88GMCtruck's never ending 88 GMC build thread

[88gmctruck]

The mad scientist :lol:


And just because it's cool, GM part number, date stamp and stamped VIN in the frame.



Now you are up to date Next step is pulling the springs and axles and coating the frame, then blasting and cleaning the axles, and re-assembly will start.

 

[ak diesel driver]

you've been busy

 

[JayTheCPA]

I've had a few people ask why I'm going from 8-lug back to 6-lug... Well, the primary reason is the 8-lug Dana 44 hubs set the wheels out 1-1/4" wider on each side, so 2.5" of more track width.

Seems to me that a pair of 2" spacers would have gotten less work than re-gearing another rear.

But, hey . . . A project is a project

And looking forward to the end results

 

[88gmctruck]

Seems to me that a pair of 2" spacers would have gotten less work than re-gearing another rear.

But, hey . . . A project is a project

And looking forward to the end results

No no no, the front is too wide when it's 8 lug, it's not about finding a width matching axle.

The dana 44 axle itself stays the same 6-lug to 8-lug, but everything spindle/rotor/bearing/hub out sits differently and moves the wheels farther outboard in 8 lug form. I have my 6-lug stuff still, i'm just swapping it back on the front to change it.

 

[JayTheCPA]

Yes, the spacers are for the rear.

Although, if the front axle width causes issues with tire clearance, that makes sense. Then again, I am probably missing something . . .

 

[88gmctruck]

Yes, the spacers are for the rear.

Although, if the front axle width causes issues with tire clearance, that makes sense. Then again, I am probably missing something . . .

The front axle is just too wide, tires stick out too far, and ultimately rub the bumper/fender when flexing.

 

[JayTheCPA]

Gotcha. That does make sense.

Although . . . You sure a body lift is not easier?

 

[Nosferatu49534]

Its looking awesome so far.

How much media did you go through for the whole frame?

 

[88gmctruck]

Gotcha. That does make sense.

Although . . . You sure a body lift is not easier?

I wouldn't do a body lift. It's not about going higher, it's all about the width of the tires past the body.

Its looking awesome so far.

How much media did you go through for the whole frame?

200LBS but i re-used it multiple times.

 

[88gmctruck]

Been a hot minute, had quite a few things happen since the last update!

Pulled the axles. This is the only easy way to move a 14FF.

Got the frame setup and acid etched.

Then spent many hours coating it.

I then spent a bunch of time doing some other things - had my great uncle pass away, the Black Fox started making a ticking sound that ended up with a failing cam/lifter which was ripped apart and replaced, and bought a 46k mile 06 GMC K3500 SLT Duramax/Allison truck.... Among thanksgiving and two trips back to back. Progress has slowed a little but I should be back at it soon. More details on the other endeavors are in my Black Fox thread.

 

[tanman_2006]

And where is the new duramax build thread?!

 

[btfarm]

And where is the new duramax build thread?!

Knowing Dave... it'll be along directly... LOL

 

[88gmctruck]

I haven't started one yet, i haven't really done anything with it yet. Might start one up after the holidays and the black truck is sold....

 

[88gmctruck]

Since the weather has been crap, I've been travelling to visit out of area friends, as well as prepping the 98 for sale (which sold on 1/31). In that time I was able to blast the axles, and then started tearing them down. Soon they will get coated and re-assembled.

 

[88gmctruck]

Finished stripping the cab out, then loaded everything up to move to start bodywork.

Removed the glass, then started fixing some imperfections

Ended up picking up a couple more body panels, want to make sure I'm using the best panels possible.

The put doors and fenders on for mock up and repair.

 

[88gmctruck]

Well, it's been just over an month, I think it's a good time to owe you guys an update.....
Started out by doing the 97+ passenger firewall bracket and 95+ pillar grab handle and column support, as well as cleaning up some firewall holes.

Also added the slots for the overhead console, and proper reinforced nuts for bucket seats.

Bodywork progressed. Big time. First up was the cab corner replacement, along with a huge mess of sanding and well, more sanding.

Installed new pins & bushings to make sure the bodylines are straight. The final adjustment will happen at assembly

Additionally, we pie-wedged the edge of the front fenders to create some more clearance where my tires would hit... Before and After

 

[88gmctruck]

More Sanding... primer... guide coat... block... primer.... sand...

I also cleaned up the upper windshield area where some rust was starting, and coated it with KBS rust stop frame coating.

Oh there was more sanding and primer and sanding. Did I mention sanding?

 

[88gmctruck]

But that isn't all. During the time all this bodywork was happening at my father's house, I was working on the axles and brake hardware at my house....
Sand blasted, coated the axles with KBS and painted all the smaller items with Enamel.

SO MUCH PAINT. Also had to re-gear the 14SF down to 4.56 to match the front. Rear axle is all new bearings and seals, front is all new seals as it was rebuilt not many miles ago.

And just because, to keep you all up to date, I managed to get the welds and new tires on the 06 as well as the airbags.

 

[88gmctruck]

And just to cement in the amounts of insanity I currently compel, A few other tidbits that have "slowed me down" on progressing on my truck.

I decided I was tired of the temperatures outside and insulated and sheetrocked my garage ceiling.

One weekend I helped extract a 26' ex russian lifeboat from a pond.

And of course I found time to take a trip camping.

Then last weekend, a friend from Ill flew here and he, myself and 4 others proceeded to over the course of 3 days to visit 9 wrecking yards... It was kinda a blur. We all did well, and I found things such as these really, really perfect Denali switches and steering wheel....

Oh, and another powr-slider rear power window....

So this is where things are at. We have been letting the body sit awhile to "cure" before painting... which I would expect to happen in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

 

[88gmctruck]

Made it into the final stages of prepping the cab...

Undercoated the floorpan while it's apart.

Then just more and more primer sanding and those things. I also added the texture chip guard to the cab rockers and front fender edges.

Then got a few things set and shot some color. Painting the roof first then will do the rest of the cab. Just hard to paint the roof and the rockers due to their proximity to the ceiling and ground respectively.

Next few weeks should have more and more paint progress!








































































Oh you wanted to see the paint.

Tangier Orange baby! Have kept the color choice a secret up to this point. I'm SO happy with it though. Tired of seeing all the bland colors these days.

More to come!