Dad's late 80's 1500

[cymx5]

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.

I got a little more information on it today. It is a 1983 C1500 (2wd) with the 305 engine. From what I gather, the engine needs some TLC. It could be a good learning experience considering I'm of the newer generation who has never had the pleasure of tuning a carburated engine. It's got a little rust, but hard to tell from the light in the garage.

[Gambit]

Cool. If it is going to be a dad/son project i would start by ripping out the motor and deciding what it is going to be used for. If it is going to be just a truck for a project and have fun. Rebuild the 305 (get a shop manual for that motor, its easy) if it is going to be used to tow stuff than get a 350 from the junk yard and rebuild that. Big thing to look for on the rebuild is the sidewalls of the piston bores. If they are gouged in any way than take it to a machine shop to get bored .020 over. If they look good than just get a 7 dollar bore hone for a drill put it on low speed and hone it until you get the cross hatch. let me know if you need and info. you can go surprise your dad.

[cymx5]

I am hoping to show some interest in it to get him motivated to get it running again. So far I have gathered:

1983
92,000 miles
305 carb engine with 350 intake (dual ducts rather vs. single duct)
hood mounted tach
dual gas tanks (secondary tank currently does not kick on...bad sensor dad says)
misc. small rust spots throughout the body. I plan to claybar and see what condition the paint really is in.

[caddiac]

Welcome to the site!