1983 GMC C1500 Pickup

Officially named the "Rounded-Line" trucks by GM, the 1973-1987 Chevy C/K trucks were known more casually as the "box-body" or "square-body" pickup. Sporting a new body style that incorporated rounded corners around the wheel well in addition to a rounded windshield and door frames, the third-generation Chevy C/K trucks had an entirely new look. Larger and wider, the pickups looked more box-like, which is why they were coined the "box-body" trucks.

For consignment a third generation C/K line truck now in Restomod garb. This short bed sports a 6.0L V8 crate engine with a mere 3500 consignor stated miles on the build. Throw on a cowl hood, add in some Mickey Thompson Classic 18" wheels, slam it to the ground, add a blacked out simplified grille and bathed in gray, and some tinted windows, and let's go show off a bit in a straight line, or just get groceries...albeit fast!

Exterior
An all steel fleetside body which shows off rust free panels with nicely minded gaps covers this truck exterior thanks in part to a frame off restoration where only the cab corners were replaced due to rust. In front a simplified and effective front grille with horizontal bars has the signal lights just behind this grille. Dual stacked rectangular headlights flank this new grille on either side and have a black field they sit within, and a contrasting red trim line encircles the grille assembly. Below is a nice shiny bumper. Looking up we note a new steel GM cowled hood with the scoop facing towards the windshield, trim-less fenders and original doors with a small chromed mirror hanging off of either door. Moving to the bed it is also all steel and has been lined with bed liner then painted Rustoleum flat black and topped with a bed floor liner. The rear roll pan has been shaved of its original bumper and now a nicely sculpted thin panel pan melts seamlessly into the rear quarters and frames the tailgate just above. 18" Mickey Thompson Classic wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in newer blackwall rubber.

Interior
A swing of the well-appointed doors complete with power window and lock toggles we see an upper plastic door panel in black with a red door handle and 2 red buttons on top and the passenger's door sporting a GMC truck emblem, all smooth baby bear. Inside a vinyl bench in a black tuck and roll pattern stretches from door to door. A black 3 spoke Grant GT rally steering wheel fronts an original clean dash, now with white face trimming the background panel for the instruments. A custom padded dash pad has a Sunpro tachometer molded into this custom design. Gray carpeting floods the floors and shows some minor staining on the hump. A molded plastic headliner is above and all weather seals are like new.

Drivetrain
A flip of the cowl induction hood and we greet the heart(beat) of the matter, (and America!) with a 6.0 liter LS engine. This is fed by electronic fuel injection and has a 4-speed 4L80E transmission on the back. A shiny aluminum radiator helps to keep things cool and headers aid in the exhale with Flowmaster mufflers to let the world know you are on the move. A 10 bolt 3.42 Positraction rear axle puts all those LS ponies to the pavement. Noted, this was a factory equipped air conditioning truck, but it is no longer installed, however the piping at the heater box on the firewall is still there.

Undercarriage
As one would expect from a frame off restoration, we see a totally rust-free environment all buttoned up with a nice coating of Rustoleum Hammered paint. While the suspension style remains factory with independent coil springs in front and leaf springs in the rear the front has been lowered 3.5" with CPP spindles and the rear has been lowered 5" with a flip kit. Power disc brakes are up front and power rear drums give stopping power to the rear.

Drive-Ability
A quick fire up and the high performance engine comes to life, (gotta love fuel injection!). Loud and proud she was off to the test track where we put this truck through its paces, and it performed beautifully. Only a few frowns to speak of here; a non-working tachometer, heater blower motor and power locks, however, the interior proved to be comfortable and visually appealing.

This rebuilt to a higher standard short bed GMC C15 is a stunner and deserves a serious look if you are a fan of the squarebody era and looking for something that no one else has. Modern performance out the wazoo, a great handler, and classic looks that have aged gracefully.

VIN DECODE
1GTCC14D9DS512034
1-USA
G-General Motors
T-GMC Truck
C-4001 To 5000 GVWR
C-Conventional Cab 4X2
1-1/2 Ton
4-2 Door
D-4.4L I6 2bbl
9-Check Digit
D-1983
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
512034-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.