New member '87 GMC Stepside

[Vbjunker]

Hey everyone,
New guy here. I just bought a 1987 GMC Sierra step side that I found on Craigs List here in Norfolk, VA. As soon as I figure out how to paste a photo into a post I'll share. Meanwhile some details:
White, ex-City of Norfolk maintenance truck with 87,000 miles. 4.3L V-6, 700R transmission, bench seat, wood bed, painted bumpers and mirrors.
No AC, radio delete plate, no carpets, mats or headliner.

The body is fantastic. Despite no undercoating, most of the cosmetic issues are rubs, scratches and former decals. I'll be replacing the exhaust this weekend, driving it and making my hit list. The plan is to just drive it while improving the interior. I want to keep it simple. Maybe look at the V-8 swap later on.

Great forum. I will surely find all the answers to my questions here. Thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

[WarBeard]

Welcome! And pics are a must. Sounds like you have a cool mix of options on that truck.

[cmyc5575]

welcome to the site man hope we can help with any future questions you may have and upload some pics!!!

[mopar346]

Welcome to the party, step sides are so cool.

I case you didn't know, we like pictures. I think you need 5-10 post to be able to add a picture so just reply to some of these post and you'll get your count up, then use "go advance" at the bottom of the reply box and then "image management" that will let you brouse your computer and attach images, as long as they are the appropriate size.

Good luck with your new toy, solid body is a great start.

[Vbjunker]

Thanks,
I'll get my count up there by babbling...

Tomorrow I plan to install an exhaust from the header back. Cat was cooked and coming apart, so I bought a new one. Summit had the Magnaflow universal # 91076 that looked about right, plus a Thrush welded muffler # 17659. Good prices on both. All I need now is some 2.5" tubing and a few clamps. If all goes well, I could be cruising by noon.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Vbjunker]

I pulled the bench seat out a couple of nights back and doused the bare floor with degreaser and a garden hose. This time around I will just throw the rubber mats down, but going forward may get the vinyl floor kit. Also made the bench seat vinyl a couple of shades lighter blue. Grime.
Posted via Mobile Device

[mopar346]

Cool, sounds like you are making progress, make sure you use some sort of insulation on the floor under the rubber matt, it makes a huge difference with heat and road noise.

[Vbjunker]

Posted via Mobile Devicehttp://s367.photobucket.com/albums/oo114/vbjunker/83%20Shovel/1987%20GMC%20Stepside/?action=view&current=617259ad.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

[Vbjunker]

http://s367.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=617259ad.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

[mopar346]

Nice, looks rust and dent free. GReat foundation for a build.

[WarBeard]

Heck yeah! I like the stock wheels and caps. Very clean truck to start with. I like building trucks that came from the factory with minimal options, a lot less stuff in the way.

[88Jimmy4x4]

nice and welcome to the forum

from your photobucket album just copy the IMG link and paste here

[Vbjunker]

Thanks. My computer skills peaked about the time my step side was new.
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[88Jimmy4x4]

now thats funny

[74 stepside]

With a nice lowering job, you will be on your way...

[Vbjunker]

Exhaust kicked my butt today. Joint forward end of cat is 1/2 welded right over the trans crossmember. Plan to take it to a friend's shop and use a lift. No room to wrestle with a sawzall working on my back in the driveway. Stay tuned. Interior shot here...


Posted via Mobile Device

[beamn7]

Welcome and good looking truck! I like the simple / stock look too.
Look forward to seeing your progress!

[Vbjunker]

Thanks. Previous owner suggested dropping a crate engine in and having the rear steel wheels widened to keep the look. We'll see where the road leads, I suppose.
Dull night at the homestead so got the truck into the garage. Instead of waiting for the lift I'll probably jack it up. Not that my friend with the shop isn't reliable, it seems like we do 90% *****ing and 10% working over there. Beer and snacks will be a whole lot better when I get my exhaust in and can start driving.
Posted via Mobile Device

[WarBeard]

Man that is clean on the inside. My Arizona truck has more rust in the floor than your truck.

[78 Big10 454]

I'm jealous...Oh, and welcome aboard from SoCal!

[Vbjunker]

Thanks,
Where in L.A.? I lived in San Pedro and Long Beach for awhile. Don't miss the traffic, but hope to get back one day.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Vbjunker]

Exhaust work continues. Waiting for the next UPS box. Need a flex joint as I had to cut the down pipe further up than planned. Maybe by this weekend.
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[shkj2004]

Good

[pontgta]

Vbjunker had to recieved the ups box by now....

[Vbjunker]

Sure did...