1978 GMC Sierra Grande 1/2 Ton Pickup

Development of the third-generation C/K trucks began in 1968; vehicle components underwent simulated testing on computers before the first prototype pickups were even built for real-world testing.  The finished product would become revolutionary in appearance, breaking away from typical American pickup truck design of the era (including the cab).  The exterior design underwent scrutiny in the wind tunnel to optimize its aerodynamics and fuel economy.  While distinguished by its straight-lined and boxy appearance, GM named the third-generation C/K the "Rounded Line" series, succeeding the "Action Line" C/K trucks.

For consignment, it's time for us to get dirty!  How about reverting back to our childhood and going outside and playing in the mud?  Yeah, mom hated that… let's do it with this 1978 version of the GMC 1/2 ton Sierra Grande pickup step side version.  Nice like new all terrain tires, a lift kit, a clean and unmolested interior, a new oak lined bed and a healthy 350ci V8.  4 wheel drive never looked so appealing and neither did getting in a little trouble.  Meh, what could be the worst that could happen… the truck and I need to get a bath?  I'm IN!

***Due to varying emissions control devices being removed, please check with your state, county, local or provincial motor vehicle department to verify the ability to legally register this vehicle in your area***

Exterior
Very nicely applied light blue metallic covers straight rust free steel all over this truck.  Nicely minded gaps, a like new grille and chrome all over, correct badging and that step side is so kewl with access to the front of the bed with a mere step up.  Newer chrome big mirrors hang off of either side on the doors and black and stainless window trimmings and a rolled over bed sided area keeps you from scratching yourself when loading from the side, or reaching for your tool box when it's floated to the center while you are carving curves, (you know you were over the limit..'cmon!).  A wonderfully curved rear fender is stuck to each side of the bed and allows for a full width uninterrupted bed.  Speaking of which is all newly lined with white oak planking held to the frame with shiny chromed steel mounting strips and bolts.  The inside of the bed is like it's never been used and is excellent just like the remaining outside of the truck.  Probably one of the highlights of this truck are the BIG wheels which are 15-inch silver painted deep dish sport rallye wheels and nicely polished locking hubs with trim rings.  These wheels are wrapped with big BFG All Terrain Radial T/A's in the form of 33x12.5RL15T's all around.  Getting a bit lofty in here, I think I'm getting in deeper and I don't care.

Interior
A swing of the doors and all I see are factory door panels in blue molded vinyl with a horizontal ribbed panel which houses the armrest, actuator and window crank.  The lowers are all rust free light blue metallic straight steel.  Hopping inside, (or should I say climbing), I get my heart rate back down taking a moment to breathe it in.  I perch myself on a Mexican blanket style full on bench stretching from door to door, but with no idea what lies underneath.  The dash upfront, which is typical GM style of the era, wraps around the driver and wheel with a 3 panel black dash front.  Within this far left panel, a quad of round gauges with a vent, light pull and wiper slider.  In the center are dual round gauges, one the speedo, and the other the gas gauge.  To the 3rd panel and driver's right is the temp controls, and a newer AM/FM/Cassette radio.  A light blue padded dash top is above and shows with a few cracks.  The floors are like new with black rubber matting, and a shifter for the transfer case is reaching for the driver in the center with an aftermarket tachometer just in front.  Above is light blue metallic stamped steel for the liner.  

Drivetrain
Inside is a 350ci V8 engine topped by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and a shiny round open edge air cleaner.  On back is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission with a rear axle weighing in as a 12 bolt with the front differential being a Dana 44.   This bay is enough to make a Glitterati jealous with very little rust and dust, and just shiny parts, supple hoses, and obviously well cared for.

Undercarriage
As I've stated before on others, and I'll use it again because it's apropos, the hits just keep on coming, ( I get that from the old WFIL “Boss Jocks” my mom used to listen to while sunning herself…), with the undercarriage.  It is rust free, has black straight rust free steel, corrosion free bed mountings, and solid framing and stamped floor pans.  Headers emanate from either side and melt onto a Flowmaster exhaust system sans catalytic converters, which snakes its way to the back, and no rust or blemishes lingering along the way with the piping.  Power rear drum brakes are on, and for the front, power disc brakes.  The truck rides on leaf springs all around with a 4" lift kit installed. 

Drive-Ability
I just yearn for that feeling of power and high when I drive these big wheels.  This truck did not let me down either with a quick fire up, had a nice rumble at idle, and off to the test track we went.  Here it showed me bias free braking on a panic stop, (always my FIRST TEST!), good handling and nice smooth acceleration with smooth shifting from the automatic.  All functions were working and don't tell mom, but I SO wanted to get it dirty, but our detailer would have had my head as he's really busy right now!  I used my better judgement, but hey a guy can fantasize right?

A very nice example from 1978, looking like new, large and in charge, a powerful engine, power brakes and a new bed with beautiful paint.  Get your butt in here quick to snap this mudder/worker bee up.  What a great promotional piece showing up to a job side and bossing people around from this classic!!

TCL448B520139

T-GMC
C-2wd Conventional Cab
L-350ci V8 4bbl 165hp
4-1/2 Ton HD Suspension
4-Pickup
8-1978
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
520139-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.