your self. don't let time, take what you already deserve (a pat on the back for life, doing the best you can without him)
I hope you stay blue and white if not it's yours now have fun with it, even the jurney.

JcE

[Dads79GMC]

Thanks Jeff and JcE. I appreciate the input. Mike

[OutlawDrifter]

great project, keep at it! god bless and thank you and your father for your service. i've got a soft spot for the 1979's. my first pickup was a 79.

[BossH0G]

I always got a kick out of the heavy half, supposedly they're a half ton with a 3/4 ton rating. Like there's a 3/4 ton in disguise, yah right!

[1774btcrew]

Mike, hope things are going well for you and you are having a good New Years. Drop me an email when you get some time.

[Dads79GMC]

Been quietly plugging away over the spring and summer, doesn't look like much, but it's either on the chassis or in boxes. I've decided to retire in from the military after 33 years effective 31 Dec 2016. So, hopefully I can put more focus on the this decade long project!!!!

[Dads79GMC]

More pic's

[Dads79GMC]

That was my annual September update!! HAHAHAHA! I've been pretty focused so hopefully I'll continue to post. My plan is to complete chassis, paint the firewall satin black then put the cab on the frame. Then hopefully start this thing before 31 October????????

[OutlawDrifter]

Thanks for the update!

[Dads79GMC]

Did a little work tonight. Installed the rear brake calipers and E-Brake cable.