Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com
The 1969 GMC C1500 Fenderside pickup stands as a testament to classic American truck design, embodying a robust and utilitarian aesthetic that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. This particular 1969 GMC C1500 has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending its vintage charm with modern performance, convenience, and a striking custom appearance.
Subjected to a comprehensive build under prior ownership, this truck now boasts a potent 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine paired with a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission, offering contemporary power and drivability. Repainted in an eye-catching metallic purple and featuring a thoroughly updated interior with black aftermarket bucket seats and a suite of modern features, this modified GMC pickup is a compelling example of a classic restomod, ready for both show and the open road.
Exterior Refinements and Modern Lighting
This 1969 GMC C1500 Fenderside pickup makes a bold visual statement with its metallic purple paint finish, meticulously applied during its custom build under prior ownership. This vibrant color highlights the truck’s distinctive lines and gives it a contemporary custom flair. Complementing the paint, details include sleek black side-marker bezels, gleaming chrome bumpers, and dual side mirrors, all contributing to a polished appearance.
The truck has been upgraded with modern LED halo-style headlights, enhancing visibility and adding a sophisticated touch to its classic front end. LED taillights and front marker lights further improve safety and provide a clean, updated look. A Chevrolet-style grille assembly, subtly integrated with GMC lettering, maintains brand identity while offering a unique customization.
Custom Bed and Wheel Ensemble
The bed of this GMC C1500 is not just functional but also visually striking. It is thoughtfully lined with diamond-plate front and side panels, offering robust protection and a rugged aesthetic. A rubber floor mat is added for practical grip and surface protection, while a diamond-plate toolbox provides secure storage for tools or other essentials, making the bed highly usable. The truck rides on stylish 19-inch Niche wheels, finished in black, which perfectly complement the metallic purple exterior.
These wheels are wrapped in high-performance Sumitomo HTR Z5 tires, ensuring excellent grip and a responsive ride. The combination of these modern wheels and tires, along with a lowered ride height, gives the truck an aggressive and contemporary stance.
Braking and Steering System Upgrades
To match its enhanced powertrain, this 1969 GMC C1500 has received significant upgrades to its braking and steering systems, ensuring confident control. Braking is now handled by power-assisted disc brakes on all four corners, a substantial improvement over the original drum brakes. These modern disc brakes, visible with their striking red-painted calipers, offer superior stopping power, better heat dissipation, and a more responsive pedal feel.
For improved maneuverability and a more comfortable driving experience, a CPP power steering box has been installed. This modern power steering system provides precise control and significantly reduces the effort required for steering, making the truck far more enjoyable for daily driving.
Modernized Interior and Comforts
The cabin of this GMC C1500 has been thoroughly modernized to provide contemporary comfort and convenience within its classic shell. It features replacement black aftermarket bucket seats, offering improved ergonomics and support compared to the original bench. A later-model center console has been seamlessly integrated, providing convenient storage and enhancing the modern feel. Aftermarket door panels further contribute to the updated aesthetic.
For comfort in all climates, an aftermarket under-dash air conditioning system has been installed, ensuring a pleasant interior environment. The JVC touchscreen stereo unit not only offers modern audio capabilities but is also linked to a backup camera, providing increased safety and ease of maneuvering. Additional power amenities include power windows and power door locks, along with stylish aluminum glove box trim, blending vintage charm with modern practicality.
Driver’s Cockpit and Digital Instrumentation
The driver’s experience in this custom GMC C1500 is enhanced by an aftermarket three-spoke steering wheel, which is mounted to a convenient chrome tilting column, allowing for personalized comfort and easier access. Behind the steering wheel, a complete set of digital gauges replaces the original instrumentation. This modern digital panel includes a speedometer and tachometer, along with a clock and precise readouts for fuel level, volts, engine temperature, and oil pressure.
This comprehensive digital display provides the driver with clear and accurate information at a glance. The digital odometer currently indicates 270 miles, representing the distance covered since the completion of the extensive build, though the total mileage of the vehicle remains unknown.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of this custom 1969 GMC C1500 is a powerful 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine, a highly regarded modern powerplant known for its robust output and reliability. This engine was installed in 2020 as part of the comprehensive build, transforming the truck’s performance capabilities. To ensure optimal cooling for the upgraded engine, an aluminum radiator with dual electric cooling fans has been integrated, providing efficient temperature management even under demanding conditions.
The seller notes that a Painless Performance wiring harness was installed during the build, guaranteeing reliable electrical connectivity for the modern engine and its components. The engine control unit (ECU) is neatly mounted to the firewall alongside the brake booster, showcasing clean integration of the new components. This potent Vortec V8 provides ample horsepower and torque, offering a significant upgrade in performance and drivability compared to the truck’s original engine.
Drivetrain and Mechanical Reliability
Power from the robust 5.3-liter Vortec V8 is efficiently transmitted to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. This modern automatic transmission provides smooth and responsive shifts, greatly enhancing the driving experience compared to older transmissions.
The seller notes that this 4L60E transmission was rebuilt and installed in 2024, ensuring its long-term reliability and optimal performance. This combination of a powerful, modern V8 and a reliable, recently rebuilt automatic transmission creates a highly capable and enjoyable driving experience, suitable for both daily cruising and spirited weekend drives. The mechanical integrity of the powertrain components highlights the thoroughness of the custom build.
Summary:
- 1969 GMC C1500 Fenderside pickup, custom built under prior ownership.
- Refinished in metallic purple exterior.
- Interior features black aftermarket bucket seats, a late-model center console, and aftermarket door panels.
- Powered by a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 (installed 2020) and a rebuilt 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission (installed 2024).
- Equipped with an aluminum radiator, dual electric cooling fans, and Painless Performance wiring harness.
- Rides on 19″ Niche wheels with Sumitomo HTR Z5 tires.
- Features power-assisted disc brakes with red-painted calipers, CPP power steering box, and lowered ride height.
- Modern amenities include aftermarket air conditioning, JVC touchscreen stereo with backup camera, tilting steering column, digital instrument panel, power windows, and power door locks.
- Bed lined with diamond-plate front and side panels, rubber floor mat, and diamond-plate toolbox.
- Digital odometer indicates 270 miles; total mileage unknown.
- Offered with a clean Florida title.
Disclaimer: Information presented is based on details provided about the vehicle’s custom build. Prospective buyers should conduct independent inspections and verification.
AI Assistance: Gemini
