1983 GMC C3500

Description

This unique 1983 GMC C3500 utility truck is a whole lot of practicality wrapped up in a great-looking package – a combination not often found on heavy-duty vehicles of this kind. Imagine towing your prized hot rod behind this Square Body or pulling up in it to bid on a job, it would garner all the attention. It's so bright and shiny, fresh off of a frame-off restoration and featuring a slick new paint job on the lifted body and bed, a comfortable A/C interior, and a powerful 5.7L V8 and upgraded suspension. Put it to work or go show it off, either way this dually is built to impress.

We used to call trucks like this these "street strechers" because they were a great choice to rescue or haul a vintage car or hot rod, hence the rescue-like "stretcher" nickname. Today, we're seeing more and more vintage haulers at shows, either as show pieces themselves or as vehicles that haul the actual show cars. But in all honestly, we've never really seen a flat-bed dually restored to this level, Sure, you'll see a vintage stake-bed truck pop here and there to help promote a business or car collection, but it's usually not wise to put those rigs back to work. However, this 'Rounded-Line' GMC is set-up to handle as much blue-collar action as you're prepared to throw at it. Finished in bright white on the cab and black on the flat bed, it's somewhat low-key, but that way it doesn't take away from whatever you put on the back. The paint and bodywork are fresh, and it shows, and it's obvious that not a ton of bodywork was needed during the frame-off restoration. The result is a finish that's smooth to the touch and presents very well, further punctuated by the cab lights on the roof and oversized side mirrors at the flanks. During the build, the body was lifted by an inch for better clearance, all the glass and subsequent hardware was replaced, the heavy-duty bumpers, brush guard, and headache rack were all painted black, and the steel diamond-plate flatbed was finished in black as well. On that bed you'll find a custom toolbox with slide-out drawers, an oversized auxiliary gas tank with its own pump, and a removable low-profile 5th wheel hitch set-up that can handle the weight of a commercial trailer. It's not perfect and sparkling, you'll never hesitate to get this GMC out and get it dirty doing some real work, although it shouldn't be mistaken for some roughneck either.

The fully-restored interior is the same as most GM pickups of the era: simple and well-designed. There's a new gray cloth-and-vinyl seat cover, and a new matching black dash pad and door panels, so it's far from crude, yet with a 1-piece, heavy-duty molded polyvinyl mat on the floor, it doesn't mind if you get dirty doing some work. Original gauges ahead of the driver cover the basics, auxiliary switches for the pump and fans are below to the right, and to the left you'll find a Prodigy trailer brake controller for easy access when something's hooked-on out back. That steering wheel looks to be from a newer generation and has an accompanying spinner for those tough wide angles, and most of the bare metal lining the cab and bottom portion of the dash was painted white to match the exterior finish. Entertainment comes from a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX/Bluetooth stereo that powers new speakers in the factory slots, so long hauls are never boring, and shoulder belts add safety for both the driver and passenger.

Pulling this heavy rig is a more-than-capable, easy to work on 5.7L V8, aka the venerable 350 SBC V8. Topped with a performance intake and Holley 650CFM 4-barrel carburetor, it runs great and cranks right up, and thanks to dual gas tanks underneath it can go all day without stopping. A few chrome pieces like the air cleaner and valve cover brighten things up inside the otherwise blacked-out engine bay, and with a power front disc brake and power steering set-up it's actually a joy to drive as well. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission augmented with an HD torque convertor handles everything the small block can throw at it, and it's so fresh the next owner won't have to worry about it for years. Underneath are new parts galore, including a beefy suspension with new A-arms, ball joints, shocks, and 10k-pound springs fore and aft, and the factory-style dual exhaust is fresh too, giving this hauler a wonderful soundtrack. The giant 14-bolt rear end can handle the big torque curve and all that added weight out back, and with all new bearing and 4.11 gears, it's ready to get to work right away. Stock GMC alloy wheels add to the factory look, and the white-letter Nexen radials at all four corners look great.

For not a lot of cash, you're getting a heck of a lot of truck. Put it to work or use it to play, but either way, this GMC gets the job done. Call today!