Photo of my 83 in its prime

[crashz]

This is what my 1983 GMC looked like about 15 years ago. The winter after this was taken, I had a small accident and had to start replacing body panels. I parked it, went off to college and only gave it minor attention since. Unfortunately I realized to late that when a vehicle is parked outside, unwashed after a salty winter, it will continue to rust uncontrolably. She now needs a cab too. Fortunately, the frame is in great shape as well as the suspension and axles. Still a good soild platform to build upon.

I drove the truck for a few years with the orginal 6.2L diesel, and re-powered it with a 454, which was a big mistake. It still has the 454, but I intend to re-power (again) with a 6BT or 6.5 with turbo. Hopefully I will get to start restoration this year. Need some shop space first though.

[More Power]

Nice shot of your truck - back in the day. Like the look too.

Jim

[Robyn]

These trucks are truely classics and endure time very well.

The style is still popular even today.

My love in that body style is the 3+3 cab Duallies and the Blazer/Jimmy.


Great piccy


Robyn

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

wow, very nice looking truck. need more of them around.

[crashz]

Thanks guys!

I want to restore the old girl and get her back to the exact look as in the picture. I want to do it right, document it well and take my time, focusing on the details. Which means I need a dedicated shop to do it in. Still working on that part.

At the time that I parked it, I was young and stupid, and a hack of a mechanic then (not that I'm much better now!). I also completely ignored some simple things that would have made the resto so much easier now. With a little time and very little money, I could have at least saved the cab. Too much time spent chasing girls, drinking and craming for exams...

[Edahall]

It still has the 454, but I intend to re-power (again) with a 6BT or 6.5 with turbo. Hopefully I will get to start restoration this year. Need some shop space first though.

Though a bit more complicated, you won't be dissapointed if you go with the 6BT, especially if its behind a manual transmission.

[crashz]

Edahall,

I may have access to a 5.9 with 5 speed manual transmission. I was hoping to talk to you, as you have done this swap into this body style truck before. Plumbing and wiring should not be overly difficult, however I'm curious as to the mounting position and motor mounts and well as cooling considerations.

[Edahall]

Edahall,

I may have access to a 5.9 with 5 speed manual transmission. I was hoping to talk to you, as you have done this swap into this body style truck before. Plumbing and wiring should not be overly difficult, however I'm curious as to the mounting position and motor mounts and well as cooling considerations.

Pictures are worth a thousand words so I'll take some pictures and post them so you can get a better idea on the swap and what was involved.

As far as cooling, I'm using a 4 core Chevy 6.2 Diesel radiator. I've heard that the 6BT puts out less heat than the 6.2 at the same power levels. I have never had an issue with cooling even while pulling heavy loads. I'm also using the stock direct drive fan that came with the Cummins. I'm not using an intercooler.

[Edahall]

I finally got around to taking some pictures of my setup.

Motor Mounts




Engine compartment




Clearance between fan and radiator


Extra crossmember welded in

[Edahall]

NV5600 Transmission, NP205 Transfer Case & Gear Vendors




Clutch master cylinder from a Jeep CJ


Transmission & Transfer Case Shifters

[crashz]

Thanks Edahall! I'll have to view them at home since the images are blocked here at work.