1978 Chevy 4X4 e-Rod factory restored

[gchemist]

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/06/1...usaolp00000588

Among the Stingrays, Camaros and various concept vehicles Chevrolet has setup at its massive SEMA display, the one vehicle tugging at our heart strings the most might be the fully restored 1978 Chevy Performance Classic Truck Concept. While this truck's beauty is merit enough, Chevy also tucked its E-Rod powertrain under the hood of this machine giving it the classic styling of a '70s pickup with the 50-state-legal exhaust emissions.

This E-Rod package consists of a 5.3-liter V8 putting out 326 horsepower (about 80 hp more than the big-block, 454-cubic-inch originally offered in the '78 C/K trucks), and its mated to a 470-E automatic transmission with overdrive. To meet emissions regulations, it also includes catalytic converters, a fuel tank evap canister and a full two-year warranty. A Chevy rep said that the whole E-Rod system used on this truck costs around $10,000.

Even though this isn't Chevy's first E-Rod pickup, there's just something a little extra special of seeing a 1973-1987 C/K truck in this condition. Chevy acquired the truck from a private owner in Wisconsin, and did a full frame-off restoration at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds. The Chevy rep we spoke with said that the truck had very little rust damage that needed to be repaired before the two-tone paint job was applied, and that it was already in decent shape when the project was started back in July. The end result is a truck that looks like it just rolled off the assembly line – right down to the side-saddled gas tanks.

Chevy issued a press release (posted below) for the 1978 Chevrolet Performance Classic Truck Concept, but we're guessing you'll want to spend more time checking out our full live gallery, above.



Wow!! $10,000 for the drivetrain!! That's affordable to build a daily driver!!

[bojak]

That just bumped some pretty nice rides off my "one day if I win the lottery" list. So much right about that thing.

[4x4k30]

nice truck i hope to finish my 77 gmc k3500 crewcab 6.0 4l80e to look that good before i die nothing beats the old iron

[rambler]

awesome looking truck, but they said the drivetrain was 10K, would not include installation plus restoration... still a awesome truck and would love to have it !

[DirtyLarry]

For some reason I don’t like it… It is nice and all but the color combo and their idea of exterior trim work just doesn’t appeal to me. I realize they are showcasing their available turn-key powertrain package that just about anybody can install in their own garage but GM could have done better than this. Members here on this forum have built much nicer restomoded trucks compared to what GM showcased with this truck.

[83GMCK2500]

I am amazed...I just noticed they kept the NP-203. WOW!

Wth they do with the seat belts? The middle belt arrangement is reversed and the receptacles are newer.

[SilverMiner]

I love it! I remember seeing rigs back then with that color scheme, so I think maybe they kept it original. There weren't many, and even back then I wasn't very impressed with that combo, but it does help quickly and boldly state "this is a 70's truck". Although, looking at the GM Heritage Center info it doesn't look like that combo was an option in 78, but I may be reading it wrong because I don't even see where black was an exterior color choice and I know that can't be right.

What impresses me most is the fact that GM is finally acknowledging the square bodies (specifically, the 70's models) as an important part of their design legacy. Has anyone else noticed the truck commercials that attempt to pull at our heartstrings and trade on Chevy history by showing a series of dreamy flashbacks with a 51, then a "grumpy" model 56 or 57, lingering long on a 72, and then skipping forward to whatever new model they're trying to promote? It's almost as though they didn't want to acknowledge the squares.

Heck, it even looks like they kept the NP203! I just wish there had been a picture of the SPID. Seems strange a loaded Silverado like that wouldn't have cruise control.

[SilverMiner]

Nevermind, I exercised my reading comprehension skills and actually read the press release at the end of the article where Chevy calls the red on black color scheme a "contemporary two-tone". So I don't suppose it was original at all, but dang if it didn't look familiar to me.

[suxtobu65]

Saddle tanks look plastic?? Are those available??

[4x4k30]

the paint looks like the old hugger orange not red. and i like the wheels nice

[Zane M]

Originally Posted by suxtobu65

Saddle tanks look plastic?? Are those available??

I can't tell from the pics if it is just the factory plastic shield you are seeing or if the tanks are indeed plastic.

And yes, plastic tanks are available, but they are not baffled. I would assume they used tanks from a fuel injected model('87 up square) since they are baffled for fuel injection.

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

For some reason I don’t like it… It is nice and all but the color combo and their idea of exterior trim work just doesn’t appeal to me. I realize they are showcasing their available turn-key powertrain package that just about anybody can install in their own garage but GM could have done better than this. Members here on this forum have built much nicer restomoded trucks compared to what GM showcased with this truck.

I agree. Nice, but no soul to it. They missed a good opportunity there.

[tgh117]

Should have been a stepper. It's nice, but nothing overly special. I would have expected more from GM with this as well.

[1970SWB]

I was able to see & look this truck over at the Cincinnati Autorama this weekend. While it may not be everybody's ideal truck.... IT WAS VERY NICE & I'D LOVE TO HAVE IT IN MY GARAGE