New truck
 

Hey all,
So I mostley hang out in the 73-87 forums, but I recently picked up a new truck yeasturday. It's a 1989 Chevy C1500 350 auto regular cab stepside. I paid 540 for it (which up here is a bargin!). So I have a couple questions about it. First the speedometer after driving around a while wile just die. I lose my odometer as well. Were there any problems with the speedo's in these trucks? Secondly I'd like to update the radio in the truck, but it has the heater intergrated into it. Is there any type of radio bezel for these trucks that will solve that problem? I will post pictures up soon when I get it on a lift.

Re: New truck
 

From what you are describing, it sounds like your instrument cluster or speedo is bad . I have heard issues with them, but I don't remember if it is just replace the speedo or the entire cluster as a fix.

Normally, any aftermarket radios will mount in the center of the dash (where tape deck mounts), not in the original location. They make bezel kits as the aftermarket deck will protrude/stick-out as the dash is very shallow at that point Then just disconnect the speaker & antenna wire from the original and leave everything else alone for the climate controls. At least that is what I did on my 92.

Re: New truck
 

The heater is not integrated into the radio. After you remove the instrument bezel (remove 4 TORX screws in corners, turn ignition ON, place gearshift in LOW, grasp top center of bezel by the clear IP cover, gently pull loose from velcro, then start disconnecting the switches), you'll see they are two separate components. There are two kinds of "pockets" to replace the radio, one is factory and was used in "radio delete" trucks, it's just a place to put sunglasses, cigarettes, etc, got a felt-like lining. The other used to be available from Crutchfield, may still be, it's basically the same thing but has ridges to hold CD cases. The center dash panel for the new radio is made by Scosche, there is one for vehicles with A/C and one without. WalMart may still have them, alot cheaper than Scosche shows too. IIRC it's a complete kit with the panel and wiring adapter. Have fun with it and post up some pics!

Re: New truck
 

What TennesseeZ said. Except I was too broke (or cheap) to buy a replacement pocket, so I left the stock radio unit in :rolleyes:

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Here 'ya go


http://www.crutchfield.com.edgesuite...00-f_dg-1.jpeg

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Got mine off of ebay and if you hunt around a bit you can get them in a kit with the harness and all for around $25

Re: New truck
 

I have a couple of those radio pieces in the sale section depending on the color you need.

Re: New truck
 

the stock radio comes out without removing the heater. there is a pocket sold on ebay or others to fill the radio opening. the odometer is tied into the speedo i believe. you can pick a whole cluster at a junkyard for cheap and just swap out the sppedo and you should be good.

Re: New truck
 

it could be either one I hade my oil pressure, temp gauge and voltmeter go out all at once tried the gauges only the voltmeter worked changed the cluster and all is good. 6 of one half dozen the other really.

Re: New truck
 

Yea I would try getting a junkyard cluster or different one and see if that fixes that problem. I know the make the radio mounting piece that goes in below the vents just like the pictures above. My 2 trucks already came with them and fit and work just fine.

Re: New truck
 

Thanks for the info guys! As promised here are some pictures. But no laughing, this is only a 500 dollar truck!
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...1-07152344.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...1-07152329.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...1-07152420.jpg
Yes I know, I need to get new tail lights :dohh:

Re: New truck
 

Heck, that is not bad..especially for the price!!

Re: New truck
 

looks like you scored on this one.that's a bargain.looks pretty solid for a northern truck.

Re: New truck
 

when am i goin to find a great deal like this? nice truck! and cant beat the price!!

Re: New truck
 

$540? All day long!

Re: New truck
 

It is wicked solid. All the lines under the hood are original with no rust what-so-ever.

Just search craigslist! That's how I found it!

I'm just lucky the guy I bought it from didn't know what it was!

It's got a couple things that need fixing. The rear strut rotted off from the axle. and a couple of broken plastic pieces inside.

Re: New truck
 

It's weird because it'll work, then all of a sudden it will drop out and I'll get the service engine light to come on. Is it weird that the odometer also stops working as well? Are they both tied in together?

Re: New truck
 

Nice that defiantly was a good buy for that price. I am curious as to what you find out about the speedo cause my buddys truck has done the same thing a few times and he can't figure out exactly what it is yet!
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Re: New truck
 

Well I finally was able to get to the root of the problem. My RWAL module was unplugged, and I couldn't retrieve any codes. I plugged it back in and found I have a code 9. Checked the wires to speed sensor and speed sensor it self. Everything was in spec but I am going to get a new GM speed sensor anyways for peace of mind. Hopeing this fixes the problem!

Re: New truck
 

if it was 4wd and loaded pw windows locks. it my first car. grey hood and all that truck got me in alot of trouble.

Re: New truck
 

Well it is loaded, but no 4WD. I like 'em better that way.

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Well replaced the speed sensor and it's better, but still cuts out from time to time. I'm going to do a couple more tests to it to see if I might have missed anything. I'll keep you all informed.

Re: New truck
 

that's a good deal

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Wow, haven't updated this in a while. Well the speedometer issue is still there, just few and far between. Nothing really new in the truck, bought a new GM D/S mirror for 40 bucks. Just waiting for it to come in. Got some "new to me" tail lights put in. I'll post some new pictures this afternoon!

Re: New truck
 

Forgot to post the new pictures:dohh: Here they are
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...216_142704.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...216_142628.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...216_142636.jpg
Still got to get a shot of the tail lights. Maybe I'll do that this afternoon.

Re: New truck
 

Wow, I haven't updated this in a while. Well I got alot of new parts for it. I bought some new wheels from GM. They are 15x8 70's rally rims. I got a new set of tires. They're 275/60R15 BFG Radial T/A's. Hopefully gonna get them mounted tonight. Bought a set of drop shakles for the rear, still haven't figured out when those are gonna go on there. Got my new radio put in, and found a factory cup holder for it on eBay. Hopefully I'll get some new pictures on here tonight when I get the rims put on.

Re: New truck
 

mine does this, I have done everything I can think of to figure it out. no luck. just one of those gremlins that you gotta live with i guess.

Re: New truck
 

I tried Bell Tech 2" drop shackles under my bed, but the '88 & '89 bed has a larger "under-side rib" that may require to be cut out to accommodate the shackle clearance. Later model beds have a rib 1/2 the size, that will clear the shackle.

Re: New truck
 

Finally got some pictures for you guys, got the new wheels on a few minutes ago
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...217_095623.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...217_095631.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...217_172248.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...217_172225.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...217_172237.jpg

Re: New truck
 

Well I got busy last night on the truck again. Got the new grille and the new parking lights installed. Quite a change if you ask me.
Before:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...221_182556.jpg
After:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...221_192027.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...222_101929.jpg
Also a picture of the truck after the drop and the cup holder.
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...222_101839.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...222_101958.jpg

Re: New truck
 

Well I decided to get some new valve covers and I wanted to get the perimiter style covers over center bolt. So I picked up a GMPP #24502540 valve cover adapter
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...veradapter.jpg
And a set of these GMPP #12480127 Valve covers
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...Valvecover.jpg
Hoping to get these soon. I'm sick of waiting. Only cost $261. Hopefully they will make the engine bay look alittle nicer. Also does anyone know about anything about a Moroso OEM replacement oil pan? Mines starting to rot on the side of it and leak oil. So I'd like to fix that as soon as possible.

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Well I got one side on last night and I'm pretty sure I picked the hardest side too. Rwally had to move alot of stuff around and cut the vacuumn booster line aswell. Although I did make a replacement line for it. Makes the engine look so much better in my opinion. I'll see if I can get some pictures.

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Whered you get the wheels from and did they come with the centercaps?

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I got the wheels from GM. they were for a 77 C10. They were around 75 bucks a piece. as for the center caps I got those for a 91 C1500 and the Chevrolet decal for the caps was also seperate.

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Nothing really new to update, just kinda collecting parts right now. I got upper and lower ball joints waiting to go in. I bought a tach cluster off eBay yesturday waiting for it to come in. I have a new steering gear thats 2 1/2 turns lock to lock instead of 3. I bought some Kodiac/Topkick door handles and waiting to put those in. Also thinking about swapping out the 2WD sway bar for a 4WD one. Does anyone know if it is stiffer or not? Or if it will even work?

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Helluva deal for the money.

Very lucky find for sure man enjoy that sucker!

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if the sway bars do match up they willbe the exact same thing. no stiffer no softer.

Re: New truck
 

Got some more pictures of under the truck, cuase I know everyone loves pictures :lol:
New shocks, U bolts, and hangers.
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165027.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165034.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165018.jpg
New muffler installed. Knock off Flowmaster 10 Series.
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165047.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165118.jpg
New sway bar end-links.
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165108.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165100.jpg
Also wanted to try something alittle different with the Chevrolet decal I had laying around. I don't know if I like it yet or not. anyone have any opinions?
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...303_165236.jpg

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Man. I have been in the south soooo long, I forgot what the underside of a northeaster truck looked like after a while.

Doing a good job on her though!!

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if the chevrolet decal stood out more it would be better, of course it could just be the pic. I literally stared at it for 2 minutes looking for it. I like it though.