Faults:

Very minor issues considering its age and amount of use. Routine maintenance of tires, belts, hoses and fluids have kept this vehicle in great running original condition. After 30 years of ownership, the only major items replaced were the alternator, muffler and water pump; all easy fixes.

General Comments:

Great value and reliability.

Faults:

My father passed away suddenly in 1987, and my brother and I inherited this truck.

I remember it clearly, so when I write this review it is with bitter sweet memories. My dad would always tap the dashboard and say "Now that's a nice truck son".

Chevrolet in the 1980's wasn't well known for building quality vehicles. Back then you were lucky if a new car or truck lasted you 6 years, let alone the amount of time I had it in my possession. I also can't tell you at what mileage I replaced what, but I'll try to list out everything.

* Numerous batteries.

* Numerous belts.

* Numerous hoses.

* Two clutches (it was a six cylinder truck mated to a 3-speed manual column shift transmission!).

* Three transmissions.

* Universal joints, many times.

* Brake jobs every 3 years.

* Shocks every 3 years.

* Re-upholstered the bench seat after 3 years.

* Radiator replaced.

* Endless adjustments to the shifting arms on the transmission to the shift column.

* Gas tank (due to accidental puncture - my stupidity).

* Clutch safety switch.

* Power steering hose.

General Comments:

It was slow, rode like a truck from the 1950's; it could haul rocks, garbage and friends. The bench seats were not very comfortable. The transmission - if you can call it that - is one of the worst atrocities GM has ever designed.

The gear spread from 2nd to 3rd is enormous. The truck should have had a 5-speed manual, but GM decided to place their 3-speed manual (column shift) on the truck. This means if you want to get to highway speeds, it's going to take a LONG time to get there. I remember, my dad once got the truck to 100 mph, but it was only once.

I went through numerous transmissions and clutches. The transmission shifter arms needed constant adjusting. I got so good at changing transmissions that we could do it in a few hours.

My dad bought a stripper truck - cheapest model, AC radio, no A/C. I think back then the truck cost about $12000, taxes included.

There was no roadside assistance. The manual - I still have it, laughingly tells you to break the truck in for the first 1000 kilometers.

But with all the bad things that happened with that truck, too much good happened with it. I still sit and wonder where the truck is to this day. If someone wants to punt a Carfax my way, I'd be happy to send you the VIN number. I just want to know where it is.