Should I retore my first 1980 C-10?

[Chickenfloss]

As it says, I own a 1980 C-10 Custom Deluxe Fleetside single cab. 350 SBC w/TH350 The body is in average-good condition Texas raised it's entire life, really hasn't seen any snow. This truck was the first vehicle I ever bought with my own money, but not my first car. I saw it for sale in a neighbors yard and it didn't run. I saved up $800, bought it, pushed it home, realized it roughly ran with distributor turned way around, popped timing cover and it was 180º over. Well, I drove it for about a year and then gave it to my dad to use as a work truck for feeding his animals. Well recently I got the truck back, but not without some problems.

He didn't mistreat it, the motor is well over 500k miles according to a log book in the glove box. Well, it's burning a little oil from what I am assuming to be bad rings with it's age. The power steering gear box is leaking BAD. The transmission stopped shifting correctly, then stopped shifting completely and so now it's sitting in a field parked and used for holding some of my dad's lumber at the moment haha.

I am about to sell of my piece of crap Grand Am that I've replaced the entire ignition system in amongst other things just to have the valve body fail in the transmission and a timing chain guide go out. Instead of buying something newer I am contemplating restoring my first truck. I priced a rebuilt engine and rebuilt transmission(both with warranty), I would also be replacing the A/C with an aftermarket system for some ICE cold air instead of the stock fail air as well as a new gear box. Without the A/C I would be looking at around $1800 and my thoughts are that I couldn't buy a truck that I know is reliable for that kind of money, but I don't know if it's really worth the money and horrible gas mileage.


I have sold all other vehicles I own, besides Grand POS..er "Am" and my fiance and I are both getting new vehicles(she will be getting a newer s10.) Should I just save my 1800-2500 I'd be putting into that truck and go for something else? I want to restore this one, but I feel my mental attachment is swaying my opinion. Also, I have already done some other work to it before is became a paperweight. New shocks, New Brakes, rebuilt the quadrajet, new starter, etc, etc. Nothing that would break the bank letting the truck go. So what does everyone think. Since I already have full paid off ownership of the truck, would it be better going ahead and doing all this work to it? I am also considering buying an 88-92 style body type instead...

Oh also, It has the same front end style as a 77 model, not the one from the 80-81 transition. The round headlights look so much better than the weird Large square headlights they did just after this, but before the dual square lights from I believe 83ish.

[GreaseDog]

As it says, I own a 1980 C-10 Custom Deluxe Fleetside single cab. 350 SBC w/TH350 The body is in average-good condition Texas raised it's entire life, really hasn't seen any snow. This truck was the first vehicle I ever bought with my own money, but not my first car. I saw it for sale in a neighbors yard and it didn't run. I saved up $800, bought it, pushed it home, realized it roughly ran with distributor turned way around, popped timing cover and it was 180º over. Well, I drove it for about a year and then gave it to my dad to use as a work truck for feeding his animals. Well recently I got the truck back, but not without some problems.

He didn't mistreat it, the motor is well over 500k miles according to a log book in the glove box. Well, it's burning a little oil from what I am assuming to be bad rings with it's age. The power steering gear box is leaking BAD. The transmission stopped shifting correctly, then stopped shifting completely and so now it's sitting in a field parked and used for holding some of my dad's lumber at the moment haha.

I am about to sell of my piece of crap Grand Am that I've replaced the entire ignition system in amongst other things just to have the valve body fail in the transmission and a timing chain guide go out. Instead of buying something newer I am contemplating restoring my first truck. I priced a rebuilt engine and rebuilt transmission(both with warranty), I would also be replacing the A/C with an aftermarket system for some ICE cold air instead of the stock fail air as well as a new gear box. Without the A/C I would be looking at around $1800 and my thoughts are that I couldn't buy a truck that I know is reliable for that kind of money, but I don't know if it's really worth the money and horrible gas mileage.


I have sold all other vehicles I own, besides Grand POS..er "Am" and my fiance and I are both getting new vehicles(she will be getting a newer s10.) Should I just save my 1800-2500 I'd be putting into that truck and go for something else? I want to restore this one, but I feel my mental attachment is swaying my opinion. Also, I have already done some other work to it before is became a paperweight. New shocks, New Brakes, rebuilt the quadrajet, new starter, etc, etc. Nothing that would break the bank letting the truck go. So what does everyone think. Since I already have full paid off ownership of the truck, would it be better going ahead and doing all this work to it? I am also considering buying an 88-92 style body type instead...

Oh also, It has the same front end style as a 77 model, not the one from the 80-81 transition. The round headlights look so much better than the weird Large square headlights they did just after this, but before the dual square lights from I believe 83ish.the square headlights in the older front end are 1980 only, and only on certain trucks. my 80 has round headlights from the factory, just like any other 73-79.

you talk about the horrible fuel milage of the truck... if you rebuilt the QJet properly, and rather than installing another TH350 or TH400 like the truck would have had, install a 700R4. you should be able to pull down the same milage as a TBI truck if you stay out of the secondaries, and drive like you have some sense.

as for the AC, if the truck was factory equipped, repair the existing AC system. probably cheaper, and much easier to find parts for in the future. keep in mind, you can replace the parts necessary yourself, so long as the system is evacuated of all R12. then once its together, drive it to someone qualified, have the air removed from the system, and recharged with the refrigerant of your choice, and then you have a working AC system again... and if something happens down the road, replacement parts are easy to find.

[Chickenfloss]

It does have factory air, but the control panel is quirky to say the least and the compressor locked up on it. Pretty much the entire system would have to be replaced at this point. The blower isn't very strong either, but I guess isn't too bad for a single cab. Figured it would be easier just to replace the entire system with an aftermarket kit rather than piecing together the old one.

I was already thinking about the 700R4, what kind of modifications would I need? Isn't the case a little longer? I helped my dad change his out on his Jimmy and I think the spline is the same, but would I have to change driveshaft? Also, I am pretty sure I did rebuilt the carb correctly other than the brand new float failing and I had to go back and replace it, prior there was fuel leaking everywhere and the truck just flooded itself out even fixed the electronic choke. Prior to rebuild it literally got around 4mpg haha now it's probably more along the lines of 10-12. er actually it doesn't go forward anymore so it's 0mpg, but before that 10-12ish. OH also, how would I handle the lockup? and can you get something for the mechanical speedometer? Aren't they electronic?

[GreaseDog]

if the whole system does need replaced, yes, and aftermarket may be the way to go. price it out both ways, and go with the cheaper. the factory air setup works just fine when its working.

if your truck has a TH350 from the factory, you should be able to move the trans crossmember (back 1 1/4" IIRC) and install the TV cable from the trans to the carb, and you're good. you're going to want a TCC lockup kit for the torque converter, Painless, Trans Go, B & M, etc. offer them for around $60 IIRC. driveshaft will be the same 27 splines, and close enough in length to work. 87-92 trans are the preferred trans to use, as they have factory upgrades that make them stronger than previous versions. the 87 will still be cable driven, but 88+ will not. IIRC you can use pre-87 stuff, and bolt it right on the back of an 88+ 700R4.

[Chickenfloss]

If I could find a junk 700r4 pretty cheap I may just have it rebuilt with new gears and beefed up in the process. Does it make the truck feel sluggish? How much of a change would the gear ratio be in the first couple of gears compared to the th350? I'm not looking for red light to red light racing, but I want it to get into traffic easily if I need to.

[GreaseDog]

Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Reverse
GM
Powerglide 1.76 1.00 1.76
TH350 2.52 1.52 1.00 1.93
TH400 2.48 1.48 1.00 2.00
200r4 2.74 1.57 1.00 0.67 2.07
700r4 3.06 1.62 1.00 0.70 2.29
4L60E 3.06 1.62 1.00 0.70 2.29
4L80E 2.48 1.48 1.00 0.75 2.08

as you can see, the 700R4 has a lower 1st gear ratio is lower, you'll have no problems getting out into traffic.

[Chickenfloss]

Where I live the speed limit on most roads is 70mph except in town, what rpm give or take would i be at in 4th @70mph with stock rear end gears. Also if i did the math to change out the rear end and make 4th a little longer, what would be the downfall? I am not a transmission guy at all. Just know the basics of things and learn as I go. Would this cause undue wear on the tranny? I want to be able to get it down to 1200-1500 rpm at 70mph if possible although I know it may not be. What about the 200r4? The engine going in will be no more than 310hp throughout its life, nothing fancy.

Oh, and thanks so much for the advise, I really appreciate your time.

[jim_in_dorris]

My truck with 245/75/16's and a 3.73 rear ratio is around 69mph at 2000 rpm. For the best fuel economy you want to cruise at or near peak torque. Depending on your cam selection, 1200-1500 rpm could lug down your engine resulting in poor fuel economy, there are many factors involved in building your truck for peak fuel efficiency, search this forum, you will find a lot of good information on what you will need to do to get good economy and performance from your truck!

[GreaseDog]

Where I live the speed limit on most roads is 70mph except in town, what rpm give or take would i be at in 4th @70mph with stock rear end gears. Also if i did the math to change out the rear end and make 4th a little longer, what would be the downfall? I am not a transmission guy at all. Just know the basics of things and learn as I go. Would this cause undue wear on the tranny? I want to be able to get it down to 1200-1500 rpm at 70mph if possible although I know it may not be. What about the 200r4? The engine going in will be no more than 310hp throughout its life, nothing fancy.

Oh, and thanks so much for the advise, I really appreciate your time.without knowing your gear ratio, and tire size, i can't tell you what RPM you'll be at @ 70. being undergeared will cause undue wear on the trans, the early 80s trucks are the reason GM gets such a bad rap. an admittedly weaker trans, further crippled by being undergeared.

you don't want to be able to get it down the 1200-1500 RPMs, you want it between 1700 and 2000. do not believe the "lower RPM means fuel economy" crap, its just not true. if it were, we'd all be running around with trucks powered by 2.5s, with 2.56 gears, 700R4s, and 44" tires. you need to figure out what RPM your engine will spend most of its time in, and where the peak torque occurs (alot of guys use the highest manifold vacuum), and gear it accordingly or adjust the tire size.

[CruzByU]

Heck yea, restore it!, Especially if it has any sentimental value to it.

[07Burb]

1. Throw up pics of truck in question (cuz I LOVE looking at pics of other people's squares!!)
2. Yes, restore it and bring that thing back to it's former glory. You won't be sorry :)
3. Looks like you're already getting good feedback from Mr Greasedog so I have nothing further to add at this time :)

[Chickenfloss]

1. Throw up pics of truck in question (cuz I LOVE looking at pics of other people's squares!!)
2. Yes, restore it and bring that thing back to it's former glory. You won't be sorry :)
3. Looks like you're already getting good feedback from Mr Greasedog so I have nothing further to add at this time :)

I will get pics as soon as I get a chance and post 'em somewhere around here. Life is a little frantic ATM though. It's nothing special, just a plain fleetside with custom deluxe trim and aged but that's kind of the beauty in it. Also plan to take before/during/and afters of everything. I'm excited.

[Outlawz2004]

Restore it. You could always sell it later and make a few dollars on it. They sell like hotcakes.LOL I have an 85 right now that I have had for a few years, my son wants me to completely rebuild the thing for him to drive when he gets old enough. I am thinking of buying one in a little better shape and using this one as a parts truck though.

[GreaseDog]

i wouldn't restore one in hopes of making any money on it, hell, unless its something REALLY rare, i wouldn't do that with any project car. you should always count on taking a hit on it if you plan on selling it, unless you get it DIRT cheap, and its an easy resto.

with that said, if you've got the garage space to tear it down, and a little time here and there to give it some love, your life being frantic right now, it should actually be a good thing for you. something to throw your spare time at (no matter how little that is), and just get away from everything else.

[Fast305]

I will get pics as soon as I get a chance and post 'em somewhere around here. Life is a little frantic ATM though. It's nothing special, just a plain fleetside with custom deluxe trim and aged but that's kind of the beauty in it. Also plan to take before/during/and afters of everything. I'm excited.

Sounds good man, I have a 1980 C10 Custom Deluxe Fleetside Long Bed in my driveway as well. We are turning it into a big block drag truck. My dad got this one new from the dealer in 1980, my dad has pancreatic cancer. We grew up riding in this truck. It also had round headlights, carry over from 1979.

[Outlawz2004]

Sounds good man, I have a 1980 C10 Custom Deluxe Fleetside Long Bed in my driveway as well. We are turning it into a big block drag truck. My dad got this one new from the dealer in 1980, my dad has pancreatic cancer. We grew up riding in this truck. It also had round headlights, carry over from 1979.
Sorry to hear that about your Dad Fast305. Got any pics of it. I love these old trucks.

[CustomChevyGuy]

i'd say its worth keeping... seems those are what turns my head now more then the nbs or nnbs around here!