My 86 GMC Sierra C15

[gbskunk2006]

The 4.3 is still really strong so likely won't be replacing it for a while.  Long term plan is to p/u either a 350 or another 4.3 block and "slowly" rebuild it in my spare time.  Since it 's going to be a "daily driver" gas mileage will be a big consideration.

Thanks for all the positive comments.  Will post new pics once she's ready for the street.

[VileZambonie]

Cool - My friend tried the same but he found he was into the throttle so much with the 4.3L he ended up using less fuel with the 350 we finally put in. But you can beef up the 4.3L's pretty good too! Keep the progress pix updated!

[gbskunk2006]

Good point VileZambonie, I've heard that before so will have to give it some serious consideration.

On another note, I was pretty surprised myself when I first came across the truck years ago to find a V6 under the hood however, I was sold once I took her for a test drive.

Since the V6 appears to be "rare" do you think the value of my truck will be greater by keeping the V6 or dropping in a V8 in the future?

[VileZambonie]

The V6 will not make the truck more valuable at this point in time, however I think most people favor the V8 and would want to tear the V6 out. If it came down to building it, I'd build a V8 and hang onto the V6 and you can sell it along with the truck if you ever chose to do so.

[Fordeatinz71]

yep, the 4.3 has to work a LOT harder to move that truck...although, you'd be amazed.  if you look on www.73-87.com and check out the road test where they tested two "identically" equipped '86 K1500 SBs (one with a 305 and the other with a 262) they were a lot closer than you think...and the 4.3 did better in mileage. 

i guess a lot of times it depends on what shape your engine is in (tunewise and internal condition).  normally though, a moderate V8 has to work a LOT less than a V6 so it will return better mileage if driven sanely...

[gbskunk2006]

Well, here is the final product after almost three years!
Just got it insured yesterday, and today I took it for a long awaited drive in the country.

To enhance the rims I painted them with POR-15 (Silver) and exposed the factory chrome hubs.


A little touch up paint and chrome polish helped make the emblems look like new again.


A new billeted grill and bumper help finish off the front end.


What difference sound proofing material, new carperting and headliner make for comfort.


Wouldn't be complete without a new chrome step bumper.  Rear sliding window sure helps with the air circulation.

[Dragon]

Wow She looks Great in that Color(one of my Fav Blues)   Congrats on the Clean Job, but Sorry bout the Marriage....    A little WD40 sprayed on a rag, will help to freshen up those Impact Strips on your bumper guards, if they are faded....

[eventhorizon66]

Awesome job on the truck.  She's a beauty.  I'm really wanting to restore my wheels and interior now.

[gbskunk2006]

Misc pics

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

Very nice work, looks great and enjoy.

[Fordeatinz71]

oh man that is a pretty Sierra!  nice work man!

[choptop]

You did a great job. These pictures are the best answer to the post"What is it that attracts us to these trucks?" They say it all for me.

[gbskunk2006]

Thanks for all the positive feedback.  Still have to take care of some minor details like spraying on the POW-R-Liner in the truck bed, take care of a leak around the back window, center the steering wheel, refit some trim pieces, etc..  Three most important things I learned about doing this project;

1.  Don't rush it! 
Near the end, I "hurried" some of the body prep work so there are some minor imperfections I wish I had taken the extra time to work on.

2.  Get the biggest capacity air compressor you can afford before you start.
This is critical for running many of the tools that will make the job go smoother (e.g. da sander, ratchets, cutting, sprayer, etc.)  I thought my 8 gallon would do but quickly realized the opposite.  Eventually I bought a 60 gallon compressor and it made a huge difference.

3.  Refer to point #1 :-) 

[VileZambonie]

Looks nice n clean!

[yellasldrboy_04]

how did you get that step bumper to fit so close under the bed?  Mine and many others that I have seen have a big gap b/t the lower part of the tailgate and the bumper.

I really need to know this or Im going to buy a regular stock bumper