1953 GMC Longbed, Barn Find, Rat Rod,SEMA, LSX, Hot Rod, Street Rod, Custom

1953 GMC Other Description

This 1953 GMC Long Bed Pick Up is the result of a 2.5 year, one off, complete custom build. The truck was professionally built for a very special customer and friend, with tons of attention to detail. Sadly, our friend got relocated, across the country for work reasons and was not able to bring this vehicle with him. The idea behind this very unique project, was to have the outside appearance left as untouched as possible, leaving it’s natural patina to be worn proudly, while stuffing as much modern technology and amenities into the vehicle as possible, giving the truck a classic look on the outside but the comfort, reliability, performance and handling of a modern performance vehicle on the inside. There is less than 300 miles on this one of a kind project, and it is ready to be driven and enjoyed for many years to come.

ENGINE – TRANSMISSION – REAR AXLE

This engine has been completely rebuilt, top to bottom, by a very reputable machine shop, using only high quality parts, hardware, gaskets and seals. The accessory drive from a 98-02 Camaro/Firebird was chosen to keep the custom built alternator, A/C compressor and power steering pump as low and hidden as possible. A lot of time and thought was put into making this accessory drive work to keep everything as clean and simple looking as possible. The valve covers were also smoothed and the coils relocated in an attempt to keep a vintage, uncluttered look.

· 5.3 LS Truck Iron Block

· MSD “Atomic EFI” Engine Control Unit/Engine Management

· ARP Connecting Rod Bolts

· 10.50:1 Keith Black Pistons

· GM Performance Parts LS1 “Hot Cam” Camshaft & Valve Spring Package

· New Roller Lifter, Push Rods, Timing Set, etc…

· Professional Products Harmonic Balancer

· Holley Rear Sump Oil Pan Kit

· Hooker Headers Cast Iron Exhaust Manifolds

· Custom Built 3.5in. Side Exit Exhaust System

· MSD Custom Length Spark Plug Wires

· Custom Built Aluminum Radiator w/Derale Performance 2-Speed Electric Cooling Fan

· 4L80E Transmission

· TCI “EZ TCU” Transmission Control Unit/Transmission Management

· 9.5in. Billet Stage 5 RevMax Torque Converter 3600RPM Stall w/Lockup

· B&M Super Cooler Transmission Cooler

· 3.5in. Chromoly Driveshaft

· 1350 U-Joints

· GM 8.5 Axle Housing w/all New Bearings & Seals

· Eaton Posi Unit w/3.73 Gears

· Yukon Axles

CHASSIS

The original frame was completely stripped, media blasted, and epoxy primer coated. From there, the frame was completely boxed in, front to back, new cross members and mounts were custom fabricated for the new engine, transmission (removable), front and rear suspension and various other components. The frame and many other parts were then painted in an epoxy based satin black and then assembled using only grade 8 hardware throughout.

· Mustang II Front Suspension System w/Power Rack and Pinion Steering

· Tubular Upper and Lower Control Arms

· Dropped Spindles

· 11in Power Disc Brakes Front and Rear

· Powder Coated Brake Rotors

· Wilwood Adjustable Proportioning Valve

· Custom 4 Link Adjustable Rear Suspension

· Rear Adjustable QA1 Coil Over Shocks

· Front and Rear Sway Bars

· Custom Steel Wheels Made By Detroit Steel Wheel Co. 20x8 Fronts & 20x9 Rears

· Nitto NT555 295/40/20’s Rear & 245/45/20’s Front

BODY – INTERIOR – ELECTRICAL

At the beginning of this project, all of the body panels, the cab and the bed were completely disassembled. Some small repairs & modifications were made to the cab floor, and the entire inside and underside of the cab was painted in Duplicolor bed liner. There is a ton of custom work done inside the cab of this truck to keep things a clean and hidden as possible and also to keep the vintage feel of the truck alive. From the start, we really wanted to package everything so that there wasn’t a bunch of objects hanging down under the dash, without sacrificing any comfort or amenities. To accomplish this, all of the electronics (Engine/Transmission controllers, Fuse Panel, Relays etc) were mounted under the bench seat, the Vintage Air Conditioning unit was custom mounted to not be visible, the vents were also custom mounted to be hidden, the radio and speakers were carefully mounted to be hidden as well. The gauges were carefully disassembled and rebuilt, using the original needles and backgrounds to give accurate reliability while keeping the old look and feel. The gauges were adapted to work with the modern components at this time, and green LED custom backlighting was also custom built into the gauge housings. The cab also has all brand new windows and window gaskets/seals (except for rear window), window regulators, vent windows and latch mechanisms have all been rebuilt as well. All the door and cab seals are new as well. There is truly too much to list in this area but I will list as much as possible below

· Newport Engineering 2-Speed “Clean Wipe” Wiper System

· Vintage Air System w/Custom Made Lines & Hoses

· TCI Speedometer Adapter

· Original Manual Column Shifter Adapted to Shift 4L80E Automatic Transmission

· OEM Style 4L80E Neutral Safety Switch On Transmission

· Lift/Latch Style Seatbelts

· Radio Mounted in Glovebox Area (Meant for Connecting To Smart Phone)

· Customized Original Steering Column w/3-joint Steering Linkage

· Modern Style Ignition and Dimmer Switch

· Seat Has Been Recovered w/New Padding/Stuffing (Additional back Support in Upright Seat Half)

· Restored Seat Frame

· Black Carpeting

· Removable Transmission Tunnel/Cover & Battery Access Panel

· Door Panels Covered in Same Material as Seats

· Custom Inner Door Pulls

· Custom Stitched Boot for Brake Pedal

· New Headliner, Sun Visors, Seal Etc…

· New Bed Wood Kit w/New Steel Liners

· 16 Gallon Polyethylene Fuel Tank

· In-Tank Fuel Pump w/Sending Unit (Very Accurate)

· New Hood Hinges and Hinge Springs

· LED BedRoll Tail Lamps & Updated Exterior Lighting

I have done my absolute best to describe this vehicle as accurately as possible, but there are simply too many little details and tasteful modifications to list. I would be more than happy to answer any questions or send additional photos or video to anyone who is seriously interested in this truly one of a kind truck.

For any questions please contact me at AlteredEngineering@yahoo.com