Dreaming of transforming your 1987 Chevy truck into a unique ride that turns heads? Whether it’s for personal pride, better performance, or eye-catching style, customizing your classic Chevy is a rewarding project. Many enthusiasts wonder where to start or how to get the best results.
In this article, you’ll discover practical steps, creative ideas, and expert tips for custom upgrades. Get ready to learn how to make your 1987 Chevy truck truly your own!
How to Customize a 1987 Chevy Truck: The Complete Guide
Customizing a 1987 Chevy truck is a rewarding project that brings together style, performance, and personal flair. Whether you own a C/K Series, a C10, V10, or an R20 Custom Deluxe, there are endless ways to make your classic pickup uniquely yours. Below, you’ll find an in-depth roadmap on customizing your ’87 Chevy truck, tips to get the best results, practical advice to manage costs, and answers to common questions that come up in the restoration and modification scene.
What Does It Mean to Customize a 1987 Chevy Truck?
Customization means taking a factory model and modifying it to better reflect your taste, performance needs, or both. For a 1987 Chevy pickup, this could range from subtle upgrades like interior refurbishing to complete engine swaps, lifted suspensions, show-quality paint, or modern tech integrations.
Customizing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your vehicle safer, more comfortable, and sometimes more valuable. It’s the ultimate way to combine nostalgia with modern functionality.
Key Steps to Customize Your 1987 Chevy Truck
Customizing a classic Chevy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Breaking the process down into manageable steps helps ensure a smooth and satisfying build.
1. Visualize Your Dream Truck
- Identify your style: Classic, restomod, off-road, street performance, or workhorse.
- Decide on the level of customization: Light (bolt-on parts), moderate (interior/exterior upgrades and engine tweaks), or full (frame-off restoration, body mods, engine swaps).
- Plan your budget and timeline: Factor in your skills, workspace, tools, and money available.
2. Assess Your Starting Point
- Check the condition: Evaluate rust, frame integrity, engine, transmission, and bodywork.
- Create a checklist: List desired upgrades and required repairs.
3. Prioritize Safety and Reliability
Before any cosmetic or performance work, ensure your truck is solid and safe to drive. Focus on:
– Brakes and brake lines
– Suspension components
– Steering linkage
– Lights and wiring
– Fuel system
4. Performance Upgrades
Boosting performance is a central part of many custom builds. Some popular upgrades include:
- Engine upgrades: Install a performance intake manifold, carburetor, or fuel injection system (noting that 1987 models are known for fuel injection, a plus for reliability and power).
- Transmission enhancements: Consider an upgraded transmission or rebuild for better power handling.
- Exhaust systems: Upgrade to a free-flow exhaust for more horsepower and a better sound.
- Axles and differentials: Swap in stronger units if adding bigger tires or more power.
5. Suspension & Wheels
- Lift or lower: Choose a lift kit for off-road capability or a drop kit for a sleeker, sportier look.
- Modern shocks: Improve handling and comfort with new shocks and bushings.
- New wheels and tires: Pick stylish and functional sets to match your vision.
6. Body and Paint
- Rust repair and bodywork: Address rust spots, dents, and dings.
- Custom paint: Opt for factory colors, bold custom hues, or a two-tone scheme reminiscent of the era.
- Trim and badges: Restore originals or add custom touches like billet grills or clear lenses.
7. Interior Modernization
- Seating: Upgrade to comfortable, supportive seats or restore the originals.
- Dashboard and gauges: Install modern digital clusters or upgraded classic dials.
- Sound system: Add Bluetooth-enabled head units and quality speakers.
- Air conditioning: Update or retrofit A/C for comfort.
8. Unique Touches
- Lighting upgrades: LED headlights, taillights, and accent lighting.
- Bed modifications: Spray-in bedliner, wood floor kits, or tonneau covers.
- Custom badges or emblems: Personalize with subtle details.
Benefits of Customizing a 1987 Chevy Truck
- Personal satisfaction: There’s nothing like driving a truck tailored to your tastes.
- Modern comfort: Enjoy upgraded seats, sound, air conditioning, and safety features.
- Performance: Improved engine, suspension, and handling.
- Pride and value: A well-done custom truck often fetches higher resale value and turns heads everywhere.
Potential Challenges
- Rust repair: Older trucks almost always need rust mitigation, especially in the cab corners, rocker panels, and bed.
- Parts availability: Most standard parts are easy to find, but specific Custom Deluxe or C10 trim pieces can be rare.
- Budgeting: Costs can add up quickly. Unexpected needs might arise during the build.
- Skill requirements: Some upgrades (like engine swaps or advanced wiring) may require professional help.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Plan your build: Create a detailed list and a realistic sequence. Prioritize safety and reliability first.
- Document everything: Take photos and keep notes of part numbers and steps. This helps with future adjustments or resale.
- Buy quality parts: Invest in trusted brands for critical components like brakes, suspension, and wiring.
- Start with the basics: Address the frame and engine before moving to interiors or aesthetics.
- Use online communities: Classic truck forums and social media groups are gold mines for advice, deals, and camaraderie.
- Test as you go: Don’t wait until the end to drive the truck. Test after each major upgrade to catch issues early.
Cost-Saving Tips
Custom builds can be expensive, but you can manage costs with smart strategies:
- Buy a complete project truck: Even if it’s rough, starting with a nearly complete truck (vs. chasing parts) often saves money in the long run.
- Hunt for donor vehicles: Trucks of the same era can provide hard-to-find parts.
- Swap meets and classifieds: Scour local and online swap meets for deals on used parts.
- DIY when possible: Labor is a major cost. If you have basic mechanical skills, tackle simpler jobs yourself and reserve pro help for wiring or engine rebuilds.
- Factor in shipping: If buying parts online, add shipping costs to your part budget. Large and heavy items like bumpers or panels can add up fast. Consider purchasing from suppliers within your region to minimize shipping.
- Join loyalty programs: Many auto parts stores and online vendors offer discounts or loyalty points.
Customization Inspiration: Classic Themes
Looking at other 1987 Chevy truck builds is a great way to get inspired. Some common themes include:
- Restored to factory original: Ideal for preserving originality and value.
- Resto-mod: Blends classic looks with a modern drivetrain, interior, and tech.
- Off-road beast: Big tires, lift kits, roll bars, and winches.
- Street rod: Lowered suspension, high-polish paint, and powerful small block or big block V8.
- Work truck with style: Upgraded bed accessories and practical touches combined with subtle custom aesthetics.
Classic Custom Deluxe models, in particular, have unique interior trim and badging. Keeping or restoring those details can add authenticity and value.
Conclusion
Customizing your 1987 Chevy truck is more than a project—it’s a celebration of history and personal creativity. By focusing on planning, safety, quality parts, and smart budgeting, you can transform your classic pickup into a cherished, head-turning ride. Whether you want a weekend cruiser, a showstopper, or a reliable workhorse with added flair, your 1987 Chevy truck holds endless possibilities. The journey can be as rewarding as the destination—happy wrenching!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best engine swap option for a 1987 Chevy truck?
The most common swaps are for Chevy small block V8s, like the 350 or LS-based engines. These provide enhanced power, reliability, and parts availability. The 1987 trucks already featured throttle-body fuel injection, so both carbureted and modern fuel-injected options are possible.
2. How much should I budget to customize a 1987 Chevy truck?
Basic cosmetic upgrades may run a few thousand dollars, while full restorations and major performance upgrades can exceed $20,000. Planning and doing much of the work yourself can keep costs down. Always set aside an extra 10-20% for unexpected expenses.
3. Where can I find rare trim or body parts for Custom Deluxe models?
Online classic truck forums, salvage yards, and specialized aftermarket suppliers are good sources. Checking listings for part-out trucks, especially within enthusiast groups or classifieds, can help locate unique items.
4. Can I install modern comfort features, like air conditioning, in my 1987 Chevy truck?
Absolutely. Many aftermarket kits are designed specifically for classic Chevy trucks, making it possible to retrofit air conditioning, upgraded heating systems, power windows, and more.
5. Will customizing my 1987 Chevy truck affect its resale value?
Custom work can increase value if done professionally, with quality parts and tasteful upgrades. Trucks restored close to factory original can hold higher value among purists, while resto-mods often appeal to modern buyers. Keep thorough records of all upgrades to enhance resale confidence.