Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**HeloCrewChief** · 12-17-2018, 12:08 AM

I have been on the hunt for a 87-91 Blazer/Jimmy in excellent original condition the last few months. Wanted something I could throw the dogs and a car seat in besides my Dodge Ram. I stumbled across this 1978 Jimmy down in Southern Oregon. Once I spoke with the owner, I knew I would have to sacrifice my want for an 87-91 and go for this well preserved 78. The gentleman I purchased it from has had it for 38 years. He bought it in 1981 from a Chevrolet Dealer in Mesa, Arizona. He took the Jimmy with him throughout the United States as he moved around for work. It went from Arizona to Colorado to California and finally Oregon.

After sending a deposit in the blind, the previous owner graciously stored it for me until I got back to the states after being gone for work over a month. Needless to say, I was itching to get down there and see it in person. The Jimmy was everything he said and more. The seats have had covers since new. Unfortunately I did find a few split seams under them. No wear in the upholstery. Dash is not cracked. I received a stack of receipts including the original purchase document from when he bought it in 1981, SPID and the owners manual. The front clip received a repaint after an encounter with a deer but, other than that it retains the original Mariner Blue. It is loaded with A/C, Tilt and Rally’s.

I plan on finding an original grille. This seems impossible so far as they are all broken. I might have to combine 2 or 3 to make 1 good one. I also ordered 15x8 solid steel wheels powder coated white from wheel vintiques. Plan on mounting those with 69-72 style caps and 32x11.50 BFG A/T’s. I will keep the rally’s safely in storage. I just think the white wheels will make it pop a bit more. I plan on installing a 69/72 Blue comfort grip steering wheel, finding original blue floor mats and a spare tire cover. Converting the A/C to 134.
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**HeloCrewChief** · 12-17-2018, 12:13 AM

Pictures
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**HeloCrewChief** · 12-17-2018, 12:20 AM

Sorry for the upside down pictures. Not sure how to fix that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

Pictures
Posted via Mobile Device

Posted via Mobile Device

jjzepplin · 12-17-2018, 09:18 AM

Looks like a great find there!

SBTork · 12-18-2018, 10:11 AM

You got a good one. Awesome color combo and I think the white wheel vintques wheels you have ordered for it will add to it too. Nice find!!

swissarmychainsaw · 01-19-2019, 02:30 PM

If you are using your Iphone to post, it usually orients the photos for you as you view them.
The simple way is to open it in edit mode, then save it (essentially doing nothing).
That should fix the orientation.

> Sorry for the upside down pictures. Not sure how to fix that.

68Timber · 01-23-2019, 12:03 PM

Awesome score. If I know how to fix the picture orientation for you I would. Have you got the new shoes on yet?

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 01-23-2019, 01:14 PM

Flip and very nice Jimmy

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 01-23-2019, 01:15 PM

Flip 2

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 01-23-2019, 01:16 PM

Flip 3

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 01-23-2019, 01:16 PM

Flip 4

**1968k20** · 01-23-2019, 03:00 PM

I may have a grill. Let me check the year

**1968k20** · 01-23-2019, 05:33 PM

I've got one for a 75/76

**1774btcrew** · 01-24-2019, 09:51 PM

I see you tried to message me. You can send me an email at a1scargo@aol.com

**1774btcrew** · 01-24-2019, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968k20

I've got one for a 75/76

I see you tried to message me. My email is in this post

**HeloCrewChief** · 01-26-2019, 12:54 PM

I’ve found a nice original grille on the forum classifieds. Just need to drive down to Portland to pick it up from the fellow member. I had a set back with the wheels. I have caps now but, the wheel vintiques series 62 6 lugs everyone recommended to me we’re the wrong backspace. They come with 4.25 backspacing which was about .25 too much. I think they work on earlier trucks and 2 wd trucks. I reached out to a few members for M1009 wheels as I know for a fact they will fit. I found some locally from Franks Pick-M-Up. Now need to get them powder coated and mounted on some 32x11.50’s. I found the caps so should be about another month before I have those on.

**HeloCrewChief** · 03-10-2019, 09:05 AM

A few updates. Found a perfect stock grille, removed the push bar, all fluids changed, new shocks and steering stabilizer (made a huge difference), 32x11.50r15 BFG A/T’s mounted on 15x8 steel wheels with 69-72 Dog Dish Caps, Chevelle Comfort Grip steering wheel and found a nice set of original blue GM floor mats. I think next up is restoring the console, master cylinder, u joints and reupholster the front and rear seats. Just need to find the right color covers. The seats aren’t bad but, definitely not perfect.

**HeloCrewChief** · 03-10-2019, 09:07 AM

Also installed new wheels trim moldings and found a NOS pair of white mirrors in the box. Hopefully have those next week. I also found some period correct KC lights so, those will replace the rectangular ones.

Big Chip · 03-10-2019, 09:29 AM

Beautiful truck, I would love to find something like that. I really like that color combo with those wheels.

I found my truck on Craigslist in Medford but it isn't nearly as nice as that but still better than a Michigan truck.

68Timber · 03-11-2019, 09:11 PM

Doesn't even look like the same truck anymore. Huge improvement.

**special-K** · 03-13-2019, 12:10 AM

Looks great with the earlier hubcaps.

frenchy51 · 03-16-2019, 08:22 AM

That was a great find! Love the color.....

**HeloCrewChief** · 03-17-2019, 11:01 AM

Thank you for the compliments. Fixed the steering wheel and got rid of that pesky bow tie! Also threw on the NOS mirrors.

swissarmychainsaw · 03-17-2019, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

Thank you for the compliments. Fixed the steering wheel and got rid of that pesky bow tie! Also threw on the NOS mirrors.

Looking great! What is that steering wheel? I like it!

blazer2007 · 03-20-2019, 10:48 AM

I like the steering wheel as well ,is it the same as a 75 vette .I have a vette one and need to find an adapter for it

12-17-2018, 12:08 AM	#1
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,056	Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande I have been on the hunt for a 87-91 Blazer/Jimmy in excellent original condition the last few months. Wanted something I could throw the dogs and a car seat in besides my Dodge Ram. I stumbled across this 1978 Jimmy down in Southern Oregon. Once I spoke with the owner, I knew I would have to sacrifice my want for an 87-91 and go for this well preserved 78. The gentleman I purchased it from has had it for 38 years. He bought it in 1981 from a Chevrolet Dealer in Mesa, Arizona. He took the Jimmy with him throughout the United States as he moved around for work. It went from Arizona to Colorado to California and finally Oregon. After sending a deposit in the blind, the previous owner graciously stored it for me until I got back to the states after being gone for work over a month. Needless to say, I was itching to get down there and see it in person. The Jimmy was everything he said and more. The seats have had covers since new. Unfortunately I did find a few split seams under them. No wear in the upholstery. Dash is not cracked. I received a stack of receipts including the original purchase document from when he bought it in 1981, SPID and the owners manual. The front clip received a repaint after an encounter with a deer but, other than that it retains the original Mariner Blue. It is loaded with A/C, Tilt and Rally’s. I plan on finding an original grille. This seems impossible so far as they are all broken. I might have to combine 2 or 3 to make 1 good one. I also ordered 15x8 solid steel wheels powder coated white from wheel vintiques. Plan on mounting those with 69-72 style caps and 32x11.50 BFG A/T’s. I will keep the rally’s safely in storage. I just think the white wheels will make it pop a bit more. I plan on installing a 69/72 Blue comfort grip steering wheel, finding original blue floor mats and a spare tire cover. Converting the A/C to 134. Posted via Mobile Device

12-17-2018, 12:13 AM	#2
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,056	Pictures Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

12-17-2018, 09:18 AM	#4
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Looks like a great find there! __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

12-18-2018, 10:11 AM	#5
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,855	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande You got a good one. Awesome color combo and I think the white wheel vintques wheels you have ordered for it will add to it too. Nice find!! __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

01-19-2019, 02:30 PM	#6
swissarmychainsaw Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: san francisco, ca (east bay) Posts: 674	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande If you are using your Iphone to post, it usually orients the photos for you as you view them. The simple way is to open it in edit mode, then save it (essentially doing nothing). That should fix the orientation. > Sorry for the upside down pictures. Not sure how to fix that.

01-23-2019, 12:03 PM	#7
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Awesome score. If I know how to fix the picture orientation for you I would. Have you got the new shoes on yet? __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

01-23-2019, 01:14 PM	#8
Jeff's bowtie's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kearneysville Wv Posts: 3,955	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Flip and very nice Jimmy Attached Images Last edited by Jeff's bowtie's; 01-23-2019 at 01:20 PM.

01-23-2019, 01:15 PM	#9
Jeff's bowtie's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kearneysville Wv Posts: 3,955	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Flip 2 Attached Images

01-23-2019, 01:16 PM	#10
Jeff's bowtie's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kearneysville Wv Posts: 3,955	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Flip 3 Attached Images

01-23-2019, 03:00 PM	#12
1968k20 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chester,California Posts: 5,632	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande I may have a grill. Let me check the year __________________ 1977 Chevrolet K10 SWB Project 350/4spd/np205 1977 Chevrolet K20 LWB 350/350/203 1991 4Runner 22RE 5 SPD Yanmar Tractor 3 Cyl Diesel

01-23-2019, 05:33 PM	#13
1968k20 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chester,California Posts: 5,632	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande I've got one for a 75/76 __________________ 1977 Chevrolet K10 SWB Project 350/4spd/np205 1977 Chevrolet K20 LWB 350/350/203 1991 4Runner 22RE 5 SPD Yanmar Tractor 3 Cyl Diesel

01-24-2019, 09:51 PM	#14
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,603	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande I see you tried to message me. You can send me an email at a1scargo@aol.com __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

01-26-2019, 12:54 PM	#16
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,056	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande I’ve found a nice original grille on the forum classifieds. Just need to drive down to Portland to pick it up from the fellow member. I had a set back with the wheels. I have caps now but, the wheel vintiques series 62 6 lugs everyone recommended to me we’re the wrong backspace. They come with 4.25 backspacing which was about .25 too much. I think they work on earlier trucks and 2 wd trucks. I reached out to a few members for M1009 wheels as I know for a fact they will fit. I found some locally from Franks Pick-M-Up. Now need to get them powder coated and mounted on some 32x11.50’s. I found the caps so should be about another month before I have those on. __________________ 1970 C10 to K20 conversion 1974 GMC Jimmy 1968 50th Anniversary Short Bed 1968 Chevelle 1964 Comet Caliente 1990 W250 Cummins

03-10-2019, 09:05 AM	#17
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,056	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande A few updates. Found a perfect stock grille, removed the push bar, all fluids changed, new shocks and steering stabilizer (made a huge difference), 32x11.50r15 BFG A/T’s mounted on 15x8 steel wheels with 69-72 Dog Dish Caps, Chevelle Comfort Grip steering wheel and found a nice set of original blue GM floor mats. I think next up is restoring the console, master cylinder, u joints and reupholster the front and rear seats. Just need to find the right color covers. The seats aren’t bad but, definitely not perfect. Attached Images __________________ 1970 C10 to K20 conversion 1974 GMC Jimmy 1968 50th Anniversary Short Bed 1968 Chevelle 1964 Comet Caliente 1990 W250 Cummins

03-10-2019, 09:07 AM	#18
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,056	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Also installed new wheels trim moldings and found a NOS pair of white mirrors in the box. Hopefully have those next week. I also found some period correct KC lights so, those will replace the rectangular ones. __________________ 1970 C10 to K20 conversion 1974 GMC Jimmy 1968 50th Anniversary Short Bed 1968 Chevelle 1964 Comet Caliente 1990 W250 Cummins



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03-10-2019, 09:29 AM	#19
Big Chip Registered User Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Roscommon, Michigan Posts: 100	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Beautiful truck, I would love to find something like that. I really like that color combo with those wheels. I found my truck on Craigslist in Medford but it isn't nearly as nice as that but still better than a Michigan truck.

03-11-2019, 09:11 PM	#20
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Doesn't even look like the same truck anymore. Huge improvement. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

03-13-2019, 12:10 AM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Looks great with the earlier hubcaps. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-16-2019, 08:22 AM	#22
frenchy51 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Orland, Nor-Cal Posts: 617	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande That was a great find! Love the color..... Attached Images __________________ 1972 Highlander PAC B 400BB-SOLD 1974 K5 Blazer-6.0 swap 1974 C20 Long Bed 454 1977 GMC HeavyHalf several adopted orphans

03-17-2019, 11:01 AM	#23
HeloCrewChief Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Alabama Posts: 1,056	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande Thank you for the compliments. Fixed the steering wheel and got rid of that pesky bow tie! Also threw on the NOS mirrors. Attached Images __________________ 1970 C10 to K20 conversion 1974 GMC Jimmy 1968 50th Anniversary Short Bed 1968 Chevelle 1964 Comet Caliente 1990 W250 Cummins

03-20-2019, 10:48 AM	#25
blazer2007 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vernon b.c. Posts: 3,022	Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande I like the steering wheel as well ,is it the same as a 75 vette .I have a vette one and need to find an adapter for it Attached Images

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