Best Year? Newbie Question... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

coop94ls · 10-24-2001, 04:34 AM

Maybe yall can help out a newbie here and answer a question for me. I am interested in buying a 80's model Chevy Pickup and I wonder what is the best year in your opinions. I plan on completely restoring and customizing the truck. I want a 1/2 ton short wheelbase. I like the way the 84 models look. Is 84 a good year to get? Also are there any specific things I should watch out for? Any comments would help a lot. I know are some people on the board that are very knowledgable about these trucks. ALSO, I DID try the search function but didn't really find the answers I was looking for. Thanks in advance,

Coop

**Captkaos** · 10-24-2001, 09:50 AM

'84 is a good model. All of them are good in my opinion. It just depends on what you like. Just check for rust in the normal places. Driveline wise, they are GREAT trucks and shouldn't have any big problems. The 700R4's used in these were pretty much bad, but by now they should have been replaced, if not, expect to replace it and get a '88-91 700R4 with all the updates. In '82 they went to a galvanized floor so rust will be less on those years. 1982 was the last year for the 350 until 1987 with the TBI. Does this help?

------------------
Chris Lucas
1973 Chevy C-10
1975 Chevy Silverado
Captkaos Customs

78KustomKlassic · 10-24-2001, 11:08 AM

Hey coop94ls!
I have a '78 C10 and absolutely love it! If I could pick any model of the '73-87 style, it would probably be an '87 due to the fuel injection. Although the older ones are nice as there is no emissions crap to deal with. Good luck on your search!

------------------
joel
78 C10
Currently: 250/TH350

Big Bodie · 10-24-2001, 02:26 PM

Hey Coop,.....I have 81 GMC stepside short wheelbase and love it. I think the 82-87 are a better deal because of the improvements starting in 82. Just example power window motor for driver's side 79-81 $169, 82-87 $79, big difference. Like the 84 with galz. floor boards, all these things add up when you are restoring one. My 91' Surbur front cap really dresses off the front of the truck. The web site I'm posting here looks like the front of my truck even though that is not my truck, mine's white and I have a solid front bumper... www.socalcustoms.com/Shows/SummerMadenss/56.jpg

------------------
*** 81' GMC 327/300hp >265K miles and going strong
*** WITH 91' Surbur front cap

[This message has been edited by Big Bodie (edited 10-24-2001).]

**68SWB4x4** · 10-24-2001, 03:06 PM

personnaly if i was going to get a 73-87 id get a 73 sense here in california 73s dont need to be smogged.... and i like how the older ones look, less electronic crap to!

------------------
My Truck pictures

www.xframeimpala.com

68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET"
56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls
64ImpalaSS 327
70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350
IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET

Big 10 · 10-24-2001, 03:20 PM

I have an '80 2wd lwb and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The '80 models are my favorite because they have the rounded paneles with the vertical marker lights and square headlights. '80 was also the last year before they started putting in all the computer/electronic crap.

------------------
'80 Chevy Cheyenne 1/2 350 4bbl.

gchemist · 10-25-2001, 11:41 AM

Any year is good, but the person who owned should have taken care of it. Ask yourself what kind driving to plan to do? What kind of modifications do plan to do?

For me, I chose mine for all the power stuff and no smog pump. Mine has gone through a ton of changes and I have more planned. For a daily driver I would buy an '87 for FI. For super engine mods and no emission/inspection I would choose an older truck.

------------------
Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"
http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/

coop94ls · 10-25-2001, 10:53 PM

Thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I will be doing mostly highway and city driving. Its going to be my a second vehicle so it wont be driven every day. I want to keep the useability so I will probably keep it at stock height and just put on some billet wheels with some standard A/T tires.

My ideal drivetrain combo would be a 350/700R4 combo which I will probably convert to TBI throught the use of one of these: http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLin...B/950-21S.html
What is a good rear end ratio for mostly cruising but occasional high speed freeway driving? I guess what I mean is I want to have good acceleration but I also want to cruise comfortably on the freeway.

Thanks

Coop

[This message has been edited by coop94ls (edited 10-25-2001).]

gchemist · 10-30-2001, 11:56 AM

Coop,

With 350/700R4 and FI add some 3.73 gears. Cruising about 2300 RPMs at 70 MPH!!!

------------------
Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"
http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/

bigd65 · 10-30-2001, 07:12 PM

85" of course check the signature

------------------
85 C10 350/700r4
91'BURB GRILL CONVERTION
HOLLEY STREET DOMINATOR INTAKE
EDELBROCK 1406 COMP. SERIES CARB.
HYPERTECH POWER COIL
FACTORY HEADERS
MAGNAFLOW CAT/MUFFLER/3in. EXHAUST
3.42 REAR GEARS
PROTHANE SUSPENSION-TOTAL KIT
DUAL 13" ELECTRIC FANS
and still going
"thats my toy"
Jeff Dodson
Angleton,Tx.

10-24-2001, 04:34 AM	#1
coop94ls Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 4	Best Year? Newbie Question... Maybe yall can help out a newbie here and answer a question for me. I am interested in buying a 80's model Chevy Pickup and I wonder what is the best year in your opinions. I plan on completely restoring and customizing the truck. I want a 1/2 ton short wheelbase. I like the way the 84 models look. Is 84 a good year to get? Also are there any specific things I should watch out for? Any comments would help a lot. I know are some people on the board that are very knowledgable about these trucks. ALSO, I DID try the search function but didn't really find the answers I was looking for. Thanks in advance, Coop __________________ Currently looking for a decent 84' SWB Chevy to build up. Plan to do small block 350 w/ 700R4 on 16" wheels with LT245/75R-16/E all terrain tires.

10-24-2001, 09:50 AM	#2
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	'84 is a good model. All of them are good in my opinion. It just depends on what you like. Just check for rust in the normal places. Driveline wise, they are GREAT trucks and shouldn't have any big problems. The 700R4's used in these were pretty much bad, but by now they should have been replaced, if not, expect to replace it and get a '88-91 700R4 with all the updates. In '82 they went to a galvanized floor so rust will be less on those years. 1982 was the last year for the 350 until 1987 with the TBI. Does this help? ------------------ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1975 Chevy Silverado Captkaos Customs __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

10-24-2001, 11:08 AM	#3
78KustomKlassic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Rosemount, MN, USA Posts: 18	Hey coop94ls! I have a '78 C10 and absolutely love it! If I could pick any model of the '73-87 style, it would probably be an '87 due to the fuel injection. Although the older ones are nice as there is no emissions crap to deal with. Good luck on your search! ------------------ joel 78 C10 Currently: 250/TH350 __________________ joel 78 C10 Currently: 250/TH350

10-24-2001, 02:26 PM	#4
Big Bodie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Baton Rouge, La. Posts: 8	Hey Coop,.....I have 81 GMC stepside short wheelbase and love it. I think the 82-87 are a better deal because of the improvements starting in 82. Just example power window motor for driver's side 79-81 $169, 82-87 $79, big difference. Like the 84 with galz. floor boards, all these things add up when you are restoring one. My 91' Surbur front cap really dresses off the front of the truck. The web site I'm posting here looks like the front of my truck even though that is not my truck, mine's white and I have a solid front bumper... www.socalcustoms.com/Shows/SummerMadenss/56.jpg ------------------ * 81' GMC 327/300hp >265K miles and going strong * WITH 91' Surbur front cap [This message has been edited by Big Bodie (edited 10-24-2001).] __________________ * 81' GMC 327/300hp >289K miles and going strong * Stepside, WITH 91' Surbur front cap 3.08 gears with GM Posi-trac 700R4 with lockup TC 1406 Edelbrock carb. & Orignal Chev. alum. manifold Waiting for Pro-fuel injection system or LS1

10-24-2001, 03:06 PM	#5
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	personnaly if i was going to get a 73-87 id get a 73 sense here in california 73s dont need to be smogged.... and i like how the older ones look, less electronic crap to! ------------------ My Truck pictures www.xframeimpala.com 68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET" 56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls 64ImpalaSS 327 70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350 IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

10-24-2001, 03:20 PM	#6
Big 10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Fargo, ND, USA (Currently in Rockford, IL) Posts: 79	I have an '80 2wd lwb and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The '80 models are my favorite because they have the rounded paneles with the vertical marker lights and square headlights. '80 was also the last year before they started putting in all the computer/electronic crap. ------------------ '80 Chevy Cheyenne 1/2 350 4bbl. __________________ '80 Chevy Cheyenne Big 10 350 4bbl. Daily driver '67 lwb project currently in the planning stage

10-25-2001, 11:41 AM	#7
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Any year is good, but the person who owned should have taken care of it. Ask yourself what kind driving to plan to do? What kind of modifications do plan to do? For me, I chose mine for all the power stuff and no smog pump. Mine has gone through a ton of changes and I have more planned. For a daily driver I would buy an '87 for FI. For super engine mods and no emission/inspection I would choose an older truck. ------------------ Gerardo 1983 Custom Truck TX Plates: "BAD BOW" http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/ __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

10-25-2001, 10:53 PM	#8
coop94ls Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 4	Thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I will be doing mostly highway and city driving. Its going to be my a second vehicle so it wont be driven every day. I want to keep the useability so I will probably keep it at stock height and just put on some billet wheels with some standard A/T tires. My ideal drivetrain combo would be a 350/700R4 combo which I will probably convert to TBI throught the use of one of these: http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLin...B/950-21S.html What is a good rear end ratio for mostly cruising but occasional high speed freeway driving? I guess what I mean is I want to have good acceleration but I also want to cruise comfortably on the freeway. Thanks Coop [This message has been edited by coop94ls (edited 10-25-2001).] __________________ Currently looking for a decent 84' SWB Chevy to build up. Plan to do small block 350 w/ 700R4 on 16" wheels with LT245/75R-16/E all terrain tires.

10-30-2001, 11:56 AM	#9
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Coop, With 350/700R4 and FI add some 3.73 gears. Cruising about 2300 RPMs at 70 MPH!!! ------------------ Gerardo 1983 Custom Truck TX Plates: "BAD BOW" http://www.geocities.com/abetterchemist/ __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

10-30-2001, 07:12 PM	#10
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	85" of course check the signature ------------------ 85 C10 350/700r4 91'BURB GRILL CONVERTION HOLLEY STREET DOMINATOR INTAKE EDELBROCK 1406 COMP. SERIES CARB. HYPERTECH POWER COIL FACTORY HEADERS MAGNAFLOW CAT/MUFFLER/3in. EXHAUST 3.42 REAR GEARS PROTHANE SUSPENSION-TOTAL KIT DUAL 13" ELECTRIC FANS and still going "thats my toy" Jeff Dodson Angleton,Tx. __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

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