1998 Silverado Z71

[obs.caleb]

Here is the start to my 98 k1500 project I've been planning since August amd finally got some kits. It is going to be a kit bashed and hopefully high-ish detailing. It is a replica of my cousin's first truck.

[obs.caleb]

I am starting with the amt 1990 sportside pickup for the engine and chassis.

[obs.caleb]

First thing I built is the engine and the kit comes with the tbi 350 and in 1998 they used a fuel injected vortec 5.7 so I am modifying the kit motor to look like the vortec version. 

Edited May 8 by obs.caleb
Incorrect engine information

[obs.caleb]

Update: did some work on the motor it turned out good.

[obs.caleb]

Got the extended cab kit in the mail today started on the body work. First thing I did was remove the mounting pins from the inner fenders.

[obs.caleb]

I did some work on the chassis and shot some primer on the body and hood.

[obs.caleb]

Got the front end of the frame finished. Still have to sand the glue.

[obs.caleb]

Did some more chassis work and my knife slipped and cut in between my pointer and middle finger. The cut was close to a half inch deep.😬

[obs.caleb]

Got some paint on the body. Might be one of my best paintjobs it is way more reflective and shiny in person.

[slusher]

Real nice paint non your cab!  That was a not good getting cut I have been there with cuts hope it heals fast..

[obs.caleb]

On 5/19/2025 at 11:54 AM, slusher said:

Real nice paint non your cab!  That was a not good getting cut I have been there with cuts hope it heals fast..

Thank you. Also the cut has almost finished healing.

[obs.caleb]

Just for fun I sat the cab on a 99 silverado frame and for some reason it's looks really good.

[obs.caleb]

Also I have added black trim and handles along with silverado c pillar badges.

[obs.caleb]

Modified the rear axle to sit higher. The kit leaf spring are completely flat for some reason they aren't like that on the real trucks.

[DJMar]

3 hours ago, obs.caleb said:

Modified the rear axle to sit higher. The kit leaf spring are completely flat for some reason they aren't like that on the real trucks.

The C1500 Sportside kit that you're basing your build on is a 2wd, standard 1/2 ton. The 3/1 rear leafs on those trucks were almost flat with the weight of the truck and nothing in the bed. AMT probably replicated the sit of the springs when they did the measuring for this model. It's mostly correct.

You're trying to build a K-series (4wd), and those rear leafs have more arch for tire & ground clearance.

[obs.caleb]

6 hours ago, DJMar said:

The C1500 Sportside kit that you're basing your build on is a 2wd, standard 1/2 ton. The 3/1 rear leafs on those trucks were almost flat with the weight of the truck and nothing in the bed. AMT probably replicated the sit of the springs when they did the measuring for this model. It's mostly correct.

You're trying to build a K-series (4wd), and those rear leafs have more arch for tire & ground clearance.

I figured it was because it was 2wd. Thanks for the information.

[obs.caleb]

Here is my attempt at replicating those led c bar headlights

[obs.caleb]