1977 Chevy luv

[hotrod 80]

Usually I frequent the racing section , but I figured I give this build a chance over here . I was browsing C list the other day and found this thing right here in my home town . I sent a text to the number and almost instantly got a call back . Set up a time to look at the truck . He had it listed for $4500 . The truck didn't disappoint at all. I already have 3 of these and offered $2000 . We settled on $2500 and I loaded it up.

This thing is super clean and rust free . The truck was bought new in Texas city just south of me and lived its life commuting the original owner back and forth from Hitchcock , Texas to Texas city , Texas as a work truck . Always garage kept . Story I got was the owner passed and the son sold the truck to a co worker who I bought it from . I have all the original paper work from the sale . I got the truck home and actually got it cleaned up and running .

At this point I have pulled the tank and had it cleaned and repaired . It also had a area in the rear that was going to have to be cut out and replaced , so I had them add a sump to it . Plans at this point are to get it running stock and go from there . I have a 9 inch cut to factory width and a stock 5.3 L33 and I am considering going this route . Not 100% sure at this point . This picture is of 3 of 4 of my Chevy luv trucks .

[mongocanfly]

wow...that thing looks clean....would be a tire smoker with that 5.3 in it for sure...

[hotrod 80]

Got the tank back from the radiator shop and got it installed . I added sold -6 braided fuel line to the pump and actually got this thing running. The factory carbs are a weak spot for these trucks and someone has bypassed both of the factory relays on the passenger side fender. These trucks started on the fuel in the carb and when the alternator excited it fired the fuel pump relay . I believe I have the factory parts to fix it . I ordered a Weber 32/36 progressive carb kit for it as this fixes the carb issues . I was digging through my stash and found a new set of brake pads and both front hoses . Im ordering Aerospace street brake kit for my blue truck and the 5 x 4 3/4 rotors that are on that truck will go on this one .

[Clyde65]

Nice buy!

[67ChevyRedneck]

I never even knew the LUV's had a stepside version. Cool truck!

[hotrod 80]

Funny , I was racing the 76' this weekend and a guy walks up to me and ask me if I was the guy that bought the "truck" . I was like :yes sir" . He tells me he works with the originals owners son and the guy I bought it from . I told him tell him it is running and stored in a garage and will be coming back on the road soon .

Ill have to post it up , I have all the original sales paper work form the dealer . Like incomplete vehicle form for the dealer installed bed , warranty and such.

[67ChevyRedneck]

When you mentioned dealer installed bed I did some googling, and apparently that was a dealer only item and is actually pretty rare. One guy stated they were only available on the west coast, but couldn't find anything else to back that up.

[hotrod 80]

Well it goes a lot deeper than that . This truck was purchased south of me in Texas city , Texas and I have all the paperwork from the sale so stepside trucks were avalible in Texas also . These truck were sold as incomplete vehicles due to the chicken tax.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax
They were shipped over as cab and chassis and the beds were installed here . Also called assembled in the USA . I have a form for assembly completion also. There is a sticker under the hood that says attention final manufacturer

[67ChevyRedneck]

I actually remember that. The early Toyota trucks (pre tacoma) used to come without beds on them. They had 2 styles, one had a rolled over edge on top with latch style handles on tailgate, which was on 2wd trucks and a smooth sided bed with wider fender flares for 4x4's, but this bed also went on some 2wd trucks for some reason, even though the front and rear fenders didn't match.

[hotrod 80]

Here is some of the paper work that came with it .

[plainred65]

I always liked the look of the Chevy LUV, never had a chance to ride in one though. The only ones I remember had the fleet side bed, didn't realize a step side was offered either. Real cool find in that kind of shape.

[Russell Ashley]

I knew had seen those LUVs with the step side bed around here so they made it a long way from California. Here's one you might like: https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/c...576585706.html

[sawman]

I believe the ford couriers of the 70s you could get with the same stepside bed option,both the luv and courier had the same bed,

[hotrod 80]

Originally Posted by plainred65

I always liked the look of the Chevy LUV, never had a chance to ride in one though. The only ones I remember had the fleet side bed, didn't realize a step side was offered either. Real cool find in that kind of shape.

Believe it or not they ride great . My V8 truck drives like a dream.

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

I knew had seen those LUVs with the step side bed around here so they made it a long way from California. Here's one you might like: https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/c...576585706.html

Pretty cool truck for sure . I now have 4 . I don't think I can do another one .

Originally Posted by sawman

I believe the ford couriers of the 70s you could get with the same stepside bed option,both the luv and courier had the same bed,

A 289 in a Courier is what started this back in the day . I have owned 2 different couriers.

[sawman]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

Believe it or not they ride great . My V8 truck drives like a dream.



Pretty cool truck for sure . I now have 4 . I don't think I can do another one .



A 289 in a Courier is what started this back in the day . I have owned 2 different couriers.

both the luv and courier were fast with a v8,i think you asked me about some luv parts years ago when i was selling on here,i read some were the stepside beds were the same for both the luv and courier,i still have all my parts courier and luv pickups,the 75 luv mikado i think i spelled that correct,was a slug with the isuzu motor and auto trans look nice but very slow taking off,

[hotrod 80]

I am about to be off for a week , so plans are to get it inspected and drive it some .