2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Short Bed 4x4 Pickup
"Many government agencies order their vehicles in bulk, and these agencies sometimes specify particular colors - though often they simply choose whichever is cheapest. Forest Service Green has been chosen by the U.S. Forest Service since the 1950s, and the green is highly distinctive, a rather unusual hue that no sane person would choose for their own vehicles." Doug Demuro, AutoTrader.com, 2018. Sorry, Doug, we have to disagree. Yes, it's incredibly distinctive but some people like the idea of "Federal Standard 34350 Forest Service Green" paint, and especially if the vehicle was actually employed by the Forest Service. We think it's the "close to nature" factor the color implies.
For consignment, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 short bed 4x4 with a long history of working in the wilds of California before finding its way to Pennsylvania. The government decals are gone, but now it's got a clean look that might even inspire someone to create decals of their own!
Exterior
The light but bright green of the Forest Service is used nationally on maintenance, patrol, and other official vehicles of this government branch, usually seen in the wild on lands owned by the American people but regulated by the Service. A black and chrome face and grille contrast nicely with the paint and black door handles and side mirrors add even more interest. On the bed, Chevrolet's 4x4 decal remains while inside the bed, a plastic bed liner indicates this may have been a light duty truck, it's in great shape. The 16-inch wheels are nice too and carry tires with a late 2021 date code. Rain gutters are shaped into the solid roof which waterfalls into a solid rear window. The paint and body are in great shape, and we couldn't find any glaring exterior flaws.
Interior
Naturally, a tan interior would fit with the forest theme of this former government worker, and molded plastic and vinyl inserts make up the door panel and include a carpeted lower panel. Well padded tan vinyl seats fill the cabin with a center armrest that doubles as a third seat back. There is significant wear on the driver's seat with cracking in the top layer of the vinyl and the passenger seat looks good in contrast. A basic gauge cluster fronts the driver, and the standard dash includes an AM/FM/Cassette and A/C controls on the center stack, all surrounded with black plastic. The gear shifter is on the column, but a range selector is floor mounted and short, surrounded by a rubberized floor covering with carpeted mats that have been added, all in clean condition.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a clean 4.8 liter V8, fuel injected and rated at 285 horsepower. Behind it, a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power first to the 10 bolt rear axle with 4.10 gears and an ability to share the power to the front axle, also with 4.10 gears. Power disc brakes are supplied on all four corners.
Undercarriage
There's no residual California dirt underneath and only a bit of surface rust on the usual components. The condition belies its age and mileage and is in great shape. We're not sure this truck veered from paved roads but if so, it cleaned up nice! Torsion bar suspension is in front with leaf springs in back and the single exhaust runs through original equipment and exits behind the right rear wheel.
Drive-Ability
No rattles or squeaks, this former Fed heads out onto the flat loop in fine fashion, tracking straight and providing more than enough power and acceleration. The brakes work well and from this high perch, visibility is excellent. All functions worked as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Normally, government surplus is a mess, washed up, and in no way entitled to a pension. This truck bucks that notion with razor straight panels, nice paint, newer tires, and a clean interior. Don't impersonate a park ranger, but be prepared to answer questions about directions, birds, and bears if you take this into any park. Even if you don't head to the wild, you'll have a nice 4x4 in a unique color
1GCEK14V64Z319657
1-USA
G-General Motors
C-Chevrolet Truck
E-5001 Thru 6000 GVWR
K-4wd
1-1/2 Ton
4-Standard Cab
V-4.8 Liter V8
6-Check Digit
4-2004
Z-Fort Wayne, IN Assy Plant
319657-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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