Original 454: 1984 GMC K3500 Sierra

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The ongoing popularity and desirability of classic Pickups means it is unsurprising that we see our shares come across our desks at Barn Finds. Their condition can range from stunning to extremely tired, but this 1984 GMC K3500 Sierra is a solid survivor with no immediate needs. Its interior houses some welcome optional extras, while the big-block under the hood should guarantee it is an accomplished load carrier. The seller has listed the Sierra here on eBay in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Bidding has climbed beyond the reserve to $10,400. So, let’s take a look and see if it ticks enough boxes for you to consider joining the bidding war.

While many Pickups can blend into the background due to bland paint shades, this GMC’s combination of Dark Brown and Tan helps it stand out. It is an unrestored survivor, and considering the type of life it probably lived, it is unsurprising that it isn’t perfect. However, there is no evidence suggesting it has been abused or neglected. The paint still shines, although some areas have scratches, chips, and wear-through. The lack of significant panel damage means it should also represent a straightforward restoration candidate if the winning bidder decides to return the truck to its former glory. The bed has scratches and scrapes, but it is also free from signs of wanton abuse. Rust must always be a consideration, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem here. The underside shows some consistent surface corrosion, but there are no signs of penetrating rust anywhere on this classic. The trim is in generally good order, including the practical chromed rear step bumper. The glass is spotless, and the shiny new wheels look excellent against the aged exterior.

Pickup evolution is fascinating because there have been significant changes in the genre from the 1960s to the present. Nowhere is this more evident than when the subject turns to interior appointments and options. At the start of the 1960s, buyers considered themselves lucky to receive a heater as standard equipment, while items like a radio were rare. However, manufacturers began to realize that these vehicles were sometimes viewed as more than utilitarian workhorses, progressively adding more comfort and convenience options, allowing these trucks to function as comfortable daily drivers. This GMC demonstrates that thinking because the new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. Looking beyond the automotive tinsel reveals an interior that presents well for a vehicle of this type and age. The door pockets are beginning to sag, but that’s pretty common. The seatcover is free from wear and damage, with the remaining upholstered surfaces in a similar state. There are no rips in the rubber mat, and the dash and pad are free from UV damage. There are a few minor issues, like a missing control knob on the radio, but it is serviceable and should cause the winning bidder to feel no shame when they take the truck out in public.

GMC offered several engine choices for buyers ordering their 1984 K3500, but this truck’s original owner went straight to the top of the class by selecting the 454ci V8. This big-block churns out 230hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque, which finds its way to Planet Earth via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. That V8 should allow this classic to effectively utilize its hitch receiver while loading the bed with a full one-ton payload shouldn’t cause any grief. The seller indicates this Pickup is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. It recently received a new Quadrajet carburetor, along with new wheels and tires. The transmission has clocked 200 miles since a rebuild, meaning this beauty runs and drives superbly.

I like this 1984 GMC K3500 Sierra, and I think it is its lack of perfection that I find most attractive. The original big-block means it should be an accomplished tow vehicle or workhorse, but the drivetrain combination means it would be equally comfortable clawing its way across harsh terrain or through mud and sand. Treating it to a birthday courtesy of a repaint would be tempting, but I’d probably bide my time on that. Wending its way through the wilderness leaves Pickups of this type prone to scratches and scrapes, causing heartache for an owner who has recently invested time and money into its restoration. However, it would cause less angst if this GMC was preserved in its current form as a survivor. Do you agree, or would you return it to its former glory?

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Comments

  1. HadTwo

    Keep it as it is and stored in the barn for the big jobs,
    like pulling the four-horse trailer. Gas mileage will
    be 10 mpg if you keep both the speed down, and the
    load weight. But it’ll pull, all day long.

    Like 4
  2. DEAN JARVIS

    License plates say California?

    Like 2
  3. geomechs geomechsMember

    This one looks pretty good. For someone who worked for a GM dealership I wasn’t aware that you could get a 3500 4×4 with a 454 in 1984. But then, our dealership closed its doors in March of that year and up until then sales of anything were pretty bleak. Back in the day when interest rates had skyrocketed and GMAC was no different. Anyways, This would still be a good truck to have. Definitely not the most economical truck but you wouldn’t dare drive it very fast because it rode almost as rough as a Dodge Power Wagon. Had a friend with a ’78 3500 4×4 and it was ROUGH!

    Like 1
  4. Rbig18

    Brown and tan exterior but a red interior? Maybe pictures but interior seems to be multiple shades of red. Not sure on this one. Look it over carefully.

    Like 2
  5. Stan StanMember

    One ton 4wd chasis and the Tonawanda. We’ve got ourselves a pullin’ jesse right here ✔️

    Like 3
  6. JIm

    You can put 4-5000lbs in the bed and the frame won’t snap in half. Imagine that.

    Like 4
  7. Matthew Dyer

    Power windows, A/C, and cruise control. The beginning of trucks not being just trucks. A great addition to the farm.

    Like 1
  8. Pnuts

    I’m relatively sure you could not get that truck with a 454 and 4×4. If so it would have been a 3500 only option. 454 was available in 2WD only in 1500 and 2500 for sure and I doubt they put it in 3500. But don’t recall seeing many 3500 4x4s. The 350s struggled to get 10MPG. You may eek out 12 if you were trying to prove a point.

    Like 0

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