31 - Friday, August 19, 1988 - North Shore News nevy THAT NEW family of full-size pickup trucks Chevrolet introduc- ed last spring was expanded to in- clude a stepside, shortbed model that Chevy calls the Sportside. The debut of the Sportside cor- responds with the increased availability of the shortbed Fleet- side model and of the 6.2 litre V8 diesel engine. The new Sportside, with a 6'4- foot pickup box, features SMC plastic side panels with steps fore and aft of the fender. The front and rear steps are integral parts of the fender and are supported by steel hangers. The balance of the front panel, inner side panels and tailgate uses two-sided galvanized stecl. This pickup box is available only in the 6'%-foot version and only on regu- lar cab C/K 1500 models. Sales of the new family of pickups have increased steadily since introduction on April 23. Canadian deliveries passed the 8,000-mark by Aug. 10. In September, the 6.2 litre diesel also becomes available on the two and four-wheel drive versions of the C/K1500 series of Fleetside — now available in greater numbers — and Extended Cab models with the eight-foot pickup box. The GVW on the regular cab models is 2,769.4 kg (6,100 pounds), and on the Extended Cab models is 2,996.4 kg (6,600 pounds). Other changes heading into fall include: ¢ A five-speed manual transmis- sion with overdrive becomes stan- dard on 2WD and 4WD 1500 series models, replacing the now stan- dard four-speed manual. © A new, optional GVW rating on gasoline engine-equipped two and four-wheel drive 1500 series models increases the payload by approximately 227 kg (500 pounds). The C/K1500 regular cab model is now rated at 2,769.4 kg (6,100 pounds), the two-wheel drive Extended Cab model at 2,814.8 kg (6,200 pounds) and the four-wheel drive Extended Cab model at 2,996.4 kg (6,600 pounds). [VANCOUVER 1 HYUNDAI 8:30-8:00 p.m. Icicul * Combination lap and shoulder belts for the outboard positions on Extended Cub models with the available rear seat will be added during the model year. The ‘88 Chevy Full-Size C/K Pickup is) produced at three assembly plants — Fort Wayne, Ind.; Pontiac, Mich.; and Oshawa, Ont. Here’s a look at the truck’s ma- jor features: The 1988 C/K Pickup is a full- size workhorse truck. While the wheelbase is the same as the model it replaced, 3,340 mm (131.5 in- ches), the acrodynamically-styled 88 Pickup is longer and lower. The exterior is 89 mm (3% in- ches) narrower. But, the interior provides more [leg and shoulder room and seat travel. The larger doors extend upward into the roof line and downward nearly to the bottom of the rocker. The larger doors, the low step-up height and high head room make entry and exit easy. The Fleetside box is a generous 1,248 mm (49.15 inches) between the wheel wells and 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) between the side panels — wide enough to accom- modate five-foot wide building materials above the wheel wells. The all-welded construction box has a seamless floor without bolts to improve corrosion resistance. The tailgate opens easily and closes flat. Flush side glass, modular- assembled bonded-flush wind- shield, single-piece door frames and precision robotic welding aid aerodynamics and fits. Hidden roof pillar and built-in drip rails eliminate matching problems on door cuts. Vent windows are eliminated to reduce wind noise. The back of the cab and the front of the pickup box are both mounted on a single, one-piece fix- ture. This bracket eliminates mismatch of the two sections especially when the box is loaded. The front end features a single- piece grille which eliminates poten- tial moulding mismatch with single Mon.-Fri... Photo submitted THE NEW Chevrolet Sportside pickup features SMC plastic side panels with steps fore and aft of the fender. large headlamps at each corner. The upilevel Silverado has dual halogen lamps. Structural rigidity is improved with double panel construction for rool, hood, fend- ers, doors and pickup box. One-third more glass area im- proves visibility. The curved bond- ed backlite also minimizes glare. The wiper pattern has been enlarg- ed for improved visibility. Anti-corrosion measures include two-sided galvanized steel on all major exterior panels except the roof; exterior sheet metal primer dipped; anti-stone chip protection on lower fenders, doors and pickup box; and modular wind- shield and backlite without mitred corners. The front bumper is devoid of attaching bolts, which See 4.3 Page 35 ~ 975 MARINE DRIV NORTH VANCOUVER 984-6561