Hello all, I'm glad to see some discussion on the point of 12/24 volt
lighting on trailers. For years now I have seen this same question asked
but never any answers. LED's have been a Godsend for this issue. The gov't
has been using "replacement" LED packages that retrofit the composite light
ass'y. It has the standard bayonet base with a little PCB about 1 inch by 1
inch with a bunch of LED's mounted to it. You probably can tell it if you
look closely at it. Trucking supply houses may have the units or know where
to get them. Almost every larger town has a truck body builder that most
likely uses these types of lighting devices. Now to get even fancier,
Riverside Manufacturing is making the rear composite taillight ass'y in
total LED! It looks like the rear lens taken off and potted. It will mount
on the old light housing or use the cast aluminum bracket they make for it.
Cost is about $70 and about $10 for the bracket. Front composites (amber)
are in the works as we speak.
Now to get on a more serious matter of parts for CUCV's. (Blazers and
pickups-Chevrolet type) Everyone who has wanted to find seat covers for the
Blazers have practically found nothing. I don't think the gov't bought any
front bucket seat covers for the blazer. They did however buy a slip on
cover made of canvas for the front only but they were rather rare to find
but are available through a couple of prominent surplus dealers. Back seat
for blazer and seat for the P/U were available for a time. Walker Truck in
Ca had them at one time. NOW, FOR THE "SCOOP"! In your parts book (P's),
CUCV's, the GM part numbers are right beside the NSM's. The dash cover is
probably the best item to find surplus. One dealer had a few but were
quickly bought up for $100 each. DON'T buy them mail order for $350 each!
You will be surprised to find about half of the parts through your local
Chevrolet dealer. The best part about this is that most will be about half
the price of what "surplus" dealers want! You have to get the "body shop
price" and many dealers will give you this price if you ask for it or know
the parts guy. Another important point is that some electrical parts have
been updated. Case in point: The temperature sensor for the glow plug relay
module is $35 from a surplus dealer (old style) and the new upgraded part
from Chevrolet is $21! Also, on your CUCV if the glow plug RELAY looks kind
of like a "dimmer switch" it NEEDS to be replaced. If it is not bad, it
soon will be. The upgraded part looks like a Ford style starter relay.
(can) And NAPA sells a Ford glow plug relay (I think it is a GPR-109) for
about $17 and it will never give you any trouble again and its' mounting
(footprint) will fit perfectly and retrofit! No need to buy the "surplus"
one for $35! Another dealer wanted $25 for the plastic part that goes on
top of the radiator (says: "Caution Fan") and Chevy had it for $11. The
door sill plates both Blazer and P/U are readily available from Chevy and
make the unit look much better when replaced. The dash cover is under $200
from Chevy, comes in grey and you can buy a can of vinyl spray from a
automotive paint store. (exact color of burgundy) Will look perfect and the
can of spray paint is exactly the amount you will need to do the dash. Why
order one for $350 when your local Chevrolet dealer has one in stock for
less than $200 at body shop price? OEM too and not aftermarket. The mail
order catalogues are always LIST price and may be made in Taiwan too.
Now for the floor mats. The Army sent out a DO (order) making the OM shop
remove the rubber floor mats because the insulation under them
(noise/insulation proofer) soaked up water like a sponge and caused the
floors to rust out. Anyone who has a CUCV know they leak and most of the
time can't find it! All of the mats are available through Chevy, are
somewhat pricey but I have a good solution for this. There is a rubber
coating (trade named "Rhino Coat" and some others too) that was primarily
used to spray in P/U truck beds for ruggedness. It is tough, has the look
of a rubber floor mat, available in colors and has no odor whatsoever 1 hour
after application. I did a Blazer this way and was amazed at the results.
It cut down on the engine noise considerably! Also install new door gaskets
(this is where most leaks occur at the top of the door) and in the Blazer,
no aluminum door sills are needed! It seals the floors and you can hose it
out as often as you want to with no ill results! If you do the floors this
way in a CUCV, be sure all screw holes and seat mountings are protected as
this stuff permanently will seal it. In the CUCV, there is a black/white
wire from the 4 X 4 gearshift to turn on the 4 X 4 light in the dash that
can be sealed up in the Rhino Coat and not dealt with again. Cost is about
$500 for the Blazer and maybe half that for the P/U and makes a super nice
job. For the noise level in the vehicle alone is worth it! Be sure to get
the rear wheel wells in the Blazer too as this is where most of the tire
noise comes from. (severe if the Goodyears are used-OEM)
I just wanted to open up a few minds and remind you that it doesn't
necessarily have to be expensive to repair or restore your MV to really get
some enjoyment out of it! Check Chevrolet first and it may surprise you
what you may find! (Remember: body shop price!) Sincerely, Julian Burke
151's, CUCV's and Hummers!
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat Sep 02 2000 - 09:32:39 PDT