Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sniper X · 02-09-2010, 12:43 PM

I am always surpised at how reliable and still on the road the pre 90s Chevy trucks are. I mean around here, in NM I see at least 50 times the number of pre 90s Chevys still on the road than ANY other make. There are a few scant Dodges but very few, and about 1/10th the number of pre 90s Fords stil on th road here. In fact, i may see a ore 80s Dodge for every hundreds or so pre 80s chevys! I also see about 200 times as manny 70s vintage and even 60s vintage Chevys than Fords and of course I never see 60s or 70s Dodges, well maybe one in a year.

I haven't driven my 1974 for two months, as it has been sitting in 3ft of snot with a 5ft drift behind it. I have been driving my Range Rover because it is 4x4. Anywho....I walked out last night at about 9pm and it was about 30 degrees I jumped in the old beat and pumpped the throttle five times and touched the key and it fired off like I had driven it twnety minutes ago!
I love this thing!

Jim85IROC · 02-09-2010, 12:55 PM

No. I think that generally newer trucks are far more reliable. We just like our trucks enough to maintain them properly. The 90s trucks aren't as popular of a body style, so there are fewer people preserving/maintaining them.

GmtGmt · 02-09-2010, 01:09 PM

Because they are simpel, easy and cheap to maintain
there arnt alot that can malfunction as there really arnt any computer stuff in these trucks only after 86

also because only few people have money to go out and buy new trucks and cars nowadays
i see that on everyday im a Volvo Mechanic and we have only sold 3 cars this year! but we see alot of older models comming that have seen the good site of 500.000miles

*78 Chevyrado* · 02-09-2010, 02:16 PM

My 77 and 78 were reliable. my 87... well not so much.

*C-10 simplex* · 02-09-2010, 02:40 PM

That's true; i don't really see any 70's or 80's ford pickups--only rarely. But i see at least 4-5 gm pickups from the 73-87 range everyday.

i think because they're are small block chevy based/rwd makes them cheap easy to maintain.

Pyrotechnic · 02-09-2010, 03:03 PM

Being that most of these are carbureted, they will continue to run, though not that well with a roll of duct tape and some bailing wire.

Chevy has a ton of interchangeability as well, which means you could pull parts off another GM vehicle with the same family engine and it would work which means cheap and easy to find parts. This really gives GM vehicles the edge in general at the parts counter as well.

Not the case with Ford, where they would change things constantly every year or two without a care for parts interchange later on. Dodge is fairly good about it, but I don't think they sold that many of their trucks in the first place. Maybe that's why Ford is always bragging about having America's #1 selling truck...it's easier just to scrap the old and buy a new one!

86swb · 02-09-2010, 03:23 PM

But I know when I go to the salvage yard looking for parts I see more pre 90's Fords there than Chevy's. Around here anyway.

Malo83 · 02-09-2010, 03:26 PM

My 83 Silverado is still my daily driver since New, with 208K miles on her she still runs great, still quite a few 73-87's driving around here

Like a Rock

Sniper X · 02-09-2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86swb

But I know when I go to the salvage yard looking for parts I see more pre 90's Fords there than Chevy's. Around here anyway.

Exactly my point, I know why they are so reliable, but why AREN'T other makes as reliable? Technically they should be.

big10ratrod77 · 02-09-2010, 06:07 PM

yea we own the best trucks ever made thats all there is to it!

Quote:

Exactly my point, I know why they are so reliable, but why AREN'T other makes as reliable? Technically they should be.

becouse they can some times they cut corners to make stuff cheaper example-1971 ford mavrick uses the same tail lights as a 71 ford truck other words CHEAP!!! but the main thing is the difference of how things are designed and built

grinch4om · 02-09-2010, 06:17 PM

they are as reliable but every one seems to understand chevys... most of the fords and dodges (older) I've seen are ragged, used up and just plain beyond fixing up. owned all brands and raced fords but have always liked chevy trucks best. twin I beam is tough as nails but rides/handles like poop. dodges just weren't sold as much as the rest

Hoods69BadBowTie · 02-09-2010, 06:47 PM

Hell yea

They are very simple to fix and pretty easy to maintain! I love all my rigs I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world well almost anything

chevymotocross · 02-09-2010, 07:14 PM

Very reliable mechanically BUT they are prone to rust/rot, atleast up here in New England, and that can make the truck unreliable if you don't take care of it and prevent it. For example, on my truck the upper control arm has rotted through. If I were to continue to drive this, I risk it breaking apart and me losing control of my truck possibly hurting myself and someone else. That is why I have pulled it off the road to finish my restoration process.

86swb · 02-09-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevymotocross

Very reliable mechanically BUT they are prone to rust/rot, atleast up here in New England, and that can make the truck unreliable if you don't take care of it and prevent it. For example, on my truck the upper control arm has rotted through. If I were to continue to drive this, I risk it breaking apart and me losing control of my truck possibly hurting myself and someone else. That is why I have pulled it off the road to finish my restoration process.

They all are prone to rust not just our trucks in cerntain parts of the country. Also most classic old Fords have a Chevy power train in them and there is a reason for that.

1973GMC_1500 · 02-09-2010, 08:56 PM

I don't mind Fords, but their f***ing electrical systems are over-complicated.
And there is virtually NO parts interchangeability.

With GM nearly everything is interchangeable (or so it seems).

spr85gmc · 02-09-2010, 09:06 PM

i choose to plead the 5th to this comment, as if i were to agree lord know my truck wont start in the morning ..... just the facts of life!!!

GMC Guy · 02-09-2010, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spr85gmc

i choose to plead the 5th to this comment, as if i were to agree lord know my truck wont start in the morning ..... just the facts of life!!!

i feel the exact same way!

79gmcc15 · 02-09-2010, 10:39 PM

my ole truck as never not started, never left me stranded, no matter how sick she was. that's all I can say about that!

Low84 · 02-09-2010, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Being that most of these are carbureted, they will continue to run, though not that well with a roll of duct tape and some bailing wire.

Chevy has a ton of interchangeability as well, which means you could pull parts off another GM vehicle with the same family engine and it would work which means cheap and easy to find parts. This really gives GM vehicles the edge in general at the parts counter as well.

Not the case with Ford, where they would change things constantly every year or two without a care for parts interchange later on. Dodge is fairly good about it, but I don't think they sold that many of their trucks in the first place. Maybe that's why Ford is always bragging about having America's #1 selling truck...it's easier just to scrap the old and buy a new one!

Not to go off topic, but I heard that they win that statistic not because they out sell GM, but because they break up the GMC trucks from the Chevrolet truck sales. Never bothered looking into it though.

86swb · 02-10-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low84

Not to go off topic, but I heard that they win that statistic not because they out sell GM, but because they break up the GMC trucks from the Chevrolet truck sales. Never bothered looking into it though.

That really makes since. Never thought about that.

Ford only has Ford trucks.

big10ratrod77 · 02-10-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

i choose to plead the 5th to this comment, as if i were to agree lord know my truck wont start in the morning ..... just the facts of life!!!

dont worry bud my big 10 has broke down a bunch(i think we both got humble trucks couse mine dont like braging)... BUT my truck has always broke down in front of the house, that might be a good thing. lol

i look at it like they got to take a day off every once and a while

**N2TRUX** · 02-10-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniper X

....I haven't driven my 1974 for two months, as it has been sitting in 3ft of snot with a 5ft drift behind it.....

That's just gross...

86swb · 02-10-2010, 10:03 AM

I hope he ment snow.

02-09-2010, 12:55 PM	#2
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? No. I think that generally newer trucks are far more reliable. We just like our trucks enough to maintain them properly. The 90s trucks aren't as popular of a body style, so there are fewer people preserving/maintaining them. __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page

02-09-2010, 02:16 PM	#4
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? My 77 and 78 were reliable. my 87... well not so much.

02-09-2010, 02:40 PM	#5
C-10 simplex Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indisclosed Posts: 1,515	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? That's true; i don't really see any 70's or 80's ford pickups--only rarely. But i see at least 4-5 gm pickups from the 73-87 range everyday. i think because they're are small block chevy based/rwd makes them cheap easy to maintain. Last edited by C-10 simplex; 02-09-2010 at 02:41 PM.

02-09-2010, 03:03 PM	#6
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? Being that most of these are carbureted, they will continue to run, though not that well with a roll of duct tape and some bailing wire. Chevy has a ton of interchangeability as well, which means you could pull parts off another GM vehicle with the same family engine and it would work which means cheap and easy to find parts. This really gives GM vehicles the edge in general at the parts counter as well. Not the case with Ford, where they would change things constantly every year or two without a care for parts interchange later on. Dodge is fairly good about it, but I don't think they sold that many of their trucks in the first place. Maybe that's why Ford is always bragging about having America's #1 selling truck...it's easier just to scrap the old and buy a new one! __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

02-09-2010, 03:23 PM	#7
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? But I know when I go to the salvage yard looking for parts I see more pre 90's Fords there than Chevy's. Around here anyway. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

02-09-2010, 12:43 PM	#1
Sniper X Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Albuquerque New mexico Posts: 169	Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? I am always surpised at how reliable and still on the road the pre 90s Chevy trucks are. I mean around here, in NM I see at least 50 times the number of pre 90s Chevys still on the road than ANY other make. There are a few scant Dodges but very few, and about 1/10th the number of pre 90s Fords stil on th road here. In fact, i may see a ore 80s Dodge for every hundreds or so pre 80s chevys! I also see about 200 times as manny 70s vintage and even 60s vintage Chevys than Fords and of course I never see 60s or 70s Dodges, well maybe one in a year. I haven't driven my 1974 for two months, as it has been sitting in 3ft of snot with a 5ft drift behind it. I have been driving my Range Rover because it is 4x4. Anywho....I walked out last night at about 9pm and it was about 30 degrees I jumped in the old beat and pumpped the throttle five times and touched the key and it fired off like I had driven it twnety minutes ago! I love this thing!

02-09-2010, 03:26 PM	#8
Malo83 Cruzzzn' Vet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Porterville,Ca. Posts: 1,918	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? My 83 Silverado is still my daily driver since New, with 208K miles on her she still runs great, still quite a few 73-87's driving around here Like a Rock

02-09-2010, 06:17 PM	#11
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? they are as reliable but every one seems to understand chevys... most of the fords and dodges (older) I've seen are ragged, used up and just plain beyond fixing up. owned all brands and raced fords but have always liked chevy trucks best. twin I beam is tough as nails but rides/handles like poop. dodges just weren't sold as much as the rest Last edited by grinch4om; 02-09-2010 at 06:18 PM.

02-09-2010, 06:47 PM	#12
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? Hell yea They are very simple to fix and pretty easy to maintain! I love all my rigs I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world well almost anything __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

02-09-2010, 07:14 PM	#13
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? Very reliable mechanically BUT they are prone to rust/rot, atleast up here in New England, and that can make the truck unreliable if you don't take care of it and prevent it. For example, on my truck the upper control arm has rotted through. If I were to continue to drive this, I risk it breaking apart and me losing control of my truck possibly hurting myself and someone else. That is why I have pulled it off the road to finish my restoration process. __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

02-09-2010, 08:56 PM	#15
1973GMC_1500 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Oran, IA Posts: 78	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? I don't mind Fords, but their f***ing electrical systems are over-complicated. And there is virtually NO parts interchangeability. With GM nearly everything is interchangeable (or so it seems). __________________ '87 GMC K2500 Factory 6.2 Diesel, 4 speed. Converted to 350 (has cracked block) converting back to 6.2 '82 [COLOR="Sienna"]Cadillac Coupe Deville 350 DIESEL '93 Chev S10 2.8L 5 speed '98 GMC K1500 Z71 ext cab shortbox 6.5 DIESEL '96 Ford F250 7.3 Powerstroke

02-09-2010, 09:06 PM	#16
spr85gmc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 648	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? i choose to plead the 5th to this comment, as if i were to agree lord know my truck wont start in the morning ..... just the facts of life!!!

02-09-2010, 10:39 PM	#18
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? my ole truck as never not started, never left me stranded, no matter how sick she was. that's all I can say about that! __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby

02-10-2010, 10:03 AM	#23
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: Do we have the most reliable trucks on the planet? I hope he ment snow. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS



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