Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

turndowns like to drone under the bed, you'll probably want something that at least exits out the side.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Just read through your thread. Great work. I had no idea you could cut down an 8 lug rear axle and order shorter axles. Mind blown. I also didnt know the 8 lug hubs would work on the original axle. Keep up the good work and pics

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip.

Thank you.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

So, trying to finish up the wiring. A lot of cutting, shortening and lengthening. To change the process, I started insulating the cab (until I ran out of material!) and installed the gauges to get a feel where I want to place the gauges digital box.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Moving along.
Modified the original battery tray to accept new and bigger 12 volt battery. I'll keep the battery in stock location. I also lengthened the stock (5.3 engine) battery cable to reach where I want it in engine bay and have a brach for the starter.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Trying to finish up the wiring. First, the electric PS wiring. I separated the controller box early on since it wouldn't fit around the column while attached to the the main steering column. I elongated the wires and I made a bracket for the contrroller and from there it was splicing and making the connections. I also used an ebay module controller which I am very happy with the instruction and the qualilty of the parts. It came with a knob which suppose to control the stiffness/feedback of the steering. We shall see. Here are a lot of pictures:

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

More pictures.
I used a junkyard O2 sensor connector to connect the wires from the conroller box to the main steering wires when I elongated them, just in case if I need to change one of them in the future then I don't have to cut the wires any more, it is just unplug and plug back.
In the finish phase, you see the controller knob above the ignition switch. Also, th ebay controller kit came with this 50 amp fuse since the power line to the electric sterring are very heavy, I believe they are 8 or 10 gauge.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Next step, I made a mounting bracket for DD instrument cluster controller. The bracket is from some scrap metal sitting around and that is why it is not a perfect shape! It went above the PS controller. I plan to make some sort of console for that area in the future which will cover all these boxes:
I don't know why the orientation of my pictures changes?!

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Finally for today, I brought the postive and NEG battery cables to engine bay. I modified the 5.3 stock positive post to incorporated with me engine wriirng fuse box. Also, I made a NEG post on the passenger side just in case if I want to use trickle charger and/or if I need to jump the starter in case of dead battery, then I don't have to go to inside the cab. I hope that works!

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

1953 GMC has been resurrected after few decades, at least!
It starts, drives (forward and backward!) and it stops :)
I can turn the fat and tall front wheels with two fingers with the help of electric PS :) Happy 4th!
For the forst time, it moved out of the shop under its own power!

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Gotta love it. Sitting there on that custom bucket seat, open wheel concept, wind rustling your hair, dreaming of carving some canyon road on a pitch black night with some super bright beams and your favorite song blasting. That's hotrodding.
Then the wife calls you for supper, breaks you outta your fantasy and you nearly fall on your face when you try to open the door that's not there yet. Haha.
Keep up the hard work, you'll be on the road soon.
You know, we always put the glass in last because there is less cleaning of spit off the inside of the glass that way. Lol.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Are you a psychic? It almost happened that way except for the part that the wife called me for supper! She called me in to make the BBQ for the 4th of July celeberation since it was getting late!

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

It's nice to see that your DIY power steering is a success. This build has been a blast to watch!

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Congrats on the milestone! I remember how gratifying it was to finally pull mine out or the garage under it’s own power. Glad to hear the power steering works well. Keep up the good work.

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

Thank you guys.
It is gratifying. Besided, I didn't want to put countless hours to assmeble everything and then I find issues with the main powertrain and systems. It is easier to work on internals while not having all the panels and interior in place, specially for somebody like me who is really learning as he goes.
I can't believe how the PS moving these big tires around so soomthly and easily. I have not even got a chance to play with adjustment knob yet since I have not really driven it for long, but I am happy it is working. Cheers

Re: My 53 GMC 3/4 ton project
 

motivation ... CHECK!