My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HotRod73 · 03-16-2009, 10:02 AM

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!

HotRod73 · 03-16-2009, 10:07 AM

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

HotRod73 · 03-16-2009, 10:09 AM

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

HotRod73 · 03-16-2009, 10:10 AM

Pics

kulturekat · 03-16-2009, 10:26 AM

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.

joe231 · 03-16-2009, 10:35 AM

cool truck!!!

HotRod73 · 03-16-2009, 01:55 PM

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!

JohnC · 03-17-2009, 11:14 AM

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.

jchav62 · 03-17-2009, 11:31 AM

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.

HotRod73 · 03-19-2009, 10:30 AM

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...

jason65 · 03-19-2009, 12:57 PM

How long have you been working on it?

HotRod73 · 03-19-2009, 02:32 PM

I have only had the truck 2 weeks

HotRod73 · 03-19-2009, 02:44 PM

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...

HotRod73 · 03-19-2009, 02:45 PM

Pics

HotRod73 · 03-19-2009, 02:48 PM

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..

jason65 · 03-19-2009, 03:13 PM

Great job HotRod.

tvblazer78 · 03-19-2009, 07:40 PM

You are on a roll.

HotRod73 · 03-19-2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks guys

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

JohnC · 03-20-2009, 08:06 AM

It's looking good. Like I said before let me know if you don't use your grill.

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?

HotRod73 · 03-20-2009, 10:22 AM

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

Cherub · 03-20-2009, 11:02 AM

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

Great progress....keep motivated.

menace121978 · 03-20-2009, 11:36 AM

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

HotRod73 · 03-20-2009, 01:03 PM

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 =)

SBTork · 03-20-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRod73

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 =)

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.

JohnC · 03-20-2009, 03:06 PM

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

03-16-2009, 10:02 AM	#1
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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! __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-16-2009, 10:07 AM	#2
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project Here is the truck the day I got it... Pretty rough Attached Images __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-16-2009, 10:09 AM	#3
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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 __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-16-2009, 10:10 AM	#4
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project Pics Attached Images __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-16-2009, 10:26 AM	#5
kulturekat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: stillwater, oklahoma Posts: 566	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.

03-16-2009, 10:35 AM	#6
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project cool truck!!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

03-16-2009, 01:55 PM	#7
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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! __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction) Last edited by HotRod73; 03-16-2009 at 01:55 PM.

03-17-2009, 11:14 AM	#8
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	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.

03-17-2009, 11:31 AM	#9
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	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. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

03-19-2009, 10:30 AM	#10
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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... __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-19-2009, 12:57 PM	#11
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project How long have you been working on it?

03-19-2009, 02:32 PM	#12
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project I have only had the truck 2 weeks __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-19-2009, 02:44 PM	#13
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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... __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-19-2009, 02:45 PM	#14
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project Pics Attached Images __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-19-2009, 02:48 PM	#15
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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.. __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)



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03-19-2009, 03:13 PM	#16
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project Great job HotRod.

03-19-2009, 07:40 PM	#17
tvblazer78 Low & Fast! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 3,110	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project You are on a roll. __________________ Southeastern Mini Truckin' Nationals April 27 and 28, 2012

03-19-2009, 08:26 PM	#18
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project Thanks guys shes coming together slowly but ill have her all done this summer sometime... I hope... __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-20-2009, 08:06 AM	#19
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project It's looking good. Like I said before let me know if you don't use your grill. 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?

03-20-2009, 10:22 AM	#20
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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 __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-20-2009, 11:02 AM	#21
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	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.

03-20-2009, 11:36 AM	#22
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project keep it up man! i vote for the 5.3 swap. so far so good! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

03-20-2009, 01:03 PM	#23
HotRod73 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 553	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 =) __________________ 1973 Chevrolet C20 (Under Construction)

03-20-2009, 03:06 PM	#25
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: My 85 Chevy Shortwide Project I'll help you with what I can. I think the 5.3 will be a great choice.

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