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A quick word about me before I get into the project.(not a sales pitch) I have been in the repair industry for almost 26 years and have done my share of hot rods and engine swaps for myself and friends.
This is the first for a paying customer. I don't usually post my projects and haven't ever posted a customers.
This is a cool one. 1954 GMC originally bought by this customer's dad. After his father passed away he wasn't sure what he wanted to do with it. I'm honored he came to me to have the work done.
it will be completed in stages as this guy isn't rich and he's not using any kind of credit to do the build.
Hope ya'll enjoy the progress Hauling iy to the shop Getting a look and making plans Out with the old straight axle
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New cross member and spring perches going in Everything welded up Crosse member Suspension assembly Mustang II goodness I like the way it sits. Ugly wheels are just for now so we can move it around.
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Old torque tube differential. I forgot how heavy these things are! Blazer wide ridet 4x4 diff, 3.73 posi 8.5. Should work nice Mock up. Using the stock springs for now. Pulled 6 leafs from an 11 leaf pack and used a 2 inch block for the final set up. This should be the ride height. No schocks on it yet. The stock inline six and hydramatic transmission are in the bed so the ride height might come up a bit Moved it outside to make room for other not so fun work(gotta pay the bills) I think its gonna shape up to be a nice ride when its finished.
Interesting! That's gonna be a nice ride!
BTW, I did not know they were putting Hydramatics in trucks that early!
Neither did I, but it was in the truck with an auto shifter on the column and the badge on the fender. Had a heater and auto trans, that would be an LTZ package by standards of that year.
I've purchased the engine and am starting a stock, basic rebuild. My build room is full right now. A transmission torn down, 2 short blocks assembled and 2 more engines going back together. The one for the 54 is an iron 5.3, stock heads, small cam. Once the engine and trans are together that GMC will be back in the shop.
The second iron block is for a 72 Monte Carlo swap for another customer, more on that one soon......
Here are a few update pics. The customer decided that they wanted cruise control so I started reworking a DBW harness to make cruise integration easier. New pan. Super low ground clearance Firts stab Initial fit Final fit Header clearance Wiring ...... Most of the wiring will run uner the intake ,injector and coil wiring Accessory drive final fit
Did you massage the firewall on this? It looks like the engine is sitting back pretty far compared to some I have seen.
Firewall is stock. I used a kick out sump sheet metal pan that allowed me to drop it way down. This allowed it to also move back quite a way.
I really wanted to do this to keep weight as much behind the front axle as possible.
Steering column modified for a double d shaft and u joints Engine fuse and relay panel. This is tied to the main fuse panel only through one ignition fuse and the brake lamp fuse(for the TCC brake feed) This was a little more work but makes it clean and aimplifies the wiring by isolating the engine harness. More wiring, more wiring , more wiring....... Starting the body harness withthe ignition switch and powering the engine. Small victory last night. Turn the key on ECM comes alive Fuel pump primes Check engine light comes on Engine cranks Aleays nice to see everything work when you spend this much time on wiring.
Coming along nicely! Are you going to run a vintage air unit in this or something else?
I've already got a system from MostalgNostalgic AC out of Florida. The kit I bought was without compressor or brackets. Includes under dash unit, condenser, hoses, fittings, dryer, brackets and controls for under $800. It's also all mechanically controlled with cables so there is really nothing to fail. And they answer the phone when you call.
11-28-2018, 09:36 AM
54 gmc 
