Escalade engine in the old 1968 GMC C1500 as a restomod!

Thomas Wachsmuth August 31, 2023 -> Cars from AZ, -> Tuner from AZ, GMC (General Motors Company), Premium vehicles, Tuning classics

Reading time 3 Min.

One look at this unique vintage car and you're captivated. But at 1968 GMC C1500 It's not just any pickup truck. The jewel had the hearts of those back then 'Action Line' Pickup fans by storm and is part of the iconic second generation of the C/K models by General Motors. The second generation C/K vehicles, built between 1967 and 1972, are not just a piece of automotive history, they represent an era in which vehicles were manufactured with dedication and an eye for detail. The first thing that catches your eye is the striking blue one Painting, which is so shiny you can almost see yourself reflected in it. But not only the color, but also the newly installed ones body parts let the vehicle shine in a completely new light.

1968 GMC C1500 Restomod

Escalade engine in the old 1968 GMC C1500 as a restomod!

The Chassis has been modified and now presents itself with a shorter wheelbase. That, combined with the short load area, gives the C1500 a more compact and robust appearance. The list of exterior embellishments is impressive. Starting with small black trim pieces like the "GMC 1500 V-EIGHT“ Logo on the fenders, about the modern LED taillights, the conspicuous one filler cap up to the chrome ones 20-inch US Mags rims, With the Toyo Extensa HP II tires (245/40 front & 275/40 rear) are covered, everything is coordinated. But it's not just the look that's convincing. There is a hidden under the sheet metal Suspension with KYB shock absorbers, leaf springs and shorter springs, for modern driving dynamics.

Interior: Fusion of old and new!

There is also a braking system, which is not only a real eye-catcher with the red brake calipers, but also with the perforated and slotted ones Brake discs ensures a significantly improved braking performance compared to the original. The interior of the C1500 is also a feast for the eyes. The Bench, "Borrowed" straight from a 2004 Cadillac Escalade, has been carefully reupholstered in black leather and maintains a harmonious look dashboard. There are also details such as an individual Three-spoke steering wheel, Vintage air conditioning system, New vintage instruments , and a Alpine sound system with powerful Subwoofers as well as a 1000-watt Kenwood amplifier.

Under the hood: A real beast

And of course the C1500's engine is also worth a mention. It's the same one that works in the 2004 Escalade. But that's where the similarities end. Numerous upgrades like one BTR camshaftNew valve springs , and a Frostbite Aluminum Radiator were installed. The result? A 6.0-liter LQ9 V8, which certainly delivers more than the standard 345 PS & 515 NM torque. And the sound? Sublime, primarily through that Dual sports exhaust system with Black Widow Venom 250 silencers. And all the power is about one 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission passed on to the rear wheels. In summary, the 1968 GMC C1500 as a restomod is not just a vehicle, but a work of art that represents the perfect symbiosis of the past and the modern. A real treat for all automobile enthusiasts!