My 80' silverado - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rchadhaney · 05-17-2011, 08:18 PM

Finally beginning to work on my old truck. This truck means a lot to me and I finally have the monetary means to fix it right. Here is a little history of the truck:

Late 1979 My grandfather purchased this truck new from the local Chevrolet dealership. It is a 1980 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton LWB. It came with an Olds 5.7 Diesel, two-tone gray (gray/charcoal), tilt wheel, a/c, p/s, p/l, p/w.
As many of you are probably aware the truck suffered the same issues as most with that motor. The head bolts kept stretching out by 1983-84 or so the dealership refused to keep fixing it and my grandfather parked it in his shop. The truck only had 36,xxx miles on it.

The truck remained in the shop covered in dust until around 1994-1995. I used to play in this truck pretending to drive it when I was a young child.

In 1994-95 my grandfather put in an early model 6.2L diesel motor. Within 3 months of the install the motor started getting water in the oil. My grandfather once again parked the truck except outside this time. In 1996 my grandfather passed away with the truck still sitting outside.

In 1998 I turned 15 and my grandmother gave me this truck to be my first vehicle. Not having much money I ended up putting stopleak in the radiator and oil stopleak in the oil and drove it that way for a year before it finally blew up.

After the 6.2L diesel I put in a 455 buick out of an old electra. The motor was supposed to be a good motor however it was instantly apparent that there was at least piston that had stuck rings. I've never seen so much smoke come out of a truck.

Out came the 455 and in went a 305 pulled from a chevelle. The 305 had a mild cam, holley intake and carb. 3-5000 miles later the truck was parked yet again. Life happened and I moved on. The truck sat for another 2 years.

Then my gf's dad gave me a "good" motor so in went a 307 Olds this time. Yet again motor was no good.

Present day: The truck has been sitting since 2006. The 307 Olds had no oil pressure. I have started working on the truck again and this time I'm doing it right.
The motor is a 350 bored .60 with mild cam, edelbrock performer intake and carb. I am replacing all suspension, lines, gaskets, seals, whatever can go bad from the firewall forward. here are some pics from the tear down last weekend. I'll have more pics after this weekend.

Chevy350V8 · 05-17-2011, 08:25 PM

sweet! cool its been in the family!!

my4by2 · 05-17-2011, 08:35 PM

Welcome to the forum! Looks like a great start to a project & can't wait to see more pics.

Pop's C-10 · 05-17-2011, 08:39 PM

Tha hoods been off that thing alot!! LOL Welcome to tha site..

**old Rusty C10** · 05-17-2011, 09:07 PM

that is an awesome story to go along with what looks like a great truck.. best of luck with your rebuild... do you want me to transfer this to the builds section so you can keep us updated with lots of pics?

rchadhaney · 05-17-2011, 09:25 PM

Sure, I plan on updating with lots of pictures as progress is made so the Build section is probably the best place for it.

motornut · 05-17-2011, 09:54 PM

welcome it's always cool hearing people keeping a family truck
as time goes by you will be gad you did

rchadhaney · 05-21-2011, 11:31 PM

Almost finished with my new motor.

350 bored 0.60 over. mild cam, edlebrok intake and carb. I did not buy the valve covers not a fan of chrome but they came with the motor.

Pop's C-10 · 05-22-2011, 01:26 AM

scuff those covers down & paint em black

**N2TRUX** · 05-22-2011, 11:52 AM

Awesome story, thanks for sharing. If it were me, I would keep the chrome covers and loose the old school T handle bolts. The chrome look really sharp against the motor color. If you clean, paint, and detail under the hood before the motor goes back you will have an eye catching set up when your done.

Cherub · 05-22-2011, 12:14 PM

You got to love the history.

motornut · 05-24-2011, 10:03 AM

yup looks nice
my t handle bolts i found loosened up
in my case they were on it,when bought
i tightened them and the covers kept distorting/and loosening/leaking
I ended up using other ones i had

85sierraclassic · 05-24-2011, 01:15 PM

looks good i roughed mine up and painted them with duplicolor bedliner lol and if you can find the cast iron spreader clamps they seem to work good instead of the cheaper made chrome ones.

rchadhaney · 05-25-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85sierraclassic

looks good i roughed mine up and painted them with duplicolor bedliner lol and if you can find the cast iron spreader clamps they seem to work good instead of the cheaper made chrome ones.

I like the way that looks. I may try that. I did take the t-clamps or whatever they are called off and just used bolts which looks like a lot better.

chevymotocross · 05-24-2011, 04:25 PM

After all those engine swaps.... you just can't go wrong with the ole' reliable 350 GASSER LOL

BruthaMan · 05-24-2011, 09:13 PM

Great story! I can only imagine the influence your Grandfather must have had on you. Can't think of anything more honorable than what you are doing....keeping his memory alive.

rchadhaney · 05-25-2011, 12:10 AM

Thanks for the positive comments guy. Anyone have any answers for my radiator issues? I bought a new radiator that is 17" tall and the old radiator is 19". Supposedly this radiator is compatible with this truck but I don't know how....

BruthaMan · 05-25-2011, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchadhaney

Thanks for the positive comments guy. Anyone have any answers for my radiator issues? I bought a new radiator that is 17" tall and the old radiator is 19". Supposedly this radiator is compatible with this truck but I don't know how....

I did the same thing, believe it or not. See the last post or two in my build thread.

I believe the 19" tall are for 350s and the 17" tall are for the lower size(s) 305 and v6.

If you ordered it locally, just return it and get the correct 19" tall.

rchadhaney · 05-25-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruthaMan

I did the same thing, believe it or not. See the last post or two in my build thread.

I believe the 19" tall are for 350s and the 17" tall are for the lower size(s) 305 and v6.

If you ordered it locally, just return it and get the correct 19" tall.

I ordered it through Summit Racing. I contacted them and they are sending me a new one the right size for the difference and then picking up the old one and taking it back.

rchadhaney · 05-25-2011, 03:58 PM

Does anyone know where I can get an original style breather for this truck?

Hoods69BadBowTie · 05-25-2011, 01:13 AM

Wow what an awesome story defiantly got tons of history! That's cool your finally doing it the right way. Going to be well worth it and sweet when you get all done. Keep up the good work

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rchadhaney · 06-05-2011, 10:07 PM

Here's what I got done this weekend. I got the front end suspension off and rolled the cab
back and painted the frame.

In two weeks I'll be able to finish the suspension and put the new motor and tranny in.

rchadhaney · 06-05-2011, 10:07 PM

rchadhaney · 07-04-2011, 11:57 AM

Motor and tranny back on frame....

05-17-2011, 08:18 PM	#1
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	My 80' silverado Finally beginning to work on my old truck. This truck means a lot to me and I finally have the monetary means to fix it right. Here is a little history of the truck: Late 1979 My grandfather purchased this truck new from the local Chevrolet dealership. It is a 1980 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton LWB. It came with an Olds 5.7 Diesel, two-tone gray (gray/charcoal), tilt wheel, a/c, p/s, p/l, p/w. As many of you are probably aware the truck suffered the same issues as most with that motor. The head bolts kept stretching out by 1983-84 or so the dealership refused to keep fixing it and my grandfather parked it in his shop. The truck only had 36,xxx miles on it. The truck remained in the shop covered in dust until around 1994-1995. I used to play in this truck pretending to drive it when I was a young child. In 1994-95 my grandfather put in an early model 6.2L diesel motor. Within 3 months of the install the motor started getting water in the oil. My grandfather once again parked the truck except outside this time. In 1996 my grandfather passed away with the truck still sitting outside. In 1998 I turned 15 and my grandmother gave me this truck to be my first vehicle. Not having much money I ended up putting stopleak in the radiator and oil stopleak in the oil and drove it that way for a year before it finally blew up. After the 6.2L diesel I put in a 455 buick out of an old electra. The motor was supposed to be a good motor however it was instantly apparent that there was at least piston that had stuck rings. I've never seen so much smoke come out of a truck. Out came the 455 and in went a 305 pulled from a chevelle. The 305 had a mild cam, holley intake and carb. 3-5000 miles later the truck was parked yet again. Life happened and I moved on. The truck sat for another 2 years. Then my gf's dad gave me a "good" motor so in went a 307 Olds this time. Yet again motor was no good. Present day: The truck has been sitting since 2006. The 307 Olds had no oil pressure. I have started working on the truck again and this time I'm doing it right. The motor is a 350 bored .60 with mild cam, edelbrock performer intake and carb. I am replacing all suspension, lines, gaskets, seals, whatever can go bad from the firewall forward. here are some pics from the tear down last weekend. I'll have more pics after this weekend. Attached Images __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd. Last edited by rchadhaney; 05-17-2011 at 08:34 PM.

05-17-2011, 08:25 PM	#2
Chevy350V8 Semper Fi!!! Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina Posts: 971	Re: My 80' silverado sweet! cool its been in the family!! __________________ Brandon... "IT ONLY TAKES EVERYTHING YOU GOT!!" Semper Fi

05-17-2011, 08:35 PM	#3
my4by2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Hot Springs, AR. Posts: 1,215	Re: My 80' silverado Welcome to the forum! Looks like a great start to a project & can't wait to see more pics. __________________ 1977 Chevrolet K30 LWB Crew Cab 497HP Mast Motorsports 6.0L LY6 HO engine GM NV4500 5-speed, Centerforce clutch + NP205 D60 + 14-bolt FF w/ Eaton posi + disc brakes Skyjacker 2.5" full spring lift w/ Nitro shocks Custom paint + interior http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=435722

05-17-2011, 08:39 PM	#4
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: My 80' silverado Tha hoods been off that thing alot!! LOL Welcome to tha site.. __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse Last edited by old Rusty C10; 05-25-2011 at 07:49 AM.

05-17-2011, 09:07 PM	#5
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,312	Re: My 80' silverado that is an awesome story to go along with what looks like a great truck.. best of luck with your rebuild... do you want me to transfer this to the builds section so you can keep us updated with lots of pics? __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-17-2011, 09:25 PM	#6
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado Sure, I plan on updating with lots of pictures as progress is made so the Build section is probably the best place for it. __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

05-17-2011, 09:54 PM	#7
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: My 80' silverado welcome it's always cool hearing people keeping a family truck as time goes by you will be gad you did __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

05-21-2011, 11:31 PM	#8
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado Almost finished with my new motor. 350 bored 0.60 over. mild cam, edlebrok intake and carb. I did not buy the valve covers not a fan of chrome but they came with the motor. Attached Images __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

05-22-2011, 01:26 AM	#9
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: My 80' silverado scuff those covers down & paint em black __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

05-22-2011, 11:52 AM	#10
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: My 80' silverado Awesome story, thanks for sharing. If it were me, I would keep the chrome covers and loose the old school T handle bolts. The chrome look really sharp against the motor color. If you clean, paint, and detail under the hood before the motor goes back you will have an eye catching set up when your done. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 05-22-2011 at 11:53 AM.

05-22-2011, 12:14 PM	#11
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	Re: My 80' silverado You got to love the history. __________________ 2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck)

05-24-2011, 10:03 AM	#12
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: My 80' silverado yup looks nice my t handle bolts i found loosened up in my case they were on it,when bought i tightened them and the covers kept distorting/and loosening/leaking I ended up using other ones i had __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

05-24-2011, 01:15 PM	#13
85sierraclassic Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: auburn ne Posts: 230	Re: My 80' silverado looks good i roughed mine up and painted them with duplicolor bedliner lol and if you can find the cast iron spreader clamps they seem to work good instead of the cheaper made chrome ones. Attached Images __________________ 85 GMC sierra classic : 350, 4spd, 205, 3.42s, 35s

05-24-2011, 04:25 PM	#15
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Re: My 80' silverado After all those engine swaps.... you just can't go wrong with the ole' reliable 350 GASSER LOL __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

05-24-2011, 09:13 PM	#16
BruthaMan US Army Veteran Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,049	Re: My 80' silverado Great story! I can only imagine the influence your Grandfather must have had on you. Can't think of anything more honorable than what you are doing....keeping his memory alive. __________________ 1972 C10 Highlander - The making of a daily driver



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05-25-2011, 12:10 AM	#17
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado Thanks for the positive comments guy. Anyone have any answers for my radiator issues? I bought a new radiator that is 17" tall and the old radiator is 19". Supposedly this radiator is compatible with this truck but I don't know how.... __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

05-25-2011, 03:58 PM	#20
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado Does anyone know where I can get an original style breather for this truck? __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

05-25-2011, 01:13 AM	#21
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Re: My 80' silverado Wow what an awesome story defiantly got tons of history! That's cool your finally doing it the right way. Going to be well worth it and sweet when you get all done. Keep up the good work Posted via Mobile Device __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

06-05-2011, 10:07 PM	#22
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado Here's what I got done this weekend. I got the front end suspension off and rolled the cab back and painted the frame. In two weeks I'll be able to finish the suspension and put the new motor and tranny in. __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

06-05-2011, 10:07 PM	#23
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

07-04-2011, 11:57 AM	#24
rchadhaney Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 58	Re: My 80' silverado Motor and tranny back on frame.... Attached Images __________________ 1997 Chevrolet 2-door Tahoe 1980 (LWB soon to be SWB) 2wd.

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