Dad's late 80's 1500

[cymx5]

I come to introduce and begin a fun endeavor of helping my dad get his late 80's Chevy 1500 running again. I don't know a whole lot about them. He got it for $1500 (hey, it IS a 1500!) with some pretty neat stuff on it, from what he has shared. It's got an external working tachometer on the hood and hardtop cover for the bed. The truck is black and all factory...I'll get more details on the mileage, engine, etc. It does have some rust forming.

I'm a Miata guy myself. I know very little about these trucks though and want to help out my dad in getting this thing fresh and back on the road. It got put into the garage, the battery died, and he hasn't started it up again since (maybe a year, max 2 years). Are there typical areas or things to 'watch out for' as far as common wear and tear parts or rust spots? I plan on doing some rust repairs on the Miata, so haven't left out the option of rust repair on the truck as well. Are there any tasteful or tactical upgrades to make trucks like this show well for the road or local cruise nights?

[shadowt_t]

welcome to the site

[Shorty 71]

Welcome to the site!!

[pmartin816]

Welcome to the site.

[mmorgan1865]

I'm sure you'll find everything you need here.

[Gambit]

I'll tell you now that the cab corners are going to be the first thing to rust out if anything does. it really depends on where you live. As for what to look out for with wear and tear we need more info. Mileage being the biggest factor and how about an engine size to go with it. Is it a C1500 or K1500 (2wd or 4wd). What transmission and Tcase is it running. Late 80's doesnt really work either. Before 87 it was Carberated after 87 it is either running TBI or TPI. This is some of the info we need in order to help you out at all.

[canislupis69]

Welcome to the site!

[retired2001]

Welcome to the GMTruckClub!

[tbplus10]

Cab corners and lower door edges and corners are rust prone areas.
I dont remember GM ever offering an external tach so it's more than likely an aftermarket item.
Lots of parts out there for the square bodies so it shouldnt be hard to put together.

[Eddie Z71]

Hi, and welcome to the site!