Astrius's '93 1500 - "Hoots"

[Astrius]

Howdy,

 

Just figured I'd start a build thread for my new project "Hoots". I was going to purchase it, but was given the truck a few months after the passing of my father-in-law, who's nickname was Hoots, so I figured it'd be a good name for the truck. Ideally I want to start by replacing the important components for daily driving and modifying from there. Always open to suggestions and input while I move forward. As you can see in the picture, it's seen better days, but it was free and I like the idea of bringing it back to life in memory of Hoots, as well as having a project. I'm no master mechanic, but confident enough that I can get this done with minimal help in my garage while learning.

 

 

Specs:

1993 Chevy Cheyenne 1500

Original v6 4.3L w/ 74,890 miles

A/T

Exhaust replaced 4 years ago.

Otherwise everything is original.

 

After sitting for three years I went and picked it up this past weekend. Swapped the battery, changed the plugs, new air filter, oil change, and dumped some fresh gas in it. Fired right up with no problems, let it run a good while, and drove it around the yard a bit using the ebrake to stop when needed. It took a flatbed ride home (thanks AAA) with a quad I was also given (got it running too).

 

Brake line is broke in the front, so I'll be replacing the lines and brakes all the way around first. Going to need new tires also since there is sidewall cracks from sitting, do a transmission flush and differential fluid, but after that it should pass inspection.

 

Since it's a v6 I do plan to do a motor swap at some point, just going to run the original while restoring/modifying everything else. Obviously it'll need some new paint, but I'll at least sand any rust (which surprisingly the body held up well) on the hood and roof and hit with some primer to protect in the meantime.

 

I did hit it with soap and a pressure washer to get the embedded pollen off yesterday with no issues, so that green appearance on the paint is now gone.

 

Anyways, should be a good, educational and rewarding project when it's all finished.

 

-Astrius

 

 

 

 

[Astrius]

To keep this updated (it works as a good work log for me at the same time).

 

Finally had some time to look it over and over the next week will be replacing:

- Pitman arms

- Idler arm

- Brake lines

- Brakes\Rotors all the way around. Probably don't need to, just peace of mind on my part.

- Differential cover

- Gas tank (has a leak)

- Tires

- Ordered a replacement bumper (dented and plastic is torne (in PA that can fail your inspection))

 

Not doing any real performance stuff yet until I decide what's happening with it, so probably looking at about around a grand to have it road ready and inspected.

 

For the paint I'll more than likely just do a satin/matte of the same color and clear it over. Not planning on showing it, so just making it look a bit better and protecting the body. Close inspection I found that the body is in pretty much outstanding condition. No rust on rocker panels, lips, or anything of the sort. No damage on the wheels themselves, so planning on making them like new again.

 

Interior... yeah, that needs to be completely redone.

 

Did pick up some new tires for it (285/75/r16). I only drive 15 miles a day, so going bigger wasn't a real concern and should make it a tad more aggressive looking.

 

Apologies for the large photo's. Using Imgur and not real sure how to resize them.

 

 

[mike221]

Looking good! Fyi, you will have rear drum brakes. Also, just do a drain and fill on the transmission. Drop the pan, change filter, reinstall pan (with new gasket), and fill. Or put a Mag Hytec on xD Id definetaly do a Mag Hytec in the diff though. And stainless steel brake lines

 

Sent from my Vortec-powered Droid Turbo using Tapatalk

[Daryl Z71]

Looks like a fun build.

[Chevor]

Tires are worth more than the truck.

lol

[barry G]

for free..

wow.

even a 5k build contest, you are going places.

 

some great news for the 88-98..

the drums are updated, the fuel pump..

awesome plug wire sets (unkillable)

 

poly cab mounts, class 12 bolts.

 

I delayed for similar just for multiport of 96 (still not all that cheap believe it or not)

 

rummage through my build thread for other ideas.

I love my truck...the cost and outcome.

 

I am keeping a dented front bumper intentional.. all else oe and liking mint otherwise in the end.

 

to go bigger later, setup all the alignments now, cab and body..

the v8 will sit right in like a baby.

[Astrius]

Thanks for the input, will be sure to do what you mentioned and also check out other build threads to get some ideas.

 

As for the tires worth more than the truck... guess you missed the part about this being an in memory build, though the truck is worth more than $700. Thanks for the positive feedback.

[Astrius]

Whelp, Hoots is legal and road worthy again.

 

- Was able to splice brake line with some copper fittings and good to go. Perhaps stainless in the future, but took the cheap route for now.

- Pitman arm replaced

- Idler arm replaced

- Brakes\Rotors in the front replaced. Rear drums are fine.

- Differential cover replaced.

- Tranny flush and new filter.

- New gas tank installed

- Tires installed (pic)

- Replacement bumper installed

 

As for now I think my plans are:

Need to check out the wiper motor as it works sometimes, but normally not when I need them the most.

Fix dents/scrapes, prime, and more than likely opt for a vinyl wrap. Thinking American flag theme

Down the road I'll consider a motor swap, but no sense in putting this one to waste.

 

As he sits now.

[TXTruk15]

wow, what a difference already! like those bigger tires for sure. I'd lose those steps for sure and go with something sturdy and black that hold up if you go into the woods with it, and probably lose the railings in the bed but that's just personal likes and dis

likes...

[Full Lock]

Looks great so far... And as for your wipers, it's the wiper module that's going out. I just replaced one on my cousin's '95 Tahoe.

It's a very simple install and the part was like $10 for a AC Delco unit. There's vids on how to replace it. Took about 20mins.

Here's a link for it

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013FXYPO/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_2?qid=1465220987&sr=8-2-fkmr1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=1993+silverado+wiper+module

[Astrius]

Haven't had a lot of time to do much, but just a thank you to Full Lock for the advice on that relay. Resolved my issue and took no time at all.

 

I do plan on losing the side step (passenger side is already off) in the coming weeks. As for the side rails, they've come in handy a good bit, so they will remain for the time being for function over form.