LUVTruck.com

I'm looking to purchace a 78 2wd with 97K. Looks like everything is stock. Took it for a test drive today and it seems to lack power. I took it up a hill and had a hard time in 2nd gear. It wasn't very zippy off the start either.

Is this a common occurance?

I'd like to buy it ($1500)because it's in beautiful shape, but I can't afford to replace a motor right away.

well it doesn't have a lot of miles on it... tell more about it and get 5 posts and show us some pics the lack of power thing is probably the crappy carburetors they have, the most common thing is to swap to a weber carb. and if you do ever happen to need engin parts or any others you can find them here somewhere... if theres anything you need to kno just use the search button at the top and if you cant find it in there then just ask!

I don't have any pics yet, but I'll say it looks really nice. It has a straight body, blue-to-purple blended paint job (2 yrs ago), a nice, tall, double-door custom canopy with opening side windows specifically built for the LUV longbed, rubber mat in bed, chrome wheels, new upholstery and carpet. Everything works --- lights, wipers, washer, dome lite, canopy dome lite, even the cig lighter and dumb old AM/FM radio. The engine is ultra-clean with a small oil leak at the front of the engine (probably timing cover?)

You guys are Chevy LUV pros, so I guess my question should be.... Is this worth $1500? I can put up with the lack of power for a while. What do you think?

i say if you get a smile when you think about driving it then get it and if the money is ok don't wait someone else might get it.it sounds like a good deal for the price i just got mine back on the road i luv to drive it and if you take any thing out of don't throw it away sell it on here like the stock people are looking for that stuff and glad to see more people on here

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http://www.facebook.com/ez.cracker
dangerous-toys4life
73 3-door avalanche bdydropped on 18s
86 1-ton 4x crewcab short bd 15"lift
75 k-5 2x
94 king cab

What part of OR are you in? There are a lot of resources for these trucks here in the Willamette valley. The most common power add on for the stock Isuzu 1.8 is definately a Weber 32/36. With the long bed and a cap, it sounds like it just might be a bit on the heavy side. These trucks were designed and marketed at a time when a 4 speed and 70MPH top speed was acceptable, I know I tend to forget that mine is never going to drive like a new Colorado.

Sounds like you've found a nice rig, and odds are you could up the power with a Weber. Sounds like an OK price for what you've described.

Oh, and welcome to the board. Whatever you want to know, even the stuff you don't know you want to know yet....it's probably here.

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"If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves" - Thomas Edison

I'd check under the rubber mat in the bed, just to chekc it out and make sure it not rusted out. YDid you take it for a test drive?
I don't know what is its, but each time I've bought a vehicle, the pervious owner left the stock stereo in it. My first two vehicles has just the am/fm radio as well!

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1980 Luv 4x4 with a 5 speed tranny.



"When all else fails, follow the directions".

It looks like I found a pretty good resource here!

Yeah.... it DOES give me a bit of a smile thinking about driving it. If I do get it, I'll be sure to share some pics with you all. Thanks for all the info and comments, and please keep 'em coming -- they're VERY helpful!
I haven't fully decided yet, but I'm leaning towards getting it.

More info pls.


I had sets of 16" steel 4x4 rims off different toyotas on mine at different times. They are heavy and suck the go out of your truck. Takes a fair bit of extra HP to get em wound up, its like having 4 extra flywheels.

The alloy 15" trooper rims ive got now are nice and light. With tyres they are lighter than the std rims.


Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

it sounds like a real nice and clean ride and new upholstery and everything else youve said it sounds like a keeper...i say grab it before someone else does!

Well, I did it. I called him up and said I'm gonna buy it so it's as good as mine. I'll post a pic soon. WooHoo!

yeah another luv owner

Yea but we also lost one too!

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


RIP R.J.B.

what!
tilted did you sell yours? or did you sell it to him?

Nah he means this guy had to buy it off someone.


Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

oooh i wasnt sure
well i wonder if the guy he bought it from is a member here?

oooh i wasnt sure
well i wonder if the guy he bought it from is a member here?

No, he wasn't a member here, but nevertheless, he's not a LUV owner anymore. I'm workin' on those pics --- as soon as I figure out my phone, I'll upload those.

To answer a few previous questions---

No rust.
I'm in NE Oregon.
Not sure on wheel and tire size yet, but they do look kinda big.

Here's a couple questions for ya...

Does anyone else have a problem with the steering wheel being to close to your left leg? My left leg just fits between the steering wheel and the door, so when I make a turn, my hand doesn't fit in between. I'm 6'3", so it's probably a personal problem....

Also, where's a good place to get a weber carb and how much should I expect to pay?

If it has a body lift, the wheel is lower than stock. Because the wheel stays in place and the body went up.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

There are lots of cheap good used webers 32/36's on ebay. There is also cheap complete rebuild kits there too. Usually the adapter plate and the air cleaner comes with them. If not - they are pretty easy to find too.

There is also a free downloadable file about everything there is to know about webers in the information section on the front page of this site. While you are there, you might as well take a look at all of the other great free tech info too.

Just about everything else is a sticky at the top of each category. If you can't find it there, try doin' a search. If that doesn't answer your questions - just holla and someone will try to help ya out.

Congrats on your new truck and welcome to the site!

What part of NE Oregon do you live in as i live in Hermiston and have a 80LUV 4X4 as well as my hot rodded one i also have some extra parts and know of some parts trucks?

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s