My 1970 GMC Sierra Grande

[MusicMan70]

Hello Everybody,

I'd like to share my "new" old truck. A 1970 GMC Sierra Grande . Mostly original except for old headers and glasspacks.


Some Pertinents:
Vin: CE234ZZ53XXX Engine Code: V1017TAX

Original PINK says it was first sold in 1969, but it is a 1970 Model
Door Tag says build date of 10/69

It had a Camper on back which preserved the wood box nicely. Also the tailgate is in beautiful condition. I may be able to buff out the oxidized paint.

Has 350/350 combo with 4:10 Dana 60. 16.5" steelies and caps. Steering wheel is badly deteriorated. I can see the build sheet in the bench seat back spring, as well as some documents in the springs under the seat. Here are some pictures of the truck.

A few questions????
What is option Z-18 GVW?
Do any of the marks on this rim tell me the diameter?
I read it as K 1 9 (November 1, 1969), so does the 10 mean 10" diameter?
(It has 9.50 x 16.5 tires and the rim looks like it would take a bigger tire.)

I'll have to take pics of the interior and post later as I only have video of the inside for now.
Oh, and I busted the bolts that held the Camper mirrors on. I was trying to bring them in so I wouldn't side-swipe anybody/thing. Thanks for looking!

[MusicMan70]

OK more pictures...

[MusicMan70]

And some more pics

[MusicMan70]

Last few I have

[FL71C10]

Looks like a nice complete truck. I like the color, I had a 68 Camara that was a similar color, never saw another one that color!

Your wheels are 16.5 inch diameter, don't know how wide though. I'd imagine the gvw option is for heavier camper springs.

[sameyrasmea72]

Nice clean truck!!!. I bet that tailgate has been in storage for a looooong time.

That color is very difficult to buff out but you might be able to bring it back to life if the pigment isn't gone.

[jlmerie]

Man, I love that truck!

[MusicMan70]

Thanks Folks,

Yes FL, I should have said width when I said diameter, in regards to the steel wheels. I did find the answer to the width question and the Z-18 RPO question.

I removed the bench seat for cleaning and found most of the Build sheet.
The wheels are:

RP9 F950x165x8
RP9 R950x165x8
RP9 S950x165x8
So the steelies are 16.5x8's and the spare as well.

The RPO Z-18 is listed on the bottom of the RPO section of the Build Sheet
and referenced on the plate in the drivers door jam. Seems to be a Camping/Towing GVW guideline for Front, Rear and Maximum capability.

Also I noticed the Floormats seem to carry on the interior-Scroll theme as well. I did not see a part number on them, but they appear to be original. I kind of cleaned one up. They are very intricate in design.

I've included photos of interior(did some clean up), jack, build sheet,and floor mats.

I checked the address on the buildsheet and there are dealerships still there, but no GMC. The original Pink show a Riverside, Ca address, so this truck did not venture too far after being sold, from the dealership
Yep, seems I have a matching numbers Truck.

[MusicMan70]

Some More pics

[MusicMan70]

Steering wheel is the worst then the carpet.

[MusicMan70]

Has the dual Saddle tanks as well.

[MusicMan70]

Oy the more Pics!

[MusicMan70]

Build Sheet details

[MusicMan70]

cleaning the seats and looking for small peices of the build list. Also factory jack, prybar and handle along with remnants of bag they were wrapped in with string ties.

[MusicMan70]

More interior after a quick clean up and Factory Document search.

I did use this truck to haul some sofas home(streets only) about 24 miles, right after I bought it. It does what I want it to do. I'll work on it bit by bit, but want to keep her stock-looking.

Per another thread, this was the first year this model was introduced. A Top-of-the line GMC. Said to be a low production model, and even more so I guess, due to the UAW Strike of 1970. Again thanks for your comments, support, and taking the time to look.

[y5mgisi]

Very very nice truck!!! Whats the deal with the fuel pump? Looks like a window washer pump! Or is that just some kind of filter?

[MusicMan70]

Thanks, y5mgisi,
Yeah that is in fact a fuel filter. I need to get some steel fuel line. Engine needs lots of detailing.

[steelscout]

Very nice truck!!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[special-K]

WOW! Not only a nice original,but rare and in a great color combo with great options. I try a liquid clay bar or other paint cleaner on a spot and see how it looks. You can thank the camper that rode that truck's back for it's great condition. I have a thing for Custom Campers. That's what most of the trucks I've had were. I realized a long time ago these are some of the best survivors. That bumper (and hitch) is identical to the one that was on my '71 Custom Camper. Does it have the brackets for it to slide out? I've had the same problem with the mirror bolts seizing. I broke one,then removed the other completely,soaked and soaked it only to have it snap off,too...bummer. Good used replacements are out there and maybe Napa has the arm. I have found the original below eyeline mirror arms there. When I did,they had a couple pages of arms in different dimensions. Just not sure about these since I wasn't looking for them. It was in a book the parts guy pulled out.

[MusicMan70]

Thanks Guys,

Yes I agree with you Tim, that Campers are a great resource for clean trucks.
Here is that bracket I think you speak of, that you loosen and slide back to accomodate the Camper.

[Mike C]

Nice looking truck. I had a '70 Sierra Grande Custom Camper with that same color code. Mine was also max GVW for the platform at 7500/7500. PS, PB, TH400. Same parchement interior. Only real difference was mine was a 402. I loved that truck, I'm pretty sure you will feel the same about yours!

[Already Gone]

Very nice original truck. It looks like the steering wheel spent a lot of time in the sun and yet the rest of the interior is cherry.

[72 Super]

Very nice original truck, I like it.