My truck is almost restored but unintentionally

I bought this 96 GMC 1500 in 2011 at 118K, now at 150K. Its a perfect truck for my needs. I use it as a truck at least once a month so I really need a truck in my life. Its been my DD for almost 2 years now since I no longer have my old Benz. In 2011 the transmission was rebuilt. Since then, and mostly in the last year, I've replaced the master cylinder, brake pads, brake lines, the entire intake, radiator, fuel pump, AC compressor and evaporator and the starter. I can't think what else is even on this truck that I can replace. Really just a rant. I've now paid for this truck probably three times over in parts, my own time or someone else's labor. It rides great and runs great and the AC is freezing now and the heat is hot in the Winter. Guess I shouldn't complain.

Now that I most recently had the AC repaired, no new ride for me for another year at least...

Thats a great looking ride!!!

That truck looks sharp. There is nothing wrong with repairing what you have instead of buying shiny and new.

I always figured that if the repairs are less than the payments on something new or newer that is equivalent that is a net win, at least with regards to cash flow. I have my DD for 18 years and 190,000 miles. I am finally looking to replace it because the door locks and and things like that are waring out.

That is sharp. Ive always liked the reg cab short beds. They seem hot roddy. Plus I love the gmc grilles compared to the chevy.

don't feel bad. i paid $600 for my 90(hit front). then paid $600 for a parts truck for the front end(but made over a grand on that). then paid $600 for a 454 to replace the tired 4.3. then paid $600ish for new parts to install the 454. then bought a parts truck for the 454SS wheels and a nice interior.

now i get to paint it all the same shade of red, probably in the spring.

that is a damn clean truck, always loved that body style. with a small drop it would be perfect.

patgizz wrote: don't feel bad. i paid $600 for my 90(hit front). then paid $600 for a parts truck for the front end(but made over a grand on that). then paid $600 for a 454 to replace the tired 4.3. then paid $600ish for new parts to install the 454. then bought a parts truck for the 454SS wheels and a nice interior. now i get to paint it all the same shade of red, probably in the spring.

Nice. Loved those 454SS trucks. I tried to make mine sort of have that "look" to it.

4/6 drop. Drive the wheels off.

My 89 was one of the best trucks I've ever had. Love them.

mattmacklind wrote: I bought this 96 GMC 1500 in 2011 at 118K, now at 150K. I've now paid for this truck probably three times over

Seems par for the course for a GM/Chevy truck. My buddy bought a new GM half ton and over the course of a year it shed the Chevy emblem in my driveway twice. Was pretty indicative of the rest of the quality so he traded it in on a Tacoma at the end of the year.

On the other hand, the GM trucks are cheap.

Dusterbd13 wrote: 4/6 drop. Drive the wheels off. My 89 was one of the best trucks I've ever had. Love them.

I actually had the parts to just level the back (2" drop) but didn't do it on advice from others. May change my mind in the future. Did add a heavier front sway bar, KYB monomax shocks and Cragars 5 spokes with white letter tires which will soon need replacing with some BF Goodrich since the Firestone are out of print. Love the way the truck drives, its just that everything has broken in the last two years. I guess that means I get another 18 years of trouble free motoring. Forgot I also replaced the water pump. The driver side door is closed with a piece of rope, too.

love this generation of GM trucks.

really wanted one but had an 86 F150 pop up on craigslist for a price i couldn't refuse. its more of a beater than a near restored truck but i guess i saved some $$.

Looks good from here. I started looking for an older Ford step-side, but couldn't turn down the GM as it was so clean.

its shiny on the sides, peeling, primered, dented, and a little rusty on the top.

Im ok with the look as is but I do have to start grinding away some of the minor rust bubbling up. its very solid all around really. Even though the motor is sort of rigged and janky the body alone was worth it for the purchase price it think.

Once my health is sort of back in order I have some gaskets to replace on the motor and the whole cooling system pretty much needs to be replaced.

Dusterbd13 wrote: 4/6 drop. Drive the wheels off. My 89 was one of the best trucks I've ever had. Love them.

this. I was going to say a 3/4 drop, but that works too. Oh, and some 17x9's. done right, they handle like no pickup truck of that era should. Mine was a 2/4 drop.

I had a '90 many moons ago for chasing wrecks. It was similar to this one I stole from the google but a 350 and the rear jacked up a bit with a few more leafs to tow more. That was a good little truck.

In reply to mattmacklind:

That is a beautiful truck, I wish mine was a 2wd single cab short bed. Even though I prefer the 73-87 trucks these have their appeal.

Here is the one I had

Such is life with an older vehicle, the GMT400 is one of the best trucks ever though, and the last real truck GM built, so there is that, which is nice.

Sharp looking truck!

What I've learned from this thread: white lettering on tall-sidewall tires makes any truck look amazing.