Ideas needed for 1988 GMC C1500 longbed restore

[jcain226]

Hello- new to forum. Just bought 88 C1500 that has been sitting up untouched in a garage for 18 years.
It started up when I poured a bit of gas in Carb. Body is in good condition with no rust. Good and roof has some paint fading/oxidation.
I am going to change plugs/cap/wires/rotor/oil/coolant/air, fuel, and oil filter;

I am replacing fuel pump assy and fuel tank due to interior rust in tank.

Looking for ideas/tips/pointers on this because this is my first vehicle that I am bringing back to life.
It is the two-tone long bed. Not sure if end result should be stock for more of a street truck; larger tires for more of a beefy look. Open to any ideas! Thanks in advance!! Pics attached.

 

[618 Syndicate]

Ditch the grille guard, 2" shackles to bring the back end down level, update the wheel and tire combo to something more modern, replace anything rubber (lines, belts, etc) and drive it. It's clean, and the problem with starting a restoration is figuring out where to stop.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

the problem with starting a restoration is figuring out where to stop.

^^^Ditto
Nice looking ride! It looks like you have the same 2-tone blue interior I have in my 88 RCSB. A good place to start is safety related - brakes, steering, shocks, suspension etc.

Since it's been sitting so long, don't run it anymore until you drain and flush the tank and fuel lines. Enjoy!

 

[jcain226]

Ditch the grille guard, 2" shackles to bring the back end down level, update the wheel and tire combo to something more modern, replace anything rubber (lines, belts, etc) and drive it. It's clean, and the problem with starting a restoration is figuring out where to stop.

Thanks! Do you think it came with back end up, or got that way over time?

 

[618 Syndicate]

Thanks! Do you think it came with back end up, or got that way over time?

There's about a 2" rake in these trucks (and most others) from the factory.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

There's about a 2" rake in these trucks (and most others) from the factory.

Then the front coils sag a little too

 

[arrg]

Replace all the things you are already planning to replace. Get it running/driving safely for a while then you'll have a better idea of what you think the truck needs to be the truck you want. Not what a bunch of guys on the internet think you should do. It'll save you from having as many do overs in the long run.

 

[Erik the Awful]

If you like the '90s look, clean it up and run it. I'm not a big fan of spending money, and those wheels go well with the two-tone paint.

But, yeah, if you aren't a fan of the grille guard, I'd ditch it.

 

[MrPink]

Maintenance:
Plugs
Cap/rotor
Spark Plug wires
Fuel Filter
Serp Belt
Hoses(radiator, heater)
Water Pump
Thermostat
Brake Hoses
Brake Pads/Shoes
Rotors/Drums
Tires!!!

Mods:
2" lowering shackle
Remove Brush guard(unless you like it)


Outside the list above, just drive it, enjoy it and don't go crazy.

 

[618 Syndicate]

Replace all the things you are already planning to replace. Get it running/driving safely for a while then you'll have a better idea of what you think the truck needs to be the truck you want. Not what a bunch of guys on the internet think you should do. It'll save you from having as many do overs in the long run.

If he didn't want to know what a bunch of guys on the internet think he should do, he wouldn't have asked a bunch of guys on the internet for ideas...
Nobody is making him follow our suggestions, we're just giving him ideas.
Ya know, like he asked for.