LUVTruck.com

Okay, I used the site's search feature (or randomizer as I like to call it) and found a little info, but I just wanted some clarification. I get the first bit, CLN1 or CRN1, means Chevrolet, 2wd or 4wd and 1.8 engine, and the tonnage weight 1/2 ton. Now here is the question, the next bit the CLN13 or the CLN14 I read a post by 800xl that said something to the effect that it meant bed or no bed. So is the 3 designator for the flatbeds, stepsides, or any other non standard bed? Curious because I am a CLN13. Thanks, RF.

Here you go...


C is the division- Chevrolet
L is Chassis Type- Light Utility
N is Engine Type
1 is the Gvw Range- Half ton
4 is the Body Type- 4 is Pickup and 3 is Chassis Cab
9 is the Vehicle Series- 9 is a 79, 8 is a 78 and so on
8 is the assembly plant- Fujisawa plant in Japan
200001 is a sequential number

_________________
Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

I believe you are asking in a way if Chevrolet made a flat bed or stepside. The LUV came from the FACTORY in 2 ways. The standard bed or a cab and chassis. Flat beds and stepsides are a dealer thing or a owner add on.

_________________
Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

So, it came from the factory sans the bed? Which you later could put a stepside or flatbed or whatever on? RF

They either came with a standard bed or no bed at all. I would have to think that chassis LUV's were special order. Without a bed, companies could install flat beds or utility boxes. I remember Cablevision having utility trucks back in the day. Step side beds were aftermarket units that could be installed on to the LUV. It's possible that you could have bought a chassis LUV and then get a step side kit added. But most had the stock bed removed and added the stepside. The factory had no involvement with stepside beds.

_________________
Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

I have been trying to trace my Luv's history, and I was interested that mine was a CLN13 My truck is a stepside so I guess that the original owner got the truck from the factory without a bed and then had the custom bed put on at some aftermarket place. I dont know why I am being so obsessive compulsive about this vehicle, I guess it is just special to me since a Luv truck was my first vehicle when I was 17. Thanks everyone for all your help, RF.

More then likely the dealer ordered it with out a bed and had a local truck shop add a stepside to it. I can remember seeing step side LUVs at the dealer new. Kinda like now I can go to a Ford or Chev dealer and buy a truck with a utility body that the dealer paid someone to add on.

_________________
Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

Aha, so they did have stepsides new at the dealership. A certified eye witness, excellent! Chevy and Ford have both done the Southern Comfort specialty trucks available through the dealerships so that does make sense. Thanks for the clarification. RF

I don't have much to add here, looks like you all have covered pretty much everything already. About the only tidbit missing is that the 4x4 model VINs start with CRN14, and the parts book does not list any CRN13s. So, apparently there was no cab/chassis option from the factory on 4x4 LUVs. Also, the CLN13 code starts with series 5 (1976) trucks, there are none listed prior to that.

Oh also the 81-82 ones changed to a different VIN coding, they all start JBZ. The 4th digit is GVW range: B=3001-4000Lbs and C=4001-5000Lbs. The fifth digit is the chassis type, but only has L for 2WD and R for 4WD.

_________________
95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good