New truck

[75ChevyGuy]

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.

[Palf70Step]

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.

[TennesseeZ]

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!

[Palf70Step]

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

[TennesseeZ]

Here 'ya go

[scotts62]

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

[k5hart]

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

[89chevsj]

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.

[89chevsj]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

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.

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.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

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.

[75ChevyGuy]

Thanks for the info guys! As promised here are some pictures. But no laughing, this is only a 500 dollar truck!



Yes I know, I need to get new tail lights

[Palf70Step]

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

[collins10672]

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

[chevyndn]

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

[TennesseeZ]

$540? All day long!

[75ChevyGuy]

Originally Posted by collins10672

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

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

Originally Posted by chevyndn

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

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

Originally Posted by TennesseeZ

$540? All day long!

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

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

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

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.

[75ChevyGuy]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

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.

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?

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

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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[75ChevyGuy]

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!

[89chevsj]

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.

[75ChevyGuy]

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

[75ChevyGuy]

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.

[whitesilvy]

that's a good deal

[75ChevyGuy]

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!

[75ChevyGuy]

Forgot to post the new pictures Here they are



Still got to get a shot of the tail lights. Maybe I'll do that this afternoon.