1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Kex · 10-12-2007, 12:11 PM

Hi everyone.

We bought our truck new and it now has 190,000 miles clocked. We use it to tow a steel Sundowner horse trailer we bought at the same time (with a horse, of course!). Here are the details:

- K1500 Z-71 5.7L Silverado short bed (step side) extended cab.
- First registered in CA, since then CO, VA, D.C., MA, and now CA again.

Everything is OEM since all repairs were done by a Chevy dealer (mostly in Alexandria, VA).

Our last "big" trip was from Wellesley, Masachussets, to Santa Monica, CA, in June 2005 when the truck already had 183,000 miles clocked, towing the horse and the steel trailer. She did a great job (we never went over 60 mph just to be careful with all that heat) and we met with a few interesting experiences on the way (like some guy at a service station in Southern Utah who came running out to tell us we needed new shocks before we wore out our tires and drivetrain and that he could change them for us for half the dealer cost in just 90 minutes or so).

What we have replaced over the years are:
- a/c unit (twice, I think).
- rear brake cylinders.
- wiper motor.
- power steering.
- water pump.
- catalytic converter (just once).
- front ball joints.

We had a persistent problem with the brake switch failing every year or so until we had all the trailer wiring replaced by a horse trailer repair shop. The last two times it failed before that, the cruise control also stopped working. The first repair was done in Virginia, but when MUZI in Masachussetts replaced the brake switch, they wanted and extra $90 diagnostic fee to check why the cruise control was still not working. We never went back there again (we had some other issues with them that just made us lose all confidence in their dealership).

Apart from the cruise control (which still doesn't work), and the center console (which broke off its anchors), everything works more or less as it should. The exterior looks a bit worn though (OEM paintwork very disappointing in quality IMO).

So, we want to keep this truck, and would like to get her back in good shape. I would love to hear from anybody in the L.A. area, Glendale or elsewhere, that has any good tips for us:

- Good workshop for issues such as the cruise control.
- Good workshop for servicing (and finding any issues that need attention).
- Good bodyshop for planned paint job.
- Good source of parts such as the broken center console and other bits and pieces.
- I like to do some DIY (at least, the simple stuff).
- We like to keep our truck pretty much OEM.
- anything else anyone cares to suggest as a good idea!

I'll post a pic if I can figure out how to do it!

Thanks for reading!

Kex · 10-12-2007, 12:24 PM

Here are some pix, from Washington D.C. in 2004 (I think).

**1971K54X4** · 10-12-2007, 01:56 PM

to the board from Iowa. I have a 98 and the cruze control is hit and miss with it. I have 212,000+ miles on it and it runs great. I'm sure someone will chime in with a good shop. You might want to post your questions in the 88 to 98 section of the board also.Nice lookin truck.

jsbgump · 10-12-2007, 02:03 PM

Welcome to the board from Texas

Kex · 10-12-2007, 02:20 PM

Thanks 1971K54X4 and jsbgump! We drove through Iowa on our way here in 2005 BTW. Stopped at a horse barn in Altoona (Des Moines) just off the I80. It was hot that day, and we were stopping before 2 pm to keep the horse from getting too hot. When we drove up to the barn, there was a dead horse lying on the ground ... we nearly died too on the spot! Apparently it had just died of old age and whoever was supposed to collect it was late, but it didn't look good! There was a friendly lady in charge though, who obviously read the horror on our faces as we pulled in. She was dressed up like a Texas horse show rider of some description in very colorful riding gear and there were hundreds (maybe thousands) of ribbons and prizes all over the walls of the arena. Just one of those funny stories, but it wasn't so funny at the time!

shaneschevys · 10-12-2007, 02:29 PM

Welcome from FT Worth TX.

Jerry Jones · 10-12-2007, 02:58 PM

Welcome from Northern California

droppedgmc · 10-12-2007, 03:29 PM

welcome from WA

**Ron 586** · 10-13-2007, 12:34 AM

Welcome to the board from West Tennessee.

72BlckButy · 10-13-2007, 10:21 PM

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

krue · 10-13-2007, 10:34 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

L0WRIDE · 10-14-2007, 01:06 AM

to the boards

Kex · 10-14-2007, 01:31 AM

It's so nice to get all these "welcome" messages for a noob guys! Hey, L0WRIDE, I have a cousin in New Zealand, so I might have to come and visit some day!

Stepside65 · 10-14-2007, 07:32 PM

Welcome from SE New Mexico.

tcb-1 · 10-17-2007, 09:29 PM

welcome aboard from Shawnee, KS!!

86swb · 10-18-2007, 04:20 PM

Welcome from Western Kentucky.

earl87gta · 10-21-2007, 09:23 AM

From East TN.

kenm78 · 10-21-2007, 09:25 AM

Welcome to the board from OKC

LUV2XCLR8 · 10-25-2007, 05:27 PM

From West TN

10-12-2007, 12:11 PM	#1
Kex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA (SoCal) Posts: 122	1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Hi everyone. We bought our truck new and it now has 190,000 miles clocked. We use it to tow a steel Sundowner horse trailer we bought at the same time (with a horse, of course!). Here are the details: - K1500 Z-71 5.7L Silverado short bed (step side) extended cab. - First registered in CA, since then CO, VA, D.C., MA, and now CA again. Everything is OEM since all repairs were done by a Chevy dealer (mostly in Alexandria, VA). Our last "big" trip was from Wellesley, Masachussets, to Santa Monica, CA, in June 2005 when the truck already had 183,000 miles clocked, towing the horse and the steel trailer. She did a great job (we never went over 60 mph just to be careful with all that heat) and we met with a few interesting experiences on the way (like some guy at a service station in Southern Utah who came running out to tell us we needed new shocks before we wore out our tires and drivetrain and that he could change them for us for half the dealer cost in just 90 minutes or so). What we have replaced over the years are: - a/c unit (twice, I think). - rear brake cylinders. - wiper motor. - power steering. - water pump. - catalytic converter (just once). - front ball joints. We had a persistent problem with the brake switch failing every year or so until we had all the trailer wiring replaced by a horse trailer repair shop. The last two times it failed before that, the cruise control also stopped working. The first repair was done in Virginia, but when MUZI in Masachussetts replaced the brake switch, they wanted and extra $90 diagnostic fee to check why the cruise control was still not working. We never went back there again (we had some other issues with them that just made us lose all confidence in their dealership). Apart from the cruise control (which still doesn't work), and the center console (which broke off its anchors), everything works more or less as it should. The exterior looks a bit worn though (OEM paintwork very disappointing in quality IMO). So, we want to keep this truck, and would like to get her back in good shape. I would love to hear from anybody in the L.A. area, Glendale or elsewhere, that has any good tips for us: - Good workshop for issues such as the cruise control. - Good workshop for servicing (and finding any issues that need attention). - Good bodyshop for planned paint job. - Good source of parts such as the broken center console and other bits and pieces. - I like to do some DIY (at least, the simple stuff). - We like to keep our truck pretty much OEM. - anything else anyone cares to suggest as a good idea! I'll post a pic if I can figure out how to do it! Thanks for reading! Last edited by Kex; 10-12-2007 at 12:12 PM.

10-12-2007, 12:24 PM	#2
Kex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA (SoCal) Posts: 122	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Here are some pix, from Washington D.C. in 2004 (I think). Attached Images

10-12-2007, 01:56 PM	#3
1971K54X4 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Manchester, Iowa Posts: 1,493	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. to the board from Iowa. I have a 98 and the cruze control is hit and miss with it. I have 212,000+ miles on it and it runs great. I'm sure someone will chime in with a good shop. You might want to post your questions in the 88 to 98 section of the board also.Nice lookin truck. __________________ Korey 1955 Bel Air 2 door hardtop 1971 Blazer 4x4 1973 Z-28 Prostreet

10-12-2007, 02:03 PM	#4
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome to the board from Texas __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

10-12-2007, 02:20 PM	#5
Kex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA (SoCal) Posts: 122	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Thanks 1971K54X4 and jsbgump! We drove through Iowa on our way here in 2005 BTW. Stopped at a horse barn in Altoona (Des Moines) just off the I80. It was hot that day, and we were stopping before 2 pm to keep the horse from getting too hot. When we drove up to the barn, there was a dead horse lying on the ground ... we nearly died too on the spot! Apparently it had just died of old age and whoever was supposed to collect it was late, but it didn't look good! There was a friendly lady in charge though, who obviously read the horror on our faces as we pulled in. She was dressed up like a Texas horse show rider of some description in very colorful riding gear and there were hundreds (maybe thousands) of ribbons and prizes all over the walls of the arena. Just one of those funny stories, but it wasn't so funny at the time!

10-12-2007, 02:29 PM	#6
shaneschevys Its always something! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FT Worth,TX Posts: 4,992	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome from FT Worth TX. __________________ 79 p10 stepvan 72 Short Fleetside 72 Suburban 67 GMC One Ton Flatbed 64 Short Fleetside 57 Chevy 2DR Hard Top 57 Chevy 2dr wagon 65 f* short fleet 63 C 60 Flatbed Member of the patina club**

10-12-2007, 02:58 PM	#7
Jerry Jones Happy Camper Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 8,407	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome from Northern California __________________ RIP El Jay! Love you brother!

10-12-2007, 03:29 PM	#8
droppedgmc Truck Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arlington, WA Posts: 1,346	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. welcome from WA __________________ '85 swb

10-13-2007, 12:34 AM	#9
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,150	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome to the board from West Tennessee. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

10-13-2007, 10:21 PM	#10
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. to the board from Mid-MO!!! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

10-13-2007, 10:34 PM	#11
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-14-2007, 01:06 AM	#12
L0WRIDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,166	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. to the boards __________________ 49 CHEVROLET 1/2 TON, 52 CHEVROLET SEDAN 62 HARDTOP NOVA 65 CHEVROLET BB LWB FLEETSIDE 90 CHEVROLET EXTRA CAB CHEVY ONLY - NZ Chapter http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=137984

10-14-2007, 01:31 AM	#13
Kex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA (SoCal) Posts: 122	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. It's so nice to get all these "welcome" messages for a noob guys! Hey, L0WRIDE, I have a cousin in New Zealand, so I might have to come and visit some day!

10-14-2007, 07:32 PM	#14
Stepside65 Still Truckless! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Valrico, Florida Posts: 3,166	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome from SE New Mexico. __________________ ~James Truckless 2009 Hyundai Sonata<~~Wife's sedanomatic 1997 Nissan Pickup Father-in-law's tonka toy I am forced to drive Founder of The 60-66 Club Tutor Et Ultor

10-17-2007, 09:29 PM	#15
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. welcome aboard from Shawnee, KS!!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-18-2007, 04:20 PM	#16
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome from Western Kentucky. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

10-21-2007, 09:23 AM	#17
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. From East TN. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

10-21-2007, 09:25 AM	#18
kenm78 Broken Down Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Choctaw, Oklahoma Posts: 1,267	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. Welcome to the board from OKC __________________ kenm78 1982 Chevy 4X4 Project truck “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder about your ignorance, than open your mouth and reveal all doubt”

10-25-2007, 05:27 PM	#19
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: 1994 K1500 in Adam's Hill, L.A. From West TN __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.