My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Well guys, here is my 85 Chevy shortwide project. I love these body style trucks. I had a 87 shortwide about a year ago and ended up trading for a newer style truck (Really regret doing) I now have this one and im trying to fix it up myself as much as I can. I just turned 20 and I'm not the best body man (I really need to learn!) but I know the basic mechanics. Anyways, what I started with was a 1985 Chevrolet Shortwide. Power windows, Locks, Etc. Came with a 305 that was rebuilt at some time, but was not enough power for what I wanted so I yanked her out. I plan on staying with a small block and im trying to load her with between 375-400 HP. I am switching from a TH350 to an overdrive 700r. I'am going to redo the whole interior as well as paint. I plan to lower it (not sure yet how much) and I want the newer style suburban front clip. But for now, here is what im working with.. I'll post more pictures and updates as I get things done... This is my first "build" thread so bare with me guys!

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Here is the truck the day I got it... Pretty rough

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

I took off the stock rally's since they had 31" tires I didn't want on them and switched for some 95' model wheels and smaller tires.. Here are some updated pics after i got it home and started getting motor ready to pull

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Pics

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

not a bad looking little truck. im normally not fond of any car or truck newer than 71 but thats not bad. we can get her all sanded down it look to be a good base to start with. and well get her painted up in no time.

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

cool truck!!!
:cong:

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Thanks, it did look alot worse but i got sand paper and some rattle can primer and got it to look like that, started with black but then switched to gray primer.. it still needs lots of work!

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Truck looks good man. I'll have to run up someday and look at it. I just bought one Friday. I don't have any pics of it yet, but I'll get some up here too. Mine has the same issues with the 31x10.50 tires on it. However mine has 3" lift springs up front, and lift blocks in the rear. Really destroyed the look of a 2wd truck. I may talk to you about your grill when you get the suburban front clip. I have the 84 grill, and want the 85-87 grill.

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Cool truck. When I got my '73, it had 31's on it too. Must've been the thing to do. And my had been lowered.

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Sorry for being so slow guys... Motor has been out for a few days I took some pics and will update it after i get off work... I'm still not sure what i want to do motor wise... I either wanna go for the 5.3 swap or put in a pretty beefy carb'd small block... still undecided...

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

How long have you been working on it?

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

I have only had the truck 2 weeks

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Here are the updated pics.. Got engine/trans out the other day just been too busy to post the pics.. I also finished primering the passenger side fender still need to finish the door and the rest of the body. I also scored a free tailgate band in excellent shape im going to put on when im done (i like how they look) but for now this is all i have done...

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Pics

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Oh and i also got new headlight trim pieces... but i dont think im going to be using them.... still debating on a newer style suburban front end swap... what do you guys think? Or maybe just do a phantom grille ... or leave it how it is but with new trim pieces... looking for a cowl induction hood as well, going to use that no matter what front end i go with..

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Great job HotRod.

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

You are on a roll.:metal:

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

Thanks guys :) shes coming together slowly but ill have her all done this summer sometime... I hope...

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

It's looking good. Like I said before let me know if you don't use your grill. :lol:
I don't think you would go wrong with any of those grill choices. They all look good. What color are you looking at painting it?

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

I either want a bright redish orange or a fiji blue pearl (we have this color on our '08 honda civic si and it really stands out!) Pm'd you john

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

+1 if you dont use your grill. i will trade you my billet for your stocker.

Great progress....keep motivated.

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

keep it up man! i vote for the 5.3 swap. so far so good!

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

5.3 Swap it is.. I'm going to check out a wrecked 01 Gmc Sierra with the 5.3 only has 70k miles im going to see how it runs and if it runs good enough ill be pulling the motor/trans/harness and computer from it in another week or so.... im sure this is going to be a huge project for me so ill need all the help and support i can get from you guys =)

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

I have not done the swap, but I have researched it very well. There are a few websites out there, but the one that i've found most helpful is ls1tech.com in the hybrid/conversion section.

It looks like you have a good start on the body, and looks like it was a good one to start with too. Keep the progress up and as always, take a lot of pictures.

Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project
 

I'll help you with what I can. I think the 5.3 will be a great choice.