Picked up my first truck: '84 Silverado!

[jrblanke]

I have broken this post into sections.

This describes my adventure to get this truck from looking, to purchasing, to driving home. Also gives background on truck:

After looking for a truck for some time, I finally found one that fit my budget and had the style I was looking for. It was on craigslist about 1h 15m from my location. I went last week with my father in law to check it out. The truck had only been driven about 30k miles in the last 18 years, so it definitely needed some TLC. It had been painted 8 years ago, and the trans was rebuilt at that time as well, but has pretty much sat since then. The only thing that would need immediate attention before getting it inspected would be the exhaust and headlights. I test drove it and it ran/braked fine, so after thinking about it overnight, I decide to make the purchase. The only thing that made me uneasy was the salvage title. Evidently it was hit from behind, but I got underneath and frame was straight, so no big deal.

My wife and I drove down, signed the title, paid the man, and started back on the 75 mile adventure to our apartment. Things went well for the first part of the trip. I was worried about the fact that the truck had sat so long and would now be stirring up whatever trash was in the fuel tank, and stirring up whatever trash was in the carb.

About 45 miles into the trip I noticed the truck was not tackling the hills like it did during the first part of the trip, then it began to overheat. I have never been in a vehicle that was overheating before, but I was paranoid about things going wrong, so I noticed the gage and pulled over once it crept past 210F. I opened the hood and smoke came out. I assumed that this from the oil that was dripping from the valve covers onto the exhaust manifold. I shut it off for about 10 minutes, then decided it was better to start it and run it in neutral to circulate the coolant. The temp cooled back down from 260 to below 210, so I took off back down the road. It ran like a champ when I could get it over 60mph, but between 50 and 60 I felt like it couldn’t decide what gear to be in. It was like the torque converter wasn’t locking up.

After about 15 more miles, the truck was over heating again and the power loss was worse. Now when going up hills I could not get over 45 miles per hour. There was something definitely wrong, but I couldn’t tell if it was starving for fuel or if it was ignition issues. I was now definitely questioning whether I would make the final 15 miles. I thought, what the heck, lets give it a shot. So I took off down the road again. This time, cooling off did not help, and the power loss started to feel like a time when the points went out on a previous car. When I was about 6 miles from my apartment, I stopped at a traffic light, and when pulling away from the light, I could only get up to 10mph. I knew I wasn’t making it all the way home so I picked a neighborhood and just as I turned in, it died.

I popped the hood and took the air cleaner off and told the wife that we should go get some carb cleaner. Then after a few minutes of talking with her, I noticed the truck still had not stopped smoking, like it had previously done. I looked back at the area where the valve cover was leaking and then turned to my wife and said…hmmm my truck is on fire. Two spark plug wires were on fire. The flames were about 5 inches high. My wife gave me her water bottle and I poured it onto the flames and surprisingly it put the fire out. I was ready to take off all my clothes and smother that fire. I was not going to have my freaking new truck go up in flames. My wife joked and called it…flamerado. I think that will be its nickname. All kidding aside, I was very lucky and learned a very good lesson. And that is to be more prepared when dealing with an unknown classic vehicle. I had thought about what I would do if I broke down, but I did NOT think about what I would do if something caught on fire.

Assessments after the 75 mile drive home:
All four spark plug wires on the driver’s side had burned completely in half and were dangling under the truck. The passenger side looked ok, but I did not like the way they were routed. I think a similar thing could happen on that side, so I will route them differently when I replace them. I think the plug wires did not all burn off at the same time, which is why the truck gradually lost power. This also could explain the overheating? I checked the trans fluid level and the dip stick was dry, So I will add more and see how it does (after I get it running again). I think the low fluid level may be the reason it wasn’t shifting well into overdrive.

About the truck itself (options):
The truck seems to be a very well optioned truck. Here are the options from the sticker below. Not sure what some of them are. Please feel free to address my questions if you know what the answers are.

• Front color keyed FL (Not sure what this means)
• Intermittent wipers
• Pickup box side rails
• Front stabilizer bar
• Power Brakes
• 5.0 V8 (now appears to be a 350 crate motor)
• High Alt Emission E (Not sure what this means)
• Tilt steering column
• Rally Wheels
• Cargo Lamp
• AM/FM Stereo ( is this the original one in my picture?)
• Chrome rear step bumper (not sure what difference is between step and regular bumper)
• P235/75/15 TBL S HWY (Not sure what TBLS HWY is, and not sure why it is on the sticker 3 times)
• XSSL Saddle tan cus (Interior color? Not sure what XSSL is)
• Tinted glass all windows (as opposed to only windshield maybe?
• Door edge guard mold
• Air conditioning
• Fleetside body
• Rear axle 3.73 (this is the standard ratio correct?)
• Electronic speed control
• 4 speed auto transmission (Found a receipt in the glove box for a trans rebuild for 2k)
• Auxiliary fuel tank (how many gallons does each tank hold? 12?)
• Power steering (var?)
• Halogen Hi Beam (is this different from regular headlights? What brand should they be?)
• Quartz clock
• Chrome front bumper (were bumper guards standard with this bumper?)
• P235/75/R15 TBLS HWY (tire size again, but on the other side of the sticker. What gives?)
• Sequoia special ( What is this?)
• Operating convenience (What is this?)
• Exterior décor package (what does this include?)
• 66 Indian Bronze 61 (paint?)

Some problems I have noticed:

• Some of the trim is missing off the truck, including the tail gate trim and the driver’s side window molding. It is also missing one rally wheel cap thingy.
• The AC needs to be charged
• The spare tire needs to be mounted underneath, I have not checked to see if there is a chain or anything to hold it up there. (may be gone from when it was rear ended)
• Needs a new exhaust system. Old one is rusted out.
• Headlights are pointing in every direction but straight
• Windows don’t roll back up after being rolled down, can’t physically pull them up either.
• Power door locks will unlock the truck, but not lock it.
• Owner never used driver side fuel tank due to it missing the cap to the tank. I’m sure I will need to remove tank and at least drain the old fuel from it.
• A/C does not blow cold
• Belts look old…they don’t look to be in bad shape…but just old and dirty…makes me uneasy.
• Dash lights do not work, nor does the dome light

Short term plans:
Plans are to get the headlights straightened out, replace the plugs/wires/cap/button, air/fuel filter, new exhaust, charge AC. I may replace the belts and flush the coolant system. Once I replace the plugs/wires/cap/button/airfilter/fuel filter, I will evaluate whether it runs good enough, or do I need to rebuild the carb (which I really don’t want to do). I also need to figure out why the windows and door locks don’t work. I also need to find out why the dash lights, and dome light don’t work.

Here are the pictures:






Notice the thing that is at the bottom center of the windsheild, it almost looks like a defroster wire thing? You cant see the wires, but two of the run up the center of the windsheild and then run out to the sides.






Original radio?


Engine compartment. Goodwrench 350 in place of the orignal 305.


Picture of burnt spark plug wires. Also behind the spark plug wires closest to the cab, there is a wire plug that may have melted. not sure what this is yet.


Documents I found in the glove box, including an inspection sheet from the date of purchase and the dealership name.


Option List. Not sure what some of the options are.




Last but not least, my ford lovin', mustang drivin' wife thought it was funny that my truck got towed to my apartment by a ford.





I am looking forward to learning more about these trucks.

[Car'n'Guitars]

Very nice truck, you should upgrade your wife just kidding. You'll enjoy your truck a lot.

[Corts60]

The wires in the windshield are your antenna. Nice truck!

[Pop's C-10]

Nice truck

[old Rusty C10]

thats quite a story and quite a truck! a complete tune up is definately in order on that truck as well as a complete fluid change but ill tell ya what im betting that youll have one hell of a reliable truck on your hands once ya get it running right.
sounds like it wont be too bad getting it road worthy

[Pyrotechnic]

That's cool that it got ordered with 3.73 gears. Most of them got a 2.73 or 3.08. Nice truck!

[Wrecked1982]

maybe the radiator is cloged + new thermostat

[slinginrods]

the ford floormat is causing you problems.remove it and the demons will be set free

[jrblanke]

Hahaha, I was wondering if anyone would notice the ford floormat.

Thanks for the comments guys.

James

[ITHBlueChevy]

haha. flamerado, cool story man and nice truck

[Keith Seymore]

Ask away!

Here's the questions I saw:

Front color keyed FL (Not sure what this means) - color keyed floor, or floor mats
High Alt Emission E (Not sure what this means) - different engine emissions package, for like Denver or somewhere
AM/FM Stereo ( is this the original one in my picture?) - yep, same as what came in my truck
Chrome rear step bumper (not sure what difference is between step and regular bumper) - non step is a more "styled", smoother bumper
P235/75/15 TBL S HWY (Not sure what TBLS HWY is, and not sure why it is on the sticker 3 times) - because in the old days you could order different tires on the front, on the rear, and as a spare. This shows they were all ordered as the same tire. XWV = Front, YWV = Rear, ZWV= Spare.
XSSL Saddle tan cus (Interior color? Not sure what XSSL is) - "quick spec" for that particular interior combination
Tinted glass all windows (as opposed to only windshield maybe?) - yes, although I don't think windshield only was available in our truck.
Rear axle 3.73 (this is the standard ratio correct?) -no. Optional
Auxiliary fuel tank (how many gallons does each tank hold? 12?) - 16 gal
Power steering (var?) - yes
Halogen Hi Beam (is this different from regular headlights? What brand should they be?) - brand is unknown. It would be whoever was the production supplier at the time (Sylvania, etc)
Chrome front bumper (were bumper guards standard with this bumper?) no - optional
P235/75/R15 TBLS HWY (tire size again, but on the other side of the sticker. What gives?) - see above
Sequoia special ( What is this?) - optional trim package
Operating convenience (What is this?) dome lamp and stuff
Exterior décor package (what does this include?) - chrome side moldings and wheel opening moldings
66 Indian Bronze 61 (paint?) -yes

Here is the information package for your truck, as located in the GM Heritage Center archive. This will tell you nearly anything you could want to know about what was/is available on this style pickup: http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...olet-Truck.pdf

You can also send your VIN (and $50) and they can send your original invoice for your specific truck. Follow the instructions on the webpage.

I also noticed you have the early (like 1975) style rally center cap. It may be tough to find one of those. You could upgrade to the correct scalloped style cap, like on mine, which would likely be easier to find (below, showing center cap and rear bumper).

K

[jrblanke]

Keith, Thank you very much for the reply! I have been using the search tool to find some of the answers to my questions. I think I am going to post findings to my own questions on this thread as well.

Do you know if my truck was two tone? I believe it was one solid color, "indian bronze".


I think it's really neat that you participate in this forum. Having someone who worked for GM on the forum is awesome! I am a quality engineer for a company who makes automatic transmissions for Toyota. Its a neat job, but I think working for an OEM would be even cooler!

Thanks again,

James

[Junqueboi]

Hi James,

You write well..it's nice to be able to easily read long posts having punctuation AND grammar! Very nice truck you have there: hopefully the engine didn't get hot enough to warp a head or blow a head gasket. My money's on the driver's side head being OK, lol.

The plug wiring on the driver's side is very tricky with those manifolds. Wires 1,3, and 5 should route behind the exhaust manifold outlet. Hopefully the retainers are still there. Expect to get very greasy installing the new wire set.

Switching subjects: the operating convenience group includes power windows & door locks. Your truck is a customer-ordered truck too...judging from the blurb on the lower right of your SPID sticker...that's pretty cool.

If your dome light is out, it's probably corrosion on the door switch contacts(providing the light comes on when you rotate the headlight switch knob). Most of my trucks had corroded switches. I was able to save some of them by removing them with a 7/16 socket & cleaning up the contacts. You can use a wire brush or sandblaster..

I work in Durham & have a pile of these trucks and parts at my house in Leasburg so if there's any way I can help you out, LMK. I have some of the older-style caps that Mr. Seymore mentioned in his previous post so if you need one, I'd be happy to donate to the cause.

Keith..if you are still reading this post, do you know what years those early style caps are correct for? I wonder if the '74 Spirit of America Impalas used this style cap? Just wondering.

[Junqueboi]

Hey wow, my friend Zack works at AW. I got a tour of the place & it was an incredible experience... I still use those awesome safety glasses they gave me that day. Zack is a Chevy/Pontiac guy & a great guy to get to know... he'll help out anyone if he sees a need.

Single-tone paint on your truck, btw. Unusual color.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Junqueboi

Keith..if you are still reading this post, do you know what years those early style caps are correct for? I wonder if the '74 Spirit of America Impalas used this style cap? Just wondering.

It's possible. We had them on our '75 C10, but the Impalas of the era were a 5x5 bolt circle as well.

K

[jrblanke]

Joel,
Thanks for the reply and the complement. I actually wrote the post on MS word first, then copied it into the message box, haha. I try to keep my writing professional so people take me seriously and I get the best information possible.

Thanks for the advice on the plug wires. I have not looked at the truck to see if the wire retainers are still there. Would the retainers themselves be bolted to the block and made of metal? I have a 73 Corvette and it has metal retainers. The plug wires are a major pain in the rear to replace on that car because they go through the motor mounts, and it is very tight in that engine compartment.

As far as the dome/interior light problems go, I think it is a ground issue. The dash lights do not come on or dim when the switch is pulled out and turned. I found an electrical wiring diagram yesterday but I have not gotten a chance to study it. Ill look into those door contacts you mentioned.

I am very excited to learn more info regarding the origin of the truck. I didn't know it was custom order truck. That is really cool! I have a sheet of paper that shows that the truck was inspected by the dealer before it was driven off the lot. The dealership no longer exists, but at least I know where it was originally delivered. I think I am going to spend the 50 dollars and send the VIN number to that GMheritage website that Keith told me about. I would be really interested to know what the truck sold for and who it was sold to.

I really appreciate the offer on the wheel centers. I'll take a closer look to see what I have and get in contact with you about them. Maybe we can work up a safety glasses for wheel center trade.

[Your41Plague12]

I had a similar problem with my dome light. First check the bulb. If I recall correctly, the dome light should have 12v constantly and is grounded when either the switch is positioned to turn the dome light on, or when one of the doors is open (the switch grounds to the body). So if you don't have 12v at the back of the dome light, you have a broken or disconnected wire. The wire itself runs down the pillar by the driver's side seat belt and then in the crevice between the rocker panel and the floor pan, underneath the carpet. You can find it by removing the plastic "step pad" and lifting up the carpet. The wires should be orange and white. Search the length of the wire for a break. Mine was pretty obvious. Best of luck, and nice ride! I love the 83-84 front end (I have an '83). Cool options, too.

Steve

[jrblanke]

Thanks Steve,
I can't wait to start investigating some of this electrical stuff! Ill keep your suggestions in mind.

I am not sure of all the differences between the years, but here is my father in laws 83 scottsdale with an 83 silverado grill. He has had it since new.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

You should also. Check and see if the motor is grounded out as well could be why plug wires melted
Posted via Mobile Device

[grayharville]

I love this truck. The 84 style grille is my all time favorite, Im pretty jealous!

[Junqueboi]

WOW, that red/white truck is beautiful...that's got to be the sharpest color combo on that bodystyle...I'm not into customization but the cowl hood is subtle & keeps the truck looking classy.

I forgot to mention earlier...the previous poster mentioning the "always hot" dome light reminded me...I've seen a lot of these trucks & S10's wiring corrode/disintegrate where it runs under the carpeting/rubber mat...I guess it's from the constant moisture under there.

My S10's wire was so bad it had literally separated in two.

[jrblanke]

I drove down to my parents’ house in charlotte this weekend. I found some of the spark plug wires I pulled off of my corvette a few years ago. I’ll probably put them on next weekend (when I'm back in Raleigh) and I'll also investigate the interior lights and power windows.

I'll plan to take back my voltage meter, and several other basic tools. I hate being in an apartment complex.

[jrblanke]

Here is what I found about the Sequoia Special . This was copy and pasted from an older thread by KIILEW:


Sequoia Special
The Sequoia Special was the spiritual successor to the Bonanza/Bonanza packages of the '80 and earlier time frame, which in turn descended from the even earlier Highlander discount option packages.

While the earlier packages were specific option groupings priced at a discount, however, the Sequoia amounted to the proverbial "buy several options, get one free" scheme, and were apparently offered during the winter/spring months. Specifically, the buyer would receive either C60 air conditioning OR MX1/MX0 3spd/4spd automatic transmission WITHOUT CHARGE if he selected the following options:

ZY4 deluxe two tone paint (not color specific, with contrasting color on the roof and lower bodyside)
V22 deluxe front appearance package (i.e. chrome grille/quad headlamps)
TT5 halogen high beam headlamps
U35 electric clock
A01 tinted glass
ZQ2 Operating convenience package (i.e. power windows/locks)
U58 AM/FM stereo radio (w/an upgrade allowed)
K34 electronic speed control
N33 tilt steering wheel
CD4 intermittent windshield wipers

The overdrive auto transmission discount was applicable only to 1982 and later 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickup models which normally offered that transmission on an RPO basis. The package content was likely fairly consistent from year-to-year.

Other than the reference to the "YH6 Sequoia Special" listed on your glove box label, these models are indistinguishable from similarly optioned (non-discounted) vehicles.

[broey]

Sweet truck! Total score on the cargo light. Hopefully a change out of some fuses will fix the interior electrical issues.

[jrblanke]

Broey, I agree with you. Ill check the fuse box first, and if fuses are blown, ill look into why they are blown and then replace them.

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

You should also. Check and see if the motor is grounded out as well could be why plug wires melted
Posted via Mobile Device

I didn't think about this, but you might be on to something. I noticed a ground strap just 'chillin' over on the drivers side. It is not connected to anything (on either end). I am not around my truck this weekend to investigate further, but you can see it in a previous picture I took:






I feel like this is a dumb question, but where is the engine grounded? To find where the engine is grounded should I just look on a wiring diagram?The negative battery cable is connected to the frame, is that it?