Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Big Block Barn Find: 1969 GMC Sierra

This 1969 GMC Sierra is presented as an honest example with the desirable 396 big block engine under the hood. Despite being listed for sale in Pennsylvania, the seller notes it is originally from California, which could help explain its rot-free condition. The GMC is also equipped with air conditioning and an automatic transmission. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $10,500 and the option to submit a best offer.

The big block is not necessarily an exotic option, but it is certainly nice to have. In 1969, the 396 was still belting out 310 b.h.p. and 400 lb-ft of torque, respectable numbers any day of the week. While 1969 was a high production year in terms of volume, Hagerty points out the 396 engines in ’69 were actually bored out to 0.30 over.

The GMC does run and move under its own power, but the seller still advises that proper restoration is warranted to drive it confidently. The interior looks quite nice, with coordinating paint on the dash and door panels that still presents quite well. The bench seat remains in good condition, as well as the door panels and dash pad.

The factory radio is an added bonus, but given how integrated it is into the dash, I doubt aftermarket replacements are a common occurrence. The market for these trucks continues to grow, especially in short-bed form. This example, with its great period colors and 396 drivetrain, would make an excellent candidate for a light-touch restoration.

Comments

  1. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    Still money to be made selling rust free trucks bought for a song, to good people in the rust belt that can’t make it out west to get one, for inflated prices. I’d bet it was found in a barn for $1,000 bucks. Nothing really wrong with that, except, are people actually spending $10g’s ( and another couple to make it nice) on these trucks? Apparently this guy thinks so, to schlep it all the way across the country. While it’s kind of fun having a vintage truck, it’s not fun planning your trips around gas stations. I remember those big gas gauges, you could actually watch them drop. And the mileage claim, you’ve got to be kidding. That trailer brake control says this truck pulled something the 396 was needed for. This truck been around the block more than 22,000 times.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    Price seems a little high for this pickup. It reminds me of my first pickup, a 1970 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 with a 307. I like this one but it needs a paint job and while the seller provided some good pictures, there are none of the bed or underside. The cab seems quite nice and the 396 is a plus but you may have to put some money into the brakes and mechanicals to make it roadworthy. I don’t mind an auto trans but many prefer a stick. As far as the claimed mileage goes, I’d need more to back up that claim than the odometer.

    Being a big block with a short bed and minimal rust is a great starting point for a restoration but it will need quite a few more dollars if you want this pickup to perform well and look good. Some would just drive it as-is, which is fine by me but I’m done with the beater-look. This GMC would really pop with fresh paint.

    Like 2
    • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

      I believe this is a long bed pickup and I don’t think they make aftermarket auto paint anymore,,,

      Like 1
      • Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

        I saw the reference to short-beds in the last paragraph and just assumed it was a short-bed. You can still get older auto paint colors as evidenced by how many restorations are done in factory original colors.

        Anyone else care to comment on OEM colors?

        Like 2
      • Avatar geomechs Member

        Take a pic of this to the hardware store and they’ll mix up some good old enamel. Proper color-sanding and buffing will make them shine. Maybe not as brightly as a $20k paint job but good enough…

        Like 2
  3. Avatar CanuckCarGuy

    That’s a lot of coin for one that’s described as “runs and drives under its own power “…especially in a long box.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar rpol35

    “Hagerty points out the 396 engines in ’69 were actually bored out to 0.30 over.”

    Not really. That is true for 1970 and some of the last ’69 396 engines (July production) are .030 over (402 C.I.) but most ’69 396 engines have a true 396 CI displacement.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Johnmloghry

    I like these trucks. Everything pertinent has already been said, but I will add that I once owned a 69 Chevy 1/2 ton long bed with 307 three speed manual I bought from a Kelley tire store after they had used it for a road tire repair truck. It was a great truck. I later bought a old olds and put the 350 ci engine and a/t in it with the red crushed velvet bucket seats. It was weird but then so am I and it ran great.
    God bless America

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Ross

    Don’t forget most of the truck 396’s had the small peanut port heads. They had more torque output than horsepower. Designed for the work horse truck. With a 402 ci displacement. Still a good engine. Change the Heads….. RELEASE THE PONYS!

    Like 0
    • Avatar 68custom

      I believe this particular motor is just a 325 horse 396 rebadged, Peanut port head were a 80s thing!

      Like 0
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    not a sierra – not worth what he’s asking .

    my 1972 gmc sierra is that factory mustard color. .

    why was my original and first post deleted ?

    Like 1
  8. Avatar bob

    another category of old vehicles that have become to expensive for the average collector. no way this long bed is worth this kind of money. but that no longer matters, because there is a lot of money floating around. nothing wrong with that. the normal guy needs to start buying the 80’s and up and creating the “next” hot category.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Rube Goldberg Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.