One Year Only Stuff 73-87...

[thefraze_1020]

It seems like GM made styling and mechanical changes every 2-3 model years,
but what are some interesting one-year-only options and parts in the 73-87 (91)'s?

This is just to make an interesting discussion...

[SilverMiner]

Excellent question, and not one that I've seen posted before.

The most obvious item I can think of is the golden/yellow center side trim used only in 1977. Also trim related is the combo turn signal & headlight surround used only in 1979. The 1980 model had something similar (and maybe was identical for the round-headlight lower trim models), and of course the square headlight plus turn signal surround was unique to 1980.

In the back of my mind I have a sneaking suspicion there were other one year only specific mechanical items, but it's just not coming to me now.

And lets not forget a one-year-only ommission - the inaugural 1973 models were missing drip rails over the doors, which every year thereafter included.

[natedogg]

1987 first and only year a EFI V8 in a 1/2 ton squarebody.

[f.monroe]

1977 was an odd year. I am pretty sure the seat belts are 77 only, the door panel inserts on Cheyennes and Silverado's was a one year only trim piece. The dash insert is a one year only wood pattern for 77 also. Blue painted engines also started in 77.
Frank

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by SilverMiner

Excellent question, and not one that I've seen posted before.

The most obvious item I can think of is the golden/yellow center side trim used only in 1977.

The 75 gentleman jims had the same yellow trim, so technically is not one year only.

Speaking of, the GJ was the only truck to have the kick panel speakers from the factory. They also had unique bed rails, and the truck itself was a one year only. Same is true for the Beau James.

[f.monroe]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

The 75 gentleman jims had the same yellow trim, so technically is not one year only.

Speaking of, the GJ was the only truck to have the kick panel speakers from the factory. They also had unique bed rails, and the truck itself was a one year only. Same is true for the Beau James.

And don't forget those unique floor mats and hood ornaments Jeff.

[thefraze_1020]

How about door panel speakers on the 1980 models?

And 80 had the combination of newer style gauges in the older instrument bezel and dash pad.

[KrazyRay]

I think the 73 is the only year without a driver side tank option and the 74 is the only year with a mechanical dual tank switcher valve.

[E.D.75GMC]

1975 was the last year with the engine displacement badge in the grille and the first year of clear front turn signal lenses and first updated grille.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by thefraze_1020

How about door panel speakers on the 1980 models?

And 80 had the combination of newer style gauges in the older instrument bezel and dash pad.

Door speakers were 79-80.

[Your41Plague12]

1981 Cheyenne models are very rare. It's the first year for the new front end, but the Cheyenne trim package was still offered that year. If you can find the emblems for one, they're worth a pile of money. I found the dash emblem for one, and I bought it immediately for that reason.

[1968vetL-71]

( square) 1991- first and only year VSS (electronic speedo) NP205 transfer case
- 4l80e transmission
- gen V 454

Last year - iconic body style

[Gotenntitans]

Originally Posted by natedogg

1987 first and only year a EFI V8 in a 1/2 ton squarebody.

Yep, my dad has one. He says if he can find another one that's clean with low mileage, he's gonna buy it instead of buying a new one. He's 73 years old and new trucks are just too big now. He still gets out and gives his a real hand wash and he just couldn't do a new one justice. "Can't even reach the windshield or halfway across the hood without getting on a step-ladder and I'm not falling off a step-ladder trying to wash a truck!" That's his quote every time anyone asks him why he hasn't bought a NEW truck. GTT

[natedogg]

Originally Posted by E.D.75GMC

1975 was the last year with the engine displacement badge in the grille and the first year of clear front turn signal lenses and first updated grille.

My father had a 1979 K10 long bed that he bought new. I remember as a child seeing the number 400 in the lower part of the grille. He might have put it on there though.

[crawdadfox]

1980 rectangular headlights on the pre 81 style front end.

[school boy]

Originally Posted by natedogg

1987 first and only year a EFI V8 in a 1/2 ton squarebody.

My 86 c10 had it from factory. It may have been just an option in 86, but I don't know.

[79Betty]

My 85 was efi, it just was mandatory for 87

[Edahall]

Not that many would care but the 1982 was the only year that the 6.2 diesel block was painted red and was the only year that the 6.2 block had a higher nickle content. The higher nickle content made them less prone to cracking in the main webbing area and the cylinder walls lasted longer. They also had coarse thread injectors that are unique to that year.

Wasn't 81 and 82 the only years with the turn signals in the bumpers?

[thefraze_1020]

Originally Posted by Edahall

Not that many would care but the 1982 was the only year that the 6.2 diesel block was painted red and was the only year that the 6.2 block had a higher nickle content. The higher nickle content made them less prone to cracking in the main webbing area and the cylinder walls lasted longer. They also had coarse thread injectors that are unique to that year.

Wasn't 81 and 82 the only years with the turn signals in the bumpers?

Yes, the 6.2 being painted red certainly counts.

81-82 were the only years since 71-72 having the signals in the bumper.

Thus, a base model 81 painted bumper with turn signals in it is one year only.

[bigblock73]

NO 73-87 (91) were EFI...those that were fuel injected were TBI throttle body injected.

[1977cheyenne_C10]

how about the Gmc trucks? Are they the same?

[Tx79chevy]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

NO 73-87 (91) were EFI...those that were fuel injected were TBI throttle body injected.

True but the badging does say "Electronic Fuel Injection"

[KQQL IT]

No.

[Just call me Sean]

It's still EFI. It isn't mechanically actuated.

[E.D.75GMC]

Originally Posted by natedogg

My father had a 1979 K10 long bed that he bought new. I remember as a child seeing the number 400 in the lower part of the grille. He might have put it on there though.

It must have been added on from an earlier truck. I always thought the engine badge in the grille was cool, I don't know why GM stopped it so early on. I have a mint 78 GMC grille up on my garage wall and I put a 350 badge off a 1973 Cheyenne in the lower corner and it looks like it belongs there.