Factory 454 Big 10 — Unrestored Original, Runs And Drives, Needs Everything

OVERALL CONDITION: Red paint is the original factory paint — it's severely oxidized and faded. There's surface rust starting on the roof, the hood, and the tops of the doors. The driver's door has a 6-inch area of rust-through at the bottom. The bed has significant rust — the bed floor has multiple perforations and the wheel wells are rusting. The tailgate has dents and rust at the bottom. The body is straight but rough — this truck has been used. Chrome is dull and pitted. Glass is original and cloudy — the windshield has wiper marks and a small chip. 22-inch wheels have been added — they're the newest thing on the truck. Interior is original and worn: beige cloth/vinyl seats with the driver's seat torn and the foam deteriorated. Door panels are cracked. Dash pad has multiple cracks. Headliner is sagging. Carpet is original and worn. The gauge cluster partially works — fuel gauge doesn't work, temp gauge works, oil pressure works.

ENGINE: 454 CI V8 — factory Big 10 engine, original. It starts and runs — it's tired but functional. Idles at 700 RPM — a bit rough. The 454 has a deep, slow idle. No smoke from the exhaust but it smells rich — the Quadrajet carburetor needs a rebuild. Compression is 120-135 psi — low and uneven, indicating significant wear. There's a knock when cold that goes away when warm — could be a piston skirt or a rod bearing. The engine has an oil leak from the rear main seal and the oil pan. The cooling system runs at 200°F — okay but the radiator is old. The exhaust is stock single with a muffler — it's quiet. This engine runs but needs a rebuild.

TRANSMISSION: 3-speed automatic (TH400). It shifts through all gears but the shifts are soft and the RPMs flare between gears. Under hard acceleration, it slips in 3rd. Fluid is dark and smells burnt — it needs a rebuild. The transmission works but is on borrowed time.

BRAKES: Power drum brakes front and rear. Yes, drums all around on a 1979 truck. The pedal is soft and the stopping distance is very long — this truck is heavy and the drum brakes can't handle it. The front drums are near minimum. Rear shoes are at 30%. The power booster is weak. Parking brake doesn't work.

UNDERCARRIAGE: Frame has significant surface rust and scale throughout. The frame is structurally solid — no perforation in the main rails — but it needs to be cleaned and painted. The cab floor has rust perforation on the driver side (6x8 inch area). The bed support crossmembers are rusting — two are perforated. The bed wood (if original) is gone. Front suspension is original with worn bushings. Rear is a 14-bolt semi-floating with 4.10 gears — the gears whine at speed. Gas tank is original with surface rust — no leaks but should be replaced. This truck needs a full restoration.