When a 1986 GMC 1500 appeared online, Doug B. knew he had to buy it.
Doug’s grandfather owned a truck just like it, and he remembers sitting on the roof. He made a lot of memories with his grandpa in his truck, and now enjoys making memories with his wife and kids in his own GMC 1500.
“Even if it’s just, ‘Hey, let’s go around the lake,’” he said.
Doug acquired the truck about a year ago. He’d been looking for a Gen 2 or Gen 3 C10 when he came across the 1500. Since purchase, he’s replaced some maintenance items, like brakes, but has also replaced the gas tank. He also added catalytic converters back on the truck.
“I’ve got kids, so I wanted the truck to be drivable and rideable for them too,” he said.
Doug does use the truck frequently, driving it 4-5 days a week. He enjoys driving the truck because of the interactions he has with other truck owners.
“You get to what people’s stories,” he said. “There’s people coming up to me all the time, ‘My Grandpa had one of these’ or ‘I had one of these when I was a kid.’ It’s kind of cool to drive something and have someone have a conversation or memory from it.”
Doug recently took his truck to the C10 Shindig in July. He said there was mixed reactions to some of the work he’s done on the classic.
“Most people loved it,” Doug said. “There were a couple people who didn’t like the tonneau cover, didn’t like the bed — the sprayed-in bed liner. Stuff like that.”
While he’s taken it to shows, he gets joy from using it as a daily driving or for special occasions.
“I’m making memories with my kids,” he said. “My wife and I, we sneak out on date nights with it. Go get ice cream or whatever. It’s a memory maker for us, for my family.”
Doug chose to purchase his components from Classic Parts because of the convenience of picking items up locally, and the price. His advice for others looking to restore or purchase a classic; get it up and running.
“Do the maintenance, do the important stuff, get it running right and the worry about the body and parts,” Doug said. “Just get it on the road. Have fun with it. Take your time.”
That’s a nice truck, my Dad had one just like it , I’m 55 years old , so I’ve had a 79 long bed ,I’ve had an 82 ,83,85 , through my years of being a Chevy lover , right now I own a 84 GMC shirt bed C10 that I restored myself
That’s part of the nostalgia of these old trucks
I have people tell me all the time “my grandfather or my father had one of these trucks “
Same story with the 1970 we have.
My wife’s parents bought it new , both our sons learned to drive with it and after some updates we are enjoying showing it.
I am glad Doug gets it enjoy it Doug
Good looking truck and what is wrong with sprayed in bed liner not a damn thing good work.
great truck and story
I purchased a 1955 Chevrolet PU, 2nd series, in 1974 which I used as a work truck. Since it has been so dependable, I have never had the need or desire to purchase another truck. It’s 90% original. I just keep the tank full of gas and the maintenance up and it’s good to go. BTW- it’s never failed to pass state inspection in 47 years of ownership.
Classic Parts is my go to for parts- unless the local Chevrolet dealership has what I need!
I bought my Grandfathers 1964 Chevy short bed step side in 1977 we still have it. Lots of fun to drive around in I am 70 years old. Keep yours as long as you can.