Swap Meet Slam
 

Since I don't have enough to do already.. How about a new project :lmao:

Picked up this cool 1990 Chevrolet C1500, 350, Auto, 2wd, Regular Cab Stepside from a swap meet friend. It is rough around the edges and is in desperate need of some TLC. It's an original Arizona truck, and has spent the majority of its life between SoCal and AZ. As you would expect, there is no rust, but everything plastic is a little crispy.

Plan is to make it a fun driver/parts chaser, retaining it's usefulness as a truck and still fun going around corners. Ridetech's 'new' StreetGRIP Suspension System for C1500's is the first major upgrade, and leads the way to where I am going with this project.

I've started scouring the bone yards and craigslist for C1500 parts. Already scored many of the small parts the truck was missing, or were too far gone to mess with. Suspension is ordered, and a plan for rolling stock is coming together.

Fun stuff for the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado is showing up 😃🚘
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The old truck was in need over an overhaul. Tear down is mostly done. Build up began with the doors. Lots of parts from @lmctruck going in this weekend 🚘

This will be cool. I've thought of building one up as well. There's so much room to go ultra low with wide wheels. I figured it'd be easier than trying to do the same with a car. I think an AWD setup would be killer too. Ah, to dream.

Good luck with it, John. Keep us posted.

Thanks! Plan for this one is part chaser/driver. This kit allows it to be low, great ride, and still be usable as a truck.

C-Notches are in! Start putting everything back together tomorrow 😁 @ridetechsuspension StreetGRIP install continued - 1990 Chevrolet Silverado

Rear is in! Have some clearance issues to work out on the exhaust, and tighten a few bolts. Should be on the ground tomorrow 🙃

Nice score. I use too love these trucks. I would still like to score a south-western one some day. What else do you plan to do to it?

It's basically a mini restoration. Performance wise, the Ridetech stuff now. I will add the sway bars after my car budget recovers :D ;)

Down the road, I'd love to put a new LT or LS based engine in it. But, being California makes that an "interesting" process.

For those following along, here's a late progress update.

At this point I have replaced nearly every suspension & steering component with new parts.

Buttoned up the front suspension. "Upgraded" the front brakes to the later model (92+up) stuff. They have 1.25" vs 1" thick rotors, and bigger bearings, etc.

Added a Ridetech rear swaybar. I will upgrade the stock front swaybar in the near future.

Finished up the major overhaul of the interior. It still needs lots of a little detail stuff that I will work out as I drive it.

After some debate, I went with 20x8 and 20x10 American Racing Torq Thrust II's. I was considering 18's, but glad I went with the 20's, they fit the look and stance of the truck I was going for.

So here it is, ignore the funny camber/caster, this was just before I took it to the alignment shop :D

Winner winner!! Love that it is a step side. The gray center 20's & resulting stance is perfection.
I'd be proud to own this one!

I've been putting more miles on the truck and continue updating systems as I go. Got a coupe update shots this morning:

Nice work, John. How does it drive and handle?

Drives and handles great! Ridetech did a great job matching the springs and shocks. Plus, the shocks are adjustable, so I'm still playing with those :lol:

Need to figure out how to do a CA smog legal LT or LS swap :stirthepot::lol:

Upgrades continue, couple afternoon shots of the RideTech StreetGRIP equipped 1990 Chevrolet Silverado Stepside

Great stance, and wheel choice!

Beautiful truck! Makes me wish I still had mine.



https://scontent.fric1-2.fna.fbcdn.n...7c&oe=5D436772

Truck is heading out for Hot Rod Power Tour 2019. Starts with the Long Haul to the HRPT Long Haul :D San Diego, CA to Concord, NC. Should be a fun trip.

Added a bed box for added covered storage (single cab problems) :D

Over the weekend I installed a RideTech Front MuscleBar. As always the design and workmanship is impressive. Overall the truck corners flatter and smoother. Great addition!

Sweet transformation! Have a great time on power tour. :hapdance:

Late update: The truck got a workout on the Hot Rod Power Tour. It averaged 18mpg, not bad for 236k+ 350 sbc.

Great drive! The most fun part was the mountains between Martinsville and Bristol. RideTech StreetGRIP was getting a workout :)
Got in some laps at Bristol too. :)

6,603 total miles. San Diego to Charlotte. Long Haul to Norwalk. Then back home to San Diego.

Picture highlights:

Impressive. That was quite the haul.

Very nice, I hope to make a drive like that when I get my ride done.
Congrats!

Congrats on the successful trip... Dang, that's a lot of driving...

Bristol Baby!

I can only imagine how much fun it was to drive across country. Truck looks awesome on the high bank.

Started this project a little over a year ago. It's been a fun ride, and more to come. Shot from a local cruise night :thumbsup:

I'm seriously considering building up one of these trucks. I grew up looking at them in all the magazines when they were new and the sport truck scene was taking off. I'm in a position where I can make my dreams a reality so I figure, why not?.

I love what you did with your truck, John. Was there a reason you went with RideTech over say McGaughy's? Is there a website dedicated to these trucks and lowering them that you recommend?

Thanks

I went with the RideTech StreetGrip setup because I like that it's a complete kit. Eliminates the guesswork, also the adjustable shocks really helped me find tune the ride on my truck.

If you are working on a GMT400, gmt400.com forum is wealth of knowledge. There is a ton of old post knowledge, and a good active core group to answer any off the wall questions. Of course, I will help with anything I can.

I appreciate it, John. Thank you.