GMC trim level restriction.

[71gmcC15]

I just got a tilting steering column from randy 500 and also bought a nice seat of bucket seats from him as well. I was wondering if a base model gmc could even get those options or would you have to go to a higher trim level.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by 71gmcC15

I just got a tilting steering column from randy 500 and also bought a nice seat of bucket seats from him as well. I was wondering if a base model gmc could even get those options or would you have to go to a higher trim level.

Years ago there was a painter in town that had a very base Chevy that had bucket seats.

On the other end of the spectrum there was a Cheyenne Super that had no other options. I was a 307, ToT, no pwr steering, no pwr brakes, no AC, nothing.

Someone else will pipe in, but to my knowledge an option was available on any truck unless limited or restricted by another option.

[Steeveedee]

I worked for a Chevrolet dealer (well, three of them, in the early '70s) and you could order what you wanted off the order sheet, if you knew what you wanted. There are some member's trucks that have all kinds of options that have nothing to do with them being "Custom Camper", "Cheyenne whatever", etc. Go to the SPID thread for examples! It's fun to look at all of them. Tilt wheel might have usually been put in the high dollar trucks, but it is a stand-alone option that could have been put in any truck if it was ordered that way.

[truckster]

On some vehicles you could even order things that didn't show up on the order sheet.

But don't waste your time looking for the ultra-rare C10 Corvette option.

[71gmcC15]

Ok that's what I kinda thought but was not shure. So there is no restrictions on any option regardless of trim level. Cool wich then in tern means that there are alot of uniquely optioned pickups. Unlike today's pickups where they are all option mostly the the same.

[special-K]

It was nothing special to order either one of those options on a base trim truck. They were available, although tilt wheel started in late-69 I believe. Definitely by '70. The mid-level trucks didn't get buckets due to the cloth seating. I am 98% sure of that but 2% can be a lot . Yes, on Cheyenne Supers they just did the Cheyenne vinyl. But there is no upgrade vinyl other than CST/Cheyenne. They knocked the Super down a notch but wouldn't bump Custom/Custom Deluxe up a notch. At least that's my take. The buckets in a base truck have a waffle, basket weave, whatever pattern like the bench, cheaper vinyl, less foam. You won't find correct covers, only the Cheyenne foam and vinyl

[factorystock]

I agree with all the others, this was an era when you were encouraged to order a vehicle exactly the way you wanted it. There were a few restrictions when it came to chassis and powertrain components, but comfort and convenience options where there for your choosing regardless of trim level. Oh boy, would I have ordered a factory "one off" back then. Namely, a base model with a loaded SPID.

[weim55]

There is a guy here on the board that has the combination you speak of in a Chevrolet. ‘70 base C/10 (not a Custom or CST) low option truck with bucket seat option on the SPID. A very original truck, had full carpet as I remember, So that led me to believe the bucket seat option included full carpeting as well even on the base model. Really wanted to show you the thread about this truck but I’ll be damned if I can remember the thread name. If I come up with it I’ll chime in later.

Steve weim55 Colorado

[randy500]

I agree with the above comments on availability!
Thanks for your purchase and the previous tilt column purchase too! Those are nice options that add to driving comfort and looks.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by factorystock

I agree with all the others, this was an era when you were encouraged to order a vehicle exactly the way you wanted it. There were a few restrictions when it came to chassis and powertrain components, but comfort and convenience options where there for your choosing regardless of trim level. Oh boy, would I have ordered a factory "one off" back then. Namely, a base model with a loaded SPID.

That's what I levitated to. I was dazzled by loaded Cheyenne Supers and such for a long time. Ok, I still am. But I have come across some really cool trucks with odd combos and those are my favorites. The best one I owned was a Red Orange K/10 short Fleetside in the '90s. I restored it to original. It came with 292/4spd fr & rr posi 4.10s. It was a '71 Custom with black bucket seats (no console), tilt am/fm, a/c, tach, wood bed floor, tow hooks, chrome bumpers, and 10.00 floatation tires. So that meant 16.5 x 8.25 wheels. The wheels had been changed, so I put 15 x 8s and 31/10.50s on it