1981 GMC 1500 4-Speed

This 1981 GMC Sierra C1500 short bed 2WD pickup was treated to an inside-and-out restoration that incorporated an overhauled drivetrain, a full repaint in House of Kolor Lapis Blue Metallic, and a custom two-tone gray and black bench interior. The rebuilt 350ci V8 received a performance camshaft, an Edelbrock carburetor, and an aluminum radiator as part of the refurbishment, and power is transferred to the rear by way of a Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shift lever. This custom third-generation C1500 is now offered with a clean CARFAX report and a clear Montana title in the seller’s name.

The GMC Sierra shared underpinnings with Chevrolet pickups of the same Rounded Line generation which started in 1973 and continued for nearly two decades. This 1981 C1500 has a regular-cab, short-bed fleetside body style and was coated in a respray of Lapis Blue Metallic. The body is described as being rust-free throughout, featuring a raised hood, smooth body lines, and glossy finishes. Brightwork is in place for the front and rear bumpers, wheel arch moldings, side view mirrors, and polished exhaust outlets behind each rear tire which round out a Flowmaster muffler system.

Aluminum five-spoke 17” Ridler wheels have been installed, and a suspension overhaul was carried out at the time of restoration which included the installation of lowering springs, replacement of the U-joints, and fitment of new shocks.

The interior is comprised of a reupholstered gray and black cloth bench seat, contrasted by a replacement black dash, door panels, and carpeting with GMC-embroidered floor mats. Metal portions of the interior have been color-matched in Lapis Blue Metallic. The seller states that the glass, weatherstripping, and rubber were replaced. Amenities include a Hurst shift knob, a three-spoke aluminum steering wheel, and a Vintage Air Gen IV heating and cooling system.

Instruments from Dakota Digital have been installed, including a 160-mph speedometer as well as readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, and more. A replacement digital odometer is present in the gauge cluster, but true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 350ci V8 was bored, deck honed, and balanced during a top-to-bottom rebuild and has been driven fewer than 100 miles since. Performance upgrades were added, including a stage II Comp camshaft, Speedo Pro hypereutetic flat-top pistons, a dual plane intake, Edelbrock carburetor, headers, and an aluminum radiator. The fuel tank was replaced, and all bearings and seals were replaced at the time of refurbishment. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a rebuilt Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission with a new supercase and a Zoom Performance clutch kit. The rear end has a 3.42 gear ratio, a replacement ring and pinion, and an Eaton positraction differential.

Additional undercarriage photos can be found in the gallery. 

The CARFAX report shows no accidents or damage on record.