1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 11-20-2018, 01:42 PM

Well, this fell into my lap today I wasn't seriously in the market but couldn't pass it up, to me it's the holy grail of square body trucks. Black 1987 4x4 short bed w/ 700R4, air, power steering, power brakes, electric windows and locks. It's been a local truck it's whole life and it's very worn out but everything is there and good enough for a stock resto. For what we paid, I'm surprised it actually runs and drives (pretty sketchy driving though). My oldest son is 13, as long as he shows interest and stays involved and invested then the plan is to have this ready for him to drive in two and a half years.

**LEEVON** · 11-20-2018, 01:42 PM

This is the goal:

cochino12 · 11-20-2018, 02:03 PM

Nice truck

**lolife99** · 11-20-2018, 03:24 PM

Nice truck.
I’m surprised it has an early style tailgate.

**hatzie** · 11-20-2018, 03:29 PM

Looks like all the pieces are there. Good solid project rig.

You have a 70's 30 series tailgate. Hopefully they installed the proper hinge pivots. I'd keep it and hook up the clearance lights.

**LEEVON** · 11-20-2018, 06:26 PM

The gate's got a decent bow in it, not sure if I can pull it out. I wonder how the aftermarket gates stack up these days?

**TKCR** · 11-20-2018, 06:52 PM

Nice truck. Definitely a good truck for rehab. It also has an early style seat, 77-80 seat. By the way it looks when your son is sitting in it, it has some broken springs for sure. It will be fun fixing it up!!

**hatzie** · 11-20-2018, 07:00 PM

IIRC there's at least one outfit that's making the dash pads with metal underpinnings now.

**LEEVON** · 11-20-2018, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKCR

Nice truck. Definitely a good truck for rehab. It also has an early style seat, 77-80 seat. By the way it looks when your son is sitting in it, it has some broken springs for sure. It will be fun fixing it up!!

We also got the original (worn out) seat with the truck fortunately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

IIRC there's at least one outfit that's making the dash pads with metal underpinnings now.

I saw that. Last '87 I had the options weren't that great.

**LEEVON** · 11-23-2018, 08:38 PM

I guess I should make this a build thread, because tear-down has begun! We stripped the interior and took inventory of missing or broken parts and notes about re-assembly. I was browsing some restoration sites for ideas about organization and saw the plastic containers. They're $3 from Harbor Freight and we got several for hardware storage. I also have coin envelopes, write-on plastic bags, wire tags, plastic tubs, and boxes. All this stuff is going to have to go to a storage unit while we build the chassis and do body work, so I'm trying to keep it organized while also teaching my son about the restoration process. He hasn't wrenched much but he's got strong hands, good eye for detail and seems to be catching on. One thing is obvious to both of us, this truck was rode hard!

We did find some live spiders and one crusty mouse carcass, I think that should be a right of passage for working on old trucks.

**LEEVON** · 11-23-2018, 08:52 PM

Tanner (my boy) wants the truck to be orange and white. I was hoping to keep it black, but I also really like orange. So we made a deal, as long as it's 1987 Chevrolet Tangier Orange (which was an available option) and in the factory two-tone scheme with all the trim we're good! We also have a 75 K5 2wd that we were going to build, but it's blue and white. When I told him it would stay that way, he wasn't real crazy about it because he has his heart set on orange/white. So this truck is a bit of a compromise, and I can build the blue Blazer for myself later.

**mongocanfly** · 11-24-2018, 12:01 AM

nice project....what about black....and orange?.

**LEEVON** · 11-24-2018, 12:26 AM

Dang that's nice. I'll see what Tanner thinks, we got plenty of time!

**cst204x4** · 11-24-2018, 10:46 AM

Nice truck nothing better than a 87 square ( fuel injection)

**LEEVON** · 12-02-2018, 08:15 AM

Tear-down is going slow due to teaching a boy how to use tools, a really crusty truck, my methods of organization and documentation, and having to travel to my shop. But we have a goal of having it down to the rolling chassis by the end of the month. I've decided we're going to do this complete and right, even it it means it will be too nice for Tanner's everyday driver and we have to find a backup beater. The cab is going on a dolly, frame is getting stripped etc. After looking at the cab further I think I'm going to tackle the rust myself. My plan was to have the body man do the rust rough-in. But I did cab corners and rockers on another '87, it wasn't that bad, plus it's a good excuse to buy some more tools and still "save money"

I also learned something today. If you see a wasp nest inside a fender and it looks 100 years old, DON'T grab it. It may still be a wasp house!

LT7A · 12-04-2018, 08:21 AM

Wow. Super organized. Beautiful shop!

**LEEVON** · 12-04-2018, 12:34 PM

Thank you! That's the money-making shop. I don't have one at home (yet) so we use a bay on the weekends, and have it cleaned up for Monday. Logistics are going more difficult in the next phase.

cochino12 · 12-04-2018, 04:01 PM

sub'd

**LEEVON** · 12-08-2018, 05:57 PM

Did a little parts scrounging with the boy today. We found a great seat from the rear of a this majestic graphic'd up 80's dually, just had to eat a little Texas oil field red dirt to get it. I've used crew cab rear seats 3 times now, they always have good foam and springs. So we'll paint the frame, use the foam, correct sliders and a black cover. I am working on finding a pair of good doors next, the dark blue crew has a set but he doesn't want to split them.

86454k30 · 02-12-2019, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Did a little parts scrounging with the boy today. We found a great seat from the rear of a this majestic graphic'd up 80's dually, just had to eat a little Texas oil field red dirt to get it. I've used crew cab rear seats 3 times now, they always have good foam and springs. So we'll paint the frame, use the foam, correct sliders and a black cover. I am working on finding a pair of good doors next, the dark blue crew has a set but he doesn't want to split them.

Crew cab rear seats are the best secrets ever! If that blue seat cover is nice i'd be interested in buying it.

**TKCR** · 02-12-2019, 06:01 AM

Nice find on the seat. Yes Crew Cab rear seats are the best!!

BB72CHEVKT · 02-15-2019, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Did a little parts scrounging with the boy today. We found a great seat from the rear of a this majestic graphic'd up 80's dually, just had to eat a little Texas oil field red dirt to get it. I've used crew cab rear seats 3 times now, they always have good foam and springs. So we'll paint the frame, use the foam, correct sliders and a black cover. I am working on finding a pair of good doors next, the dark blue crew has a set but he doesn't want to split them.

What do you have to do to get the rear seat from a crew to work? Just change the sliders?

**TKCR** · 02-15-2019, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB72CHEVKT

What do you have to do to get the rear seat from a crew to work? Just change the sliders?

Take the rear brackets off and put the front slide tracks on. It is the exact same seat, just different mounting brackets.

11-20-2018, 01:42 PM	#1
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Well, this fell into my lap today I wasn't seriously in the market but couldn't pass it up, to me it's the holy grail of square body trucks. Black 1987 4x4 short bed w/ 700R4, air, power steering, power brakes, electric windows and locks. It's been a local truck it's whole life and it's very worn out but everything is there and good enough for a stock resto. For what we paid, I'm surprised it actually runs and drives (pretty sketchy driving though). My oldest son is 13, as long as he shows interest and stays involved and invested then the plan is to have this ready for him to drive in two and a half years. 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; 11-23-2018 at 09:24 PM.

11-20-2018, 01:42 PM	#2
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab This is the goal: 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

11-20-2018, 02:03 PM	#3
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Nice truck __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

11-20-2018, 03:24 PM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Nice truck. I’m surprised it has an early style tailgate. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-20-2018, 03:29 PM	#5
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Looks like all the pieces are there. Good solid project rig. You have a 70's 30 series tailgate. Hopefully they installed the proper hinge pivots. I'd keep it and hook up the clearance lights. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

11-20-2018, 06:26 PM	#6
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab The gate's got a decent bow in it, not sure if I can pull it out. I wonder how the aftermarket gates stack up these days? __________________ '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

11-20-2018, 06:52 PM	#7
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,979	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Nice truck. Definitely a good truck for rehab. It also has an early style seat, 77-80 seat. By the way it looks when your son is sitting in it, it has some broken springs for sure. It will be fun fixing it up!! __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

11-20-2018, 07:00 PM	#8
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab IIRC there's at least one outfit that's making the dash pads with metal underpinnings now. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

11-23-2018, 08:38 PM	#10
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab I guess I should make this a build thread, because tear-down has begun! We stripped the interior and took inventory of missing or broken parts and notes about re-assembly. I was browsing some restoration sites for ideas about organization and saw the plastic containers. They're $3 from Harbor Freight and we got several for hardware storage. I also have coin envelopes, write-on plastic bags, wire tags, plastic tubs, and boxes. All this stuff is going to have to go to a storage unit while we build the chassis and do body work, so I'm trying to keep it organized while also teaching my son about the restoration process. He hasn't wrenched much but he's got strong hands, good eye for detail and seems to be catching on. One thing is obvious to both of us, this truck was rode hard! We did find some live spiders and one crusty mouse carcass, I think that should be a right of passage for working on old trucks. 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

11-23-2018, 08:52 PM	#11
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Tanner (my boy) wants the truck to be orange and white. I was hoping to keep it black, but I also really like orange. So we made a deal, as long as it's 1987 Chevrolet Tangier Orange (which was an available option) and in the factory two-tone scheme with all the trim we're good! We also have a 75 K5 2wd that we were going to build, but it's blue and white. When I told him it would stay that way, he wasn't real crazy about it because he has his heart set on orange/white. So this truck is a bit of a compromise, and I can build the blue Blazer for myself later. 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

11-24-2018, 12:01 AM	#12
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab nice project....what about black....and orange?. Attached Images __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

11-24-2018, 12:26 AM	#13
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Dang that's nice. I'll see what Tanner thinks, we got plenty of time! __________________ '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

11-24-2018, 10:46 AM	#14
cst204x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: corunna michigan Posts: 2,006	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Nice truck nothing better than a 87 square ( fuel injection) __________________ 1970 CST 4x4 collecting nos parts for this project 1972 cutlass owned since 1984 1972 cutlass conv 1970 Cutlass conv 1981 chevy shortbox 1986 grand national 2004 2500HD Crew Cab 66,000 miles

12-02-2018, 08:15 AM	#15
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Tear-down is going slow due to teaching a boy how to use tools, a really crusty truck, my methods of organization and documentation, and having to travel to my shop. But we have a goal of having it down to the rolling chassis by the end of the month. I've decided we're going to do this complete and right, even it it means it will be too nice for Tanner's everyday driver and we have to find a backup beater. The cab is going on a dolly, frame is getting stripped etc. After looking at the cab further I think I'm going to tackle the rust myself. My plan was to have the body man do the rust rough-in. But I did cab corners and rockers on another '87, it wasn't that bad, plus it's a good excuse to buy some more tools and still "save money" I also learned something today. If you see a wasp nest inside a fender and it looks 100 years old, DON'T grab it. It may still be a wasp house! 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; 12-02-2018 at 08:43 AM.

12-04-2018, 08:21 AM	#16
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,625	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Wow. Super organized. Beautiful shop!



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12-04-2018, 12:34 PM	#17
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Thank you! That's the money-making shop. I don't have one at home (yet) so we use a bay on the weekends, and have it cleaned up for Monday. Logistics are going more difficult in the next phase. __________________ '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

12-04-2018, 04:01 PM	#18
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab sub'd __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

12-08-2018, 05:57 PM	#19
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Did a little parts scrounging with the boy today. We found a great seat from the rear of a this majestic graphic'd up 80's dually, just had to eat a little Texas oil field red dirt to get it. I've used crew cab rear seats 3 times now, they always have good foam and springs. So we'll paint the frame, use the foam, correct sliders and a black cover. I am working on finding a pair of good doors next, the dark blue crew has a set but he doesn't want to split them. 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; 12-08-2018 at 06:06 PM.

02-12-2019, 06:01 AM	#21
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,979	Re: 1987 Silverado swb 4x4 rehab Nice find on the seat. Yes Crew Cab rear seats are the best!! __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

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