New ride. 86 GMC High Sierra Short Bed

[Big Block]

New to this section of the board. Well not exactly. Had a 78 Chevy 1 ton a few years back. But now have a new project. 86 GMC High Sierra Short Bed. One owner, 69,000 original miles. "NO RUST"! Was kept in a carport entire life. Soft ray glass, AC, tilt and cruise. Unfortunately it's a 305. Bed is nearly perfect. No dents whatsoever. Paint is dead. Some of the cheap vinyl side trim and windshield trim is yellowed and will need replaced. One minor scratch in passenger door. The drivers door hinge pin bushing needs replaced. A good buffing and it will be a great survivor.

[Big Block]

Future plans. Lose the white wall tires. 2/4 drop. Maybe some 18 - 20 wheels and tires.

[Big Block]

Probably replace the rear step bumper with a stock rear bumper.

[skeet85silverado]

Nice truck.

[76Tex]

very nice truck, in great shape!

[bbbc10]

Looks great! Keeping the bed rails?

[jhama78]

Originally Posted by bbbc10

Looks great! Keeping the bed rails?

I hope he keeps the bed rails and the stock wheels with thin whites after it gets its altitude adjustment...

[Dads79GMC]

Very nice.

[cheepin]

Nice truck! But while the 305 isn't a power house. They are not that bad. Decent power and good mileage. Cheap to bump the power up a touch. New cam,intake and 4bbl carb if it has a 2bbl.

[Big Block]

It wasn't my first choice when it comes to trucks but I couldn't pass it up. It was too clean and original not to buy it. I love my 67-72 trucks. The prices on a original 67-72 are out of my price range now. So the next generation it is. Power steering pump started leaking on the way home. I suppose that's just the beginning of seal failures due to lack of use. Not sure about the rails yet. But the whites are definitely gone as soon as possible. Tires are miss matched anyway. Three different brand of tires. One is showing some dry rot. Have a set of Corvette style rally wheels with blackwall tires on them already, probably use them until I decide on new wheels and tires.

[Smniekamp]

That's a sharp looking truck for original shape. I kinda dig those white walls and stock rims! Good find!

[cooperhw]

That's one hella starting point. Good for you. Love it when I hear somebody score a win.

[LT7A]

Sharp truck. I like the subtle color combination interior/ext. I accidentally ended up with a 305 that I am now happy with. Good balance between power and mileage if it is original and in good shape. If you have one without the dished pistons and your cam hasn't gone flat then it should go pretty good.

[Big Block]

Seems to run pretty strong. No cam issues that I can tell. If an issue does arises a 350 will be no problem. Have a low mileage 350 on an engine stand in the garage now.

[Big Block]

Removed the cheap plastic gun rack and running boards. Doesn't look like I'm going to get the buffing done this weekend. Rain in the forecast next 3 days. Here's a couple of before picture with the running boards.

[Big Block]

Removed the cheap plastic gun rack and running boards. Doesn't look like I'm going to get the buffing done this weekend. Rain in the forecast next 3 days. Here's a couple of before picture with the running boards.

[JohnJ@RideTech]

Sweet. That's a pretty clean looking truck for sure!
Does it still have cab corners and rockers in it?! You don't see that where I'm from..lol

[Big Block]

Thanks to everyone who responded. Original paint, original sheet metal. NO RUST, PERIOD! I'm second owner. Spent it's life in a carport. Underneath is unusually clean. I'm pretty happy with it. Had to put a power steering pump on it. Seal went bad from lack of use. 69,849 original miles. The paint is dead on most of the truck. Will try and bring it back. Want to keep it as original as possible. With the exception of lowering it and new wheels and tires. We had 8" of rain last week. Haven't had much time to really get anything done to it. In the process of taking down trees to install a much needed carport. The weather however is not cooperating. The yard is to wet to get the work done. Most of the trees are down. The grading was started but it's to wet to finish now. I hope it dries out this week.

[Wwes]

Beautiful find. let us know what you decide with the 305. I'm going through the same thought process as well.

[Big Block]

The 305 seems to run well, so for now it will do. I've been thinking about a future LS swap down the road but that's a dream at this point. To many irons in the fire right now.

[Big Block]

Update, the 86 will be leaving on Friday to a new owner. I recently found a 71 Chevy Custom Deluxe Short Bed. One family owned with the original sales order recite and Protecoplate. Couldn't be happier. I never dreamed I would fine one like it within my budget. So long Square body.

[Big Block]

Here's a quick look at my new 71. I'll be posting a full description on th 67-72 board in the near future.

[Hart_Rod]

What happened to the square?

[Big Block]

Sold it after I bought the 71.

[65chevysub]

Be original. Leave it like it is. Huge rims are so common nobody notices them anymore. Looks better the way it is