‘87 truck assessment

[Almcphee]

Is there a thread that gives pointers on what SPECIFIC areas to look at to assess a truck overall to determine if it’s worth restoring ?

 

[MtBraun]

Worth relative to what? Market value? If you are going on resale then save your money and don't restore it cause you will lose money. Does it have sentimental value, or do you want to restore because its something you want to do and have a truck at the end of the project? If yes, then its only limited by your budget. There's tons of parts available for these trucks so they're not hard to restore if you choose.

 

[Almcphee]

Are there specific spots to inspect to know whether the “bones” of the truck are good , before one starts changing all those parts that are available ?
Some points may be specific to this generation of truck ......

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Is there a thread that gives pointers on what SPECIFIC areas to look at to assess a truck overall to determine if it’s worth restoring ?

They are all worth it....it all depends on how much you want to put into it (time and money)

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Are there specific spots to inspect to know whether the “bones” of the truck are good , before one starts changing all those parts that are available ?
Some points may be specific to this generation of truck ......

I see what you're getting at. You're interested in feasibility and making sure there are no major faults before you invest yourself. They're all worth it, by the way. You've got body and trim/exterior, frame, electrical, powertrain and control, drivetrain, and interior. The only thing that could really be a make or break is rust or damage on the frame or the body, and even then a frame swap is a pretty straightforward answer to that problem. The rest of it can be combatted. I would examine the frame for chunky rust. Surface rust is not a big deal if you address it. Probably the weakest point of the frame is where the steering gearbox mounts, as it does crack there sometimes. This can be repaired, though, and it's not a huge deal. As far as rust goes, the places where it likes to rust at are the cab corners, the rocker panels, under the doors, the inner fenders, and on the underside. You see some trucks that are on the verge of becoming Flintstones vehicles, but if you have some rust, I wouldn't discount the truck. Small spots on the floor pan are easy to repair, and patch panels are largely available if you have an aptitude for welding or know someone who does. I'd make sure the TBI stuff and the wiring aren't hacked. All that's repairable, but if the PO was an idiot and hacked the wiring, it can cause headaches. If you already own the truck in question, I'd just go for it.

 

[LDO]

Sometimes, I just get a feeling about a truck and want to fix it. Guess that sounds a little stupid but that's how it is for me.

 

[4WDKC]

Just be realistic bout your skills and equipment to do the job, for example my truck has rusty floors, firewall, door jams and the usual rockers, cab corners, wheels wells, spots above the wheels on bed sides. Think about how you would replace them in your current situation.

 

[87scotty]

My carpet is holding my floor pans together I can push my finger through the floor but yet I just dropped a 468 in her

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Honky Kong jr]

My carpet is holding my floor pans together I can push my finger through the floor but yet I just dropped a 468 in her

You must be registered for see images attach

It’s just weight reduction it ain’t rust.

 

[87scotty]

It’s just weight reduction it ain’t rust.

Right and I dont have to worry about a floor drain

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Mine had rotten rockers and corners, the bed was ****, there was a hole rotted in the passenger side door I could stick my arm threw and both fenders were ****. Lol the hood, floors and drivers door were good everything else I replaced with a few custom touches. Now it’s solid. None of the running gear is factory to this truck other then the transfer case and that’s been taken apart and changed too. It all comes down to how far you want to get into it.

 

[74propu]

My 86 started as a complete truck I have replaced the floor pans rockers and cab corners doors hood fenders in and outer / hole front clip to a Silverado clip bed to a dually bed tale gate eng and trans lol . the only parts of the truck I haven't changed is the cab shell frame and rear axel . so it is all in what your willing to do to your truck . if it is for resale make it easy on your self and just send me the cash you are willing to lose lol.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

My 86 started as a complete truck I have replaced the floor pans rockers and cab corners doors hood fenders in and outer / hole front clip to a Silverado clip bed to a dually bed tale gate eng and trans lol . the only parts of the truck I haven't changed is the cab shell frame and rear axel . so it is all in what your willing to do to your truck . if it is for resale make it easy on your self and just send me the cash you are willing to lose lol.

Me too!!!!

 

[74propu]

Me too!!!!

I was going to include you in that . But the last time I tried to help you out I was accused of trying to give away some one's stuff. So I don't try with you anymore . so stick that in your console . lol

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I was going to include you in that . But the last time I tried to help you out I was accused of trying to give away some one's stuff. So I don't try with you anymore . so stick that in your console . lol

I can’t the lid won’t open because it’s jammed under the dash but the add said it would fit......