ICONIC ’93 Chevrolet Silverado Indianapolis 500 Pace Truck Edition

Owning an icon is a tough task if you stick to the script. Keep it clean, replace anything that breaks, and make sure all the parts are OEM originals in perfect condition. Don’t adjust the suspension, don’t mess with the motor, simply leave it in its factory form and maintain it until the time comes to part ways.

Some say that’s the only way to represent the past and respect the future, but we are hot rod street truck enthusiasts, and we are very well aware of how incapable these unmistakable trucks were when originally released.   

…he eventually let his son drive it to high school before modifying it to the form you see now.

Case in point is this 1993 Chevrolet Silverado Indianapolis 500 Pace Truck Edition. Chevy decided to build a 1,235-unit production run of trucks in celebration of the 77th running of the Indy 500 in 1993. The Silverado didn’t actually serve as the pace truck that year (it was actually a Camaro Z/28) but the truck was the “Official Truck of the 77th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” hence the creation of the limited-edition Silverado.

Preston Woolery originally picked up this ’93 C/K 1500 truck in the year 2000, and he eventually let his son drive it to high school before modifying it to the form you see now. It was in pristine condition—including absolutely no rust in the engine bay or any minor exterior and interior cosmetic blemishes—however, it still sported the original 350 V-8 engine and original automatic transmission. Other notable factory options that remained on this truck include a roof-mounted visor, a tonneau cover, a locking tailgate, and air conditioning, which makes the perfect platform for modifying and making it your own.

That’s exactly what Preston decided to do when he brought it back to Horizon Motorsports in Colorado once his son graduated high school. But first, some Horizon Motorsports history.

In April 1994, Preston Woolery and James Hamil started Horizon Motorsports in an old 500-square-foot gas station located on the outside of Sterling, Colorado.
It grew into a business with fun in mind and motorsport vehicle sales as the primary goal. As any successful business does, Horizon Motorsports expanded in April 1996. Preston and James bought out another local business named Leisure Sports, they acquired a Kawasaki Franchise, and they moved to a larger facility on 805 West Main Street, Sterling, Colorado. Needless to say, times were good for this hard-working crew of fun-loving individuals.

In August 2009, Horizon Motorsports expanded again and opened another store in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The business was doing great, and Preston was getting the itch to have something super custom in his driveway—that ’93 C/K 1500 he picked up in 2000.

First on the list for this ’93 OBS was an all-new suspension as well as a new wheel/tire setup. QA1 Suspension is no doubt one of the leaders in the coilover conversion space for these amazing street trucks, which is exactly why the kit was ordered from Switch Suspension. It gave this standard cab shortbed sport truck a completely new driving experience, including the ability to carve corners like a modern sports car. With a suspension of this level, Preston knew that wheels and tires were important aspect on this build. They decided to run a set of 20-inch US Mag wheels, so the order was placed and the teardown began.

With the suspension and wheel complete, Preston left the truck in the hands of some very capable painters at Havasu Customs in Lake Havasu, Arizona. The original paint scheme was recreated, including the original graphic package that is very noticeable in traffic.

The plan is to enjoy the truck for now but bring it back to the shop in due time for some additional upgrades, including a complete LS swap, bigger brakes to match the power and, of course, lots of burnouts.

Identifying an icon is easy, but customizing and modifying one to make it better is something we’ve seen done wrong plenty of times. In this case, we think Preston and his crew at Horizon Motorsports nailed the look, and we wouldn’t change a thing about it. What are your thoughts?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the current state of the truck’s interior restoration?

Current State of the Truck’s Interior Restoration

The truck’s interior restoration is nearly finished. Just a few components remain before it’s complete. Specifically, there are 2 or 3 panels that still need to be located and installed. Once these final pieces are in place, comprehensive photos will be shared.

Key Points:

• Progress:Almost complete
• Remaining Work:Install 2-3 more panels
• Completion Status:Interior is otherwise fully restored
• Next Steps:Share complete photos after final installations

Stay tuned for the final reveal!

What was the community’s reaction to the author’s restoration project?

Community Reaction to the Author’s Restoration Project

The community’s response to the author’s restoration project was overwhelmingly positive. Members expressed their enthusiasm and support in various ways, with many congratulating the author on the impressive progress made so far. A common sentiment was marveling at the meticulous attention to detail and dedication shown throughout the project.

Key Takeaways from the Community’s Feedback:

• Encouraging Comments: Many users cheered on the author’s effort, noting the significant advances and improvements achieved.
• Constructive Feedback: Alongside praise, some members offered practical advice and tips, drawing from their own restoration experiences to help the author enhance the project even further.
• Shared Experiences: The discussion was enriched by community members sharing their projects, creating a sense of camaraderie and mutual motivation.

Overall, the restoration project not only garnered admiration but also fostered a collaborative spirit, with the community actively engaging and contributing to its success.

What additional gauges did the author install in the truck?

Additional Gauges Installed in the Truck

The author upgraded the truck with two new gauges to enhance its monitoring capabilities. Here’s a detailed list of the additions:

• Transmission Temperature Gauge: This gauge helps keep an eye on the transmission fluid temperature, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating.
• RPM Gauge: This gauge provides real-time data about the engine’s revolutions per minute, allowing for more precise control and better engine management.

What parts and materials did the author use to restore the dashboard?

To restore the dashboard, the author utilized several parts and materials. They began by purchasing a used dashboard from an online marketplace. The seller performed minor repairs and painted it with a grey primer.

Next, the author applied an adhesion promoter to ensure the paint would stick well to the surface. They then painted the dashboard with a high-gloss black paint. For added durability, a clear coat was also applied to provide extra protection.

What insulation and carpet materials did the author use for the truck’s floor?

The author opted for Cool It Insulation, a budget-friendly choice that rivals the effectiveness of higher-priced alternatives such as Dynamat. For those looking for premium performance, they suggest considering Lizard Skin.

When it comes to the carpet, the author installed a new molded carpet. They chose a black color to match the rest of the truck’s interior. The carpet required some trimming to fit perfectly, but using a good pair of scissors made the task manageable.

How did the author address the headliner issue in the truck?

The headliner issue in the truck was resolved through a persistent and creative approach. The author spent several Saturdays over two months searching junkyards to find a replacement. Once a suitable headliner was obtained, they decided on a customized look by wrapping it in Real Tree AP camo fabric.

In addition to addressing the headliner, the author tackled the lack of interior panels in the truck’s base model. They repurposed leftover parts from a previous project involving a ’92 Silverado trim, installing these components to enhance the truck’s interior. This practical and resourceful effort not only fixed the original problem but also upgraded the overall look of the vehicle’s cabin.

What previous experience does the author have with Chevy GMT 400 trucks?

From the age of 16, the author has been passionate about the Chevy GMT 400 series. Their journey began with a 1991 Chevy K1500 4×4, which ignited their love for these robust trucks. Now at 30 years old, the author has owned multiple models within the GMT 400 lineup, showcasing a long-term, hands-on experience with this iconic series.

What steps did the author take to refurbish the truck’s interior?

With the suspension and wheel complete, Preston left the truck in the hands of some very capable painters at Havasu Customs in Lake Havasu, Arizona. The original paint scheme was recreated, including the original graphic package that is very noticeable in traffic.

The interior was in dire need of attention. The seats were torn, the dash was cracked, and there was no headliner. The smell was less than ideal. Preston began by stripping everything out, including the entire A/C system. He meticulously went through the wiring, removing unnecessary components and making essential repairs.

Interior Overhaul

• Dash Replacement: Preston sourced a new dash from eBay. The seller had already done some minor repairs and painted it primer grey. Using adhesion promoter, Preston repainted it Dupli-color gloss black and added a clear coat for extra protection.
• Mechanical Repairs: He replaced the blower motor, all actuators, heater core, and evaporator. He also sealed gaps in the plastic vents to ensure a snug fit.
• Headliner Hunt: Finding a suitable headliner from a junkyard took two months of Saturday visits. Ultimately, he decided to wrap it in Real Tree AP camo for a unique touch.
• Panel Installations: The truck, originally a base model, had no interior panels. Preston installed leftover panels from a previous project, enhancing the interior look.

Flooring and Carpet

Preston opted for Cool It insulation, a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive brands like Dynamat. He had used it in other projects with satisfactory results. For those looking to go all out, he recommended Lizard Skin.

• Carpet Installation: The new molded carpet arrived and required trimming to fit perfectly. Using a good pair of scissors, Preston installed the black carpet to match the rest of the interior.

The interior was nearing completion. With just two or three more panels needed, Preston promised to post complete pictures once everything was finished. He also added new GlowShift gauges for trans temp and RPM, giving the dashboard a modern touch while retaining its classic appeal.

What specific model and specifications does the author’s 1993 Chevy K2500 have?

Case in point is this 1993 Chevrolet Silverado Indianapolis 500 Pace Truck Edition. Chevy decided to build a 1,235-unit production run of trucks in celebration of the 77th running of the Indy 500 in 1993. The Silverado didn’t actually serve as the pace truck that year (it was actually a Camaro Z/28) but the truck was the “Official Truck of the 77th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” hence the creation of the limited-edition Silverado.

Preston Woolery originally picked up this ’93 C/K 1500 truck in the year 2000, and he eventually let his son drive it to high school before modifying it to the form you see now. It was in pristine condition—including absolutely no rust in the engine bay or any minor exterior and interior cosmetic blemishes—however, it still sported the original 350 V-8 engine and original automatic transmission. Other notable factory options that remained on this truck include a roof-mounted visor, a tonneau cover, a locking tailgate, and air conditioning, which makes the perfect platform for modifying and making it your own.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of its build and specifications:

• Model: 1993 Chevy K2500 regular cab long bed Cheyenne 4×4
• Engine: 5.7L 350
• Transmission: 4L80E automatic
• Transfer Case: 241 t/c
• Differentials:
  • Front: 9.25
  • Rear: 9.5 semi-float
• Gear Ratio: 4.10 gears
• Tires: 265/75R16

These detailed specifications highlight the robust build and versatility of this truck, making it a stellar example of the GMT 400 platform. Whether you’re a fan of the Indy 500 edition or the core capabilities of Chevy trucks from the era, this vehicle stands out as a unique blend of history and performance.