54 gmc
#1
54 gmc
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
l
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
l
Last edited by cadivette; 03-24-2020 at 10:29 AM.
#3
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.
#4
TECH Senior Member
Interesting! That's gonna be a nice ride!
BTW, I did not know they were putting Hydramatics in trucks that early!
BTW, I did not know they were putting Hydramatics in trucks that early!
#6
TECH Senior Member
Those who bought GMC's had "arrived", and yours was the boulevard cruisin' model!
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#10
A little more progress
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......
The second iron block is for a 72 Monte Carlo swap for another customer, more on that one soon......
#11
TECH Senior Member
I see 2 Gen III blocks, then a Gen IV block in the last shot. which one is yours?
#13
Updates
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
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
The following users liked this post:
Plumber452 (01-15-2020)
#17
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.
#18
TECH Veteran
Love the truck. You hardly ever see the old GMC trucks ....
#20
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.