My '85 starting point
 

Introductions are in order. I'm Brooks. This is My Sqaure. The spelling is intentional and only funny to about 4 people, but it dates back to my first attempt at vandalism over a buddy's workbench in the shop where I learned how to work on truck suspension. Turns out, I can't spell with spray paint.

I have always wanted to get my hands on one of these and see what I could make out of it, but parental responsibilities have kept me on the sidelines until now. I sold my sensible car and bought this. Now I need some guidance.

I am terrible about letting projects overwhelm me with details. I plan to daily drive this and upgrade along the way. I will be doing most of the work myself, but I need help in figuring out what to start with.

I need to make sure that everything is mechanically sound and minimize the risk of any major motor/transmission issues. It is supposed to be a 350 small block with 350 Turbo Transmission. Is there any way to verify that visually or with the VIN number?

If you had just bought a truck like this what steps would you walk through to verify that everything was in perfect working order in the motor and drivetrain before you felt comfortable with it?

I already have my plan, but I like to compare notes with other people to see if I missed anything.

Thanks for the help.

Anyway, here is the truck. '85 C10 Silverado Short Bed.

Re: My '85 starting point
 

Nice looking Sqaure. :)

Welcome to the forum.

RIZ

Re: My '85 starting point
 

I personally would give it the once over checking all suspension, brakes, u joint. Check all fluids change as needed. Fix any leaks. Give it a tune up new plugs cap rotor wires. Then drive it and have fun.

Re: My '85 starting point
 

Check for visible leaks, misfiring cylinders, mushy brakes, sluggish shifting between gears, shaking when you get up to speed, brakes don't squeal, grab or pull in one direction when you apply pressure, no clunking sounds when you turn...

If you don't have any of these issues, then change all fluids, spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc. and drive it.

As for what to do and when... it depends on your ultimate goal. Essentially, do all your mechanical changes or repairs (lowering, etc...) before you do your cosmetic (wheels, tires, paint, upholstery... etc). The more you can do yourself, the farther your money will go.

If you can join forces with other enthusiasts in your area, you can ALL capitalize on each others skill sets and help each other accomplish a lot and save a lot of hard earned money. Sometimes this is hard to do, but when it does, sweet things happen!

Re: My '85 starting point
 

Hi Brooks. Hi Sqaure.

K

Re: My '85 starting point
 

Transmission identification:http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-transm...tification.php
A TH350C (lock-up torque converter) will have an electrical connection above the shift linkage on the drivers side.

As for the engine, find the casting and VIN numbers here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...inedetail1.jpg

You'll probably need a brush and solvent to read the numbers.

Then you can do do some "Googling" to see what you have.

Re: My '85 starting point
 

From what I have gathered based on your VIN - and assuming the motor is factory original. If it isn't a previous post tells you where to look on the engine to determine it's correct size: ( http://www.73-87.com/7387info/8187vin.htm )

1GC D C 1 4 D X B F 100001
(where the "D" is above, yours should be either an "L" or "M" for a 350.

1985-86
T = 292 6Cyl
N = 262 V6
H = 305 V8
L = 350 V8
M = 350 V8 Heavy Duty
C = 6.2L V8 Diesel
J = 6.2L V8 Diesel
W = 454 V8

Re: My '85 starting point
 

I found an older post that had a link to the service manuals for our trucks and did some digging and found this same information. Judging by the H in my VIN it looks like my truck originally came with the 305 V8. I don't think the guy I bought it from intentionally lied to me about the motor. I think it is an issue of him buying a truck from someone that had it sitting for a while and didn't really know what was in it. I am not too broken up over it. I can make the 305 sing and then swap it out if I decide I need more power later.

Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome guys.