78 Silverado, Thoughts- Concerns-Suggestions

[solidaxel]

Here is the rest of the story!

I purchased this truck in 79 from the family of a neighbor and it has been mine and my wife's daily driver until last week.

The reason being it has 289 thousand miles and is all original except for two transmissions two water pumps and three fuel pumps and three alternators and one carb overhaul, lots of spark plugs and one coil, one AC compressor 134.
The oil & filter changed regularly (3K), anyway you get the story!

It is a factory black 350/350 SWB and for "some reason" the valve seals went south about 10 years ago, so it puffs a bit on start ups and uses oil about a qt. in 600 miles.

The oil pressure is in the mid 45# area and gives me NO trouble with anything, EXECPT for the same fuel mileage it has since I purchased it in 79, 10 MPG.
This is a Heavy 10 and it has lived its whole life in the desert southwest and there is no body damage or rust, and everything still works, but the drivers window regulator is very hard to roll up and down.
The paint is getting a little thin is a lot of places but it will still shine with some wax.

Here is the question and I respect the views of this forum, I hang out in the 47 to 59, and the folks will speak there mind and have proof to back it up!

Do I replace the engine and trans with a 40K 5.3 and 4L60E repaint the truck and keep it for my grandson, or do I get rid of it as a excellent survivor as it sits, or do I replace the drive train and redo the suspension (rubber). This was all was done about 15 years ago with 3/4" spindle and spring and hanger drop and 17" wheels.
Did I say that I already had the 5.3 drive train, brackets, Howell harness new Sanden compressor, and TBSS manifolds.


O K lets hear it !!
Thanks

[bigd65]

Do it RESTORE IT, it will make a very nice driver for our son...and he will have the coolest truck in HIGH SCHOOL. Besides, these trucks values are on their way UP
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[bigd65]

Put the newer stuff on it, the lowering kit, the 5.3 s 4l80 everything
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[Blackpony]

I would restore it with new parts, fresh paint, and the ls swap. With that it will look great, drive like a new truck and get 20 mpg..

[Car'n'Guitars]

Keep it, newer drivetrain, paint and your set.

[solidaxel]

This truck has with me through thick and thin, but I am afraid with all the up-grades I will be "over building the neighborhood", unlike all the AD trucks I have built, that there has been "some" return on my investment.

The value of the finished AD trucks seem to hold there price, where I do not know about a modded square body.

There is some incentive to hand the truck down to my grandson in a few years, but the biggest incentive is the fuel mileage

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Lets get some pics!

Honestly idk how old your grandson is but I would ask him what he likes
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[andrewmp6]

I'm with the rest do a light resto and throw the 5.3 and trans in it.The 5.3 4l60 combo will get better mileage and start easier too.

[Rich84]

Put the new parts in her..On this forum I can kinda guess which way the sugestions are gone go...

[N2TRUX]

I think the general consensus will be to swap the motor and freshen up the suspension. I dont think I would paint it though. If the paint still looks good just a bit thin, shine it up and enjoy the new motor. Also you didnt say what wheels you have, but new style wheels are always a great way to give an old dog a fresh new look.

[solidaxel]

After reading the story about Slonaker selling his VERY well cared for truck and a part of his life for many years, I guess there is not much value in a survivor like mine.

So I guess I may as well update it for at least another 34 years!!!

I tried to post some pics of the 78, but I can not get them to upload.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Lets get some pics!

Honestly idk how old your grandson is but I would ask him what he likes
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I am not able to post pics anymore, must be doing something wrong!

My 2 kids will inherit the Corvettes and each of my 3 grandsons will inherit a truck............... but I get to keep them up and drive the tires off of them for as long as I am able to push in the clutch on three of them !!

[Katrina/10]

I'll go the other way and say just leave it like it is!

[Jewbacca]

Sounds like you already know that that you are going to do it. Plus if it has that good of a truck it you owe it some love.

[solidaxel]

I can not load any pics?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I can not load any pics?

Try photo bucket I think they are doing some stuff on the forum and the feature is temp down

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[rs72z]

Swap in the 5.3&4l60e and don't look back. It won't even be like driving the same truck anymore.

[mrolds88]

First, it sounds like youhave a good truck. Second, value or loss of value should only be a consideration if you plan to sell. Sounds like it will be passed down through the family. I think, if it were me, I would find the one whom is going to recieve it eventually and build this together. I like the 5.3/4L60 combo. But whatever you do, think about the build together. That will give this the best value.

[solidaxel]

I would if they lived closer, they do help when they are in town.
They will learn how to wax and polish, and clean the wheels first !!

[mrolds88]

It is a shame they don't live closer. But cleaning is part of the work that needs done. Maybe you could keep them updated in emails?