Junkyarding

[58 Special]

Recognized that 63ish red chevy dually with the brown and cream chevy van behind it that in the pick your part in the west end. There is a 79 camero there that has a posi in it.

[dagnabbitt]

I recently acquired a 2003 GMC 3500 Cab and Chassis, so going to the junkyard is even more fun, as I have a "new" vehicle that I am shopping for.

By far the most interesting bit of GM lore that I have learned, lately, is that all 2003-2006ish base model trucks and vans did in fact have cruise control: they just didn't give you the ability to use it. They were the first drive by wire trucks and the last ones to have the cruise control on a stalk: the base models just didn't have the multifunction version on the column. I read with great interest and a little disbelief on this forum, how easy this upgrade is.

So I acquired a multifunction lever from an Avalanche at the junkyard, and had it installed it in my C and C in about 20 minutes: the truck now has cruise control, just like that. There is even an indicator on the dash, which I watched light up for the very first time in this 22 year-old truck.

Every time I think about this, I smile. It is pretty much how I thought you would install cruise when I was a little kid. Just need a button.

[dagnabbitt]

Went out exploring today, not too much exciting. I did find a 1982 Suburban with tilt - I have been on the hunt for a 78-82 tilt column for quite some time, for my little 81. But, this one was pretty loose and sloppy around the top "tilt" portion. I decided to leave it, come home, and maybe read up on how much work it takes to rebuild one. If someone else gets it in the meantime, that is fine.

In my travels I came across this 1977 3/4 ton. Used to be that these were everywhere, but I had to just stop and admire it. It was pretty complete, I think it would probably be on the road again without too much work. No one wants a 2WD C20, I guess. I was quite indignant that they labelled it a 1983 with marker. That's one year only trim! I guess not everyone is obsessed.



I also came across a really clean 1990 that someone was clearly trying to get on the road before it ended up in the yard. There is practically a price tag on this alternator. I thought of taking it but figured someone else needed it more. Upper rad hose was brand new, too.



In the end all I got was another genuine GM ignition module. I will add it to the pile.

[dagnabbitt]

This did make me laugh.

[Steeveedee]

^ The irony.

[LT7A]

I enjoyed reading of your wrecking yard finds and adventures. I would for sure grab that slider if it's still there. I know the trend is for one piece rear windows, but I have square bodies mostly, and couldn't imagine not being able to open the back window. I'd say grab all the items you're inclined to. You are probably saving it from being tossed or crushed. Like that oil bath air cleaner. I'll bet someone would buy that on eBay right away since a lot of them got swapped out back in the day. Who ever thought a stock looking engine in a truck would ever become cool

[GSP7]

Beautiful rusted out front fenders and bed sides. Those will fetch top dollar cause theyz original


.,

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by LT7A

I enjoyed reading of your wrecking yard finds and adventures. I would for sure grab that slider if it's still there. I know the trend is for one piece rear windows, but I have square bodies mostly, and couldn't imagine not being able to open the back window. I'd say grab all the items you're inclined to. You are probably saving it from being tossed or crushed. Like that oil bath air cleaner. I'll bet someone would buy that on eBay right away since a lot of them got swapped out back in the day. Who ever thought a stock looking engine in a truck would ever become cool

Thanks for reading! I love walking around looking for stuff that I never knew I needed. And one of my many hobbies is photography. I never let a lack of talent get in the way of having fun with trucks, or taking pictures.

I did not get that rear slider, but next time I will. Having never owned a truck with A/C I can't imagine life without one and it really tempted me. I am going to research how to tell if it is factory or aftermarket, though. Seems like it was a rare option from the factory, in fact I never knew they were offered at all - thought they were all aftermarket - until I joined this site.

As to the oil bath air cleaner, I did end up taking it. Grumpy educated me on that, and I have a few now: I have to admit that I never knew that they had any value whatsoever. I have also learned that it is important to document the year and engine they came from. I would have thought that they would just make one that fit all, but that is not the case, of course.