When Kurt Beckman was 15, he laid eyes on this 1987 Chevy Custom Deluxe Stepside 4×4 for the first time. He didn’t have a driver’s license yet, but he already knew he wanted it. Nearly four decades later, he made that dream real, buying the truck and restoring it to perfection.

A 38-Year Waiting Game

The truck was originally purchased new by an older gentleman who lived in the same town as Kurt, and Kurt would often see it being driven around. After the gentleman passed away, Kurt says the truck disappeared. Years went by, and one day he learned that a buddy of his had acquired it. After some persistent offers to buy it, a deal was struck, and Kurt finally became the owner of the truck he’d always wanted. He says, “Years later, at the age of 53, I finally got the truck I’d dreamed of since I was a teenager.”

Restored Body, Cargo Bed Floor

Time had taken its toll on the truck’s body, so Kurt went to work. He replaced corroded sections with fresh metal, including the rocker panels, cab corners, and driver-side door. Once the new and original panels were prepped, the truck was resprayed in its factory GM color—Doeskin Tan.

The wood bed floor had also seen better days, so Kurt swapped it for a Brothers Trucks Deluxe Oak Bed Wood Kit. He sanded the oak smooth, laid down a clear coat, and finished it off with polished stainless bed strips and bolts.

Bye V6, Hello V8

From the factory, the 1987 Chevy Custom Deluxe Stepside 4×4 ran a fuel-injected 4.3-liter V6. That didn’t cut it for Kurt. He yanked the stock ’plant and dropped in a 350-cubic-inch V8 pulled from a 1984 Chevy 1500 donor truck he owned. The engine is estimated to crank out around 425 horsepower thanks in part to an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, and a Holley 650-cfm double-pumper carb. Exhaust gases exit through Hooker headers, stainless-steel Magnaflow mufflers, and 2.5-inch-diameter pipes. Edelbrock valve covers, new motor mounts, and the donor truck’s cooling system round out the setup.

Built TH350, NP208 Transfer Case

The TH350 three-speed automatic transmission was also sourced from the donor truck. It has been completely rebuilt and fitted with performance upgrades, including a B&M shift kit. Bolted to the transmission is the truck’s original NP208 two-speed transfer case.

Factory Front 10-Bolt, Upgraded 12-Bolt Rear

Up front, Kurt rebuilt the truck’s original 10-bolt axle. Out back, he swapped in a rebuilt 12-bolt from his donor truck. Both run 3.42:1 gears, with the rear packing an Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited-slip differential. Staying true to the truck’s era, he kept the automatic locking hubs up front.

32-Inch Tires And Custom 10-Inch-Wide Wheels

The Stepside’s suspension was intact and in good working order, so Kurt simply upgraded to a set of Rancho shocks. The truck rolls on 32×11.50R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires mounted on custom 10-inch-wide, powder-coated wheels from Stockton Wheel. They’re designed to accommodate the factory “dog dish” hubcaps.

New Carpet And Leather Seating

Inside, Kurt replaced the worn factory vinyl flooring with carpet. The the truck’s vinyl seat was also showing its age, so he had new foam fitted to the frame and a custom cowhide leather cover installed.

The Bottom Line

The story of how Kurt acquired the truck after all those years is amazing. Equally remarkable is the detailed restoration he completed on the rare truck. It’s a story of patience and creativity.