73-87 Firsts & Lasts Thread

[special-K]

I'm thinking a thread that lays out all the firsts and lasts that occurred through the square body era will make for a fun and informative thread. Things like '87 was the first year for EFI,etc. I'll start off with a batch of questions and want anyone else to feel free to add anything they'd like to know or add any firsts or lasts that you do know.

What was the last year for bucket seats in pickups?
What was the last year for low back buckets?
What was the first year for the 3+3?
What was the first year for 454 4wds?
What was the first year for overdrive?
What was the last year for Bonanzas?
What was the last year for inline 6s?
What was the first year for 305?
What was the first year for rallye wheels?

[thirdstreettito]

Originally Posted by special-K

I'm thinking a thread that lays out all the firsts and lasts that occurred through the square body era will make for a fun and informative thread. Things like '87 was the first year for EFI,etc. I'll start off with a batch of questions and want anyone else to feel free to add anything they'd like to know or add any firsts or lasts that you do know.

What was the last year for bucket seats in pickups?
They never stopped.
What was the last year for low back buckets?
My 83 had them stock, so at least that late.
What was the first year for the 3+3?
The CC or for the 3+3 name? 73 I believe.
What was the first year for 454 4wds?
73 from the little bit of research I just did.
What was the first year for overdrive?
1981 was the first year for the 700R4
What was the last year for Bonanzas?
1980
What was the last year for inline 6s?
1988
What was the first year for 305?
1975
What was the first year for rallye wheels?
1976

All found on wikipedia and 73-87chevytrrucks.com

[GM72K10]

One little tidbit to add is that 1988 was the only year you could get a square body dually single cab 4wd AND the new style (88-up) within the same model year thus a V30 or a K30 K30903. So the LAST square body single cab pickup was in 1988 as a V30 dually 4x4 only. . Crew V30s were around until 91.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

All found on wikipedia and 73-87chevytrrucks.com

Well,I'm here not there and I thought some might enjoy the topic as much as I would.

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by special-K

Well,I'm here not there and I thought some might enjoy the topic as much as I would.

I agree

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by special-K

What was the last year for low back buckets?

Good post Tim! The last year for low back buckets was 77. In fact it was a transitional year so some 77's had low backs, and later ones had the new high backs.

[bigblock73]

82 was the last year for bucket seats in pickups, until the NBS was introduced at least.

[special-K]

There ya go. That's some real facts right there. How about tachometers? Were they offered all the way through? I know 6.2 diesels ('82-up) didn't get them,but not sure if that's due to the difference in how they work between diesels and gas motors.

When was the last short bed diesel offered? I know they made them for a while and stopped,or at least I think they did.

Was '76 the first year for rallye wheels? I always assumed it was because the hubcaps and other trim,like consoles did after '75.

I grew up with these trucks and the 67-72s,but I only know what I know from what I saw or needed to find out. I realize there is so much to know and so much I assumed I knew. I'm not afraid to admit what I don't know. Many of the questions I already asked I think I know the answers but thought I could confirm without looking all over the place. I don't need to know any of it. It's just curiousity and since I like the trucks so darn much I figure I should want to know this stuff. I'm also figurin' others may want to gain more knowledge. I'd probably know more if I hung out here more. Truthfully,I already spend too much time on the computer and just can't seem to spread myself out that thin.

[thirdstreettito]

Originally Posted by special-K

Well,I'm here not there and I thought some might enjoy the topic as much as I would.

Lol I've been spending too much time on Pirate4x4

Originally Posted by special-K

There ya go. That's some real facts right there. How about tachometers? Were they offered all the way through? I know 6.2 diesels ('82-up) didn't get them,but not sure if that's due to the difference in how they work between diesels and gas motors.

Met a local guy and a guy on the Diesel Place who both ordered brand new 6.2's with Tach's. Just saying...

When was the last short bed diesel offered? I know they made them for a while and stopped,or at least I think they did.

I've seen some 87's. I had seen some years ago a site that had percentages of 6.2's in which body configurations.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

Lol I've been spending too much time on Pirate4x4

That's why I never go there. I was into building true off road rigs before most of those boys were born. I have better things to do than waste my time locking horns with cocky young bucks who have something to prove ever since someone stole their puppy

Thanks for the answers. I don't recall ever hearing about tachs in diesels before. When I was a contributor over on The Diesel Page before I started posting here,all I remember is everyone looking for ways to set a tach up in their square body 6.2s. It would seem if tachs were available they would be part of the diesel pkg. I had a loaded to the gills '84 K/30 SRW Silverado Camper Special 6.2 that the original owner (I was 2nd) ordered,then installed a Gear Vendors and Banks Sidewinder on,didn't have a tach from factory. It did have one mounted on the A-pillar that he installed. BTW...I wish I had that truck now!!

[redsled87]

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

All found on wikipedia and 73-87chevytrrucks.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by special-K
I'm thinking a thread that lays out all the firsts and lasts that occurred through the square body era will make for a fun and informative thread. Things like '87 was the first year for EFI,etc. I'll start off with a batch of questions and want anyone else to feel free to add anything they'd like to know or add any firsts or lasts that you do know.

What was the last year for bucket seats in pickups?
They never stopped.
What was the last year for low back buckets?
My 83 had them stock, so at least that late.
What was the first year for the 3+3?
The CC or for the 3+3 name? 73 I believe.
What was the first year for 454 4wds?
73 from the little bit of research I just did.
What was the first year for overdrive?
1981 was the first year for the 700R4
What was the last year for Bonanzas?
1980
What was the last year for inline 6s?
1988
What was the first year for 305?
1975
What was the first year for rallye wheels?
1976

I have to disagree with 1988 for the inline 6. I have a 1987 sales booklet and their is no mention of an line 6. Just the 4.3 V6.

[Keith Seymore]

Rally wheels started in at least '75.

Our '75 shortbox, which we purchased new, had the rally wheels on it.

It had the small, rounded centercaps like this:



K

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by special-K

... feel free to add anything they'd like to know or add any firsts or lasts that you do know.

I know that 1977 was a year with quite a few changes and some unique features. Such as:

- Yellow/gold (instead of black) accent stripes on the aluminum body moldings (only other year to have this was the 75 Gentlemen Jim).
- Changeover year to GM corporate blue engines (not truck specific).

- Last year for mechanical oil gauge (78-up are electric).
- Last year for field-wound wiper motor (78-up are permanent magnet motors).

- First year to offer a one-ton (K30) 4-wheel drive.
- First year for optionally available power windows and locks (resulting in a new design inner door structure and door panel).
- First year for optionally available inside hood release.
- First year for optionally available delay wipers (and it was a 1-year only setup because the 78-up permanent magnet motors have different wiring and the dash switch hole was changed a bit).
- First year for the optional ZY5 "exterior decor package".
- First year (I think) for the PA6 white spoke "styled wheels".
- First year (I think) for shoulder belts as standard equipment (they were optional in earlier year trucks).

[thirdstreettito]

Originally Posted by redsled87

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by special-K
I'm thinking a thread that lays out all the firsts and lasts that occurred through the square body era will make for a fun and informative thread. Things like '87 was the first year for EFI,etc. I'll start off with a batch of questions and want anyone else to feel free to add anything they'd like to know or add any firsts or lasts that you do know.

What was the last year for bucket seats in pickups?
They never stopped.
What was the last year for low back buckets?
My 83 had them stock, so at least that late.
What was the first year for the 3+3?
The CC or for the 3+3 name? 73 I believe.
What was the first year for 454 4wds?
73 from the little bit of research I just did.
What was the first year for overdrive?
1981 was the first year for the 700R4
What was the last year for Bonanzas?
1980
What was the last year for inline 6s?
1988
What was the first year for 305?
1975
What was the first year for rallye wheels?
1976

I have to disagree with 1988 for the inline 6. I have a 1987 sales booklet and their is no mention of an line 6. Just the 4.3 V6.

I-6's were probably in Mexico up to 88.

[turbo350]

delete

[turbo350]

[QUOTE I had a loaded to the gills '84 K/30 SRW Silverado Camper Special 6.2 that the original owner (I was 2nd) ordered,then installed a Gear Vendors and Banks Sidewinder on,didn't have a tach from factory. It did have one mounted on the A-pillar that he installed. BTW...I wish I had that truck now!![/QUOTE]

Do you have any pics? I always found the Banks kits interesting.

[Corts60]

1978 was the first year for a diesel squarebody. It was the Olds 5.7 N/T.

You could only get the diesel in a half ton, 2-wheel drive. And only automatic.

There was a sticker they attached to the door jam that stated if you towed more than 1000 lbs. it voided the warranty. (The original owner of my truck is a good friend of mine and he has all kinds of stories about when he first bought it).

I think 1982 was the either the first year for the 6.2 or the last year for the 5.7 (in a truck) or both.

Does anyone know the first year for a diesel 3/4 ton or 4x4?

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by Corts60

1978 was the first year for a diesel squarebody. It was the Olds 5.7 N/T.

You could only get the diesel in a half ton, 2-wheel drive. And only automatic.

There was a sticker they attached to the door jam that stated if you towed more than 1000 lbs. it voided the warranty. (The original owner of my truck is a good friend of mine and he has all kinds of stories about when he first bought it).

I think 1982 was the either the first year for the 6.2 or the last year for the 5.7 (in a truck) or both.

Does anyone know the first year for a diesel 3/4 ton or 4x4?

1982 was first year for the 6.2, available in all configurations. 5.7 available through ALL square bodies thru 1991.

[special-K]

Wasn't '79 the first year for the wider lower side trim (black) that continued to be used on '81-ups? Or,was it '80? I'm a little fuzzy on this. You can tell I don't spend enough time in this area.

Originally Posted by turbo350

Do you have any pics? I always found the Banks kits interesting.

No,I have a couple pictures of the truck but nothing under the hood. I didn't take pictures of my stuff back then the way I do now. Some vehicles I've had I have no pictures at all.

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

I know that 1977 was a year with quite a few changes and some unique features. Such as...

That's some great info there. '77 was a year of "onlys" and "firsts". My brother in law (we were friends first) bought a nearly new loaded '77 K/30 Silverado Dooley 4spd from an insurance guy who spent a lot of time on the road. He said it road too rough for him...go figure. I wish that truck was still around.

Originally Posted by redsled87

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What was the last year for bucket seats in pickups?
They never stopped.
What was the last year for low back buckets?
My 83 had them stock, so at least that late.
What was the first year for the 3+3?
The CC or for the 3+3 name? 73 I believe.
What was the first year for 454 4wds?
73 from the little bit of research I just did.
What was the first year for overdrive?
1981 was the first year for the 700R4
What was the last year for Bonanzas?
1980
What was the last year for inline 6s?
1988
What was the first year for 305?
1975
What was the first year for rallye wheels?
1976

I have to disagree with 1988 for the inline 6. I have a 1987 sales booklet and their is no mention of an line 6. Just the 4.3 V6.

Thanks for all those answers. I always assumed the inlines went out when the V6 came in. Maybe the 292 was still available in the cab & chassis one tons in '88. Yes,I meant crew cabs,which first were called 3+3s. Since I wanted to know the first year I used their name at the time. I believe you are correct on '73 being the first year. That's how I had it in my head. I have to disagree on a couple of your answers. I don't believe the 454 was available in K-series straight out of '73. I want to say '75 but it's been a while since I've been on that topic. Also,I know bucket seats weren't available from some point in the '80s. I sat at a dealer and spec'd out a truck order a few times in the mid-late '80s,then backed out,and I remember finding out buckets had been discontinued.

[Corts60]

Originally Posted by GM72K10

5.7 available through ALL square bodies thru 1991.

I'm not too sure about that. The Olds Diesel production only ran from 1978-1985. Unless you are talking about crate engines/replacements. Also, I have yet to see any C-20/30 or any K trucks that came factory with a 5.7 Olds.

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by Corts60

I'm not too sure about that. The Olds Diesel production only ran from 1978-1985. Unless you are talking about crate engines/replacements. Also, I have yet to see any C-20/30 or any K trucks that came factory with a 5.7 Olds.

My bad, I'm talking 5.7 gas, Olds (5.7) diesel was available 78 -79-80-81

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by special-K

Wasn't '79 the first year for the wider lower side trim (black) that continued to be used on '81-ups? Or,was it '80? .

It was 1981. The 1980 Silverado was the only year that had a square headlight with rounded line (73-80) style fenders.

Here is an awesome example of an 80 Silverado

[Corts60]

That is a beautiful truck!

My '80 Scottsdale that I used to own did have the fatter lower trim (see pic below), so I guess maybe when the PO repainted the truck they just changed out the trim or?? I know the grill was not an '80 grill so I guess they changed a couple things.

[ghettoluxury]

74 was the last year for amber turnsignals, the deep grille, and the first year for rain gutters to be standard

75 was the last year for mechanical oil pressure gauge

78 was the first year for full front headlight bezels and the vin plate in the dash

81 was the first year for turnsignals in the bumper and 82 was the last year for this

83 was the last year for the dimmer switch on the floor

84 was the first year for wiper/dimmer switch on the column

86 was the last year for the square body to have the c/k body code

87 was the first year for the r/v body code

91 was the only year for the 4l80e/np205

[hopped up]

whats a 3+3?
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