73~87C/K 88~91R/V Parts drying up at the Chevy Dealer?

[Engineer]

First off a little advisory for any one wanting to put a 1989~1991 Blazer/Suburban front on their truck, I have a little news....

The two part numbers that were listed for the radiator support are discontinued. No biggie for me, I have 2 radiator supports for a 1991 Blazer. However, the grille, and headlight bezels that I got with my front end were just plain cruddy, and so I have deceided to replace them with new Chevrolet parts.

The price for the grille, and both bezels has taken a jump in recent months to the point of costing me an additional $50.00 for the entire set over what I priced them for back in Oct. 2008. $30+ additional for the grille, and $10+ ea for both bezels. So sitting on my hands has cost me an additional $50.00.   

Here is the big story, according to the guy at my Chevy dealer, he claims that with GM's restructuring almost all parts that are 10+ years old will be discontinued in the near future. He wasn't too sure of what the final outcome would be, or the timeline, but it looks as though almost all stock for anything over 10+ years will not be replaced once current stock is sold out.

[VileZambonie]

There are some mighty fine looking aftermarket parts for the 88-91 nose and I think they look better than the OE ones anyway. Have you checked them out?

[Engineer]

Yes, I have seen some different things out there. I have seen some all chrome grille/bezel items that would look good on a custom rig. I have also seen some 89~91 grilles painted to match the body color and these examples look good, but that is not for me, not on this truck at least.

My '77 K-30 that I bought the parts for, well lets just say I am trying to effect as much as possible the look of "all original" on the outside. Under the surface my truck will be nothing close to original, but I am fairly dedicated to using all factory parts on the body.

I guess my ultimate goal is to build a truck that Chevrolet never built. I want a 1991 V3500, SRW, 4x4, 1-ton, regular cab, with the 8' pick-up box. But as I say, that is just on the outside apperance only. Picture the 1984 Army K-30s with the '89~'91 R/V grille and a shiny paint job. Oh yeah, and cab lights. 



The closest thing Chevy ever did to what I want was to build a V3500 chassis cab with a 4" longer wheelbase, and no bed.

[DnStClr]

Boy that paint is shiny all right, Engineer. BTW, as long as there's no visor Vile seems to like em all. 

[Captkaos]

I have been watching prices rise for the past 6 years.  I used to be able to sell the dashes for 285 and make money, not I have to sell them for $355, and he said they were going up again.  Vent windows just another $45 for the the last batch I got.

I think GM should start focusing on trucks already on the road, they don't have to emmision test them as they are were built prior and they can just make body panels. 

[bmaier]

I have ran into this problem as well. I went to the Chevy dealership here about a month ago to get some parts and they said they don't / won't carry them anymore. Really disappointed me cause there are some things I just don't want to buy aftermarket. Can you guys still get body panels at your Chevy dealers? They don't sell 'em anymore here.

[Stewart G Griffin]

No surprise here.  Another brilliant move by gm.

These trucks are considered "old gm."

i'm waiting for news that the crate engines and the rest of gmpp won't be produced anymore.

Way to alienate and abandon your old and loyal customers gm.

[77chevystepside]

Seems to be the world we live in. Anything "old" is to be discarded or we pay the costly aftermarket fix. I doubt Ford and Chrysler are making or stocking parts for 70's or 80's trucks either. Off the subject somewhat but similar issue. I have a 4 year old ink jet printer I paid $125 new. Printer head bad. $95 to replace it. WHAT?? Crazy isn't it. A refrigerator salesmen told me the average life of a new one is 12 years. I have one at my cabin that is a 50's model and purrs like a kitten. New stuff is built to die so they can sell more new.
I am so glad I bought all of the body parts for my restoration in 06. Probably a grand more today. What I hate is that I could not find headlight bezels that are metal. Plastic, plastic, plastic. They are cheap so when a rock breaks one or they get scratched-easy replacement and more plastic in the landfill.
Sorry about the soapbox speech. It just upsets me GM and these companies are abandoning the average consumer by discontinuing parts or making plastic junk. Yes, I am old (60) and old school. LOL

[Captkaos]

Mercruiser and Volvo use GM crates for their marine line as do several race cars.  I doubt they will be going anywhere.

[SUX2BU99]

How much in total was the grille set going to be for you from the dealer (grille, support, bezels and lights)? I was at the Goodmark site today and those parts would total up to $487. Capt was cheaper on the rad support and probably would be on the rest but he is $50 cheaper on the support anyway. Curious what OEM goes for.....I'm sure it isn't less than $487!

[Engineer]

Chevrolet Blazer/Suburban 1989~1991 RPO V-22 Chrome grille:

Price as of July 27, 2009:

Grille:                     P/N: 15628796     Price: $187.xx
L.H. Headlamp bezel: P/N: 15628699     Price: $70.xx
R.H. Headlamp bezel: P/N: 15628670     Price: $71.xx
Emblem, "Bow-Tie":   P/N: 15617085     Price: (not presently known)

Price as of October 20, 2008:

Grille:                     P/N: 15628796     Price: $155.81
L.H. Headlamp bezel: P/N: 15628699     Price: $ 59.64
R.H. Headlamp bezel: P/N: 15628670     Price: $ 60.24
Emblem, "Bow-Tie":   P/N: 15617085     Price: $ 19.71

Price as of November 10, 1989:

Grille:                     P/N: 15628796     Price: $ 96.50
L.H. Headlamp bezel: P/N: 15628699     Price: $ 33.75
R.H. Headlamp bezel: P/N: 15628670     Price: $ 33.75
Emblem, "Bow-Tie":   P/N: 15617085     Price: $ (unavailable as of 11/10/1989)

Radiator Support:
As of October 20, 2008:
5.7L Engine:
P/N: 15641713  Price: No Stock
7.4L or 6.2L engine:
P/N: 15628620  Price: No Stock

Radiator Support:
As of November 10, 1989:
5.7L Engine:
P/N: 15641713  Price: $125.00
7.4L or 6.2L engine:
P/N: 15628620  Price: $125.00

[Captkaos]

If you get them all together:
Grille:                              Price: $99
L.H. Headlamp bezel:         Price: $35
R.H. Headlamp bezel:         Price: $35
Headlight bucket L Inner     Price: $51
Headlight bucket R Inner     Price: $51
Headlight bucket L Outer     Price: $51
Headlight bucket R Outer     Price: $51
Park Lamp L                      Price: $32
Park Lamp R                      Price: $32

If you add a core support, it will be truck shipped, and MOST Goodmark doesn't like shipping to Canada, so I would have to check on that part
                         

[SUX2BU99]

Thanks for the price list, Chris. I live near the border so shipping would be to Sumas, WA so no worries there.

[Captkaos]

that would work then.

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

How is the fit, finish and long term quality of the Goodmark items? In particular the 89-91 grille and headlight doors. Thanks