96-1500
Bluenoser
So as some of you may know, I recently acquired another '400 to add to my collection (including parts vehicles, I now have 5).
I'm still driving the '96 and plan to for the time being. This is just a fixer-upper project and I'm in no huge hurry to get it done.
1994 GMC K2500 light duty RCLB. For those of you who are unfamiliar with GM's somewhat erratic model naming policy, this is basically just a half ton (or, if you prefer, 1500) frame, front end, motor and transmission options with a 14-bolt semi floater (6-stud wheels) and HD back suspension. And of course GMC2500 badges on the door which are extremely important...
If there are any other differences I skipped, feel free to point them out. In later years (I believe 95+) they just called them 1500 with the RPO code F44 which stands for heavy duty or something like that. Kind of like a towing package, I guess.
5.0 TBI hooked up to an NV3500 5-speed, 8.25" front diff and 3.73s.
As far as I can tell it's just a bottom of the line work truck (SL model)
I didn't get many pics before I started taking it apart, but here's a little bit of progress
The body is solid but it's been sitting for awhile and the bottom sides of the box are rusted out, as are the cab corners. Otherwise it's in amazingly good condition. Cab and box floor are solid and still painted, the frame is covered in surface rust but is in excellent shape, and best of all the factory grey interior is near perfect with the exception of a rip in the bench seat and the fuse box cover has a broken tab. Needs a cleaning and that's about it.
So I pulled the box and started cleaning up the frame:
Finally, a standard '400!
A lot of people dislike the location of the cupholders. Well I'm tall with long arms and think they are perfect.
I'd also like to point out I've never been near one of these trucks that had doors close as nice as these. Push them with your pinky finger and they click shut with a nice sound. Just like a brand new truck. I love it.
And this will save a lot of work, thanks GM!
Now, the bad:
Other than the bodywork said above (and obviously a paintjob afterwards), the transmission has a nasty knock, it needed brake and fuel lines (already done), the sending unit was shot (replaced), needs exhaust work, and the motor needs a full tuneup (though it runs pretty well). Other than that, it's just minor stuff like a few lights not working and cosmetic stuff (at least, as far as I know). It could also use a set of tires.
After all the important stuff is fixed I'd like to find some sawblade aluminums with 96+ centre caps and a set of 285s. Probably going to need some more power as going from a Vortec 5.7 to a TBI 5.0 is really, really hard to get used to. The power difference is huge.
I'm still driving the '96 and plan to for the time being. This is just a fixer-upper project and I'm in no huge hurry to get it done.
1994 GMC K2500 light duty RCLB. For those of you who are unfamiliar with GM's somewhat erratic model naming policy, this is basically just a half ton (or, if you prefer, 1500) frame, front end, motor and transmission options with a 14-bolt semi floater (6-stud wheels) and HD back suspension. And of course GMC2500 badges on the door which are extremely important...
If there are any other differences I skipped, feel free to point them out. In later years (I believe 95+) they just called them 1500 with the RPO code F44 which stands for heavy duty or something like that. Kind of like a towing package, I guess.
5.0 TBI hooked up to an NV3500 5-speed, 8.25" front diff and 3.73s.
As far as I can tell it's just a bottom of the line work truck (SL model)
I didn't get many pics before I started taking it apart, but here's a little bit of progress
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You must be registered for see images attach
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The body is solid but it's been sitting for awhile and the bottom sides of the box are rusted out, as are the cab corners. Otherwise it's in amazingly good condition. Cab and box floor are solid and still painted, the frame is covered in surface rust but is in excellent shape, and best of all the factory grey interior is near perfect with the exception of a rip in the bench seat and the fuse box cover has a broken tab. Needs a cleaning and that's about it.
So I pulled the box and started cleaning up the frame:
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
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Finally, a standard '400!
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
A lot of people dislike the location of the cupholders. Well I'm tall with long arms and think they are perfect.
You must be registered for see images attach
I'd also like to point out I've never been near one of these trucks that had doors close as nice as these. Push them with your pinky finger and they click shut with a nice sound. Just like a brand new truck. I love it.
You must be registered for see images attach
And this will save a lot of work, thanks GM!
You must be registered for see images attach
Now, the bad:
Other than the bodywork said above (and obviously a paintjob afterwards), the transmission has a nasty knock, it needed brake and fuel lines (already done), the sending unit was shot (replaced), needs exhaust work, and the motor needs a full tuneup (though it runs pretty well). Other than that, it's just minor stuff like a few lights not working and cosmetic stuff (at least, as far as I know). It could also use a set of tires.
After all the important stuff is fixed I'd like to find some sawblade aluminums with 96+ centre caps and a set of 285s. Probably going to need some more power as going from a Vortec 5.7 to a TBI 5.0 is really, really hard to get used to. The power difference is huge.
