Chevrolet C/K
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chevrolet C/K | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | GMC C/K |
| Production | 1962–1999 |
| Successor | Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra |
| Class | Full-size pickup truck |
| Layout | FR layout/All wheel drive |
| Similar | Dodge D Series Ford F-Series |
The C/K was the name for Chevrolet's full-size pickup truck line from 1962 until 1998 and GMC's full-size pickup line from 1962-1988. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear until 1930. "C" trucks had two-wheel drive while "K" models had four-wheel drive. The C/K light-duty pickup was replaced with the GMC Sierra in 1988 and the Chevrolet Silverado in 1999; the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD heavy-duty pickups followed in 2001.
Contents |
[edit] 1962-1966
| First generation | |
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| Also called | C10/K10 C15/K15 C20/K20 C30 |
| Production | 1962–1966 |
| Engine | 236 in³ (3.9 L) Chevrolet I6 261 in³ (4.3 L) Chevrolet I6 283 in³ (4.6 L) Small-block V8 307 in³ (5.0 L) Small-block V6 230 in³ (3.8 L) Chevrolet I6 292 in³ (4.8 L) Chevrolet I6 327 in³ (5.4 L) Small-block V8 250 in³ (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6 |
1962 C/K trucks were available in smooth "Fleetside" or fendered "Stepside" versions. GMC called these "Wideside" and "Fenderside." Half-ton models were the C10 and K10 short-bed trucks, and C15 and K15 long-bed trucks. The 3/4 ton C20 and K20, as well as the one-ton C30, were also available. GMC did not use the "C" nomenclature, though their 4x4 versions had the "K" designation. The 1962 model used torsion bar front suspension, with trailing arm suspension rear. Trim lines were base and "Custom." Engines included 135 hp (101 kW) 236 in³ (3.9 L) and 150 hp (112 kW) 261 in³ (4.3 L) straight-6s, and a 283 in³ (4.6 L) V8 with 160 hp (119 kW). GMC trucks were also offered with the 307 in³ (5.0 L) V8 engine, which ranged in power from 125 hp (93 kW) to 142 hp (106 kW).
A coil-spring front suspension came in 1963 along with a new base engine, a 140 hp (104 kW) 230 in³ (3.8 L) I6, and an optional 165 hp (123 kW) 292 in³ (4.8 L) I6. The cab was changed for 1964, with elimination of the "wraparound" windshield and a new front grill design, along with various interior changes. Air conditioning and a 220 hp (164 kW) 327 in³ (5.4 L) V8 came in 1965. A new base engine finished the model in 1966 with a 155 hp (116 kW) 250 in³ (4.1 L) I6.
[edit] 1967-1972
| Second generation | |
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| Production | 1967–1972 |
| Engine | 283 in³ (4.6 L) Small-block V8 307 in³ (5.0 L) Small-block V8 350 in³ (5.7 L) Small-block V8 396 in³ (6.5 L) Big-block V8 |
A new, more modern look came in 1967. It was with this revision of the C/K truck that General Motors began to market trucks as general transportation rather than as work vehicles and nothing else. One 1968 magazine ad ran with the line "A Chevy pickup is built to be womanhandled." This was evident throughout its construction; the majority of half-ton Chevrolet 1967-1972 trucks were shipped with a coil spring trailing arm rear suspension, which greatly improved the ride over traditional leaf springs. However, leaf spring rear suspension was available on all trucks, and standard on the GMC models with coils springs optional; all four-wheel drive models had leaf springs on both axles.
In 1968, the 283 in³ (4.6 L) V8 was replaced with a 307 in³ (5.0 L) and a 310 hp 396 in³ (6.5 L) V8 was offered for the first time. The most visible change in differentiating a 1968 from a 1967 was the addition of side-marker reflectors on all fenders. Also, the small rear window cab was no longer available. The GMC grille was revised, with the letters "GMC" no longer embossed in the horizontal crossbar. Another note for restoration is that the 1967-68 hood was more sloped and without 67-68 fenders, the hood will not fit 1969-1972 models.
1969 saw a new V8 engine: a 255 hp 350 in³ (5.7 L). Along with the new engines came a new grille design for Chevrolet trucks and a more upright hood for both Chevrolet and GMC trucks. A utility variant known as the K5 Blazer was also introduced with a shorter wheelbase of 104 inches. The GMC version, known as the Jimmy, was introduced the same year. Some internal cab changes were also made, most notably the switch from a hand-operated parking brake to a foot pedal.
The only noticeable change for 1970 was a minor update to the Chevrolet grille. At first glance, the 1969 and 1970 grille appear identical. However, 1970's plastic inserts actually have highlites that break the appearance into 6 separate sections.
Several changes occurred in 1971. First came another new grille design (the "egg crate") for Chevrolet trucks and black paint over portions of the GMC grille. Second, an additional trim package was introduced: the Cheyenne. On GMC models, this was referred to as the Sierra. These packages consisted mostly of comfort features — nicer interiors, more padding and insulation, AM/FM radios, and two-tone paint with side molding options. Finally, the front brakes on all trucks were switched from drum brakes to disc brakes, resulting in much less brake fade under heavy use. While all prior C/K half-ton trucks had used a six-lug bolt pattern (6 x 5.5") for the wheels, two-wheel-drive models switched to a five-lug pattern (5 x 5" bolt circle) common to Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Cadillac passenger cars. The 1/2 ton 4 x 4 retained the 6 lug bolt pattern. This bolt pattern would remain the standard through the end of the C/K series (along with the Chevrolet/GMC vans). Also, Chevrolet changed the 396 V8 emblem designation to 400 V8. The change was only cosmetic.
1972 models were virtually identical to 1971 models with the only change being that the rear view mirror was glued to the windshield instead of being bolted to top of the cab, and metal or plastic flat door panels were no longer available; all trim levels had a more sculpted molded plastic door panel with integral armrests and wood grain inserts on Cheyenne and Sierra trim levels.
In order, the new trim lines for 1967-1972 Chevrolet trucks were: 1967-1970:
- C/10 - Base Model
- Custom/10 - 'Mid Level'
- CST/10 - 'Top of the Line' (CST=Custom Sport Truck)
1971:
- Custom/10 - Base Model
- CST/10 - 'Mid Level'
- Cheyenne/10 - 'Top of the line'
Late 1971, 1972:
- CST/10 - Base Model
- Cheyenne/10 - 'Mid Level'
- Cheyenne Super - 'Top of the Line'
- Cheyenne Highlander - Special 'Above top of line' package
A 10, 20, or 30 on the emblem indicates 1/2, 3/4, or 1 ton trucks.
GMC models form 1967 to 1970 used the same trim levels as the Chevrolets, except that the GMC trim levels were 1500, Custom 1500, and Super Custom 1500. Starting in 1971 this changed to:
- Custom 1500 - Base
- Super Custom 1500 - Mid
- Sierra 1500 - Top
And for late '71 and 1972:
- Super Custom 1500 - Base
- Sierra 1500 - Mid
- Sierra Grande 1500 - Top
- Sierra Highlander 1500 - Special extra top package.
On the GMC trucks 1500, 2500, and 3500 designations were used to indicate 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton trucks.
In both series, the 'Highlander package' included special color-coordinated houndstooth cloth inserts and additional trim colors and insulation.
[edit] 1973-1987
| Third generation | |
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| Also called | Chevrolet Silverado GMC Sierra |
| Production | 1973–1987 |
| Engine | 250 in³ (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6 350 in³ (5.7 L) Small-block V8 454 in³ (7.4 L) Big-block V8 350 in³ (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8 305 in³ (5.0 L) Small-block V8 292 in³ (4.8 L) Chevrolet I6 6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6 |
| Wheelbase | 117.5 in 131.5 in 164.5 in |
The completely new 1973 version would last 14 years (with two slightly different body styles) without a major redesign -- this would help keep resale values high. It was also the basis of the longest lasting Suburban body as well, as the 81-87 front end style lasted until 1991 in the fullsize Blazer and Suburban. The roof drip rails now hugged the door rather than around the roof. It had a longer wheelbase — 117.5 in for short-bed and 131.5 in for long-bed. A crew cab was introduced on a super-long 164.5 in wheelbase, the "3+3." For the four wheel drive trucks, a real all wheel drive system was added as an option in the early years (NP203 transfer case), but went to part time 4 wheel drive (NP205 and NP208 transfer case) in the early '80s. Engines were a 100 hp (75 kW) 250 in³ (4.1 L) I6, a 350 in³ V8, and a 240 hp (179 kW) 454 in³ (7.4 L) V8. A four wheel drive one-ton truck was added in 1977, and a 350 in³ Oldsmobile LF9 Diesel V8 was added in 1978. Upon first release, these model trucks were named internally as "The Rounded Line", this is due to the rounded "nose" at the front of the fenders, and rounded styling of chrome trim that runs along the fenders. Though the name does not appear to apply to the 1981-1987 styles, because the fender slants downward slightly towards the front, and the chrome trim is removed in favor of a straight line that portrudes along the upper part of the fender, it technically is still part of the "Rounded Line" because of its parts interchangability.
The trim lines for 1973 and 1974 were slightly different than 1975 and forward. In order, the new trim lines for Chevrolet and GMC were:
- Custom/Sierra — base model. Rubber floor mat, cloth seats, no lower door panel carpet, no headliner, manual door locks/windows.
- Scottsdale/Sierra Grande — chrome trim, everything the previous trim level had
- Cheyenne/High Sierra — brushed aluminum interior accents, vynl seats, chrome trim, carpet, air conditioning, headliner, more sound deadening/insulation (inside door panels, in the headliner, etc.).
- Cheyenne Super/Sierra Classic — wood (brushed aluminum on 1981-87) interior accents, everything the previous trim level had, more chrome (i.e. bumpers and mirrors), tilt wheel, power doors/windows, and cruise control. The "Country Cadillac."
1975 introduced two important names as trim lines, Silverado for Chevrolet and Sierra for GMC. In order, the new trim lines for Chevrolet and GMC were:
- Custom Deluxe/Sierra — base model. Rubber floor mat, cloth seats, no lower door panel carpet, no headliner, manual door locks/windows.
- Scottsdale/Sierra Grande — chrome trim, everything the previous trim level had
- Cheyenne/High Sierra — brushed aluminum interior accents, vynl seats, chrome trim, carpet, air conditioning, headliner, more sound deadening/insulation (inside door panels, in the headliner, etc.).
- Silverado/Sierra Classic — wood (brushed aluminum on 1981-87) interior accents, everything the previous trim level had, more chrome (i.e. bumpers and mirrors), tilt wheel, power doors/windows, and cruise control. The "Country Cadillac."
One thing that dealers were notorious for was selling a cheaper trim level, and piling on options at a higher cost. For example, if a dealer sold a Chevrolet Custom, with chrome trim, headliner, air conditioning, and carpetting, it would actually cost more than a base model Cheyenne! This would, however, result in a higher commission to the salespersons because of a higher total cost of the vehicle. Because of this it is not uncommon to find a Scottsdale with 'extras' such as carpetting or air conditioning. There are even accounts of owners with a 'fully loaded' Custom Deluxe.
The revised 1981 model had a new 160 hp (119 kW) 305 in³ (5.0 L) V8, with the 250 and 292 in³ (4.1 and 4.8 L) I6, 350 in³ (5.7 L) V8, and 454 in³ (7.4 L) V8 also available. A 6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8 debuted in 1982, and the Vortec 4300 was introduced as the base engine in 1985. In 1987, Chevrolet mysteriously changed the "C" designation to "R" and the "K" to "V" (in response to the introduction of the GMT400 platform in April 1987), but these switched back the very next year for the GMT400 design. The R/V designation remained in use for the crewcab bodies and SUVs (Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Suburban) until 1991.
The basis for Chevy's slogan, "The Most Dependable, Longest Lasting Trucks on the Road," the 73-87 Chevy/GMC pickup is the most common "old truck" seen today, and for good reason -- they are simple, servicable, reliable, and like all Chevys, have the power to get the job done.
[edit] 1988-1999
| GMT400 | |
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| Production | 1988–1999 |
| Platform | GMT400 |
| Engine | 6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6 5.0 L Vortec 5000 V8 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8 7.4 L Big-block V8 6.5 L Detroit Diesel V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH400 automatic 4-speed 4L60-E automatic 4-speed 4L80-E automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 117.5 in. 131.5 in. 141.5 in. 155.5 in. |
| Length | 194.5 in. 213.1 in. 218.5 in. 237.4 in. |
| Width | 76.8 in. 77.1 in. |
| Height | 73.2 in. 72.6 in. |
Introduced in April 1987 as 1988 models (known as the GMT400 platform), there were eight different versions of the C/K line for 1988: Fleetside Single Cab, Fleetside Extended Cab, Fleetside Crew Cab, and Stepside Single Cab, each in either 2WD (C) or 4WD (K) drivelines. Three trim levels were available: Cheyenne, Scottsdale, and Silverado. Engines were a 160 hp (119 kW) 4.3 L V6, a 175 hp (130 kW) 5.0 L V8, a 210 hp (157 kW) 5.7 L V8 and a 6.2 L diesel V8. A 230 hp (172 kW) 7.4 L V8 was available in the 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks. In 1989, a fleetside Sport package was available with matching body color bumpers and grille, chrome wheels, and fog lights. A Z71 off-road package was also available with skid plates and Bilstein shocks. In 1990, the 454SS single cab half-ton debuted in Onyx Black with Silverado trim and the 7.4 L V8 engine. The Work Truck (W/T) was also introduced in 1990, which featured a single cab long bed with Cheyenne trim and new grille with black bumpers. In 1991, the 4L80-E automatic transmission was available for the 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks. In 1992, the 4-speed manual transmission was dropped and the stepside trucks were available with extended cabs. The 454SS was now available in red or white. The 6.5 L diesel V8 was also made available with a turbocharger. In 1993, the Sport package was made available for the stepside models, featuring body color bumpers, mirrors, and grille with cast aluminum wheels. The 700R4 transmission was replaced with the 4L60-E automatic in 1993 also. In 1994, the 6.2 L diesel V8 was dropped and the trucks received grille updates. In 1995, the trucks received an updated interior and audio system. Four wheel ABS brakes were made standard in 1995 as wellas driver's side airbag on 1/2 ton models. The Vortec V8s were introduced in 1996, with power boosts across the board for the gasoline engines, thanks to high-flow cylinder heads, new camshaft, roller valve lifters and a higher compression ratio. Speed sensitive steering was introduced on the trucks in 1997 along with a passenger side airbag. 1998 saw a revision to the steering wheel and airbag system and also the addition of the PASSLOCK II antitheft system.
This platform was one of two where the traditional small-block Chevrolet V8 was last used (the G-series van was the last platform using the small block until the end of the 2002 model year).
The GMT800 platform was introduced in 1999 although the GMT400 platform was produced until the 2000 model year in response to fleet sales.
[edit] See also
- Chevrolet Silverado — Chevrolet's new full-size pickup
- Chevrolet S10 — Chevrolet's compact pickup
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