Chevy, GMC Light Truck Owner's Bible 1939-1995

After a long hiatus, The Chevy/GMC Truck Owner's Bible is back in stock at The Motor Bookstore! This book is a hands-on guide to help you get the most from your Chevy or GMC pickup truck, from 1939 through 1995, including full-size light trucks, pickups and SUVs. Including everything you want to know, from model history and development, how to tune-up your truck, maintain it properly and perform repairs when needed. Also includes high-performance tuning, installing aftermarket accessories and a Chevrolet/GMC truck buyer's guide. This comprehensive book covers all light truck models, 1939-1995, including:

• Chevrolet and GMC Full-Size and C/K trucks, up to 1-ton
• GMC Sierra C/K to 3500 Series
• Chevy Carryall
• Chevy Suburban
• Chevy Blazer
• GMC Jimmy
• Chevy Tahoe
• GMC Yukon

Book Excerpt

EVOLUTION OF CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT TRUCKS...

More than any other event, the birth of General Motors Corporation validated the strength of the motor vehicle industry. Merging several automobile lines and establishing a lasting economic base for building cars, trucks and military vehicles, General Motors provided the energy and resources for rapid technological advancements. The need for commercial vehicles in an expanding economy encouraged General Motors to produce Chevrolet light trucks as World War I ended. Between the two World Wars, Chevrolet truck sales increased dramatically, and at the peak of the Great Depression, General Motors held the largest share of the truck market in the United States. Such rapid growth, amidst strong competition from Ford Motor Company and Dodge, is a tribute to far more than the marketing strength and economic clout of General Motors. The massive success of General Motors trucks rests with products that meet the demands of American buyers, trucks that served best in the broadest range of application. The design and styling of Chevrolet and GMC trucks has created more marques than all other truck manufacturers combined. Good looks alone, however, do not build such recognition. Beyond their winning appearance, General Motors trucks have consistently relied upon functional, work-oriented power trains and rugged chassis engineering.

WORKING ON YOUR TRUCK

You will find your General Motors truck easy to service. Quick access to components and sub-assemblies helps simplify routine maintenance, while a light truck's utilitarian design makes field fixes possible. Many owners learn the basics of automotive repair by working on their truck. All General Motors light truck models feature a relatively uncomplicated chassis, a conventional power train layout and familiar accessory sub-assemblies. Although 1969-up trucks have more engine emission controls and power options, the chassis and power train components remain easy to identify. Over the last decade, the introduction of automatic and manual overdrive transmissions, plus changes in the automotive industry's methods of complying with EPA and CAFE standards, have altered engine and gear train distinctions. Light truck emission control requirements have always fit particular GVWR categories. Tiers include trucks up to 6,000 pounds GVWR (light duty emission), 6,001 to 8,500 pounds GVWR, trucks between 8,501 and 10,000 pounds GVWR (heavy duty emissions) and trucks over 10,000 pounds. Over the years, the 6,001 to 8,500 pound GVWR category has bounced between light and heavy duty emission control requirements.

ACCESSORIES

As early as the post-World War I era, GM light truck accessories were a booming industry. Many of the original Chevrolet and GMC trucks were themselves the product of aftermarket coach and body builders. Rolling out of GM plants in cab-and-chassis form, early Chevrolet and GMC truck models set a precedent for today's custom utility beds and motorhome coach bodies.
GM LIGHT TRUCK ACCESSORIZATION In the period just prior to World War II, and especially in the early years of the postwar era, huge numbers of light trucks rolled out of the GM plants. Buyers immediately began personalizing their vehicles. The WWII years of rationing encouraged owners to stick with their trucks and make them work better. Spare tire carriers, trailer towing hitches and military-style tow hooks, auxiliary lighting and add-on safety equipment were common products that carried forth into the postwar era. From custom bodies to turn signals and auxiliary heaters, GM trucks offered plenty of room for accessories.

Subject: Transportation: Pickup Trucks: 1939-1995 Chevrolet, GMC service, maintenance, repair. 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951,, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 ISBN-10: 0837601576 | ISBN-13: 9780837601571 | Bentley part no. GOWC