Vehicle Description
We get a lot of these clean mid-80s GM 'Square Body' pickups, and
they're always pleasant, clean machines. But every so often, one
like this 1984 GMC C1500 Sierra shows up and smacks us around a
bit. This one is every bit as clean and functional as the others,
but it packs a snarling, 350 V8 under the hood that makes it more
muscle car than utilitarian hauler and features an aggressive
presentation that redefines what we consider vintage curb
appeal.
While we tend to overlook trucks in our everyday life, this C1500
looks downright spectacular in its slick black livery. Maybe it's
the way the de-badged and de-trimmed body make it look sinister, or
the slammed stance atop those oversized wheels, regardless it
somehow manages to look aggressive and uniformly clean all at once.
It's pretty obvious that this one has been personal transportation,
not a workhorse, since it was new, especially as a regular
cab/short bed model, and most of its hauling was probably limited
to personal gear and helping friends move. As a result, its
bodywork is clean, smooth, and straight, with a great shine that
still stands out at shows. Of course, things like the bright front
grille and cowl induction hood certainly help, not to mention the
LED lighting up front and smoothed tailgate in the rear. In fact,
all the lenses and lights look brand new, and between the side
mirrors, door handles, and those big bumpers fore and aft, there's
just enough bling to go around. Inside the bed is was painted to
match the body, but it's obviously been used since then, but
despite the nicks and scratches it's still very straight and would
instantly (and inexpensively) clean-up with a drop-in or spray-in
bedliner.
The stock bench seat interior gives nothing away about the upgrades
under the hood, either. That's upgraded two-tone, black-and-gray
upholstery on the seat, matching plush black carpets underneath,
and factory door panels on both sides. Billet accents on the door
panels and dash add a custom touch, as does the thick dashboard
coverlay. Options like A/C (blowing cold R134a treated air), a
modern steering wheel atop a tilt steering column, cruise control,
and power windows/locks help make this C1500 an absolute pleasure
to drive even when you're not using that 350 to its full potential.
Ahead of that cool steering wheel is a full complement of factory
gauges, and entertainment comes via a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX in the
center of the dash.
All that's pretty nice, but the thing that got our attention with
this one is the 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Complete with
heavy-duty hardware like an Edelbrock AVS2 4-barrel carburetor, an
Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, and long-tube headers, it runs
like it's 800 pounds lighter than it is. It looks a bit flashier
than stock, which is entirely the point, with a blacked-out
Edelbrock air cleaner and matching black Edelbrock valve covers at
the flanks. However, other gear looks bone stock, like the
accessory drive, the A/C compressor, and even the big radiator up
front. A stout TH350 3-speed automatic transmission works hard
behind the V8, sending power aft to a heavy-duty 10-bolt rear end
with highway-friendly gears inside. The custom dual exhaust system
uses Flowmaster mufflers and turn-downs well before the rear axle,
so the soundtrack might give things away, but you can't argue with
the spectacular sound. The lowered stance is incredibly cool,
assisted with a set modern shocks all around, while power steering
and power front disc brakes give the trucks superb road manners.
Those awesome 22-inch US Mag wheels offer an updated look and
they're wrapped in staggered 265/35/22 front and 285/35/22 rear
low-profile rubber with plenty of grip.
Nice truck? Absolutely. But if you're looking for something a
little beyond merely "nice" then this GMC is what you've been
looking for. Call today!
