New member from Italy

[Merlin3e9]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this site, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I am active duty Air Force stationed overseas in Italy. Last summer I bought my childhood dream truck, an 87 R10. I really like the 68-72 Chevy's, but finding an unmolested one for a reasonable price is difficult. I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a Chevy fanboy through and through, but I've always really liked the mid 80's Chevy trucks better than those era F-150's. Funny thing though, my other vehicle are all Fords. (2013 Ford Flex & 2017 F-150...)


My father is watching the R10 me until we return to the States in 3 months. We will be stationed in Panama City Fl. My dad has always liked these trucks too, so he is enjoying watching the R10 for me. He had a customized 89 GMC Sierra years ago.

The truck itself is an 87 R10 (5.7L) with 93K original miles and is bone stock except for the odd bed cover and dual exhaust. The truck was recently re-painted and customized a little with the cab being painted gray versus blue.

My plan for the truck is to keep it as original as possible, except for a few minor updates/upgrades:

1. 2 inch lower all around with better quality shocks. I like the slight "racked" look and don't want to slam the truck. I still want to keep the stock wheels & tires because I like them.
2. Upgrade stereo and speakers with replica head unit. Nothing crazy, just better sound.
3. Better quality headlights. This is a safety concern. Nothing trendy or with those crazy LED's, just better quality halogens.
4. Flowmaster muffler just to give the V-8 a slight deeper sound.
5. Maybe better quality brakes when it's time to replace pads/rotors.

That's all I can think of right now. My main goal with this truck is to keep as original as possible and just enjoy driving it on date nights with the wife or cruising on a nice day.

My question for the group is about the bed cover. Has anyone seen something like this on a Gen 3 truck? It looks like it could have been a factory or dealer option because it says "Chevrolet" on the side. At first I wasn't thrilled about the bed cover, but it's grown on me. I can't seem to find any information on it and my dad says there isn't any manufacture logo's or anything.

Any thoughts out there? Right now, my plan is to keep it on the truck because sets the truck off from other trucks of the same generation and it's unique.

Thanks everyone and I'm excited to be a member of the forum.
Thanks
Jason

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[Charlie]

 

[roundhouse]

Very Nice truck !

I’ve seen a couple of those bed covers over the years

I don’t think it was a factory or dealer option
But GM made millions of these trucks and the aftermarket parts and accessories was a large selection

 

[Snoots]

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Thank you for your service! and welcome to the board. Nice truck you have and looks good. More pics please when you get back as we are pic ******.
Bring back some wine. We do scientific studies too.

 

[82sbshortbed]

and thank you for your service!

 

[Craig 85]

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

 

[Rusty Nail]

 

[donnieray]

Welcome and thanks for serving our country. It's ok if you like fords, some of my best friends like them.

 

[donnieray]

Damn nice truck as well!

 

[animal]

 

[Old77]

 

[MikeB]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for serving. I know you must be enjoying those great Italian cheeses, meats, pastries, and breads!

My only comment is about headlamps. I suggest Hella Vision Plus. Same wattage as stock but MUCH BETTER reflectors and lenses that put standard sealed beams to shame. You may also want to consider using relays to ensure you get full system voltage to the headlamps. And relays will be absolutely necessary of you decide to use higher wattage bulbs.

Here's an example: https://www.jegs.com/i/Hella/288/003177862/10002/-1

 

[MikeB]

Since you didn't get a lot of advice yet, I might as well jump in here and address a couple more things on your list.

Bypass Custom Autosound and go straight to RetroSound. Info at Crutchfield.com.

Stock brakes are really good, but if your pads need replacing, I suggest Wagner semi-metallic, # MX52. My C10 has these pads with O'Reilly Auto Parts "BrakeBest" rotors and calipers. Even with no power assist the truck stops really well. Check out RockAuto.com for crazy low prices on Wagner, as well as Raybestos. Don't have your old drums machined, because the arc radius will be too big for a pair of new shoes.