LUVTruck.com

In just a couple hours, I am going to look at this 1980 Chevy Luv 1.8L 4 speed. I called the guy and talked to him. This truck has been fully tuned up and all fluids changed. It has an oversized radiator put in. The tires are snow tires with the studs removed, so he sugested I buy some new tires unless i like to drive around with knobby's on .
He wants $750 or best offer. I have always wanted a luv because I have been told there cheap to work on and if your good to them, there good to you. Here is a pic of the truck:

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/1890315578.html


If anyone could PLEASE tell me what to look for when inspecting this truck, I need all or any info I can get. I can't afford to buy a lemon. This truck is intended to be my daily driver. You can email me at: juggalo_42083@yahoo.com or call me @ 208-691-3830. I have about 2 hours before I am going to look at this truck. I hope to get some info before then. I will have this message board up as well incase someone posts. Thanks so much for your help and time.

Whats up juggalo, mcl. Id definitely check the floor for rust and the rocker panels, especially since its in washington, its pretty wet up there. If its 4 wheel drive u better make sure the 4 wheel works. Also make sure the clutch has alot of life left in it, and the rotors and brake pads on the front. and obviously check all the lights. i suppose theres alot of other stuff to check but the rest is kinda up to ur personal opinion. If it runs and drives good and u dont see to much wrong then its all up to u.

oh and id offer him 600 if ur gona buy it. Just dont act too interested or he'll know ull pay full price lol

Thanks for the info! I bought the truck for $650. I have always wanted a Chevy Luv. I couldn't believe the condition it is in. I think, any Luv in that good of condition and is running well, is worth $600.
Some issues, the breaks are definitely shot. I can push the peddle to the floor and they barley grip lol. Easy fix though . The clutch works fine, BUT, there isn't much play in the clutch. Meaning, the pedal is only about 4 inches from the floor. Is this normal for Luv's? To have such short distance for the clutch pedal? It has no effect on the luv at all.
The canopy that came with it is the original and damn near brand new. Its also the short bed style. I will put up some pics. This "Over sized" radiator that was custom built seemed a little fishy to me. The radiator is 3 times as thick as the original. It has the original fan and everything SEEMS to be functioning just fine right now. Is this something I should keep an eye on? Should I just buy the original that goes with the luv?
So, here is the breakdown. I bought it for $650. Asking price was $750. I believe it should have the clutch bled, Needs new brakes maybe rotors too. I'll have some pics up tomorrow. I am super excited to work on this truck. As I am completely mechanically inclined lol. A lot of my friends call them "Shitty Luv's" but they say, if your good to them, there good to you. Oh, lastly, the mileage was 155,XXX. Hope to here from y'all again! WHOOP WHOOP!

A 80 LUV does not have a hyd. clutch, it should be a cable.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

If the brake pedal goes to the floor, it most likely means the master cylinder needs to be replaced. (of just bled if it is a new one)

There is a clutch adjustment just above the brake master cylinder on the firewall, u can try to adjust it to get some more life outta it. if ur lucky thats all it needs, but if it slowly declines after u adjust it then u need a new one. So did they have to cut out the front clip to put this oversized radiator in? and does it still have the engine fan or is it an electric one now? ah and if u get new brake pads u should defintely look into getting the roters turned

Hello my fellow luv truck fans! Here is an update to my 80 luv. Pics are still to come .
Took the luv into the shop for a full inspection. Here is the run down that needs to be fixed:

1. New drum brakes in the back
2. New brake pads in the front.
3. Rotors were inspected and in tip top shape
4. Needs new master cylnder
5. Something about a new "ioload" on the front passenger?? Not sure what it was called but something load. You can grab the tire and move it back and forth. Anyway that was the problem. Easy fix though.
6. Couple seals in the back rear axle

I bought New tires for it to get rid of the knobby re treads that were on it lol. Here is the funny part. They wanted $800 and some change to fix my list above. Can you believe that lol. I called nappa for price quotes on everything I need and it was under $100 bucks lol. Silly mechanics

As far as the oversized radiator, it is 3x thicker than the original. Custom over flow box. Has a 16" electric fan. I can barley get the needle to come off the cold mark. Better cold than hot!

Oh, I changed the oil and oil filter. When the oil came out, it was full of gas and water. The oil was a cream color like muddy paint. Almost bright dirty brown. Horrible looking. Now, is there anything I should be concerned with? I have fresh oil and a new oil filter in. And everything is running smoothly. Thanks all for your help!

After you changed the oil and ran it a bit, have you checked the oil since then? It it's a muddy color, after the oild change you could have a blown headgasket.

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1980 Luv 4x4 with a 5 speed tranny.



"When all else fails, follow the directions".

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zyanug
75 luv stepside... Work in progress
76 fleetside 350hp 1968 327cu
"No replacement for displacement!"
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[_@l__l__@_]***

2nd

If your truck runs TOO cold, it won't run as efficiently as it will at around 180 degrees. Did the prior owner have plans for a V8 swap? Could be why you have a larger radiator as he/she might have been doing a swap a bit at a time while keeping it driveable. Just my 1.5 cents........
Oh yea, congrats on the LUV.

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I've never been wrong! Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.
Rick
Loranger, La
1980 Stepside LUV (Again)