1987 R10...aka Belushi

[nlped]

Quick intro and explanation of the name... Belushi, after John who was a Blues Brother, is a blue (shocker) ‘87 R10 2wd swb Fleetside truck I found on the List of Craig on Friday. It read like a super deal and after talking with the owner, I decided to make the 3 hour drive to hopefully close the deal.

Here’s a picture of the add...

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It was even better than the seller said. Totally rust free, great running 383 TBI with 700r4, p/w, p/l, p/s, p/b and A/C (this is a big deal in the muggy south). I drove it the 160 miles home without issue, running 75 mph down the interstate without a hiccup. Got it home and on the lift to give it a quick once over and all looks great.

[nlped]

Nothing definitive yet, but I want to lower it some, ie spindles/springs and a flip kit with new shocks, flip mount the tires blackwall out and some interior work. Will probably put better wheels on it sooner than later, try to lay hands on the missing Silverado trim and just clean clean clean for now.

[nlped]

I got the stock spindles & springs removed. Front end parts appear to all be in good shape, so I’m going to throw a set of 1” drop springs, CPP 2.5” drop spindles and new shocks. Then a flip kit in the rear and shocks, then align it.

Edit: I decided that I just couldn’t put it back together without at least replacing the upper & lower ball joints, so I got Moogs ordered up. I’ll get them replaced this weekend when I install the new suspension.

[mongocanfly]

great looking truck you got there Carter!!

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Originally Posted by mongocanfly

great looking truck you got there Carter!!

Thanks Greg.

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I got the upper & lower ball joints out tonight and cleaned up the control arms a little and hit them with a little flat black rustoleum. The new ones won’t be here until Saturday, but I’m ready for them. The uppers were still riveted in, so I feel really good about replacing them since the truck is 32 yrs old. Tomorrow night I’ll start working on getting the rearend loose for the flip kit. I’m done for now..I’ll clean up my mess and head back in the house...it started raining...again!!

[cochino12]

I like it!

[nlped]

Originally Posted by cochino12

I like it!

Thanks Adam, me too

I got the rearend loosened up and ready for the flip kit. I’ve got a buddy coming over this Saturday to help put it all back together. Once I get it all put back together, I’ll measure for shocks since the ones on it are WORE OUT!!!

[moregrip]

holy cheap $hit that's a damn nice truck!

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Originally Posted by moregrip

holy cheap $hit that's a damn nice truck!

Yeah, I’m pretty stoked to have it. I got into it right and it only needs a few small things and, of course, I want it lower. Once I get the things I want done I’ll figure out my next phase.

[nlped]

My list of ‘to-do’s’ has gone up a little bit but not bad at all. The passenger side p/w motor is weak, so I ordered that up. And the tank selector switch doesn’t work so I ordered a new one first as that’s been the problem on my previous dual tank trucks...if I need to do more, at least I’ll know the switch is good. Otherwise, it seems mighty solid!

My buddy that’s coming this weekend is also going to cut and buff it for me.

[nlped]

No pictures, but I got the flip kit and new rear shocks installed this morning. I also got the front ball joints in, but didn’t have time to complete the assembly of the front end because we had to go see the kids and granddaughter for Mother’s Day

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I only had about an hour to work last night but I got the front swaybar mount rivets cut out: did I mention how much I hate removing rivets... I’ve cut out 20 of them just to lower the truck. I also got the springs and spindles in. I hope to get it all finalized and back on the ground today. I’ll get some pictures once it’s rolling again.

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I got everything together on the Suspension minus the front shocks, they haven’t arrived yet. But I like the stance, and I’m sure the front will come down a touch more once everything settles...

A before & after

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No pictures of the whole truck, but check out these progressive pics of the roof...

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Front sway bar bushings and new mounts for the lowered stance are here as well as the new front shocks. I had every intention of getting them installed tonight, but home at 20:00 and heading back to work at 04:30 means lazy Eddie. Hopefully I’ll get them done tomorrow night.

[TKCR]

Nice find. Can you post up some interior pics?

[nlped]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Nice find. Can you post up some interior pics?

The interior is all there (every piece of trim, covers etc), but the dash pad is hammered and the seat cover is worn out. So it’s getting a new seat cover (it’s here) and I ordered a new dash pad from Cheyenne Truck Parts the day after I got it home. Hopefully, it’ll be here in the next week or 2.

EDIT!!! Awwwweeee He777777, looks like I coulda gotten with you about interior pieces!

[nlped]

I got the shocks on, but decided to clean & paint the swaybar, so I’m done for tonight. I also got a shipping confirmation on my new dash pad and it’s supposed to be delivered tomorrow!!! I may have the truck presentable by the end of the weekend...hopefully!

[808_67C10]

I saw that truck in the "craigslist finds" thread and thought the same thing. WOW... killer deal and clean truck! Congrats!

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Originally Posted by 808_67C10

I saw that truck in the "craigslist finds" thread and thought the same thing. WOW... killer deal and clean truck! Congrats!

Thanks Frank!!! I feel the same way.

I got the front swaybar installed with the CPP swaybar perches and Energy Suspension bushings tonight.

But best of all... the dash pad from Cheyenne Truck Parts just showed up and it’s a mighty fine piece

[808_67C10]

Let me know how that dash pad fits... I have an aftermarket one and it doesnt fit for crap! It is way off and nothing lines up right. God I miss my 67... things were so much simpler in that truck than my squarebody!

[nlped]

Originally Posted by 808_67C10

Let me know how that dash pad fits... I have an aftermarket one and it doesnt fit for crap! It is way off and nothing lines up right. God I miss my 67... things were so much simpler in that truck than my squarebody!

Frank,

Will do! I know how you feel about the 67... I have a 67 & a 68 and they are certainly ‘simpler’, but I started my truck life in an ‘87 R10, so I have a major affinity for this one.

[TKCR]

I love it when new parts arrive!! That dash pad looks mighty fine indeed