I will call this one "back to stock" for obvious reasons. This truck (92 C1500) was riced the **** out of but also heavily neglected. Got it in northeast PA at a combination carwash/auto shop in May 2020 for $4500. I was informed it had a "new" engine & trans. I immediately got to work on undoing the ugliness and countless redneck repairs, probably by those same carwash guys. Here's a pic of the day I got it home:
I have no idea where the grille & lamps came from, he told me it was out of a Land Rover. That does not explain the center bevel it had like a GMT400 grille, LOL. Talk about butt ugly!
This wasn't the worst part. I was only allowed to test drive it in the parking lot. I did not notice any erratic shifting, however it was a royal pain to steer and LOUD (straight piped into Glasspacs). Being in such a hurry after looking at several other vehicles, I forgot to keep the motor running when I checked under the hood. With a proper inspection I would have noticed the severe blowby from the "new" 350. Also, he lied, it was actually a 305.
As I made the 60 mi drive back to Jersey I was getting nauseous from what smelled like exhaust, and I was starting to see smoke come in through the dash (turned out to be blowby gases). The alignment was shot & brakes practically to the floor (although I already knew these trucks are notorious for squishy brakes).
Before getting up to my knees in the mechanical stuff I decided to at least make it look like something I want to drive. She immediately got new lights (owner sold me the stock grille with it):
Now time to ditch those terribly painted-over-chrome rims!
Above is what I ordered and you are probably facepalming. I had no clue the 2wd trucks were 5-lug. This guy misled me with the wheels he had on it - turned out to be 2 inch conversion spacers on the stock hubs. I did not realize until I was at the tire shop mid-swap and they told me I would not be able to ditch the spacers, DOH!
You must be registered for see images attach
I have no idea where the grille & lamps came from, he told me it was out of a Land Rover. That does not explain the center bevel it had like a GMT400 grille, LOL. Talk about butt ugly!
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
This wasn't the worst part. I was only allowed to test drive it in the parking lot. I did not notice any erratic shifting, however it was a royal pain to steer and LOUD (straight piped into Glasspacs). Being in such a hurry after looking at several other vehicles, I forgot to keep the motor running when I checked under the hood. With a proper inspection I would have noticed the severe blowby from the "new" 350. Also, he lied, it was actually a 305.
As I made the 60 mi drive back to Jersey I was getting nauseous from what smelled like exhaust, and I was starting to see smoke come in through the dash (turned out to be blowby gases). The alignment was shot & brakes practically to the floor (although I already knew these trucks are notorious for squishy brakes).
Before getting up to my knees in the mechanical stuff I decided to at least make it look like something I want to drive. She immediately got new lights (owner sold me the stock grille with it):
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
Now time to ditch those terribly painted-over-chrome rims!
You must be registered for see images attach
Above is what I ordered and you are probably facepalming. I had no clue the 2wd trucks were 5-lug. This guy misled me with the wheels he had on it - turned out to be 2 inch conversion spacers on the stock hubs. I did not realize until I was at the tire shop mid-swap and they told me I would not be able to ditch the spacers, DOH!