My new 78 Silverado - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

2bits · 12-12-2009, 09:20 PM

I had to sell my 71 Stepside (with a 73-79 bed) to get caught up on some bills and I wanted to get a 73-80 model to replace it. I have been looking at alot of pieces of junk this past week and I have learned that "Runs Good" is a VERY loosely used term! When I saw the ad for this truck I felt pretty good about it because everything under the hood was there, and was stock. I think this was the first truck that I looked at that actually had an air cleaner on it

When I got there this morning I knew if was gonna be good, because it is completely unmolested except for the radio area. It is a two owner truck and this guy has owned it for 10 years. It is a Silverado which means it has everything... tilt, gauges, power windows and locks, nice door panels, headliner (not ripped), cruise control, dual gas tanks, side moldings, wheel well moldings, etc. and EVERYTHING works! He started it up and you can tell is is solid. It sounded like it was new. Everything was there under the hood and around the body as it should be, the cardboard mat that sits on the floor behind the seat is still there. It even has a hood ornament.

I had to put a battery in it and I bought a radio for it today, and I need to get one center cap, but otherwise, I can just drive it. Like I said everything works! Amazing deal for $900. It runs and drives and stops perfect, is quiet on the freeway and there is no squeaking suspension at all. I drove it around for a few hours tonight and it was like a rock. I'll need to get a dashcap, and replace the windshield and there are some small rust spots on it, but the floor is solid, and the truck just feels tight.

I haven't decided if I want to go for the mag wheel and 275/60 look, or get some bigger off road tires, but that will be a little later down the line. First off is to paint the inside of the headlight buckets black and put my '73 grille on it, that will make it look tough. Oh yeah, it is not that shiny, it was wet, but I'm gonna see what a buff job will do to remove some of the oxidation.

I feel very confident in this purchase!

It's just a regular stock longbed, but that's the best thing about it, no one has messed it up...

Clean, complete engine compertment

The driver's view is cool

The interior looks pretty decent, carpet is ok. I guess I have to name it "Claudia" haha that's the guy's wifes name, but it sounds ok to me. I will not be naming it "Big Red" :roll:

Sitting at a stop light the Volts, Temp, and Oil Pressure is at it's optimal readings.

cochino12 · 12-12-2009, 09:31 PM

Nice truck!!

GMC Guy · 12-12-2009, 09:42 PM

i loooooove that gauge bezel

wonder where he got it....

Pyrotechnic · 12-12-2009, 10:36 PM

Very cool, that reminds me a lot of my truck when I first got it. It wasn't as unmolested as yours, but pretty close.

menace121978 · 12-12-2009, 10:52 PM

nice score man! congrats and enjoy!

2bits · 12-12-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

i loooooove that gauge bezel

wonder where he got it....

Thanks! I think it looks cool too. To me it just looks like the standard bezel and he just spray painted the whole thing silver. I am gonna be looking for a woodgrain one later on, or a factory silver one from a 79, but this one looks cool for now! I got lucky with the smaller size aftermarket steering wheel too, it just feels cool to spin the wheel on these trucks!

**78 Big10 454** · 12-12-2009, 11:13 PM

Excellent truck. You scored, big time!

JOEGMC · 12-12-2009, 11:18 PM

Real nice truck you got there!

2bits · 12-12-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 Big10 454

Excellent truck. You scored, big time!

Yeah, I just had a feeling about this one! When I was talking to the guy, he was a Mexican dude who barely spoke English and just a good family man. He used to drive to El Paso in the truck every few months and he had the truck for 10 years and has worked at the same factory for 14 years and he said he would change the starter and alternator every three years just because even it they were working fine, they are only $20 and that would safe him from breaking down. I know people can say all kinds of stuff but this guy really added up to me. He said he was selling it because his wife wanted to park in the driveway LOL

I'm gonna go out for a drive right now! hehe

BIG10 · 12-12-2009, 11:54 PM

Congrats on scoring a nice Big 10.

2bits · 02-24-2010, 12:23 AM

Painted the headlight buckets, and got rid of the "truck" tires and put some 275/60's on it last weekend. Remember those old days of cool trucks! Don't lift it, don't lower it just put some white letter wide tires on it! I would like to get some new wheels (15" of course) but my budget prevents that and since the truck is so original, I just hate to do it anyway. The clentcher was I was at the tire shop and they had the one center cap I was missing just sitting against the wall and you could tell it had been there for years and the dude just gave it to me so my wheels are complete.

silvereagle07 · 02-24-2010, 08:53 AM

Nice! Looks good and a good deal too.

C10Silverado79 · 02-24-2010, 09:33 AM

Very nice truck. It also confirms what I have suspected, that my charging system is not working quite right.

LiveAnimals · 02-24-2010, 10:54 AM

Nice score

raws67 · 02-24-2010, 10:54 AM

Good looking truck you got there I think the rallaye wheels are about the best looking wheels you can have on one of these trucks but then again I prefer more of a stock look anyways. I bet you can probably buff some of that shine right back out on that paint.

**N2TRUX** · 02-24-2010, 11:33 AM

You got a smoking deal. Even though the paint is dull, you know exactly what the body looks like. I would much rather buy one like that than one with a cheap paint job covering up who knows what.

JohnC · 02-24-2010, 03:19 PM

Awesome looking truck. Nice buy, and I agree with your theory about just putting a set of 275/60's on it. They look really good on there. Keep us updated with your progress. Congrats!!!

*78 Chevyrado* · 02-24-2010, 04:34 PM

I like it. unmolested is gold. plus then when you do have it painted, the body shop will warranty their work since they'll know there's nothing hidden under there.

2bits · 02-25-2010, 12:45 AM

Thanks guys! I hate to paint it since yeah it is the original paint. I think I will have it buffed so it will bring out as much as possible and leave it. You just can't beat original!

dan76 · 02-25-2010, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10Silverado79

Very nice truck. It also confirms what I have suspected, that my charging system is not working quite right.

Check the alternator output with a meter. My gauge is off for some reason.

Nice truck

Hoods69BadBowTie · 02-25-2010, 03:19 AM

Hey sweet score for sure. Congrats on the new addition. Looks like its in pretty damn good shape

ECU PIRATE · 02-25-2010, 08:29 AM

Nice find. Send that grill over my way if you replace it....................

2bits · 02-26-2010, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECU PIRATE

Nice find. Send that grill over my way if you replace it....................

I may, I have the backing hardware already, just seeing what issues I run into with the hood latch since mine in an in the cab version which I like too... Can't wait to see it with a Black 73-74 Grille! Otherwise I'll paint the 78 grille black, at least it has the chrome strips in it to bring it out!

**PRattenbury** · 02-26-2010, 09:36 PM

I'm diggin the stock Grant GT steering wheel.

Nice truck, it looks like the beginnings of something great.

2bits · 02-26-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRattenbury

I'm diggin the stock Grant GT steering wheel.

Nice truck, it looks like the beginnings of something great.

BONE stock just ain't no fun!

I don't know about beginnings, I think I am done LOL.. OK maybe a radio... maybe... hmm duals... and a dash. OK then I'll be done.

12-12-2009, 09:20 PM	#1
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	My new 78 Silverado I had to sell my 71 Stepside (with a 73-79 bed) to get caught up on some bills and I wanted to get a 73-80 model to replace it. I have been looking at alot of pieces of junk this past week and I have learned that "Runs Good" is a VERY loosely used term! When I saw the ad for this truck I felt pretty good about it because everything under the hood was there, and was stock. I think this was the first truck that I looked at that actually had an air cleaner on it When I got there this morning I knew if was gonna be good, because it is completely unmolested except for the radio area. It is a two owner truck and this guy has owned it for 10 years. It is a Silverado which means it has everything... tilt, gauges, power windows and locks, nice door panels, headliner (not ripped), cruise control, dual gas tanks, side moldings, wheel well moldings, etc. and EVERYTHING works! He started it up and you can tell is is solid. It sounded like it was new. Everything was there under the hood and around the body as it should be, the cardboard mat that sits on the floor behind the seat is still there. It even has a hood ornament. I had to put a battery in it and I bought a radio for it today, and I need to get one center cap, but otherwise, I can just drive it. Like I said everything works! Amazing deal for $900. It runs and drives and stops perfect, is quiet on the freeway and there is no squeaking suspension at all. I drove it around for a few hours tonight and it was like a rock. I'll need to get a dashcap, and replace the windshield and there are some small rust spots on it, but the floor is solid, and the truck just feels tight. I haven't decided if I want to go for the mag wheel and 275/60 look, or get some bigger off road tires, but that will be a little later down the line. First off is to paint the inside of the headlight buckets black and put my '73 grille on it, that will make it look tough. Oh yeah, it is not that shiny, it was wet, but I'm gonna see what a buff job will do to remove some of the oxidation. I feel very confident in this purchase! It's just a regular stock longbed, but that's the best thing about it, no one has messed it up... Clean, complete engine compertment The driver's view is cool The interior looks pretty decent, carpet is ok. I guess I have to name it "Claudia" haha that's the guy's wifes name, but it sounds ok to me. I will not be naming it "Big Red" :roll: Sitting at a stop light the Volts, Temp, and Oil Pressure is at it's optimal readings. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

12-12-2009, 09:31 PM	#2
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: My new 78 Silverado Nice truck!! __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

12-12-2009, 09:42 PM	#3
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: My new 78 Silverado i loooooove that gauge bezel wonder where he got it.... __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

12-12-2009, 10:36 PM	#4
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: My new 78 Silverado Very cool, that reminds me a lot of my truck when I first got it. It wasn't as unmolested as yours, but pretty close. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

12-12-2009, 10:52 PM	#5
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: My new 78 Silverado nice score man! congrats and enjoy! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

12-12-2009, 11:13 PM	#7
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: My new 78 Silverado Excellent truck. You scored, big time!

12-12-2009, 11:18 PM	#8
JOEGMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 43	Re: My new 78 Silverado Real nice truck you got there! __________________ 1977 GMC Camper Special

12-12-2009, 11:54 PM	#10
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: My new 78 Silverado Congrats on scoring a nice Big 10. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

02-24-2010, 12:23 AM	#11
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: My new 78 Silverado Painted the headlight buckets, and got rid of the "truck" tires and put some 275/60's on it last weekend. Remember those old days of cool trucks! Don't lift it, don't lower it just put some white letter wide tires on it! I would like to get some new wheels (15" of course) but my budget prevents that and since the truck is so original, I just hate to do it anyway. The clentcher was I was at the tire shop and they had the one center cap I was missing just sitting against the wall and you could tell it had been there for years and the dude just gave it to me so my wheels are complete. Attached Images __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

02-24-2010, 08:53 AM	#12
silvereagle07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bailey, NC Posts: 2,462	Re: My new 78 Silverado Nice! Looks good and a good deal too. __________________ Jeramy '84 GMC project truck '85 Chevy 4X4 SOLD '07 Chevy Trailblazer SS 5th Annual SHPHC Car/Truck Show Pics http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543605 UPDATED PICS! CHECK 'EM OUT

02-24-2010, 09:33 AM	#13
C10Silverado79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: York, PA Posts: 180	Re: My new 78 Silverado Very nice truck. It also confirms what I have suspected, that my charging system is not working quite right. __________________ 1979 C10 Silverado 1998 Camry 5spd 2005 Harley ElectraGlide

02-24-2010, 10:54 AM	#14
LiveAnimals Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Antelope, CA Posts: 681	Re: My new 78 Silverado Nice score __________________ Kameron YESTERDAY IS HISTORY - TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY I'm a Middle ClASS HOLE 07.5 Dodge 3500 CTD -- Daily 73 C10 Factory BB SWB 2WD

02-24-2010, 10:54 AM	#15
raws67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lemoore ca Posts: 126	Re: My new 78 Silverado Good looking truck you got there I think the rallaye wheels are about the best looking wheels you can have on one of these trucks but then again I prefer more of a stock look anyways. I bet you can probably buff some of that shine right back out on that paint.

02-24-2010, 11:33 AM	#16
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: My new 78 Silverado You got a smoking deal. Even though the paint is dull, you know exactly what the body looks like. I would much rather buy one like that than one with a cheap paint job covering up who knows what. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-24-2010, 03:19 PM	#17
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: My new 78 Silverado Awesome looking truck. Nice buy, and I agree with your theory about just putting a set of 275/60's on it. They look really good on there. Keep us updated with your progress. Congrats!!!



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02-24-2010, 04:34 PM	#18
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: My new 78 Silverado I like it. unmolested is gold. plus then when you do have it painted, the body shop will warranty their work since they'll know there's nothing hidden under there.

02-25-2010, 12:45 AM	#19
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: My new 78 Silverado Thanks guys! I hate to paint it since yeah it is the original paint. I think I will have it buffed so it will bring out as much as possible and leave it. You just can't beat original! __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club Last edited by 2bits; 02-25-2010 at 12:46 AM.

02-25-2010, 03:19 AM	#21
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Re: My new 78 Silverado Hey sweet score for sure. Congrats on the new addition. Looks like its in pretty damn good shape __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

02-25-2010, 08:29 AM	#22
ECU PIRATE Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Centreville, Virginia Posts: 846	Re: My new 78 Silverado Nice find. Send that grill over my way if you replace it.................... __________________ The Fleet........ 68' Camaro - 1st car (restored & still have it) 09' VW Tiguan (Wife's Daily Driver) 14' VW Passat SE TSI (my personal) 14' Ford Edge Sport (Daily Work Vehicle) 73' SWB Stepside - 77K org. miles 74' LWB 454/TH400 - drive train transplant for my (Sold) 98' SWB C1500 W/T - shop truck (Sold) 90' GMC Sierra SLE short step - aka " Jezabelle " (Sold)

02-26-2010, 09:36 PM	#24
PRattenbury Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 478	Re: My new 78 Silverado I'm diggin the stock Grant GT steering wheel. Nice truck, it looks like the beginnings of something great.

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