Audrey: My '78 Silverado - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BabyBlue · 04-24-2019, 03:41 PM

Well guys, it has been a while since I have posted anything worthwhile on here and I suppose it's time I start an "Official" build thread for Audrey.

History: Got her as a Senior in High School after trading another truck plus some cash at a car lot I worked at. Started out with 68k original miles, now has 79k and is being, well, torn apart and restored how I want. Originally a 350/400 and 342 rear end lowered 5/7 and original mandarin interior.

Planned Build:
-Scotts Hot Rod's 73-87 Custom Chassis
-6 spd Super Magnum with an LT Gen V motor
-Switch over to low back buckets covered in leather as close to the original mandarin as possible.
-Interior will have a redesigned retro, vibe, keeping the original dash but wrapping in leather, door panels will be redesigned and updated but keep some original parts.
-One-off cab trim, billet grille (stock design), and all trim will be done in a brushed nickel.
-Bumpers smoothed, narrowed and done in brushed nickel.
-Bed rails filled, bed floor raised ~4", metal border in bed with central gas fill, dark wood and brushed nickel strips, flush tonneau cover with gas shocks, tailgate altered with gas shocks for opening.

More to come later. Will post more later and update with pics.

BabyBlue · 04-24-2019, 03:46 PM

Some ideas

BabyBlue · 04-24-2019, 03:48 PM

Chassis is 95%. Will be at the Raleigh Goodguys show on display and also the Nashville show on display for Scott's. Looks like it came out good. Will be picking it up at the end of May.

**Palf70Step** · 04-24-2019, 10:27 PM

One wild chassis. I have always loved your truck. Can't wait to see the new tweaked version.

Low Elco · 04-25-2019, 02:40 PM

Diggin' it! Love the wheels and tires.

BabyBlue · 05-20-2019, 04:39 PM

Locked and loaded for getting the frame tomorrow from Scotts

BabyBlue · 05-21-2019, 03:57 PM

Got the frame home. Gonna be some mock ups soon

Ronzo · 05-21-2019, 05:22 PM

Loving it, keep it coming please.

BabyBlue · 06-02-2019, 07:45 AM

Cab is sitting on new frame. Still need to do some bed mods to let the bed sit down.

BabyBlue · 06-08-2019, 08:58 PM

On the ground. Metal work to come.

BabyBlue · 06-11-2019, 06:42 PM

Little fender and bed floor mock up to see how everything is fitting. Found out the front core support mounts are a couple inches too far back and will have to cut and weld them up further. Also will have to fabricate/modify front lower center bumper brackets.

808_67C10 · 06-14-2019, 07:21 PM

I usually dont care for brown but that color is cool! I dig the new wheels too.

BabyBlue · 04-15-2020, 01:40 PM

Not much progress since I've been working on Emma (the 79). I got the core support mounts that were welded in the wrong place cut out and will be putting the nose back on this weekend after a little firewall grinding.

I did manage to finally get a rendering done. 24x15's out back. 22x8's up front. Raceline Sonoma wheels. Projected power plant is LT5/6spd with the S-1 Sequential shifter. Gonna take me a few years with the cost of it but we'll steadily be working on it when I can. Reached out to Mar-K for the bed kit, waiting to hear back.

04-24-2019, 03:41 PM	#1
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Audrey: My '78 Silverado Well guys, it has been a while since I have posted anything worthwhile on here and I suppose it's time I start an "Official" build thread for Audrey. History: Got her as a Senior in High School after trading another truck plus some cash at a car lot I worked at. Started out with 68k original miles, now has 79k and is being, well, torn apart and restored how I want. Originally a 350/400 and 342 rear end lowered 5/7 and original mandarin interior. Planned Build: -Scotts Hot Rod's 73-87 Custom Chassis -6 spd Super Magnum with an LT Gen V motor -Switch over to low back buckets covered in leather as close to the original mandarin as possible. -Interior will have a redesigned retro, vibe, keeping the original dash but wrapping in leather, door panels will be redesigned and updated but keep some original parts. -One-off cab trim, billet grille (stock design), and all trim will be done in a brushed nickel. -Bumpers smoothed, narrowed and done in brushed nickel. -Bed rails filled, bed floor raised ~4", metal border in bed with central gas fill, dark wood and brushed nickel strips, flush tonneau cover with gas shocks, tailgate altered with gas shocks for opening. More to come later. Will post more later and update with pics. Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

04-24-2019, 03:46 PM	#2
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Some ideas Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

04-24-2019, 03:48 PM	#3
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Chassis is 95%. Will be at the Raleigh Goodguys show on display and also the Nashville show on display for Scott's. Looks like it came out good. Will be picking it up at the end of May. Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

04-24-2019, 10:27 PM	#4
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,221	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado One wild chassis. I have always loved your truck. Can't wait to see the new tweaked version. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

04-25-2019, 02:40 PM	#5
Low Elco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indep, MO Posts: 5,893	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Diggin' it! Love the wheels and tires. __________________ Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low!

05-20-2019, 04:39 PM	#6
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Locked and loaded for getting the frame tomorrow from Scotts Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB. Last edited by BabyBlue; 05-20-2019 at 04:46 PM.

05-21-2019, 03:57 PM	#7
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Got the frame home. Gonna be some mock ups soon Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

05-21-2019, 05:22 PM	#8
Ronzo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Ft Whoopup, Ab Posts: 317	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Loving it, keep it coming please.

06-02-2019, 07:45 AM	#9
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Cab is sitting on new frame. Still need to do some bed mods to let the bed sit down. Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

06-08-2019, 08:58 PM	#10
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado On the ground. Metal work to come. Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

06-11-2019, 06:42 PM	#11
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Little fender and bed floor mock up to see how everything is fitting. Found out the front core support mounts are a couple inches too far back and will have to cut and weld them up further. Also will have to fabricate/modify front lower center bumper brackets. Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

06-14-2019, 07:21 PM	#12
808_67C10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hilo, Hawaii Posts: 1,051	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado I usually dont care for brown but that color is cool! I dig the new wheels too. __________________ Frank (Hilo, Hawaii) Trucks, Tacos, and Beer go together like Peanut Butter and Ladies! 85 C/10 SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=760383 67 C/10 SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489298 79 K5 Blazer SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=657461

04-15-2020, 01:40 PM	#13
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: Audrey: My '78 Silverado Not much progress since I've been working on Emma (the 79). I got the core support mounts that were welded in the wrong place cut out and will be putting the nose back on this weekend after a little firewall grinding. I did manage to finally get a rendering done. 24x15's out back. 22x8's up front. Raceline Sonoma wheels. Projected power plant is LT5/6spd with the S-1 Sequential shifter. Gonna take me a few years with the cost of it but we'll steadily be working on it when I can. Reached out to Mar-K for the bed kit, waiting to hear back. Attached Images __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

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