Chevrolet C series
| Chevrolet C-series / K-series | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Chevrolet |
| Production period: | 1960-1999 |
| Previous model: | Chevrolet 3100/3200/3600 |
| Successor: |
Chevrolet Silverado GMC Sierra |
The Chevrolet C-Series or GMC C-Series is a range of large pickup trucks that General Motors offered from 1960 to 1998. The respective versions with all-wheel drive are called Chevrolet K-series or GMC K-series . The first Chevrolet pickup appeared in 1924; since 1930 the vehicles have been designed in-house. In 1988 the series at GMC was replaced by the GMC Sierra and in 1999 at Chevrolet by the Chevrolet Silverado . The heavier versions Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD followed in 2001.
Year by year
1960-1966
| 1st generation | |
|---|---|
Chevrolet C-Series / K-Series (1964) |
|
| Production period: | 1960-1966 |
| Designs: | Pick up |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 3.8–5.4 liters (99–162 kW) |
| Payload: | 0.5-1.0 t |
A new body style was introduced with the 1960s model of the light pickup truck, which featured many innovations. The most important were the new ladder frame, lowered in the middle, which enabled a lower-seated driver's cab, and the independent wheel suspension at the front, which gave the pick-up an almost car-like handling. The name of the GM pickups was also new in 1960. The old names for the half-tonner with a short chassis, the half-tonner with a long chassis and the three-quarter-tonner - 3100, 3200 and 3600 - were replaced by the names 10, 20 and 30 for half-toners, three-quarter-toners and one-toners.
Factory-made pickups with all-wheel drive have been available since 1957 - also recognizable by the new names. The rear-wheel drive vehicles were called C (for conventional), the all-wheel drive K. The names visible on the cars were the names already used: The series 10, 20 and 30 (C or K), for example, were called Apache 10 , the series 40 For example, 50 and 60 were called Viking 40 and the large series 70, 80 and 90 were called Spartan 70 . In 1960 the Chevrolet C / K pickups were available as Fleetside or Stepside , at GMC the models were called Wideside and Fenderside . The half-toners with a short chassis were C10 / K10, the half-toners with long chassis C15 / K15, the three-quarter-toners C20 / K20 and the single-toners C30.
GMC only had four-wheel drive versions with the designation K. In 1962, the cars were given a torsion bar on the front axle and drawn trailing arms on the rear axle. There was standard equipment and upscale custom equipment. A 5.0-liter V6 was available as a drive at GMC, otherwise in-line six-cylinder engines with 3.9 or 4.3 liter displacement and outputs of 99 and 110 kW, as well as a 4.6-liter V8 with 136 kW.
From 1963 the front axles were fitted with coil springs and a new standard engine was used, an in-line six-cylinder with a displacement of 3.8 l and an output of 103 kW. A 4.8 l R6 with 121 kW was also available on request. In 1964 the driver's cab was changed, whereby the panoramic windshield was omitted, but a new radiator grille and various changes in the interior were implemented. Air conditioning and a 5.4-liter V8 engine with an output of 162 kW and a top speed of 137 km / h were available in 1965. In 1966 a new six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 4.1 liters and 114 kW was introduced.
1967-1972
| 2nd generation | |
|---|---|
GMC Sierra Custom Camper (1972) |
|
| Production period: | 1967-1972 |
| Designs: | Pickup , van |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 4.1–6.6 liters (114–228 kW) |
| Length: | 5600 mm |
| Width: | 2060 mm |
| Height: | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2921-3378 mm |
| Payload: | 0.5-1.0 t |
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The C series was given a more modern look in 1967. Since this revision, General Motors has marketed the C / K pickups as delivery vans for general transport tasks and no longer just as workshop vehicles. Most of the 10 and 20 series Chevrolet pickups were delivered from 1967 to 1972 with coil springs and drawn trailing arms on the rear axle, which significantly improved their road holding compared to the old models with leaf springs. Nevertheless, leaf springs were still available on request for all pickups, with the 30 series they were standard equipment.
At GMC all pickups had leaf springs as standard, trailing arms and coil springs were available on request. All four-wheel drive pickups - whether Chevrolet or GMC - had leaf springs on both axles. A 4.1 liter R6 or a 4.6 liter V8, each connected to a manual three-speed gearbox, served as the standard drive. On request, there was a manual four-speed transmission, a Powerglide automatic or a turbo hydramatic . Other engines available at an additional cost were a 4.8-liter R6 and a 5.4-liter V8. The half-toners had wheels with six fastening holes with a bolt circle diameter of 5 ", the three-quarter tonner and the one-tonner with eight holes a bolt circle diameter of 6".
In 1968 there was a new 5.0-l V8 instead of the 4.6-l V8, and the 6.5-l V8 with an output of 228 kW was offered for the first time. The most noticeable change from the 1968 models was the new side reflectors on the front and rear fenders. The pickup with the extended cab no longer existed. The GMC vehicles received a new grille, where the letters GMC were no longer highlighted on the crossbar. It is important for restorers that the slightly less inclined bonnet (approx. 65 °) of the 1967 and 1968 models did not match the front fenders of the 1969–1972 models.
Another new feature was a Custom Comfort and Convenience interior package that was between the standard and the CST versions. In 1968, Chevrolet celebrated the 50th anniversary of truck manufacturing. The three-quarter-tonner was also available as a Longhorn model from 1968 . The Longhorn was equipped with a strong, 2,590 mm long box that could accommodate a loose camping structure.
In 1969 there was a new 5.7-liter V8 engine with 188 kW. In addition, the model series received a new grille for the Chevrolet and a less inclined front section for the Chevrolet and GMC models. A new delivery van variant called the K5 Blazer was also offered, which had a shorter wheelbase of 2,642 mm. A similar GMC version called Jimmy was introduced in the same year. There were also some changes in the interior, in particular the transition from the handbrake lever to a parking brake with pedal. A modern two-spoke steering wheel with a plastic horn button replaced the previous three-spoke steering wheel with a chrome-plated horn button. Also new this year were the upper and lower side panels, which were also available in two colors. Two-tone side panels were standard in the CST version, and available on request for the other versions.
The only notable change in 1970 was a slight redesign of the Chevrolet grille. At first glance, the versions from 1969 and 1970 looked the same. The plastic inserts of the 1970s model, however, have contrasting colors that divide the grill into six individual sections. In 1971 there were more extensive changes, initially a different grille in the egg carton pattern that adorned the Chevrolet variants. The GMC grill was partially painted black. Second, there was a new equipment package called Cheyenne . For the GMC models it was called Sierra . These packages mainly consisted of comfort details - a more elegant interior, thicker upholstery and better insulation, carpets, chrome equipment and decorations on the side panels and tailgate. In 1971, radios for medium and ultra-short wave reception ( AM / FM ) were installed ex works for the first time . The 5.7 liter engine reached a top speed of around 170 km / h.
In addition, disc brakes were installed in all pickups instead of drum brakes, which led to significantly less fading under heavy loads. While many earlier C / K half-ton six-hole wheels were equipped with a bolt circle diameter of 5.5 ", the rear-wheel drive models only had five-hole wheels with a bolt circle diameter of 5", such as the cars from Buick , Oldsmobile , Pontiac and Cadillac . The all-wheel-drive half-toners stayed with the six-hole wheels. These bikes were retained until the end of the series. Chevrolet also changed the designation "396 V8" (corresponding to the engine displacement in³) to "400 V8"; but this was only a cosmetic change.
The 1972 models were practically the same as those from 1971. Only the interior mirror was glued to the windshield instead of screwed to the headliner as in the earlier models. Flat door panels made of metal or plastic no longer existed, all panels were only molded with integrated armrests and also with imitation wood inserts in the Cheyenne and Sierra.
Engines
| year | R6 | V8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | 4.1 l 4.8 l |
5.0 l 5.7 l |
4.6 l 5.4 l |
| 1968 | 4.1 l 4.8 l |
5.0 l 5.75 l |
5.05 l 5.4 l 6.5 l |
| 1969 | 4.1 l 4.8 l |
5.0 l | 5.0 l 5.7 l 6.5 l |
| 1970 | 4.1 l 4.8 l |
5.05 l 5.7 l 6.5 l |
|
| 1971 | 4.1 l 4.8 l |
5.05 l 5.7 l 6.6 l |
|
| 1972 | 4.1 l 4.8 l |
5.05 l 5.7 l 6.6 l |
Bolt circle diameter on rims
| Years | ½ ton 2WD | ½ ton 4WD | ¾ - & 1 ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967-70 | Six-hole 5.5 " | Six-hole 5.5 " | Eight-hole 6.5 " |
| 1971-72 | Five-hole 5 " | Six-hole 5.5 " | Eight-hole 6.5 " |
Equipment lines
In turn, the equipment lines of the Chevrolet pickups from 1967 to 1972 were:
1967–1970:
- C / 10 - basic model
- Custom / 10 - 'medium model'
- CST / 10 - 'Top Model' (CST = Custom Sport Truck)
1971:
- Custom / 10 - base model
- CST / 10 - 'medium model'
- Cheyenne / 10 - 'top model'
Late 1971, 1972:
- CST / 10 - basic model
- Cheyenne / 10 - 'medium model'
- Cheyenne Super - 'Top Model'
- Cheyenne Highlander - special equipment package
The designation 10, 20, or 30 referred to Chevrolet pickups with ½, ¾, or 1 tonne payload.
The GMC versions from 1967 to 1970 had the same designations as those of Chevrolet; however, the equipment lines were called 1500, Custom 1500 and Super Custom 1500. From 1971 this changed to:
- Custom 1500 - base model
- Super Custom 1500 - medium model
- Sierra 1500 - top model
and at the end of 1971 and 1972 in ::
- Super Custom 1500 - base model
- Sierra 1500 - medium model
- Sierra Grande 1500 - top model
- Sierra Highlander 1500 - special equipment package.
The designation 1500, 2500 and 3500 referred to GMC pickups with ½, ¾ or 1 ton payload.
Both brands had the Highlander package with special color-coordinated fabric inserts, additional color combinations and insulation measures.
1973-1991
| 3rd generation | |
|---|---|
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Chevrolet C-10 Custom Deluxe |
|
| Production period: | 1973-1991 |
| Designs: | Pick up |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 4.1–7.4 liters (77–180 kW) Diesel engines : 5.7–6.2 liters (92–111 kW) |
| Payload: | 0.5-1.0 t |
1973-1974
- Fuel tanks were no longer housed in the driver's cab and their volume was greatly increased; on request there were two tanks (up to 180 ltr.)
- This series had longer wheelbases (2,985 mm and 3,340 mm).
- There are vehicles with a double cab and an even longer wheelbase (4,178 mm) in two versions:
- The Bonus Cab has no rear seats but additional lockable storage space
- The double cabin 3 + 3 has six seats in two rows.
- An all-wheel drive is available from 1973–1980 with the heavy NP203 differential as an option.
- The selectable all-wheel drive has the NP205 differential and it is available throughout the production period of the series.
- An ammeter is included in the instrument package.
- The following motors are available:
- 4.1 l R6 with 77 kW
- 4.8 liter R6 with 88 kW
- 5.05-liter V8 with 96 kW (1973 only)
- 5.7-liter V8 with 184 kW
- 7.4-liter V8 with 180 kW
- The following equipment lines are available for Chevrolet and GMC:
- Custom / Sierra - base model. Rubber floor mats, vinyl seats, no headliners, mechanical door locks and window controls.
- Scottsdale / Sierra Grande - Chrome trim + Custom / Sierra trim
- Cheyenne / High Sierra - embellishments made of brushed aluminum on the inside, fabric seats, chrome fittings, carpet, air conditioning, headliner, better soundproofing (in the doors, the headliner etc.)
- Cheyenne Super / Sierra Classic - decorations made of real wood, all equipment details of the Cheyenne (High Sierra), extensive chrome equipment (especially bumpers and mirrors), steering wheel height adjustment, electric windows and electric door locks, cruise control on request. The cowboy Cadillac !
1975
- There is an additional engine: a 6.6-liter V8 with 136 kW (1975–1980).
- GM introduces two new equipment lines: The Silverado replaces the Cheyenne Super and the Custom Deluxe replaces the Custom.
- Custom Deluxe / Sierra - base model. Rubber floor mats, vinyl seats, no headliners, mechanical door locks and window regulators, painted bumpers.
- Scottsdale / Sierra Grande - Decorations made of imitation wood, chrome interior, fabric seats, interior of the Custom Deluxe / Sierra.
- Cheyenne / High Sierra - carpets, door pockets, chrome fittings, air conditioning, headliners and better sound insulation (in the doors, in the headliner, etc.)
- Silverado / Sierra Classic - all equipment details of the Cheyenne / High Sierra, more chrome (especially bumpers and mirrors), steering wheel height adjustment, electric windows and electric door locks, cruise control on request. The cowboy Cadillac !
1976
- A voltmeter replaces the ammeter in the instrument package.
1977
- An electrical oil pressure indicator replaces the mechanical one in the instrument package.
- There is a one-ton four-wheel drive (Chevrolet K30 / GMC K3500).
1978
- A 5.7 liter 92 kW V8 diesel is introduced by Oldsmobile (available until 1981).
1980
- Last year for the 6.6-liter V8 with 136 kW.
In 1981 there was a facelift. Some details are omitted or added:
- Changed instrument recording.
- Silverado / Sierra Classic - Instead of imitation wood, there is brushed aluminum.
- Standard halogen lighting.
- Changed decoration on the vehicle sides.
- A flatter grille and a shorter bonnet change the front.
- Engines
- 5.0-liter V8 with 118 kW in addition.
- Last year for Oldsmobile's 5.7 liter V8 diesel .
- Changes to all-wheel drive:
- Automatically coupling hubs on the front wheels of the light pickups.
- The lightweight NP208 differential with aluminum housing replaces the heavy NP205 and NP203 with cast iron housings on the lighter pickups.
- The NP205 is still available with the heavy pickups, but without all-wheel drive.
1982
- 6.2-liter V8 diesel with 111 kW from Detroit Diesel.
- Four-stage automatic TH700-R4 with overdrive is introduced.
1985
- The 4.3-liter V6 replaces both six-cylinder in-line engines.
- There are hydraulically operated clutches.
A variation of the C / K pickups was introduced in Brazil in 1985 and replaced the Chevrolet Varaneio that had been manufactured there since 1964 .
1987
- An electronic speedometer (with a sensor for the TBI) replaces the mechanical model.
- GM introduces TBI injection.
- GM changes from the designation C- / K-series to R- / V-series (forms the 5th position in the chassis number). R / V is a transitional designation that remains in use for the remainder of the third generation's production up to 1991. From 1988, the designations C-series and K-series are used for the fourth generation in the GMT400 design.
Sidesaddle fuel tanks
In the third generation of the large Chevrolet pickups, the fuel tank was relocated from the driver's cab under the floor of the driver's cab, where it also extended to under the front part of the bed. This design change was called “sidesaddle” and led to many discussions long after the end of production. This increased the capacity of the tanks from 72 liters to up to 180 liters, depending on the wheelbase and number of tanks. In addition, the tank no longer had any connection with the passenger compartment.
According to the Dataline report from 1993, however, this construction carried the risk of a tank explosion in the event of a side impact. However, there are large differences in the number of deaths that could be attributed to the individual sources. A study by Failure Analysis Associates points to 155 deaths from side impacts and vehicle fires caused by these GM pickups between 1973 and 1989. Ralph Nader's Center of Auto Safety found over 1,800 deaths that could have been attributed to vehicle fires triggered by side impacts between 1973 and 2000. GM never initiated a recall as required by the NHTSA .
In 1993, the bad reputation caused by the later deleted Dataline report caused various class actions. As compensation, GM offered $ 1,000 vouchers to purchase new GM pickups while handing over the old pickups. Although the pickups met the then-valid NHTSA standards for side impacts at 15 and 20 mph, GM agreed with the NHTSA in 1994 to pay US $ 51 million to be used for safety programs. The fourth generation (1988–2001) was designed with fuel tanks between the frame side members long before these processes.
1988-1999
| 4th generation | |
|---|---|
Chevrolet C / K2500 (1988-1990) |
|
| Production period: | 1988-1999 |
| Designs: | Pick up |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 4.3–7.4 liters (118–180 kW) Diesel engines : 6.2–6.5 liters |
| Length: | 4940-6372 mm |
| Width: | 1951-1958 mm |
| Height: | 1844-1859 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2985-4280 mm |
| Payload: | 0.5-1.0 t |
In April 1987, the 1988 models (known as the GMT400 platform) were introduced in eight different versions: Fleetside , Fleetside with an extended cab , Fleetside double cab and Stepside - each version as a rear-wheel drive (C) and all-wheel drive (K) model. All of these models had independent front suspension. There were three equipment lines: Cheyenne, Scottsdale and Silverado. The following engines were available for the drive: 4.3-l V6 with 118 kW, 5.0-l V8 with 129 kW, 5.7-l V8 with 154 kW and 6.2-l V8 Diesel. A 7.4-liter V8 with 169 kW was also available for three-quarter-ton trucks and one-ton trucks.
In 1989 there was a Fleetside Sports Package that included body-colored bumpers and grille, chrome-plated wheels and fog lights. A Z71 off-road package was also available, with sand plates and Bilstein shock absorbers. In 1990 the Work Truck (W / T) was introduced, a Cheyenne pickup truck with a single cab, a new grille and black bumpers. Also in 1990 the GMC 3500 EFI appeared with the powerful 7.4-liter V8. It made 230 bhp (169 kW) and had a torque of 522 Nm. From 1991 there was the GM 4L80 automatic transmission for three-quarter and one-ton vehicles. In 1992 the manual four-speed gearbox was omitted and the Stepside was also available with an extended cab. The 6.5-liter V8 diesel was also available with a turbocharger.
From 1993 the sports package was also available for the Stepside; it included body-colored bumpers, mirrors and grille, and cast aluminum wheels. The 700R4 gearbox was replaced by the 4L60-E automatic in 1993, the diesel engine was dropped in 1994 and there was a new grille. In 1995 the pickups received a new audio system and new instruments, whereby a trip meter was now part of the standard equipment in all versions. Also from 1995 onwards, an ABS and a passenger airbag were part of the standard equipment on the half-toners. In 1996 the GM Vortec V8 engines were introduced. New cylinder heads and camshafts, as well as rocker arms and higher compression ensured a significant increase in performance. In 1997 all pickups received speed-dependent power steering and side airbags on the passenger side. In 1998 the steering wheel and the airbag system were readjusted and a PASSLOCK II anti-theft alarm system was installed.
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This model series was one of the two that last installed the old Chevrolet 5.7-liter V8 (Small Block) (the other was the G-series until 2002).
The GMT800 platform was introduced in 1999, but the GMT400 platform was still in production for fleet models until the 2000 model year. At that time, this platform was no longer manufactured in the USA, but in Brazil , where the vehicles are powered by a Chevrolet in-line six-cylinder.
SS 454
In 1990, Chevrolet introduced a high-performance variant of the GMT400 under the name Super Sport and named it SS 454 . It was only available with a normal driver's cab as a half-ton in onyx black. The car was powered by a 7.4 liter V8 engine with an output of 169 kW and a torque of 522 Nm. A three-stage automatic transmission and an axle drive with a tooth ratio of 3.73: 1 transferred the engine power to the rear axle. The chassis has been upgraded with 32 mm Bilstein gas shock absorbers and a 32 mm stabilizer on the front axle. The steering ratio was 12.7: 1.
Noteworthy on the exterior was a front carrier with fog lamps, special wheel arches, signs with the inscription "SS 454" on the vehicle sides, red emblems with designation of the equipment line and black bumpers, mirrors and radiator grille. In the interior there was a soft upholstery with garnet red fabric and black applications, folding sports seats with high backrests and a center console.
The list price of the 1990 model was $ 18,295 plus a $ 550 shipping fee. 16,953 copies of the SS 454 were sold in over four years; in the first year of 1990 alone there were 13,748 units. In 1994 the SS 454 was no longer offered.
Brazilian versions
In the 1960s, a variant of the C / K family was introduced in Brazil. This had the mechanics of the C / K series from the USA in the years 1960–1966, but the bodies came from Brazilian production. There was a pickup truck called the C10 and an SUV called the Varaneio (also initially known as the Chevrolet C1416) that was introduced in 1964. At first they had an in-line six-cylinder Chevrolet engine. Later a four-cylinder diesel from Perkins was added - the model was then called the D10 (only as a pickup). At the beginning of the 1980s there was also a variant with an ethanol-powered engine as the A10 .
From 1986 there was a revised model that looked similar to the US counterparts from 1973-1987 and was designated as the C20 . The engine was based on that of the Chevrolet Nova . The diesel and alcohol versions were called D20 and A20 , respectively . Later the Perkins diesel engines were replaced by Maxion's. The old version of the Varaneio remained in production until model year 198, but was then also replaced by a revised version based on the C20.
Web links
- Website of the Chevy truck fan clubs North America (English)
- ChevyTalk.com
- GMFullsize.com
- Fullsizechevy.com
- Pirate4x4
- Chuckschevytruckpages
- 67-72chevytrucks.com
- Stovebolt.com
Individual evidence
- ↑ 1979-1984 GM parts book LT Truck 52A Rev84.1 PG31
- ↑ 1979-1984 GM parts book LT Truck 52A Rev84.1 PG33
- ↑ [1] ( Page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/81-87VIN.html
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ http://wadsworth.com/philosophy_d/templates/student_resources/0534605796_harris/cases/Cases/case49.htm
- ↑ http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?scid=94&did=504
