Hello from Flint

BIG10 stepside? Never seen one. Tell me more…
Short or long box?
Regarding a repower, it’s as you’d imagine.
A running milquetoast 50 year old 165 hp when new 2 bolt flat tappet 350 is probably worth more as a running takeout engine to sell, unless you just want the same ole 350.
Piles of small block options, pick one dump it in with little to no modifications.
Just as many big block options, again pretty straightforward swap.
Or LS. Also many options and every conversion part is readily available, especially for a squarebody. Just more time, $ and effort.

Short bed, had the same BIG 10 decal on the rear fender that you have. I think it falls under the F44 heavy duty chassis. I checked the HD box when I ordered it. My decal is long gone. I painted the truck shortly after delivery. I would like a straight on photo of your decal so I can reproduce it, no hurry I wont be painting my truck anytime soon.

FA Line 1 said:

I started my GM career VanSlyke Rd. Flint on the half ton pickup line. I finished it in Bowling Green Assembly paint shop. Ordered the Big 10 Silverado stepside from Applegate Chevrolet in 79. Still have it in my garage. My best recollection I paid around 6,500 for it. Currently the 350 not running, body still in good shape as I didn't drive it in the winter. Getting interested in getting it rolling again. Joined here to consider re-power options. I'm sure you all have a wealth of knowledge more than me as I specialized in paint. I'm a big fan of my LS6 in my C5, still running great and uses no oil for 22 years.

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Where did you work?

I was the supervisor for the Line 1 Fender Set area, second shift, for a while.

Just remembered I had two cousins and a brother-in-law that worked there, too.

K

Keith Seymore said:

Where did you work?

I was the supervisor for the Line 1 Fender Set area, second shift, for a while.

Just remembered I had two cousins and a brother-in-law that worked there, too.

K

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Chassie utility where the vin was stamped

FA Line 1 said:

We were building the K5 at Flint Assembly on line 2 when I worked there. I have been to Austria, didn't see any Blazers. Must be unique.

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American cars and trucks are pretty rare in Austria. We lovers of American steel and V8s are a small community of gearheads over here.

FA Line 1 said:

Chassie utility where the vin was stamped

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Excellent.

Stay close. These guys have a ton of VIN related questions (location, format, etc).

K

Keith Seymore said:

Excellent.

Stay close. These guys have a ton of VIN related questions (location, format, etc).

K

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I did that job a few times. It was stamped on the front of the frame top left central area of the axle arch. Looking at my frame vin should be under the motor mount clamp. My best recollection, 40 years ago. It was a big machine suspended from above movable in and out, up and down on the line with mechanical assist. Operator didn't have to muscle the stamper just use the handles that would be similar to a straight bicycle handlebar. It would clamp the frame then push a button to stamp the vin. The operator changed the number each time which was the most difficult part of the job. Getting it wrong was a no no. Not hard when changing 1 number. I think the military trucks were different which could cause confusion. Physically easy but mentally difficult the gal who did it regular never made a mistake. Size of the numbers I think about 3/16" deeply stamped into the frame.

LS swap is a lot of work....but drivablity is great....I have Gen 5 L83 in mine, added fun with aftermarket power steering....you will learn a bunch doing the swap. lots of information on this sight!!!!!