LUVTruck.com

I have never restored a vehicle of any sort, but hey what the heck right? I have a 1980 LUV that is in good shape (garaged and 1 owner before me) with 43k miles on it. I am thinking of restoring/replacing everything from the ground up but not sure where to start. Hope some of you could help me or point me in the right direction.

Mechanical, suspension, drivetrain and engine. Body and paint then interior. That's how I do it.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

and realize that very few new parts still remain for these vehicles.

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Click on C.M. logo to go to my webpage


RIP R.J.B.

Depending on your budget, the difficulty can scale considerably.

If it's tigher, become familiar with your local pick-a-part or u-pull-it. If they update their stock online, like some do, it is even easier to find a LUV.
Get ready to have the sudden urge to check local junkyards for LUV trucks when you travel outside your area.

There are plenty of ways to get what you want despite pars being out of production. For example, I think there is a custom dashboard shop in burbank will make you a replica for a little over a grand, if you wanted to go nuts.

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75 Mikado G180/4sp Desert Tortoise

I am trying to figure out why do you want to rebuild a truck that is in good shape. Why not start with one that really needs restoration?

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

I echo this comment. Learn the LUV and all it's gremlins. Perform a Carb upgrade if you want, make sure the fuse box is properly mounted with no issues (this can be a problem with these rigs) make sure your clutch bracket is in good shape which with the low miles it probably is (that's another problem with these trucks) upgrade the ignition to electronic or go with pertronics, convert it to a one wire alternator....there is a ton of upgrades you can do to enhance this truck and still enjoy the heck out of it for a long time. However, if you are intent on a resto, you have been given a good sequence to start with. Good luck.

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In life there is the "Way things should be" and then "There's the way they are".

2005 Silverado 3/4T Crew Cab
1981 Luv 2WD
1979 Luv 4x4 Currently going through Open Heart and Cosmetic surgery
1995 Roughneck JetBoat
1981 Luv parts trk

PICS > Let us see what your working with.
I would say let it roll & learn as you go & time will tell you where attention is needed and what needs restoring. G'Luck

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Previously owned 2 Luvs) 75 & 77 Fleet-side
3rd 77 Step fixing up aka The Yellow Submarine to Luv Ms (Sun)Shine=)
98 GMC Gas Guzzler~>The reason 4 my ~>3rdLuvNext2a66MALIBU =)
66 Chevelle The Oldest of all the vehicles I owned