So, what would you guys do?

[Russell]

Ok, so, I was chatting with a local forum member tonight, when he showed me a link to a classfieds page that obviously doesn't recieve a whole lot of traffic. Inside, was a 77 GMC stepper. Its obviously badly rotted out, but that isn't a huge concern to me.

What my current situation is that I've got an 89 C1500 that has been boat loads of trouble for me. I've replaced the engine, two transmissions, multiple gauges, both door handles (which are jammed up again!!) and that heater fan switch, with now the stereo starting to act up too, and I really just want to get rid of it.

However, the 89 now has a very strong 355 in it, though the tranny is slipping something horrible on the 2-3 shift.

What I am considering doing, is buying this 77. Its a Sierra Classic, and therefor is reasonably well optioned. Swapping out it's engine / tranny into my 89 with a carburator, and swapping out the TBI 355 from the 89 into the stepper with a spare TH400 I have sitting around.

Assuming I could get myself a driveshaft made for the TH400 in the shortbed, I could have a running, fuel injected truck with a solid transmission for approx 600 bucks or so, and wind up with about 2000 in my pocket from the 89. Being fairly plain jane (no power windows, locks etc) the stepper probally wouldn't give me much trouble, and would be an awesome winter beater. My 89 is just far too long for driving around town (22 some feet from bumper to bumper)

Do you guys think I am thinking crazy here, or is it possible I may be on to something?

Russ

PS -- here are a few pics of the stepper. He has a flat-deck on the back at the moment, but the truck includes the step-side bed.





Here is a picture of the 89