Craig Rainbolt
Newbie
This is my 97 Sierra with the 4.3 2WD Auto "work truck" 363,*** miles. Ultimately, my goal is restore the truck and make it near stock with a few modifications. Originally my Dads and was given to me when he bought a new truck. Drove it for a while then I was in an accident. Didn't make much money at that time to fix it, so sadly it sat for a while.
The damages..
Had an engine strapped near the tailgate. A sudden stop caused the engine to break through the straps and almost take my head off! Busted the back window and bent the front bed panel and driver side bed side pretty good.
Driver side of bumper bent up and inwards, blowing out the driver front tire. Had to remove bumper to get the spare tire on.
Bent the driver side of frame a little bit. I was super worried about this til my body shop buddy said it's an easy fix.
I loved the stripes on the truck and tried to find the same ones to put back on the truck. No luck. So I took an eraser wheel to them.
I already knew I wanted to do the 5.3 swap so I bought a few parts. Motor mount adapters, 5.7 clam shells, 5.7 motor mounts (may change for stiffer mounts we will see), and flex plate spacer just in case.
The same weekend my buddy fixed my frame he also replaced the rocker panels and cab corners.
He also fixed the beaten up bed. Called up local glass company and had a new tinted window installed.
The damages..
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Had an engine strapped near the tailgate. A sudden stop caused the engine to break through the straps and almost take my head off! Busted the back window and bent the front bed panel and driver side bed side pretty good.
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
Driver side of bumper bent up and inwards, blowing out the driver front tire. Had to remove bumper to get the spare tire on.
You must be registered for see images
Bent the driver side of frame a little bit. I was super worried about this til my body shop buddy said it's an easy fix.
You must be registered for see images
I loved the stripes on the truck and tried to find the same ones to put back on the truck. No luck. So I took an eraser wheel to them.
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
I already knew I wanted to do the 5.3 swap so I bought a few parts. Motor mount adapters, 5.7 clam shells, 5.7 motor mounts (may change for stiffer mounts we will see), and flex plate spacer just in case.
You must be registered for see images
The same weekend my buddy fixed my frame he also replaced the rocker panels and cab corners.
You must be registered for see images
He also fixed the beaten up bed. Called up local glass company and had a new tinted window installed.