- Seller: Paul T
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Mileage: 200,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 1G5EK18H3EF509818
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 350 V8
- Transmission: 700R4 Automatic
SUVs have become one of the strongest segments of the new car market, and it is vehicles like this 1984 GMC K1500 Jimmy Sierra that paved the way for their success. It would be a prime candidate for a cosmetic refresh, but leaving it untouched would allow the buyer to delve deep into the wilderness without fear that an errant stick will inflict scratches that might mar perfection. The icing on the cake is the upgraded engine, which will provide significant improvements in power and torque. The owner feels the time is right for this classic to head to a new home, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The Jimmy makes a striking initial impression, courtesy of its 4″ lift kit and newer 35″ Yokohama tires. The two-tone Desert Sand and Frost White paint shows its age, but returning this classic to its cosmetic best would be fairly straightforward for a winning bidder using a DIY approach. The panels are surprisingly straight for a vehicle of this type and age, and the owner states that it has minimal rust. The lower extremities are clean, with no issues that require immediate attention. That would allow the buyer to enjoy this Jimmy in its current form while they plan their strategies for its future. The trim looks remarkably good for its age, and the glass is excellent.
Decoding the VIN for this Jimmy confirms that it left the factory powered by a 305ci V8 that delivered 160hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties are performed by a four-speed 700R4 automatic that feeds the power to the road via a dual-range transfer case. Those figures are respectable, but the owner craved a more effortless motoring experience. Therefore, the 305 made way for a 350ci powerplant. The iconic Chevrolet small-block benefits from an upgraded carburetor, intake, and headers. The improved breathing will undoubtedly unleash extra power, which owners always welcome. The engine has clocked 20,000 miles, meaning it is barely broken in. The transmission is new, with this combination allowing the Jimmy to make best use of the hitch receiver. Potential buyers can consider this GMC a turnkey proposition that will provide immediate motoring joy.
The “aged” look continues inside this Jimmy, but the interior is undeniably serviceable. Throwing slipcovers over the seats and a cover on the pad would lift the appearance markedly without breaking the bank. However, replacement parts are readily available and extremely affordable if the winning bidder wishes to recapture the vehicle’s youthful good looks. As a guide, a set of seat covers in the correct material and color retails for around $600. A pad adds $280 to the tally, while $220 should secure a really nice carpet set. That represents a fairly small investment that would make a dramatic difference to the presentation. The first owner ordered this Jimmy with air conditioning, although the system is no longer intact. They also selected power windows and a tilt wheel, with the current owner adding a Sony CD player.
This 1984 GMC Jimmy isn’t perfect, but that could be its strongest attribute. You could head into a dealership today and secure something like a 2025 GMC Yukon, but that would lighten your bank account by around $78,000. Doing so would leave you worried about potential damage during off-road adventures, while the specter of depreciation can’t be ignored. This Jimmy will cost someone a fraction of that price and would provide a carefree ownership experience in its current form. It won’t suffer the depreciation that the new model will experience, and the buyer could treat it to a cosmetic birthday if they felt it was appropriate. This Jimmy makes perfect financial sense, which is why it is worth a closer look.
I bought my first K5, brand new in 1976, and have owned at least a dozen since. I have owned my ‘current 75 K5 convertible for about 20 years.
In the late 80s, I bought a mint, loaded, one-owner ’84. It was a decent truck,
and the only downfall was the gutless 305. Between the short wheelbase and the anemic 305, I traded it for an F-250 that could safely haul my 26 ft boat.
As for the ’84 here, I like it because it is not rusty, was well-optioned, and has a 350. The stuff I don’t like can all be fixed:
– Go for a paint-job, and move the spare back inside. I have had the external spare before, and the PITA factor outweighed the space gain for me.
– Remove the lift kit. It looks neat…..But handles poorly, and wears UJs quickly.
– Install stock (GM Rally) wheels , and tires. The larger ones increase unsprung weight, and affect performance.
– I would go for the replacement dash-pad, seat covers, carpets, and cargo area trim panels etc.
– Get the AC working.
I think this truck is a good potential project, as long as the price is right considering what it needs.
Love the blue consol works great for the color blind!