1979 chevy short bed blue 454 never touched

[stingrayjodi]

My first post.  My dad ordered a 1979 chevy short bed big 10 with blue 454 motor in 1978.  this is a one owner truck, in perfect condition as it rolled off the showroom floor.  nothing has ever been modified or changed on it inside or out.  never been painted on and still shines. still smells new inside.  black with red interior.  has had a cover over it, a very good expensive cover, since 1993.  he used to start it every month faithfully.  it has been parked on a lift now for 11 years.  he passed away february 5, 2023.  i am his only child his daughter.  i inherited the truck when he passed away.  This truck is tied to so many memories of my lifetime.  I learned respect for cars and trucks as a child from my dad. i was not allowed to ride my bike within 25 yards of this truck.  I turned out to be a car guy from heck.  (thats not a bad thing lol).  I cannot allow the truck to just sit and rot away any more.  My intentions are to take it down and completely go through all the fluids change, all hoses and belts, brake lines, seals, everything i can and need to do before starting it up again because i dont want to hurt anything on the truck.  It is unbelievebly immaculant.  I joined here hoping to find information to help me get this done.  It just feels like such a work of art to me and i dont want to modify anything i just want to be sure it is not going to find issues from sitting so long so i want to do the best i can.  I also am wondering if there is a way to title it to myself without making it a 2 owner car, because that does matter, but since he died i dont think it is fair to lose that part of it.  if possible.  I look forward to reading as much as i can from everyones posts to see what you have.  Thank you for letting me in.  i will post some pics soon. 

[Shifty]

In for pics, drool-mop at the ready, and welcome from Tucson, AZ! 

[Mike81K10]

Welcome from Alabama and look forward to your pics.

[Captkaos]

Welcome to the site!

[Chevygold]

Welcome from across the pond, looking forward to seeing your dads truck.
Graham

[JohnnyPopper]

Welcome from SoCal San Diego!

Great story, great handle, can't wait for pics and progress!

How many miles are on it?

[Mr. Machanic]

Welcome to the group.

Not to derail topic, but inquiring minds want to know...
How did Chevy get a short bed to hit the 6000lb mark?
Did the bb do that for them?

[Chanman09]

Great story. I can’t wait to see pics!

I’m sure a lot of us learned to love cars through our dad’s. I sure did.

Memories of watching him work on his ‘55 BelAir became memories of me helping him on it. I remember doing head gaskets on my ‘82 ford truck with him as the first major project I was part of. We took out and replaced a 350 and transmission in my ‘89 short bed (for some reason I got rid of this truck in college 😡).

Every time I turn a wrench I get nostalgic. My dad’s been gone for almost 2 years. Will be 2 in April. 

I think you’re doing a great service to this truck and your dad’s memory. I’m sure he’s proud of you and will be riding with you in a sense.


Good luck! Happy trails! Cheers!

[JohnnyPopper]

Welcome to the group.

Not to derail topic, but inquiring minds want to know...
How did Chevy get a short bed to hit the 6000lb mark?
Did the bb do that for them?

Where was the GVW come from? I didn't read it in her post...

[Mr. Machanic]

So a bit of history behind the Big 10...as best I can.
In 1970-1971 our illustrous, all knowing gov't came out with their vehicle pollution-emmission demands. The weight cap was vehicles under 6000 lbs had to comply. Chevy came out with the Big 10. A 6050-6100lb truck that had no pollution krap. I think Ford and Dodge had a similiar version, but don't quote me on that.
It took 5 years for the gov't to change the rules and up the tonnage to 4 tons and under had to comply with the pollution krap.
The Big 10's were a 3/4 ton frame with a 1/2 ton shell.

So my question was basically if a full size Big 10 was 6050-6100 lbs with the 8ft bed, how did the short 6' bed meet the weight minimum of 6000 lbs to be a Big 10?

Inquiring minds was inquiring...
Thanks

[Captkaos]

The Big 10s did not weigh 6000lbs, you are confusing GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) to Curb weight.  GVWR is the combined weight or "gross"
These trucks curb weights vary between 3800-4400 (rounding) which means equipped the Big10 could carry 1700lbs (approx) as they had a (minimum) GVWR of 6050lbs. 6050-4300 = 1750, max = 6200
Big10s are 1/2 ton frames just like every other half ton but had F44 HD suspension package: HD battery, HD Brake system, HD front/rear springs, HD shocks, BBC motor, HD trans etc
GVWR options on 1979 half tons were 4900 5300 5400 5600 6000

[Mr. Machanic]

Well then, mine got short changed.
350 with TH350.
 Lol.

[JohnnyPopper]

Well, now that it's cleared up, can we get some pics please?

Shifty's drool mop is getting hangry! 

[Shifty]

Well then, mine got short changed.
350 with TH350.
 Lol.

A co-worker has the same drivetrain, and no emissions garbage (and has to fight the emissions test stations yearly).

[Mr. Machanic]

After a vehicle reaches 25 years old Ohio does not require emission testing.

And as soon as my Taco turns 25, it will get hissy plates too.
$60.00 a year for plates and the roads here in Ohio are horrable.
Somebody's lining their pockets as the roads shread tires.

Just like the lottery was supposed to go to schools....money laundry scams.