New to me 79 C10 Silverado - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

C10Silverado79 · 02-09-2010, 11:44 PM

Hey Gang,

I just picked up a 79 C10 Silverado from my father-in-law. It's got a 350 auto with 78K on it. I've been reading through the forum to start picking up on details and ideas for the truck. I don't expect to make any drastic changes but I'd like to do at least some upgrades and mods to it. I figure I'll use is for an occasional commuter and some hauling/towing. I had a 70 C10 CST at one time but kept it stock.

I already have the usual maintenance items planned (fluids, filters, tune-up items, hoses, belts, etc) and I've thought of a couple areas that I'm exploring for upgrades. (Gauge lighting is dim,no tach, possible upgrade of steering column to relocate wiper and dimmer functions, bucket seats). From what I've read so far, some of these will be fairly easy and some won't.

I just got the truck on Thursday and as you can see from the pics below, I haven't had a chance to even look at it much.

I'm open to any suggestions for mods/upgrades and problem areas that I should be looking at. From what I've seen this looks like a good forum to be part of.

Steve

f.monroe · 02-10-2010, 12:10 AM

Welcome to the board. That looks like a nice truck burried under all that snow. It sounds like the upgrades you have in mind will be nice once completed. Be sure to post pics when the snow clears .
Frank

chevymotocross · 02-10-2010, 12:27 AM

Nice truck. Any rust areas being from PA? Sounds like you have some good plans. Personally, I would remove some of the stuff on it, make it a bit more "modern". The running boards, hood deflector, bed cap, and maybe change over to different mirrors. This of course is all personal stuff but I think it would look awesome with some of those changes. Plus, none of that stuff, besides the mirrors, would cost anything!

**old Rusty C10** · 02-10-2010, 12:40 AM

welcome aboard... hope to see more of your truck once the snow clears including round two tonight!

*78 Chevyrado* · 02-10-2010, 12:46 AM

Looks good. Most people won't like the running boards, but if they've been on there for a long time they may save you lots of work repairing rust since they block the tires from throwing stuff up onto the fenders and rockers. Good luck!

C10Silverado79 · 02-10-2010, 01:00 AM

I don't know about the rust yet but my my father in law was extremely anal-retentive and kept meticulus care of his vehicles. I also bought a 1998 Camry with 53k from him that is cherry. I don't think I'll keep the running boards but the cap will probably stay for now anyway.

79gmcc15 · 02-10-2010, 01:50 AM

Nice truck! And welcome! 79 is the best year by far!

GMC Guy · 02-10-2010, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79gmcc15

Nice truck! And welcome! 79 is the best year by far!

honest man right here

silvereagle07 · 02-10-2010, 10:00 AM

Welcome! Looks like a nice truck.

bigarmzz · 02-10-2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f.monroe

Welcome to the board. That looks like a nice truck burried under all that snow. It sounds like the upgrades you have in mind will be nice once completed. Be sure to post pics when the snow clears .
Frank

Frank, i didnt think you Tx guys even knew what snow was

(lucky dogs)

Big Block · 02-10-2010, 08:59 PM

Ah, the good old running boards! I just bought a 78 and It also has running boards. I'm going to leave them on. I live on a gravel road and I have a short wife. But if I didn't I would lose them. Looks like a great truck. I hope you get a break and can dig it out to get a good look at it. Let the fun begin and welcome to the board.

C10Silverado79 · 02-10-2010, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Block

Ah, the good old running boards! I just bought a 78 and It also has running boards. I'm going to leave them on. I live on a gravel road and I have a short wife. But if I didn't I would lose them. Looks like a great truck. I hope you get a break and can dig it out to get a good look at it. Let the fun begin and welcome to the board.

It sure would be nice to dig it out but I'm not very hopefull. This is what is looks like NOW!!!!!

Big Block · 02-11-2010, 07:58 PM

Wow, now that's snow. Nothing like that here in NC. You might dig it out by May! Good luck.

f.monroe · 02-11-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

Frank, i didnt think you Tx guys even knew what snow was

(lucky dogs)

I seen it once in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma when I went to pick up a friends 67 Firebird in Kansas City,Mo. Weird stuff!
Frank

f.monroe · 02-11-2010, 09:14 PM

I would say that is in nice condition by looking at the pics you have. I see No rust in the lower front fender or behind the rear wheel opening . I love the colors also .
Frank

Restrorob · 02-11-2010, 11:12 PM

Welcome Aboard !!!

I don't know how you guy's put up with that white stuff, I'll take liquid sunshine any day !

C10Silverado79 · 02-13-2010, 08:36 PM

Well I finally got the snow off of the truck but it's still tooo d**m cold to do much. I foolishly tried to clean the carb a little this morning and managed to freeze it up. Finally got it thawed out and running again. (I'll never learn

) I did take the hood deflector off. I never really like them much. Wow was it FILTHY under that deflector.

C10Silverado79 · 02-13-2010, 08:40 PM

Next questions for those who know. Is the a factory Cruse Control or something aftermarket? Second, does anyone know what the blue thingy on the firewall is for? The plastic back plate says it's a 'variable resistor' but what is it for?

f.monroe · 02-13-2010, 08:42 PM

A set of Rallys and white lettered tires would take that truck up a level . Looks good .
Frank

f.monroe · 02-13-2010, 09:00 PM

Cruise looks factory. The blue thing is a variable resistor for trailer brakes.
Frank

86swb · 02-13-2010, 09:42 PM

Yes, that is a nice looking truck. Looks like the engine could use a good cleaning and I would get those mud flaps off the rear. They just gotta go. MO

C10Silverado79 · 02-13-2010, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86swb

Yes, that is a nice looking truck. Looks like the engine could use a good cleaning and I would get those mud flaps off the rear. They just gotta go. MO

yea, it's too cold to do much and I don't have a garage so it will take some time. I picked up some basic tune up parts today. (plugs wires etc) but most of it will have to wait for warmer weather.

wklink · 02-14-2010, 12:28 AM

Looks like a good solid truck.

Welcome.

SBTork · 02-14-2010, 03:02 AM

Looks like a nice start to a decent truck. The cruise looks stock. Judging by the AC logo on the box i'd say it's either stock, or dealer installed GM stuff. And as stated before, the resistor looks like an old trailer brake set-up.

C10Silverado79 · 03-10-2010, 10:45 PM

Here are a few more pics ... sans - snow ..

02-09-2010, 11:44 PM	#1
C10Silverado79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: York, PA Posts: 180	New to me 79 C10 Silverado Hey Gang, I just picked up a 79 C10 Silverado from my father-in-law. It's got a 350 auto with 78K on it. I've been reading through the forum to start picking up on details and ideas for the truck. I don't expect to make any drastic changes but I'd like to do at least some upgrades and mods to it. I figure I'll use is for an occasional commuter and some hauling/towing. I had a 70 C10 CST at one time but kept it stock. I already have the usual maintenance items planned (fluids, filters, tune-up items, hoses, belts, etc) and I've thought of a couple areas that I'm exploring for upgrades. (Gauge lighting is dim,no tach, possible upgrade of steering column to relocate wiper and dimmer functions, bucket seats). From what I've read so far, some of these will be fairly easy and some won't. I just got the truck on Thursday and as you can see from the pics below, I haven't had a chance to even look at it much. I'm open to any suggestions for mods/upgrades and problem areas that I should be looking at. From what I've seen this looks like a good forum to be part of. Steve

02-10-2010, 12:10 AM	#2
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Welcome to the board. That looks like a nice truck burried under all that snow. It sounds like the upgrades you have in mind will be nice once completed. Be sure to post pics when the snow clears . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

02-10-2010, 12:27 AM	#3
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Nice truck. Any rust areas being from PA? Sounds like you have some good plans. Personally, I would remove some of the stuff on it, make it a bit more "modern". The running boards, hood deflector, bed cap, and maybe change over to different mirrors. This of course is all personal stuff but I think it would look awesome with some of those changes. Plus, none of that stuff, besides the mirrors, would cost anything! __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

02-10-2010, 12:40 AM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado welcome aboard... hope to see more of your truck once the snow clears including round two tonight! __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

02-10-2010, 12:46 AM	#5
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Looks good. Most people won't like the running boards, but if they've been on there for a long time they may save you lots of work repairing rust since they block the tires from throwing stuff up onto the fenders and rockers. Good luck!

02-10-2010, 01:00 AM	#6
C10Silverado79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: York, PA Posts: 180	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado I don't know about the rust yet but my my father in law was extremely anal-retentive and kept meticulus care of his vehicles. I also bought a 1998 Camry with 53k from him that is cherry. I don't think I'll keep the running boards but the cap will probably stay for now anyway.

02-10-2010, 01:50 AM	#7
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Nice truck! And welcome! 79 is the best year by far! __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby

02-10-2010, 10:00 AM	#9
silvereagle07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bailey, NC Posts: 2,462	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Welcome! Looks like a nice truck. __________________ 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

02-10-2010, 08:59 PM	#11
Big Block Big Block Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durham, N.C. Posts: 1,649	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Ah, the good old running boards! I just bought a 78 and It also has running boards. I'm going to leave them on. I live on a gravel road and I have a short wife. But if I didn't I would lose them. Looks like a great truck. I hope you get a break and can dig it out to get a good look at it. Let the fun begin and welcome to the board.

02-11-2010, 07:58 PM	#13
Big Block Big Block Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durham, N.C. Posts: 1,649	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Wow, now that's snow. Nothing like that here in NC. You might dig it out by May! Good luck. Last edited by Big Block; 02-11-2010 at 09:35 PM.

02-11-2010, 09:14 PM	#15
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado I would say that is in nice condition by looking at the pics you have. I see No rust in the lower front fender or behind the rear wheel opening . I love the colors also . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

02-11-2010, 11:12 PM	#16
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Welcome Aboard !!! I don't know how you guy's put up with that white stuff, I'll take liquid sunshine any day ! __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

02-13-2010, 08:36 PM	#17
C10Silverado79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: York, PA Posts: 180	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Well I finally got the snow off of the truck but it's still tooo d**m cold to do much. I foolishly tried to clean the carb a little this morning and managed to freeze it up. Finally got it thawed out and running again. (I'll never learn) I did take the hood deflector off. I never really like them much. Wow was it FILTHY under that deflector. __________________ 1979 C10 Silverado 1998 Camry 5spd 2005 Harley ElectraGlide

02-13-2010, 08:40 PM	#18
C10Silverado79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: York, PA Posts: 180	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Next questions for those who know. Is the a factory Cruse Control or something aftermarket? Second, does anyone know what the blue thingy on the firewall is for? The plastic back plate says it's a 'variable resistor' but what is it for? __________________ 1979 C10 Silverado 1998 Camry 5spd 2005 Harley ElectraGlide

02-13-2010, 08:42 PM	#19
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado A set of Rallys and white lettered tires would take that truck up a level . Looks good . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !



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02-13-2010, 09:00 PM	#20
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Cruise looks factory. The blue thing is a variable resistor for trailer brakes. Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

02-13-2010, 09:42 PM	#21
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Yes, that is a nice looking truck. Looks like the engine could use a good cleaning and I would get those mud flaps off the rear. They just gotta go. MO __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

02-14-2010, 12:28 AM	#23
wklink Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 122	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Looks like a good solid truck. Welcome. __________________ I let my 16 year old son drive my every car that I own. I don't let him drive my truck. A man has to draw a line somewhere.

02-14-2010, 03:02 AM	#24
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,855	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Looks like a nice start to a decent truck. The cruise looks stock. Judging by the AC logo on the box i'd say it's either stock, or dealer installed GM stuff. And as stated before, the resistor looks like an old trailer brake set-up. __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

03-10-2010, 10:45 PM	#25
C10Silverado79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: York, PA Posts: 180	Re: New to me 79 C10 Silverado Here are a few more pics ... sans - snow .. __________________ 1979 C10 Silverado 1998 Camry 5spd 2005 Harley ElectraGlide

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