Funny stuff. I just have to ask.

[rs74]

I am having this argument with a (I assume young kid) about 6/8cylinder trucks and headlight configuration. He is trying to tell everyone that if an 81-87 truck had the single headlight then it was a 6 cylinder truck and if it was quad light then it was a v8. That the only way to get it in any other configuration was to have it special ordered.

Now I am by no means an expert here but I am more inclined to go with it has to do with the model that you order for the most part. Custom deluxe, scottdale, silverado for the chevy's anyway.

So how does it go? Any documentation stating how it would be when a truck was built?

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

6's are generally single headlight being a entry level package.

Quads are almost always V8's due to higher package level.

[rs74]

I will agree that more times than not that a 6 cylinder truck will be single headlight. This person was very addiment that any 6 cylinder will be single and no v8 could be unless special ordered.

[Rubble]

Rs 74, I think you are correct on trim level & single/quad headlights.I've got a couple single headlight trucks with 305 & 2 diesels.Both are custom deluxe & Sierra trim levels.

[kalbert]

It has to do with trim level, not engine, and even then there is some room for anythings possible. Generally, Scottsdale and down was single headlight, Scottsdale and up was dual headlight. Due to the nature of Custom Deluxe heat and keys model, many of them were 6cyl, but not all of them. A while back there was a guy who posted a bunch of details on a 6cyl '84 Silverado. Loaded, power windows and locks, cruise, tape player, A/C, and a 250 sixer. I don't think I've ever seen a single headlight Silverado, but I would not be surprised if they exist.

The same is true for rubber floor mats, generally found in Scottsdale down, nothing to do with the engine. When I worked at the Chevy dealer in '04 we special ordered a Silverado for a guy and in the process the salesman did not choose anything for floor covering or 4x4, other than it should be 4x4. This loaded up beautiful Silverado showed up with every option, an unusual color combo, and a vinyl floor mat and lever operated 4x4. The buyer obviously didn't want it, and after some discussion we ended up trading it to a dealer in Wisconsin for a couple of Impalas or Malibus or something. I heard they planned to put carpet in it, but there ain't much you can do with lever operated 4x4.

[brakenit]

My K30 is a single headlight with a V8. Keith Seymore's truck is a V6 with dual headlights.

Trim level designates which headlight package the truck came with, although I think the dual headlights were an option on the mid level Scottsdale trucks. I don't know for sure if the V8 was standard on the higher trim levels but I'm sure you could have walked onto most any dealer lot back in the day and purchased a base model Custom Deluxe with an optional V8 without having to special order it.

[Just call me Sean]

Originally Posted by kalbert

but there ain't much you can do with lever operated 4x4.

What do you mean? Everyone I know wants a manual transfer case.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by kalbert

The same is true for rubber floor mats, generally found in Scottsdale down, nothing to do with the engine. When I worked at the Chevy dealer in '04 we special ordered a Silverado for a guy and in the process the salesman did not choose anything for floor covering or 4x4, other than it should be 4x4. This loaded up beautiful Silverado showed up with every option, an unusual color combo, and a vinyl floor mat and lever operated 4x4. The buyer obviously didn't want it, and after some discussion we ended up trading it to a dealer in Wisconsin for a couple of Impalas or Malibus or something. I heard they planned to put carpet in it, but there ain't much you can do with lever operated 4x4.

That'd be fine with me. Vinyl floor and Lever 4x4 is great. The electrical engagement is asking for trouble.
Bring back the solid front axle with manual hubs while you're at it. I dislike the T400 and newer always spinning front driveline. Wearing out all that stuff and burning more fuel summer driving when I only need it in the winter just doesn't make sense.

[andrewmp6]

Really either engine could have either headlights just depends how the truck was ordered/built.Hatzie i hate to say it but that is why if i bought a newer truck it will be a ford super duty,Those are solid axle but don't have locking hubs but can be swapped in for a pretty penny.All dodges 3/4 and 1ton are solid axle the half ton went ifs in 01.

[Keith Seymore]

You guys pretty much nailed it.

Single headlight is base equipment and standard with Custom Deluxe.

Single headlight is also base with Scottsdale (Z62) but you can opt up to dual headlamps via the Uplevel grille option (V22).

Dual headlamps/uplevel grille is standard with Silverado (YE9).

It's got nuthin' to do with engine RPOs.

K

[73Super8]

This man would know^^^^ Thanks Keith

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 73Super8

This man would know^^^^ Thanks Keith

Finally! A question I knew the answer to!

(lol)

rs74 - If he's still not convinced you can show him the generic build information from the GM Heritage Center archives (1987 shown) -

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

I'd make him wade through the detail if he is that argumentative.

K

[Jeepwm69]

Was waiting on Keith to chime in.

Our 83 has a 305, SM465, and single headlight. High Sierra, bought new.

[86c20]

i know the big thing is to go to the 4 light fronts but i like the singles for the most part.

[rs74]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Finally! A question I knew the answer to!

(lol)

rs74 - If he's still not convinced you can show him the generic build information from the GM Heritage Center archives (1987 shown) -

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

I'd make him wade through the detail if he is that argumentative.

K

Thanks Keith!. I and a couple of others just got tired of arguing with him. I figured you or someone might be able to post something like you did. Now if I can just get him to read and comprehend what it says.

[andrewmp6]

And that is straight from gm so he can't say its something someone made up.

[75gmc454]

Yes yall are right, no connection between engine and grille appearance. Here is the 81 I bought a few weeks ago. It is a silverado with most options except cruise and power windows/locks. It is a 250 six with A/C, and dual headlights haha!

[rs74]

I talked to another one last night wanting a factory bolt in 14 bolt for his 81 C10. If only took him a couple of minutes to realize there was no such thing. He was just going by what someone told him. He was running 35's on the rear of a C10 and wanting to lift it and put either 38's or 40's on it. Yes a C10 not a K10. I am not sure where some get there information at but they are obviously going to the wrong source.

[MikeB]

The LMC catalog shows dual and single headlight bezels for 81-82, 83-84, and 86-87, but there is no mention of engine type.

Yeah, lots of bad info on the Internet. Too many people relying on "buddies" or on "mechanics who have been doing this for 30 years". Or stating what they think to be "fact" based on their limited experience, or in this case not enough exposure to 81-87 trucks!

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by 75gmc454

Here is the 81 I bought a few weeks ago. It is a silverado with most options except cruise and power windows/locks. It is a 250 six with A/C, and dual headlights haha!

That must mean those headlights were added by a previous owner!