New (Old) Truck from CT

OceanSpray · December 25, 2016

Been driving pickup trucks for 50 years plus. Backyard mechanic including diesel tractors and boats. Serious track drag racer in my early years. My trucks have ranged from Datsun, Toyotas, Chevy C10 and Ford F150. My last truck was the F150 4X4 XLT. Had it for 14 years, but could not keep up with the rust. Joining this forum for support and information.

Here's my latest ride... a frame-off restoration of a 1990 GMC C1500 (Sierra SLE) with original 5.7L, 700R4 automatic with 104,000 miles. A one-owner Massachusetts truck, always garaged, and REALLY taken care of (owner was GMC truck salesman). Some of the key restoration components... K&N cold air intake, Accel spark plugs and wires, Pacesetter headers, Walker Y-pipe and catalytic converter, Gibson cat-back SS exhaust. Front-end has new uppers, idler, pitman arm, wheel bearings, and upper ball joints. New front disk brakes (drilled and slotted rotors, calipers and pads), rear drums and cylinders, and new SS brake lines. Bilstein shocks front and rear. New gas tank with SS fuel lines. Frame and undercarriage sand blasted and painted with Rust Bullet Automotive and Black Shell. The first picture was taken in September 1989 when owner picked up new truck. The second picture is how she looks now in my driveway (original paint!!).