91 Z71 Resto

[Zseventy-one]

Time has come to finally restore dads truck. Its a 1991 Seirra 1500 SLE Z71. I was around 9 years old when he bought it brand new. Learned how to drive in it, took it out on dates in HS. Moved me to college and to my first house as an adult. Its served our family well over the last 29 years but desperately needs some TLC.

My parents aren't car people nor am I a mechanic but I've convinced them to make this a family project.

Enough back story! Let's just get to it...

 

[Zseventy-one]

First issue was the tailgate trying to fall off. Can't have that...

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Zseventy-one]

Turns out the tailgate hinge on the right side rusted off. Ordered a 4 price kit off ebay which was a mistake.

 

[Zseventy-one]

As you can see the brackets should have had 2 bolt holes...

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Zseventy-one]

Also notice that the old bracket had been welded....
Used a Multi tool and cut it off, then grinded the sharp edges down with a file.

 

[Zseventy-one]

Good news, the ebay seller refunded me, let me keep all 4 hinges (the bed side ones fit ok) and picked up the correct 2 hole tailgate brackets from local Napa for $15 bucks!

 

[Zseventy-one]

Sprayed the bed latches with some paint and greased up the moving parts. Works great so far, no more worrying about loosing your load!!

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Zseventy-one]

I did paint the arms as well just fyi..

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Zseventy-one]

Next on the list was to replace the blown alternator. Its was spitting out bearings!

 

[Zseventy-one]

Of course I snapped off a bolt...
I sprayed PB blaster on verything a couple days before, and before hand again but she's a rusty SOB!

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach