Restoration Tiem

[ricosuaveC1500]

Hello guys I'm in a state of despair and confusion with restoring my truck( 96 C1500 ,305 Vortec 4L60E ,3.42 G80) Last time it ever ran was on 11/27/2024 and unfortunately gave up on it because the fuel pump went out and was about to start the spring semester of college. I have about 5 months until I move to FSU and would prefer to have the truck in running condition because its cheaper than hiring a tow truck for a 3:30 drive from central Fl to campus.
NOW , considering this vehicle has been sitting off and on what are items that I MUST replace in this 27 year old masterpiece of American engineering, so I can drive it reliably on the highway for 3.5 hours on I-75 and 10??? The last time the truck was driven was on 11/27/2024 so it has been sitting for a bit. it did have some overheating issues previously and had allegedly addressed them when I replaced the radiator and 2 temps sensors. the motor has been rebuilt about 2 years ago but due to inconsistent fuel delivery, it once again ended up sitting until September when I replaced the grounds in the engine bay and fuel neck. last time it started it popped my pcv valve and the fuel pump no longer primed.


Muchas Gracias por la ayuda campeones , Rafael

 

[Erik the Awful]

It's been sitting for two months and you're worried about it? I've been on longer TDYs. Normally for a vehicle sitting for that time frame you just jump the battery and start driving. If you meant 2023, how much gas is in the tank? If it's a lot, consider draining the gas and putting fresh gas in it.

You're asking a very open-ended question about maintenance on a 30 year old truck. You're going to have to inspect it and troubleshoot any problems. There's no magic item to replace and turn it into a reliable vehicle, and driving it is the primary way you'll discover issues. Do you have a mechanic you trust for issues that are beyond your capability?

 

[ricosuaveC1500]

It's been sitting for two months and you're worried about it? I've been on longer TDYs. Normally for a vehicle sitting for that time frame you just jump the battery and start driving. If you meant 2023, how much gas is in the tank? If it's a lot, consider draining the gas and putting fresh gas in it.

You're asking a very open-ended question about maintenance on a 30 year old truck. You're going to have to inspect it and troubleshoot any problems. There's no magic item to replace and turn it into a reliable vehicle, and driving it is the primary way you'll discover issues. Do you have a mechanic you trust for issues that are beyond your capability?

Yes it’s been sitting for 2 months and unfortunately I don’t really have someone that I can trust to take my truck to. My daily driver is a 06 Lexus LS430 and I usually do the maintenance myself . I guess the question I should’ve asked is “ Is it reasonable for me to replace the whole fuel system on this truck given it’s been 29 years and I don’t really know the history of the maintenance of this truck before the purchase (I should’ve mentioned my Dad bought it for me when I turned 18 like 4-5 years ago). And as well as “While I’m at it” what other items should I upgrade to in regards to age or just new R&D that can make the truck more potent and efficient at a budget of 1.5k? As well as does anyone in the Lake County or Leon County area of FL know of a reputable auto body shop?

 

[Erik the Awful]

If you're having concerns with the fuel system, replace the fuel pump and fuel filter. Make sure there aren't any other leaks, and if you can do a fuel pressure test, that would be optimum.

For concerns with the cooling system, make sure you don't have any leaks and that you don't have a blown head gasket or cracked heads. Check the underside of the water pump to make sure it's not leaking. Check the radiator end tanks around the fittings for the oil and transmission coolers. After that, make sure your hoses are in good shape, and that's fairly easy since we only have upper and lower radiator hoses and the heater hoses.

 

[1911tex]

Oh my...your truck is a rare sport side beauty....!

 

[Drunkcanuk]

Love seeing another Steppy on the forum!!!

Not much to add with your issues that hasn't already been said.

I would say download the factory service manuals for your truck in the engine and performance section. And run through the trouble shooting section one at a time.

And sitting for two months is nothing. Mine sat for 8 years with the same gas in the tank and fired right up, just topped it up with premium for a few tanks and all was good.

 

[ricosuaveC1500]

ALRIGHT it's been a hot minute under the Florida sun and chaos since I last mentioned anything. So far I have decided to upgrade the alternator to a AD244 from an 01 Tahoe and will be converting the battery to top posts using these fused battery terminals from KnuKoncepts. I am still waiting on more hardware and parts to redo my fuel system as well to make sure that this truck runs reliably. Feel free to give some insight and as usual thank you guys for creating a great strong community for these GMT400's.