1985 Chevy K10 SWB Resoration

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Mike21

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Feb 2, 2021
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Location
SW Colorado
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Chevy K10 SWB
Engine Size
305 upgrading to a 350
Hello,

I just picked up a 1985 K10 4x4 Scottsdale with 90 miles. Doesnt run but its 99% original, no rust through anywhere. I am stoked to restore it from the ground up. I had a 86 GMC K10 SWB in highschool with the same paint scheme. This truck has a 305 a TH7004, 3.73, AC, power windows and locks.

I have never done anything like this before, Im handy for maintenance stuff but dont know much about a project like this. I am looking forward to any advice or info you are willing to provide. So where do I start?

I will be working on getting the motor, tranny and transfercase out. Then taking the body off, get it down to a rolling frame. That sound like a good start? Just initially I am thinking replacing the 305 with a 350/290 Deluxe Crate Engine 308 HP from GM and a Sniper EFI from Holley.

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Shorty81

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Location
North West ohio
First Name
Darren
Truck Year
86
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
496
Welcome Mike. That's a solid shorty you got there. Nice project.
 

1973c10

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Location
Oregon
First Name
Don
Truck Year
1973
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
454
Welcome aboard :boti:
 

Grit dog

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Location
Washington
First Name
Todd
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
454
Welcome! Nice truck!
The body work looks like the easy part. The sun and GMs schitty paint quality looks like they’ve done most of the prep work. Lol
Literally one of my favorite color combos too...
 

Babs

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Ottawa Valley
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Paul
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1976
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Chevrolet CUCV
Engine Size
350
:welcome:
 

Craig 85

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Location
Nashville, TN
First Name
Craig
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K30 SRW
Engine Size
454/TH-400/NP205
:welcome:
 

45tt

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Location
Florida
First Name
MJ
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
GMC Sierra Grande K15
Engine Size
350
Love it and your plans for it! I purchased a truck like I had in high school and I decided to build it like my teenage self always dreamed of, but couldn’t afford. I say build the truck you’ve always wanted.
 

RedBeard_83

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Location
Florida
First Name
Cory
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
Custom deluxe
Engine Size
Sbc 350
Welcome from Florida
 

Joshua Keith

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Location
Memphis
First Name
Joshua
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
Looks great! If you’re doing the work yourself just know that it won’t be perfect. Have fun!
 

Corvette Ed

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Location
East Tennessee
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Eli
Truck Year
79
Truck Model
C10
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250
Welcome to the forum from East Tennessee.
 

cstew47

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colombia
First Name
craig
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K5
Engine Size
383
Are you keeping the same ride height? Also, if you are going with a crate engine, I would lean toward a little more potent 383. The price difference is mostly negligible and it will be a lot more fun to drive. You might come close to breaking even if you replace the EFI with a carb. We all have our preferences. Since you have a 700R4, I would lower the gears to 4.10 and up the tire size. Maybe a small suspension lift.

Really? 90 miles. Was this a dealer buy?
 

Joshua Keith

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Location
Memphis
First Name
Joshua
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
Any update on this truck?
 

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