Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I have been on the hunt for a 87-91 Blazer/Jimmy in excellent original condition the last few months. Wanted something I could throw the dogs and a car seat in besides my Dodge Ram. I stumbled across this 1978 Jimmy down in Southern Oregon. Once I spoke with the owner, I knew I would have to sacrifice my want for an 87-91 and go for this well preserved 78. The gentleman I purchased it from has had it for 38 years. He bought it in 1981 from a Chevrolet Dealer in Mesa, Arizona. He took the Jimmy with him throughout the United States as he moved around for work. It went from Arizona to Colorado to California and finally Oregon.

After sending a deposit in the blind, the previous owner graciously stored it for me until I got back to the states after being gone for work over a month. Needless to say, I was itching to get down there and see it in person. The Jimmy was everything he said and more. The seats have had covers since new. Unfortunately I did find a few split seams under them. No wear in the upholstery. Dash is not cracked. I received a stack of receipts including the original purchase document from when he bought it in 1981, SPID and the owners manual. The front clip received a repaint after an encounter with a deer but, other than that it retains the original Mariner Blue. It is loaded with A/C, Tilt and Rally’s.

I plan on finding an original grille. This seems impossible so far as they are all broken. I might have to combine 2 or 3 to make 1 good one. I also ordered 15x8 solid steel wheels powder coated white from wheel vintiques. Plan on mounting those with 69-72 style caps and 32x11.50 BFG A/T’s. I will keep the rally’s safely in storage. I just think the white wheels will make it pop a bit more. I plan on installing a 69/72 Blue comfort grip steering wheel, finding original blue floor mats and a spare tire cover. Converting the A/C to 134.
Posted via Mobile Device

Pictures
Posted via Mobile Device

Sorry for the upside down pictures. Not sure how to fix that.

Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Looks like a great find there!

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

You got a good one. Awesome color combo and I think the white wheel vintques wheels you have ordered for it will add to it too. Nice find!!

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

If you are using your Iphone to post, it usually orients the photos for you as you view them.
The simple way is to open it in edit mode, then save it (essentially doing nothing).
That should fix the orientation.

> Sorry for the upside down pictures. Not sure how to fix that.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Awesome score. If I know how to fix the picture orientation for you I would. Have you got the new shoes on yet?

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Flip and very nice Jimmy

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Flip 2

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Flip 3

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Flip 4

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I may have a grill. Let me check the year

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I've got one for a 75/76

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I see you tried to message me. You can send me an email at a1scargo@aol.com

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I see you tried to message me. My email is in this post

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I’ve found a nice original grille on the forum classifieds. Just need to drive down to Portland to pick it up from the fellow member. I had a set back with the wheels. I have caps now but, the wheel vintiques series 62 6 lugs everyone recommended to me we’re the wrong backspace. They come with 4.25 backspacing which was about .25 too much. I think they work on earlier trucks and 2 wd trucks. I reached out to a few members for M1009 wheels as I know for a fact they will fit. I found some locally from Franks Pick-M-Up. Now need to get them powder coated and mounted on some 32x11.50’s. I found the caps so should be about another month before I have those on.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

A few updates. Found a perfect stock grille, removed the push bar, all fluids changed, new shocks and steering stabilizer (made a huge difference), 32x11.50r15 BFG A/T’s mounted on 15x8 steel wheels with 69-72 Dog Dish Caps, Chevelle Comfort Grip steering wheel and found a nice set of original blue GM floor mats. I think next up is restoring the console, master cylinder, u joints and reupholster the front and rear seats. Just need to find the right color covers. The seats aren’t bad but, definitely not perfect.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Also installed new wheels trim moldings and found a NOS pair of white mirrors in the box. Hopefully have those next week. I also found some period correct KC lights so, those will replace the rectangular ones.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Beautiful truck, I would love to find something like that. I really like that color combo with those wheels.

I found my truck on Craigslist in Medford but it isn't nearly as nice as that but still better than a Michigan truck.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Doesn't even look like the same truck anymore. Huge improvement.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Looks great with the earlier hubcaps.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

That was a great find! Love the color.....

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Thank you for the compliments. Fixed the steering wheel and got rid of that pesky bow tie! Also threw on the NOS mirrors.

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

Looking great! What is that steering wheel? I like it!

Re: Picked up a 78 Jimmy Sierra Grande
 

I like the steering wheel as well ,is it the same as a 75 vette .I have a vette one and need to find an adapter for it