GMC Trim Levels Q?

[Ed 72 Sierra Grande]

Great Thread Thank You Tim. I'm in on this one.!!

Have a few ?'s my self or are they GMC production mysteries?

From what I gather some of this stuff is not very consistent?
any thing to do with different plants, workers, or parts out of stock?

Here are my observations on my 72. I will follow up with my SPID if I can be of help to anyone.

2nd owner well documented build sheet available as well.
Bulit in Fremont Ca.

Fender Badges c2500/Sierra
Dash Bezel Green on Chrome
Glove Box Dark Olive to Match Dash and No Badge (Truck is Medium Olive)
Rear Fender Badge says "Sierra" only but SPID indicates Sierra Grande?
Camper but no camper badging?
SPID also indicates CST or Custom (Will have to verify which one)?
Brakes and Gas Pedal have Original Chrome borders.
Bench Seat Scrolled Vinyl Med Olive
Lower Side Molding (Wood Grain)
Tailgate Full Trim with Wood Grain and Shiny GMC
Step Bumper (Part of the camper option?)
Auxilary Tank(ON SPID) Installed Travel Tank Drivers Side
Sold at Long Beach California (Anderson GMC I Believe)

Nothing to complain about except many questions and no tilt.

Again one of the best threads I've read!!! Keep it up!!

[special-K]

That sounds right in line with my '72 Sierra. The only Custom I see is the blue vinyl. I see a lot of Sierras saying Sierra Grande on the SPID,but the code is Z84. The step bumper was it's own option. Mine didn't get one,but it did get the camper mirrors. It has a Bardens bumper. Mine's a Freemont truck also.EDIT: Notice I removed the woodgrain door panel inserts to suit my taste.

[leh72super1500]

I remember some one saying perhaps 0n this site, that since 1972 was the last year for these trucks that they may have installed extra optioons on the truck to use up extra parts. I don't know how true this is but I guess it could be possible.

Keeping the same format with Ed 72s list, here is mine.

Built in Oshawa Ontario, Canada
Fender Badges c1500/Super Custom
Dash Black on Chrome
Bright Inserts on Knobs
Glove Box Black to Match Dash and No Badge (Truck is Hawaiian Blue / White)
SPID indicates Z64 Custom Deluxe
Brakes and Gas Pedal have Chrome borders. (Not Consistant with Super Custom)
Bench Seat Scrolled Vinyl Parchment with cloth inserts.
Upper Side Molding (Option on SPID B85)
Lower Side Molding (Wood Grain) (Option on SPID BX2) (Wood Grain is not consistant with Super Custom but looks like it came with it from the factory)
Bright Trim on Side Marker Lights (Not consistant with Super Custom)
Tailgate Full Trim with Wood Grain and Shiny GMC (Not Consistant with Super Custom)
Chrome Front and Rear Bumpers (Not consistant with Super Custom)
Sold in Mayorthorp Alberta, Canada at Smyl Pontiac Buick GMC.

Perhaps other members could list the trims/options that came with their GMC truck in this format.

[Ed 72 Sierra Grande]

Le 72,

Is it possible alot of 72's received the inconsistent perks or upgrades as you have noted? What plants gave away, upgraded, used up or substituted parts for that last year?

I will have to break mine down the same way and have our experts chime in.

Love that we have experts but i think there is enough info and mystic to also bring in the Historians and Forensics people as well.

Sounds like your tailgate may have been a bonus but who can help verify??

Now I know who got the vinyl/cloth parchment. A pic would be nice..

[Ed 72 Sierra Grande]

Originally Posted by special-K

That sounds right in line with my '72 Sierra. The only Custom I see is the blue vinyl. I see a lot of Sierras saying Sierra Grande on the SPID,but the code is Z84. The step bumper was it's own option. Mine didn't get one,but it did get the camper mirrors. It has a Bardens bumper. Mine's a Freemont truck also.

Special K
that thing is real nice. that shifter is a rare site for me.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by leh72super1500

I remember some one saying perhaps 0n this site, that since 1972 was the last year for these trucks that they may have installed extra optioons on the truck to use up extra parts. I don't know how true this is but I guess it could be possible.

Keeping the same format with Ed 72s list, here is mine.

Built in Oshawa Ontario, Canada
Fender Badges c1500/Super Custom
Dash Black on Chrome
Bright Inserts on Knobs
Glove Box Black to Match Dash and No Badge (Truck is Hawaiian Blue / White)
SPID indicates Z64 Custom Deluxe
Brakes and Gas Pedal have Chrome borders. (Not Consistant with Super Custom)
Bench Seat Scrolled Vinyl Parchment with cloth inserts.
Upper Side Molding (Option on SPID B85)
Lower Side Molding (Wood Grain) (Option on SPID BX2) (Wood Grain is not consistant with Super Custom but looks like it came with it from the factory)
Bright Trim on Side Marker Lights (Not consistant with Super Custom)
Tailgate Full Trim with Wood Grain and Shiny GMC (Not Consistant with Super Custom)
Chrome Front and Rear Bumpers (Not consistant with Super Custom)
Sold in Mayorthorp Alberta, Canada at Smyl Pontiac Buick GMC.

Perhaps other members could list the trims/options that came with their GMC truck in this format.

In '72 Sierras and Sierra Grandes became trim levels and Super Custom became the mid-level trim level...same as Custom Deluxe. Custom Deluxes got peddle trim. Your dash pieces are black and your interior is Parchment. So,is your dash pad and steering column Sandalwood or Black. I'm guessing black,if it's consistent with how things were done. Were the Chrome bumpers listed as options? I don't know what to say about the woodgrain or marker lights. I did have a '72 Chevy Highlander (Custom Deluxe) that had original woodgrain mouldings and a tailgate band. I figured the tailgate band was added. It was peeling so I swapped another one on and the letters were painted blue on the white,as Custom Deluxes were.

[factorystock]

This may be a contridiction to my earlier post showing dealer literature on the 69 thru 71 Sierra and Sierra Grande models. The chrome bumper is the contridiction. In my first post, literature states the chrome front bumper is included on the sierra, however this 2nd piece of literature states the Sierra Grande includes the chrome front bumper, but not the Sierra? Maybe a dealer communications error or pre production change. Agian, it seems the main purpose of these models was to simplify the ordering of popular options with a Sierra package name from '69 thru '71.For 1972 new rules and trim levels began and this info no longer applies.

[leh72super1500]

Originally Posted by special-K

In '72 Sierras and Sierra Grandes became trim levels and Super Custom became the mid-level trim level...same as Custom Deluxe. Custom Deluxes got peddle trim. Your dash pieces are black and your interior is Parchment. So,is your dash pad and steering column Sandalwood or Black. I'm guessing black,if it's consistent with how things were done. Were the Chrome bumpers listed as options? I don't know what to say about the woodgrain or marker lights. I did have a '72 Chevy Highlander (Custom Deluxe) that had original woodgrain mouldings and a tailgate band. I figured the tailgate band was added. It was peeling so I swapped another one on and the letters were painted blue on the white,as Custom Deluxes were.

Steering Column and dash pad are black with black bezel and glove box door. No, chrome bumpers are not listed on the SPID but the truck has it so probably installed be a PO. However the truck is fairly well optioned with other bright stuff such as SS mirrors door edge guards, moldings roof lamps etc. so I have a hard time imagining that it would have come with painted bumpers and painted hubcaps. I am now stripping and restoring the wood grain on the moldings. When I take the old stuff off it is like brand new under the old wood grain. So i'm thinking it came that way from the factory or a PO installed the moldings with the wood grain in some previous restoration. I do prefer originality in these trucks, but these extra options make it even nicer so I will not be taking them off.

If only these old trucks could talk.

Here are a few more pics.

Thanks

[special-K]

That is interesting. Yet more proof you need to go both by recorded info and actual trucks. I wil say I don't think I've ever seen any Sierra w/o chrome bumpers.

[leh72super1500]

Take a look at this Super Custom on Ebay (from another post) which the guy claims it is original. It is interesting that it has a chrome front bumper but has no fancy pedals. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....E:B:SS:CA:1123

[leh72super1500]

I copied the link wrong in my previous post. Here it is:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....ht_2272wt_1164

[Sport/Truck]

What determines what side marker lights come on our trucks? Does this also determin if you get the chrome around the gas pedal?

[special-K]

Originally Posted by leh72super1500

Steering Column and dash pad are black with black bezel and glove box door. No, chrome bumpers are not listed on the SPID but the truck has it so probably installed be a PO. However the truck is fairly well optioned with other bright stuff such as SS mirrors door edge guards, moldings roof lamps etc. so I have a hard time imagining that it would have come with painted bumpers and painted hubcaps. I am now stripping and restoring the wood grain on the moldings. When I take the old stuff off it is like brand new under the old wood grain. So i'm thinking it came that way from the factory or a PO installed the moldings with the wood grain in some previous restoration. I do prefer originality in these trucks, but these extra options make it even nicer so I will not be taking them off.

If only these old trucks could talk.

Here are a few more pics.

Thanks

I wonder what's original and what's changed/added on your truck. To me that SPID doesn't look quite right,like an original. I could be wrong,but the font and even the order options are listed just looks off to me. I see the wheelbase isn't typed in...maybe not so unusual. When the truck was repainted they painted the area under the trim on the tailgate blue rather than white,which leads me to believe whoever did the truck just made it suit their taste.

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

What determines what side marker lights come on our trucks? Does this also determin if you get the chrome around the gas pedal?

Good question. Yes,the deluxe markers and fancy pedals were only on CST/Cheyenne/Cheyenne Super Chevys,so I believe GMCs were Super Custom through '71 and Sierra/Sierra Grande in '72. Or,is that different,too?

[leh72super1500]

Originally Posted by special-K

I wonder what's original and what's changed/added on your truck. To me that SPID doesn't look quite right,like an original. I could be wrong,but the font and even the order options are listed just looks off to me. I see the wheelbase isn't typed in...maybe not so unusual. When the truck was repainted they painted the area under the trim on the tailgate blue rather than white,which leads me to believe whoever did the truck just made it suit their taste.

I believe the SPID is original. I cannot explain the different font as well as the misspelled words on it. Perhaps the SPID machine at the factory was broken that day and they had to manually type them. The options listed on the glove box decal do coincide with documentation I received from GM Canada Vintage Vehicle services when I sent them my serial number. I have seen a lot of pictures of SPIDs on this forum that the 3 digit option codes as well as the wheel base number missing. The SE # seems to be unique with trucks built in Canada.

Yes the truck has had at least one paint job in its life. Perhaps this explains the tailgate band was added afterwards as on factory super customs the tailgate was painted body color and the white was just around the GMC embossing. Maybe he got lazy and didn't want to paint the area surrounding the GMC so slapped a tailgate band on it. I have removed the band and there is a GMC embossing underneath but it is all painted blue.

Thanks for your help in solving my mysteries.

[DANTIP]

Originally Posted by leh72super1500

I believe the SPID is original. I cannot explain the different font as well as the misspelled words on it. Perhaps the SPID machine at the factory was broken that day and they had to manually type them. The options listed on the glove box decal do coincide with documentation I received from GM Canada Vintage Vehicle services when I sent them my serial number. I have seen a lot of pictures of SPIDs on this forum that the 3 digit option codes as well as the wheel base number missing. The SE # seems to be unique with trucks built in Canada.

Yes the truck has had at least one paint job in its life. Perhaps this explains the tailgate band was added afterwards as on factory super customs the tailgate was painted body color and the white was just around the GMC embossing. Maybe he got lazy and didn't want to paint the area surrounding the GMC so slapped a tailgate band on it. I have removed the band and there is a GMC embossing underneath but it is all painted blue.

Thanks for your help in solving my mysteries.

The only reason I believe the SPID is original is due to it being built in Canada. The US built trucks have pretty predictable SPID's but it seems the Canadian built trucks are way less predictable. I would NEVER believe that a US-built truck had a hand typed SPID. But I do in fact believe this is likely original. Lastly, I know of a Canadian-built '72 SWB Cheyenne Super 4x4 fleetside that was built without upper side trim. The Canadian built trucks are more of a wildcard if someone is trying to determine originality. Nice Looking Truck!!

[too much stuff]

The spid from leh72super1500 looks correct from other canadian ones i have seen. Nice truck by the way!

[special-K]

Well,the SPID sure looks like it would be original,except the font and layout seemed odd. I'll have to look at Canadian ones differently now. I haven't seen enough to notice have different they could be.
And,yeah,a very nice truck for sure.

[leh72super1500]

Thank you all for all you help and comments. I guess this is what is so intriguing about this old truck hobby. We may never know for sure how it was built but it is sure fun for trying to find out. This site is the best for that with all of the combined knowledge out there.

The mystery now deepens with the font style on my SPID. It would be nice to see pictures of other (Canadian??) SPIDs with this font style. Perhaps it could be nailed down to a certain factory or even a certain day of Production. Mine was Oshawa on May 19th 1972.

For Ed 72 here is a picture of my parchment interior. Parchment is on seat vinyl with scroll pattern. seat belts, door panels, and sun visors.

[special-K]

Another curious thing on your truck is,rather than the band on the tailgate,there would have been the lower trim. Can't tell now,but if it originally had this,the holes would be filled.

I guess Canadian SPIDs list "Custom Deluxe". I've never seen this before. I'm used to seeing Custom Comf & Conv. Also the colors aren't spelled out. It seems Canadian SPIDs are more descriptive.

On the Sierra Grande being listed on Z84/Sierra SPIDs...I looked at a YE3/Sierra Grande and the SPID said Sierra Grande Custom. Do all Sierra Grandes say this?

[leh72super1500]

Originally Posted by special-K

Another curious thing on your truck is,rather than the band on the tailgate,there would have been the lower trim. Can't tell now,but if it originally had this,the holes would be filled.?

With out sanding the paint off it would be hard to tell. There is no obvious evidence of one ever being there.

Originally Posted by special-K

I guess Canadian SPIDs list "Custom Deluxe". I've never seen this before. I'm used to seeing Custom Comf & Conv. Also the colors aren't spelled out. It seems Canadian SPIDs are more descriptive.

Just glancing through the SPID Picture thread Z62 is mostly described as "Custom Deluxe Equipment" which is the same as Super Custom in the GMC world. I have not yet seen Z62 described as Super Custom though.

Your right about the color description, although on post # 90 of the SPID picture thread there is a SPANISH GOLD listed which is the same as ochre. Yes it is a Canadian SPID.

Seems like the Canadian trucks were the odd balls.

Thanks

[special-K]

Not odd balls,just some things done differently.

[special-K]

So,did '71 Super Customs with Sierra Grande option group get the woodgrain dash like Chevy Cheyenne Supers?

[Ed 72 Sierra Grande]

Originally Posted by leh72super1500

Thank you all for all you help and comments. I guess this is what is so intriguing about this old truck hobby. We may never know for sure how it was built but it is sure fun for trying to find out. This site is the best for that with all of the combined knowledge out there.

The mystery now deepens with the font style on my SPID. It would be nice to see pictures of other (Canadian??) SPIDs with this font style. Perhaps it could be nailed down to a certain factory or even a certain day of Production. Mine was Oshawa on May 19th 1972.

For Ed 72 here is a picture of my parchment interior. Parchment is on seat vinyl with scroll pattern. seat belts, door panels, and sun visors.

That is not the parchment I was expecting but very nice factory look.

Another strange but interesting to say the least detail to those Canadian Trucks. AS the tales unfold

[special-K]

This thread is finding it's way to the back pages. As suggested by a few members,is there a way we can show some love for the GMCs and find a place in the FAQ area for this. This thread shows how little details are know about the "original" GM Truck,even by some of our site's most knowledgeable members.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by special-K

So,did '71 Super Customs with Sierra Grande option group get the woodgrain dash like Chevy Cheyenne Supers?

Still wondering about that question above and...

What was the last year Deluxe GMCs came with painted grilles? '68?