ORIGINAL GANGSTER

In the sun-kissed outskirts of Idaho Falls resides a man deeply entrenched in the mystique of classic GM trucks, Byron Morgan, a name whispered with reverence among local fellow enthusiasts. His love affair with vintage rides has culminated in  his 1977 Sierra Classic. This truck is a testament to Byron’s unwavering passion and exquisite taste.

It was Byron’s dad who nourished his love for squarebodies, having owned a black 454-equipped ‘74 Chevy Cheyenne Super half-ton when Byron was a kid. That truck never left his imprinted brain, and Byron knew that he would eventually own one. As you can see, he actually ended up with twice as many!

His orange metallic 1977 Sierra Classic, originally Russet Metallic, was born in an era where style met substance, and was found the old-fashioned way – on the Internet. The suspension, consisting of a complete Ridetech coil-over system, lowers the Sierra just enough to bestow a sense of serious purpose without compromising its usability. 

The wheels, carefully chosen to complement its timeless lines, are also 19s and 20s, but this time made by Schott Wheels. The upgraded handling necessitated better braking power, so Byron installed 14-inch Wilwood brakes up front and 12.19-inchers out back. The Sierra Classic received subtle and era-appropriate cosmetic enhancements, such as a woodgrain vinyl wrap (which replaced white vinyl wrap applied by the previous owner) between the side moldings – a testament to Byron’s belief in the beauty of restraint. This GMC is equipped with RPO code A50 factory bucket seats. The truck was born with them, as this was a highly optioned ride from the get-go. Power windows, power door locks, and air conditioning make this truck a go-to whenever Byron wants to cruise in the plush conveniences of the ‘70s. 

Despite its slight modifications, this ‘77 retains its original essence. A tribute to an era when trucks were more than just vehicles, they were symbols of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. Byron, a guardian of these relics, stands as a bridge between the past and the present, his love for these classic GMCs evident in every meticulous detail.

For Byron, these trucks aren’t just possessions, they are portals to a different time, a tangible connection to the legacy of American automotive history straddling either side of our country’s bicentennial anniversary. In the quiet of his garage, surrounded by the intoxicating scent of gasoline and the memories of countless road trips, Byron Morgan is a true custodian of classic GM trucks. His Sierra Classic is not just a vehicle – it’s an extension of his passion, his love for the road and Americana, and his reverence for the timeless charm of vintage trucks.