Low miles GMC High Sierra

[AlanCopeland]

In 1976 my grandfather bought a brand new GMC High Sierra. He drag raced it for several years then gave it to my Dad to drive during high school. After that my grandfather drove it occasionally and stored it in his basement garage for the next 30 some odd years. He passed last year and after some infighting with the family I was able to get ahold of this truck with only 70k on it. It is becoming my primary project and will be used to haul my race bikes to the track. First on the agenda is a couple inches of lowering and airbags in the back. Then a 6bt swap, nv4500, front airbags and some bucket seats.

 

[Oldrider]

Welcome.
Nice truck.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Welcome to the site.

Sweet truck.

 

[1973c10]

Welcome

 

[AlanCopeland]

Thanks gents! Do any of you know of a c10 with home built autoleveling air suspension?

 

[1ATony]

Thanks for joining it's great to have you here
Tony

 

[BigRed20]

Pardon me for saying but that truck looks like a true survivor and just too nice to modify. If it were mine I'd probably put a tasteful set of fully trimmed GM rally wheels on it and just drive and enjoy it as it is. Be a nice legacy tribute to your Granddad too. Just sayin' IMHO. Take care.

 

[AlanCopeland]

After some thought I ended up at the same conclusion you did. I'm going to do a suspension overhaul (new bushings, springs, struts) and rebuild the tired old 350 and keep it as original as I can

 

[BigRed20]

Yup I think that sounds better. Damn nice truck!

But if there's a bit of racing in the family blood like you mentioned in your intro, maybe a nice period correct 454 when you jerk the small block might be in order? Nothing radical but a mild build pump gas big block with a little bling nicely compliments the generous engine bay of these era trucks.

Being you're intending to go through the front susp anyway you'd need to fit a set of stronger springs for the roughly 100lb added weight of a big block.

I don't know if I'd go this far myself but if you'd want to lower the ride height a bit you could get yourself a suspension lowering kit? Check this out for example: "Chevrolet C-10 1973-1987 2.5/4 Deluxe Drop Kit - McGaughys Part# 93129/93130" http://www.mcgaughys-suspension.com...4-deluxe-drop-kit-mcgaughys-part-93129-93130/

Glad to hear you had a change of heart. BTW I'd love to own your truck! Take care.