"Black Betty" 1995 GMC Reg. Cab Sport Side

[LEEVON]

Had to scratch an 88-98 itch I've had for awhile...so I picked up this this granddad special to by my DD and shop truck. She has 141k easy miles, comes with the dainty 4.3L but has power windows and locks. I haven't formulated a plan, but short term will be stash the topper somewhere, throw on some 88-98 rallys with new tires, lower 4/6 and go from there. My end game is to put an LS engine in this one

This will be a slow upgrade/build. Here are a few of the seller's photos.

[lolife99]

Very cool truck.
My opinion,... The 88-98 trucks are one of the best driving trucks you can own.
Congrats.

[Hankster]

Good looking truck, for sure.. can't wait to see it with an altitude adjustment.

[LEEVON]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Very cool truck.
My opinion,... The 88-98 trucks are one of the best driving trucks you can own.
Congrats.

Agree, they are so smooth on the highway...thanks!

Originally Posted by Hankster

Good looking truck, for sure.. can't wait to see it with an altitude adjustment.

Me too! Won't be long!

[LEEVON]

I performed her first mod, a camper shell delete.

What do ya'll think about black wheels and stock center caps? I have a set of 88-98 15x7 steel wheels ready to go. Kind of a sleeper look, like the pic below except keeping the trim. It will have more effect when the 5.3L is swapped in.

[Hankster]

I like the look of the black wheels. I say go for it!!

[LEEVON]

The truck is really solid, front suspension is tight, no leaks and clean underside. It is a real highway machine, super quiet, straight and smooth at 75mph. It did come with two issues besides the fact the 4.3L can't get out of it's own way . The temp gauge read just above 100 degrees and the ABS light is on. So yesterday I replaced the thermostat which was hung open. I suspect on of the wheel speed sensors is bad so that's next. Today I cleaned and painted the steel wheels and mounted a set of new Cooper 225/75/15's. Then I scored a set of NOS GMC center caps on Ebay. I also ordered a 2002 master cylinder and adapter fitting for increased brake pedal response.

Next up, 4/6 drop.

[Hankster]

Can't wait to see the wheels with the drop!

[LEEVON]

Good because I'm not showing the wheels without the center caps and drop! The truck looks very ugly at the moment!

[LEEVON]

I did the master cylinder swap and flushed all the old fluid. It's a nice improvement to the pedal feel. The brakes will be even better with a set of power stop drilled and slotted rotors.

I'm going to order the drop parts this week.

[Hankster]

You slipped up and showed it without centers.. hahah. What are you gonna run for center? Astro van center would look GOOOOOOD!

[88copperhead]

Really good looking truck. On the brake master swap do u need adapter and if so do you have a part number handy.

[joecool]

Looks real good!

[LEEVON]

Originally Posted by 88copperhead

Really good looking truck. On the brake master swap do u need adapter and if so do you have a part number handy.

Thanks and yes, you only need a 9/16-18 female to 1/2-20 male adapter and a little tweak in the lines. AGS part number BLF 26C or Edelman 258306. Got the master cylinder from Napa and the adapter from O'Reilly.

Originally Posted by joecool

Looks real good!

Thanks!

[LEEVON]

The GMC center caps came sooner than expected (ordered Saturday and shipped from California to Missouri via USPS...one business day...I was flat out astonished). They were NOS in the original packaging with the black lug nut covers. I also had to get some of the external thread lug nuts.

[LEEVON]

Also ordered the lowering stuff today. I went with a Belltech flip kit and notch through Summit for the 6" rear drop. It comes with shock relocators which are a must and I like their notch design. For the front, I went with McGaughy's spindles from Grunion Fabrication as usual.

[jb1016]

I'm in. Looks like a great truck to start with and your trucks always turn out so nice. I think it needs more tire to pull off the steelie look, but that's just my $.02. And a little black spray-bomb on the wheel weights would help too.

[LEEVON]

Thanks! I hear ya on the weights, I was even thinking about re-balancing with some beads because they took more weight than I hoped. But hang tight on the tire size/look, another few days and it will come together. I was very deliberate picking those out to go with the 4/6 drop. Stock 235's are too big and rub fenders. The 225/75/15's look small at stock height but they're really only about 1" shorter and .5" narrower.

Speaking of the drop, I got the rear flip and the c-notches mostly done tonight. It was the first time I've ever had a fully equipped shop for lowering a truck so now I'm spoiled by lifts, air, bright lights, etc. The underside of the truck is super clean too, bed looks like it was never dirty. Crazy how clean it is, and not a single dent. I should be wrapping up Monday or Tuesday when my spindles get here.

[killthewabbit]

Just an FYI, your "Black Betty" thread link in your signature points to the "Rebound" thread.

[JWall]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

It was the first time I've ever had a fully equipped shop for lowering a truck so now I'm spoiled by lifts, air, bright lights, etc.

I've said before you always have the cool trucks & now you all the cool toys in the shop too... If I was a little closer you'd find me loitering at your shop!

The truck is looking good... looks like a very slick one!

[LEEVON]

Originally Posted by killthewabbit

Just an FYI, your "Black Betty" thread link in your signature points to the "Rebound" thread.

Fixed. thanks!

Originally Posted by JWall

I've said before you always have the cool trucks & now you all the cool toys in the shop too... If I was a little closer you'd find me loitering at your shop!

The truck is looking good... looks like a very slick one!

Thanks! But think you're giving me too much credit because your trucks are killer! I am going to have a small gathering this fall...need to hurry and pick out a date. If you're interested.

[JWall]

Let me know the date when you figure it out.
I might try to make it. I have family that way too.

[DroppedAsAChild]

Sweet Build.

[LEEVON]

Originally Posted by JWall

Let me know the date when you figure it out.
I might try to make it. I have family that way too.

Will Do!

Originally Posted by DroppedAsAChild

Sweet Build.

Thanks!

[LEEVON]

Got the rear drop stuff done today. I could have taken this a lot further by fabricating boxed-notches and relocating the upper shock mounts but I just don't have the time. The belltech notches are a nice quality piece. I was on the fence about welding them in but when I was in the middle of it all a friend stopped by who is a structural engineer stopped in by chance and confirmed some of my thoughts, so I ended up adding some welds. Note the rear lower shock relocators, these are key to achieving a decent ride quality. Glad this is all done, it was dirty job in the heat. The front spindles should be here Monday!