Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 10-30-2012, 04:37 PM

Well, after a three or four year hiatus I am officially back in the square body game

. I previously had an '87 swb which was a nice truck, but I was a little dissappointed in it's overall mojo. She had some issues like iffy paint that I couldn't get over so I sold her. Solid 10 footer but we just didn't bond.

So I know a guy...he's always got a driveway full of my kind of chevy trucks from 67-current. I stopped by today to look at a late model 2wd/2dr Tahoe but I couldn't get over the '87 GMC sitting next to it. He was trying to sell it, and we made a trade deal for my '99 plus a little scratch. This is a bona-fide ONE OWNER TRUCK, purchased locally and sold to my guy who has been after it for years just a couple weeks ago. So technically, two owner but the title is still in the original owner's name. The mileage reads 54k, my first guess is 154k but I could be convinced otherwise...will be researching. Absolutely everything works, even the dual tanks! It has a new engine and transmission, factory stock replacements. There are a few dings and some bubbles in the lower door corners but I'd rather get one like this than previously messed with. The first drive blew me away, it stopped perfect, no wind noise, tight steering, the works. I kept waiting for the let down and it never came.

Booyah! I'll get some better pics when it lands in my driveway.

Jonboy · 10-30-2012, 04:41 PM

Pics!

**LEEVON** · 10-30-2012, 04:43 PM

Sorry, got excited and didn't hit "upload". Here is my previous '87:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...p?product=3224

*JCampbell* · 10-30-2012, 05:46 PM

Stunning. I love those GMC grills.

Plans?

**LEEVON** · 10-30-2012, 05:51 PM

For now, fix the crust bubbles on the doors and drive it, maybe some tint plus repair any of the minor annoyances. I'm not sure there will be many though, the guy already put in new window motors, front calipers and brake lines, and small stuff like that. Longer term, 4.5/6, wheels, bedliner and tonneau cover. This is going to be my daily.

*JCampbell* · 10-30-2012, 06:08 PM

Nice. My '84 is my daily. I love it.

meter swinger · 10-30-2012, 06:33 PM

don't see that many white ones.
congrats on the score.

Jonboy · 10-30-2012, 06:36 PM

Looks good. I am halfway looking for that exact truck. A nice, unmolested truck. That is definitely a score.

**LEEVON** · 10-31-2012, 02:20 PM

Trade is done, some quick phone pics. If found some rust on the rear of the bed floor, near the lip. Otherwise there isn't a single dent in the bed or tubs, just scratches. That shouldn't be a big deal to repair. Speedo was off by about 8mp, and she died when I flipped to the other tank. Also the temp guage was acting up. With all of that, this guy is still happy!

f18delta · 10-31-2012, 02:35 PM

So THAT'S what my door panel supposed to look like!

Great score! I did a similar swap this last Sunday. His 85 GMC with minor issues, for my 00 Saturn SL1. I still think I got the better end of my deal!

Congrats!

Sarge261 · 10-31-2012, 03:12 PM

Your old truck looks pretty good to me as well...nice score either way!!

Sarge

gchemist · 10-31-2012, 03:19 PM

87 white is rare. Nice find! I would pay for it too! FI and in great condition. I wish I could have talked a guy with an 87 diesel to sell me his. Bad paint, but I liked the diesel!!

**LEEVON** · 10-31-2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge261

Your old truck looks pretty good to me as well...nice score either way!!

Sarge

Thanks, it had some hidden sins though...not bad just not great. My wife has challenged me to keep this one. Make it mine and keep it, novel idea LOL.

ls1nova71 · 10-31-2012, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

This is going to be my daily.

I have to say I'm a little dissapointed you're giving up on the '71.

**LEEVON** · 11-01-2012, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

I have to say I'm a little dissapointed you're giving up on the '71.

Busted! I haven't given up entirely though, I drove the '71 this morning and will be for the next few days so it's capable just not comfortable. It needs new front suspension, an alignment, the lock-up fixed, a/c completed and some other little stuff. I just couldn't cram it all in this year.

I'm sure this sounds like tiny violins to the guy who lives in his garage

JWall · 11-01-2012, 09:17 AM

Nice score!

Your garage is full of cool stuff.

**LEEVON** · 11-01-2012, 09:36 AM

Thanks, I'd probably be tempted to trade my pack of "drivers" for one clean ride like yours though! I snapped this pic last night, since the wife's ride is in the shop I got to park all three inside (I can hear her rolling her eyes). I drove the '87 from the seller's house home last night and had to fork over the keys. She's driving it for the next few days and being a good sport about it...said one of the Dads at daycare was drooling over it this morning

JWall · 11-01-2012, 09:38 AM

Very Cool!

**LEEVON** · 11-01-2012, 10:42 AM

Well, I spoke to the original owner today and got some history on the truck. It's not as unmolested as I had hoped, since he's been through it twice. The second time he had repop bedsides installed and wasn't happy with them. There is a dent on the rail from get this...his knee! I can live with it for awhile, but looks like I will be on the hunt for some GM bedsides. It's never been in a serious wreck although it has been through a fence and a fender bender requiring some front end cosmetic work both times. He also said it was lowered many years ago in California, which I think is funny, and I didn't feel bad about telling him I'm lowering it again. I'm going to try and stop by his house soon, which is not far from us and go over every inch of the whole dang thing and take notes!

**lolife99** · 11-01-2012, 12:07 PM

Leevon,... I have a NOS passenger side GM swb bedside if you need one.

jrblanke · 11-01-2012, 12:32 PM

Great looking truck! I also like the one you sold. Mine is a similar color, and you have me thinking about putting the trim back on it.

It sounds like what you have now will make a nice driver!

**LEEVON** · 11-03-2012, 11:15 AM

I drove this truck all around to get a feel for her and man it's just tight. Stops on a dime, snappy shifts, not a single rattle. Even the radio works great. Got it tagged, titled, licensed, inspected and insured so it's all official now. I also spent an hour or so poking all around it and am still happy. Even though it's been painted and has repop bedsides, and a little crust near the door corners it's very clean underneath. The engine bay is what you'd expect for a driver, dirty but complete down to the original jack and stickers. I'm going to start cleaning out the crust bubbles this week, and painting to make sure it's ready for winter. I can see the potential for maybe one very small patch but no biggie.

Here is a short list of priority to-do's:

clean/repair driver's seat belt retractor
repair/paint crust bubbles down low
lower 5.5/6-ish
smaller tires, maybe 255's?
dash pad (having it covered by member crsweet91)

Long term goals:

20'' wheels
Sway bars
Sport bumper
Sound system
Sound deadening
Interior clean-up (seat cover, carpet, small things)
Engine bay detail
Replace bedsides with GM steel
Paint? It doesn't need it but black and silver gets me excited

I guess I'll start a build thread as soon as I get started on this stuff.

**LEEVON** · 11-03-2012, 11:35 AM

Here is crsweet91's work:

72BlckButy · 11-03-2012, 11:08 PM

Can't wait to see what all you do on this one Leevon... keep us posted.

zirk · 11-03-2012, 11:45 PM

That dash looks pretty top quality, I'm jealous!

10-30-2012, 04:37 PM	#1
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Well, after a three or four year hiatus I am officially back in the square body game . I previously had an '87 swb which was a nice truck, but I was a little dissappointed in it's overall mojo. She had some issues like iffy paint that I couldn't get over so I sold her. Solid 10 footer but we just didn't bond. So I know a guy...he's always got a driveway full of my kind of chevy trucks from 67-current. I stopped by today to look at a late model 2wd/2dr Tahoe but I couldn't get over the '87 GMC sitting next to it. He was trying to sell it, and we made a trade deal for my '99 plus a little scratch. This is a bona-fide ONE OWNER TRUCK, purchased locally and sold to my guy who has been after it for years just a couple weeks ago. So technically, two owner but the title is still in the original owner's name. The mileage reads 54k, my first guess is 154k but I could be convinced otherwise...will be researching. Absolutely everything works, even the dual tanks! It has a new engine and transmission, factory stock replacements. There are a few dings and some bubbles in the lower door corners but I'd rather get one like this than previously messed with. The first drive blew me away, it stopped perfect, no wind noise, tight steering, the works. I kept waiting for the let down and it never came. Booyah! I'll get some better pics when it lands in my driveway. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 10-30-2012 at 04:45 PM.

10-30-2012, 04:41 PM	#2
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Pics! __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

10-30-2012, 04:43 PM	#3
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Sorry, got excited and didn't hit "upload". Here is my previous '87: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...p?product=3224 __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 10-30-2012 at 05:11 PM.

10-30-2012, 05:46 PM	#4
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Stunning. I love those GMC grills. Plans?

10-30-2012, 05:51 PM	#5
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty For now, fix the crust bubbles on the doors and drive it, maybe some tint plus repair any of the minor annoyances. I'm not sure there will be many though, the guy already put in new window motors, front calipers and brake lines, and small stuff like that. Longer term, 4.5/6, wheels, bedliner and tonneau cover. This is going to be my daily. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

10-30-2012, 06:08 PM	#6
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Nice. My '84 is my daily. I love it.

10-30-2012, 06:33 PM	#7
meter swinger Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kennewick WA. Posts: 1,437	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty don't see that many white ones. congrats on the score.

10-30-2012, 06:36 PM	#8
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Looks good. I am halfway looking for that exact truck. A nice, unmolested truck. That is definitely a score. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

10-31-2012, 02:20 PM	#9
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Trade is done, some quick phone pics. If found some rust on the rear of the bed floor, near the lip. Otherwise there isn't a single dent in the bed or tubs, just scratches. That shouldn't be a big deal to repair. Speedo was off by about 8mp, and she died when I flipped to the other tank. Also the temp guage was acting up. With all of that, this guy is still happy! Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

10-31-2012, 02:35 PM	#10
f18delta Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 82	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty So THAT'S what my door panel supposed to look like! Great score! I did a similar swap this last Sunday. His 85 GMC with minor issues, for my 00 Saturn SL1. I still think I got the better end of my deal! Congrats!

10-31-2012, 03:12 PM	#11
Sarge261 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 395	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Your old truck looks pretty good to me as well...nice score either way!! Sarge __________________ 1997 GMC Yukon Western Mid Weight Plow Project THOR

10-31-2012, 03:19 PM	#12
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty 87 white is rare. Nice find! I would pay for it too! FI and in great condition. I wish I could have talked a guy with an 87 diesel to sell me his. Bad paint, but I liked the diesel!! __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

11-01-2012, 09:17 AM	#16
JWall Frequent Flyer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 2,258	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Nice score! Your garage is full of cool stuff. __________________ - Justin 76 SWB C-10 - 98 SWB C1500 (x2) 1 Owner 1976 SWB

11-01-2012, 09:36 AM	#17
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Thanks, I'd probably be tempted to trade my pack of "drivers" for one clean ride like yours though! I snapped this pic last night, since the wife's ride is in the shop I got to park all three inside (I can hear her rolling her eyes). I drove the '87 from the seller's house home last night and had to fork over the keys. She's driving it for the next few days and being a good sport about it...said one of the Dads at daycare was drooling over it this morning Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

11-01-2012, 09:38 AM	#18
JWall Frequent Flyer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 2,258	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Very Cool! __________________ - Justin 76 SWB C-10 - 98 SWB C1500 (x2) 1 Owner 1976 SWB



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11-01-2012, 10:42 AM	#19
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Well, I spoke to the original owner today and got some history on the truck. It's not as unmolested as I had hoped, since he's been through it twice. The second time he had repop bedsides installed and wasn't happy with them. There is a dent on the rail from get this...his knee! I can live with it for awhile, but looks like I will be on the hunt for some GM bedsides. It's never been in a serious wreck although it has been through a fence and a fender bender requiring some front end cosmetic work both times. He also said it was lowered many years ago in California, which I think is funny, and I didn't feel bad about telling him I'm lowering it again. I'm going to try and stop by his house soon, which is not far from us and go over every inch of the whole dang thing and take notes! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

11-01-2012, 12:07 PM	#20
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Leevon,... I have a NOS passenger side GM swb bedside if you need one. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-01-2012, 12:32 PM	#21
jrblanke Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 240	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Great looking truck! I also like the one you sold. Mine is a similar color, and you have me thinking about putting the trim back on it. It sounds like what you have now will make a nice driver!

11-03-2012, 11:15 AM	#22
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty I drove this truck all around to get a feel for her and man it's just tight. Stops on a dime, snappy shifts, not a single rattle. Even the radio works great. Got it tagged, titled, licensed, inspected and insured so it's all official now. I also spent an hour or so poking all around it and am still happy. Even though it's been painted and has repop bedsides, and a little crust near the door corners it's very clean underneath. The engine bay is what you'd expect for a driver, dirty but complete down to the original jack and stickers. I'm going to start cleaning out the crust bubbles this week, and painting to make sure it's ready for winter. I can see the potential for maybe one very small patch but no biggie. Here is a short list of priority to-do's: clean/repair driver's seat belt retractor repair/paint crust bubbles down low lower 5.5/6-ish smaller tires, maybe 255's? dash pad (having it covered by member crsweet91) Long term goals: 20'' wheels Sway bars Sport bumper Sound system Sound deadening Interior clean-up (seat cover, carpet, small things) Engine bay detail Replace bedsides with GM steel Paint? It doesn't need it but black and silver gets me excited I guess I'll start a build thread as soon as I get started on this stuff. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 11-03-2012 at 11:41 AM.

11-03-2012, 11:35 AM	#23
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Here is crsweet91's work: __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

11-03-2012, 11:08 PM	#24
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty Can't wait to see what all you do on this one Leevon... keep us posted. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-03-2012, 11:45 PM	#25
zirk Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Muncie Indiana Posts: 173	Re: Back in the game...1 owner '87 GMC shorty That dash looks pretty top quality, I'm jealous! __________________ Chevy runs in my blood

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