As affordable, buildable cars from the ’60s and ’70s become more difficult to find, we’re pleased to see enthusiasts’ interests turn to alternative body styles and cars from the ’80s and ’90s, many of which have just as much, if not more, performance potential as any ’60s-era Chevelle or Mustang. One platform that seems to be exploding in popularity is the GMT400, GM’s 1988-1998 pickup trucks. Interestingly, these are known colloquially as the OBS Chevys: the “old body style”. Speaking as the owner of both a ’93 C1500 as well as a ’67 C10, I’d consider the 1963-1966 pickups to be the old body style, but what do I know?
Common Problems
Overall, these are simple, reliable trucks, but like all vehicles, they have quirks you’ll likely need to address as an owner. Here are a few, in no particular order:
Rust!
Yes, that disgusting tin worm that destroys our precious vehicles has a voracious appetite for these pickups. Though touted at the time as having excellent corrosion protection, that statement was only true in reference to this generation’s predecessor. Cab corners, rocker panels, and the wheel arches are especially susceptible to rot, particularly in wet and snowy climates.
Crappy Plastics
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Hot Rod.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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Making Connections
Project T-top Coupe: We install a Terminator X Max for big power.
LET IT BREATHE!
Project X’s new ZZ632 big-block needed to breathe, and this do-ityourself stainless exhaust kit was just the ticket to make it happen.
TUNING OPTIMIZED
VARIABLES WITHIN FUEL-INJECTOR CONSTRUCTION CAN LEAD TO POOR ENGINE OPERATION. HERE'S HOW TO TUNE YOUR FUEL INJECTORS.
Re-Flange It!
We check out the fab skills needed to run a flat hood on a 1970 Mustang with a very unique and too-tall engine.
THE TRIBUTE FOR THE WIN
Ron Capps wins the NHRA U.S. Nationals driving a Don Prudhomme-Hot Wheels tribute Funny Car.
So Close
Following a nearly flawless performance, a pít lane penalty kept the C8.R off the top of the podium in the IMSA Sportscar Weekend.
A RADICAL SHIFT
When you're a teenager and the police know you by name, it's not usually because of your volunteer work or class-topping GPA. Not at all. That was especially true for Jeff Kainz when he was behind the wheel of his 1975 Camaro. In the '80s, while cruising his hometown in North Dakota, his buddies with police scanners often heard the police tell one another: \"Kainz is out on Main Street.\"
WILD MASH-UP
Built to long-haul the 2023 HOT ROD Power Tour, this 1984 Monte Carlo’s facade hides a performance secret!
6 TIMER!
Tom Bailey captures his 6th HOT ROD Drag Week Unlimited/Overall title with his Sick Seconds 1.0 Camaro.
JIM MCFARLAND'S INFLUENCE WENT WAY BEYOND HOT ROD MAGAZINE.
Jim McFarland, the multitalented, multifaceted Texan who enjoyed several careers in the automotive performance industry, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 88.