Keeping it "in the family"

[kingchr]

Just received this 1977 GMC C15 Sierra Grande from my Uncle. My grandfather bought the truck new in 1977. He drove it for the last few years he worked at Fort Ord (note the permit still on the bumpers). After my grandfather passed in the early 80's my uncle was involved in a bad MVC. When he recovered my grandmother sold it to him for $1. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, he was ready for her to move on to a new home with someone in the family who would appreciate her and keep her going. Keeping with tradition I paid $1. Here are a few pictures of the exchange where we met part way in Redding California and at the Oregon DMV getting her new tags.

The truck has 406k miles on it now and still has the original 350 (1 timing set at ~255k miles in '95) The TH350 has been rebuilt 1 time at about 216k or so in '94. Truck passed it's last California smog check this year with flying colors. Along with the truck my uncle gifted me with her maintenance records. I appear to have every receipt for every part, smog check and oil change since the mid '90s. The truck was re-painted in 2000 and overall the paint has held up well. However there are a few trouble spot which will need attention. The hardest hit are the bed sides behind the rear wheels and the entire right front fender.

I have already been repairing things on her, as she apparently feels that a change of address entitles her to some considerations. I have been noting the mileage and placing my receipts in the records too, seems like a very useful thing when I see the body of information about the trucks health I now have to draw upon.

Already Done:

• New gas tubes for the canopy
• New Alternator
• New Blower Fan
• New Thermostat
• Misc. Bulbs and 1 Tail/Turn Socket
• Wiper blades
• Washer fluid reservoir from my parts stash

In the very near future she will also be getting:

• Re-mount the external transmission cooler to the radiator
• Reconnect the factory transmission cooler in series with the aftermarket unit (was bypassed when rebuilt transmission was installed in '94)
• Replace rotten battery tray (parts ordered should be here by the end of the week)
• Replace drivers side window regulator and clean/adjust window track (was done once already in '95, seems like stuff should last better than this)
• Source drivers side upper bed trim strip and paint to match the rest of the 1977 only trim
• Source replacement used passenger fender as the unit on the truck has rotted out both in front and behind the tire
• General suspension rebuild (bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, etc.) fore and aft
• Rebuild the washer fluid pump as it's output is very weak

[Palf70Step]

Nice looking truck. She is definetly a keeper.

[xrcr]

Very Cool. Keep it going

[Lokin4AReason]

nice snag for a dollar

[irvan]

Your uncle is a great human being.

[Whamo]

I'm'a followin...

[kingchr]

Thanks all for the kind words and interest. Got a few things moved from the Near Future list to the Already Done list.

Already Done:

• New gas tubes for the canopy
• New Alternator
• New Blower Fan
• New Thermostat
• Misc. Bulbs and 1 Tail/Turn Socket
• Wiper blades
• Washer fluid reservoir from my parts stash
• Re-mount the external transmission cooler to the radiator
• Replace rotten battery tray

In the very near future she will also be getting:

• Reconnect the factory transmission cooler in series with the aftermarket unit (was bypassed when rebuilt transmission was installed in '94)
• Replace drivers side window regulator and clean/adjust window track (was done once already in '95, seems like stuff should last better than this)
• Source drivers side upper bed trim strip and paint to match the rest of the 1977 only trim
• Source replacement used passenger fender as the unit on the truck has rotted out both in front and behind the tire
• General suspension rebuild (bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, etc.) fore and aft
• Rebuild the washer fluid pump as it's output is very weak