New 78 LUV Mikado - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dano69c10 · 02-05-2008, 09:49 AM

Just bought a 78 Chevy LUV Mikado, will post pics tomorrow! Yoo Hoo!

hotrod 80 · 02-05-2008, 08:27 PM

sweet!

Dano69c10 · 02-06-2008, 02:45 AM

Here's the PIC!

I want to clean her up and make her look bone stock.
Under the hood though...
a V-6 or maybe it's just cheaper to shoehorn in a 350 v-8, huh, huh, huh?
I'm slowly going to De-Isuzuize it and Chevroletize it!

Thanx
Dano

I'll keep posting pics as I do stuff.

72BlckButy · 02-06-2008, 04:54 AM

Sweet little LUV!

**RPOZ11** · 02-06-2008, 04:01 PM

Looks like a great start to something....FAST!

Dano69c10 · 02-07-2008, 12:15 AM

Thanx hotrod, blckbuty, and RPO!

Bishops Trucks · 02-07-2008, 12:17 AM

Everybody needs a little Luv!

Dano69c10 · 03-23-2008, 08:41 PM

Wow, what a PITA!
My LUV has been in the shop for three weeks trying to get it to pass smog. Now that it has passed I was able to get it registered.
I went to pick it up this week at the shop and the mechanic said it wouldn't start; said its a problem with the coil. I can't wait to get it back on the road. Sorry just had to vent.
Dano

Dadsredwagon · 03-24-2008, 07:09 PM

nice,

I looked forever around here(Houston) looks like a good start.

**RPOZ11** · 03-24-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dano69c10

Wow, what a PITA!
My LUV has been in the shop for three weeks trying to get it to pass smog. Now that it has passed I was able to get it registered.

Dano

Hey , what's the smog law rules for the state of Texas???

Here in California, it's 1976 and up to current that MUST be smogged!

Dano69c10 · 03-25-2008, 08:49 AM

Finally got my truck today! It was great driving it home. Now I need to get some work done on it, keep everyone posted...
Dano

**RPOZ11** · 03-25-2008, 09:19 AM

Cool!

If you need the V8 stuff, I got them!

Dano69c10 · 03-28-2008, 09:50 AM

Thanx RPOZ11, good to know.

Drove the LUV to work on Tuesday and Wednesday, it drove great! I was the only LUV on the road, although I did see one blue '73 Datsun 620. The front clip on those trucks remind me of a first-gen camaro.
I had to take a razor and remove some decals on the bottom of the windshield and remove some scotch tape from the back window (where the PO taped the temp license). I also removed the drivers' side interior sun visor, since I'm 6'2" and the visor would block my windshield view. Sorry, but I didn't think you guys would want to see pics of that.
The next projects are to get some "chevy" sideview mirrors. There is only a dinky driver's side LUV mirror that is not cutting it. I also need a bigger interior rear view mirror. The interior door and window handles are too small for my mitts, so I'm going to see about using some later model handles. I also want to have the bench seat and door panels reupolstered and install a tilt steering column to make getting in and out of the LUV a little less of a chore. The dash also needs some work (new gauges and a dash pad).
Keep ya all posted.
Dano

67CHIP72 · 04-03-2008, 07:23 AM

I like it. Does it still pass smog o.k.?

Dano69c10 · 04-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Yep passed smog, worried about the next test in 2 years.
Installed new side mirrors and an inside 10" rear-view mirror, what a difference!
I don't like the cheapo JCWhitney side view mirrors I bought, but they'll do until I get some cash for some decent mirrors. I'll get some pics up soon, of the mirrors.
Dano

gchemist · 04-03-2008, 05:23 PM

Luv it!!

Myself · 04-03-2008, 09:33 PM

How about a 2.8 or 3.4 multi port 5 speed swap from a 3rd gen Camaro or Firebird?? It would have great power and Fuel economy in that little thing.

Dano69c10 · 04-04-2008, 02:05 AM

I wish!
In Cali we have to install all of the emissions components that the engine came with and take it to be inspected by the state.
I hope someday I'll have the aptitude to install a computer controlled engine.
Dano

**special-K** · 04-04-2008, 05:36 AM

Hey,Dano`s in LUV.I like those little numbers.

screwballl · 04-10-2008, 09:59 PM

I had a 79 4x4 Luv Mikado some 15 years ago, it was yellow and had the original stripes down the side and hood... loved that truck.
Since these have the 4 cylinder Isuzu engine, it should be real easy to fix it to get it to pass smog tests...
Then when you have the time and money, find a strong V6 to toss in there for speed and decent gas mileage.

pquick · 05-31-2008, 04:47 AM

used to have 4x4 luv, rolled it , beat it, sank it in the creek, screwed like a rockstar & raised holy hell in it... and she never up on me....gotta find another...damn i miss that little luv....cool ride...im jealous.

screwballl · 06-02-2008, 12:13 PM

mine finally died after about 3 weeks of low oil and almost no antifreeze... then I got it fixed and never quite ran right after that

Mickey_D · 06-02-2008, 12:50 PM

Dano, something to think about. I know you said you wanted to "Cheveroletize" it, but the Isuzu V-6 from the Impulse used the same bellhousing as the 1.8L that's in there. So did the 1.9L I-4 turbo from the Impulse and Imark. From what I remember, every Isuzu RWD engine and transmission were identical in the bellhousing bolt pattern so they were all interchangeable. That includes the Diesels.

Yes, a 2.8L or 4.3L Vortec from an S-10 would be sweet, but that would involve a whole lot of fabricating as far as engine mounts, radiator, wiring, transmission mounts, driveshaft, shifter location, etc. It might make up for the lack of "Chevrolet" by being so much easier to use the Isuzu stuff instead.

I know when I had my 79 4X4 (with a 74 2WD body on it) I ended up dropping in a (lightly breathed on) 1.9L I-4 and squeezing enough BHP out of it to howl the tires all the way into 3rd (with a topper on the back) and still get 19-21mpg out of it. And I drove it like I stole it wherever I went...

screwballl · 06-11-2008, 01:37 PM

I think Mickey has the best course of action... as much as someone may want to alter a truck, it will end up with much more work and many more months or possibly years until it is back on the road again. going from one Isuzu option to another will end up the easiest and best route to go without tearing the truck down and putting the Luv body onto an official Chevy frame/engine/hardware type of thing...

Dano69c10 · 06-12-2008, 05:21 PM

In California the smog laws are so harsh! Any engine exchange on a vehicle has to be inspected by the appropriate state agency. All engine exchanges must include all sensors and emissions components from the host vehicle.
It seems like it is going to be a PITA any way I go, Chevy or Isuzu. I've decided to just drive the truck the way it is, have fun and save on gas. After the engine goes, I will part out the vehicle to anyone who needs LUV parts.
Dano

02-05-2008, 09:49 AM	#1
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	New 78 LUV Mikado Just bought a 78 Chevy LUV Mikado, will post pics tomorrow! Yoo Hoo! __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

02-05-2008, 08:27 PM	#2
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado sweet!

02-06-2008, 02:45 AM	#3
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Here's the PIC! I want to clean her up and make her look bone stock. Under the hood though... a V-6 or maybe it's just cheaper to shoehorn in a 350 v-8, huh, huh, huh? I'm slowly going to De-Isuzuize it and Chevroletize it! Thanx Dano I'll keep posting pics as I do stuff. __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it! Last edited by Dano69c10; 02-06-2008 at 04:39 AM.

02-06-2008, 04:54 AM	#4
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Sweet little LUV! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

02-06-2008, 04:01 PM	#5
RPOZ11 72 BB C30 Super LongHorn Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chavez Ravine Posts: 1,606	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Looks like a great start to something....FAST! __________________ 72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM HO72 build : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492 2017 SS

02-07-2008, 12:15 AM	#6
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Thanx hotrod, blckbuty, and RPO! __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

02-07-2008, 12:17 AM	#7
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,731	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Everybody needs a little Luv! __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

03-23-2008, 08:41 PM	#8
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Wow, what a PITA! My LUV has been in the shop for three weeks trying to get it to pass smog. Now that it has passed I was able to get it registered. I went to pick it up this week at the shop and the mechanic said it wouldn't start; said its a problem with the coil. I can't wait to get it back on the road. Sorry just had to vent. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

03-24-2008, 07:09 PM	#9
Dadsredwagon Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Spring,TX Posts: 342	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado nice, I looked forever around here(Houston) looks like a good start.

03-25-2008, 08:49 AM	#11
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Finally got my truck today! It was great driving it home. Now I need to get some work done on it, keep everyone posted... Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

03-25-2008, 09:19 AM	#12
RPOZ11 72 BB C30 Super LongHorn Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chavez Ravine Posts: 1,606	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Cool! If you need the V8 stuff, I got them! __________________ 72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM HO72 build : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492 2017 SS

03-28-2008, 09:50 AM	#13
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Thanx RPOZ11, good to know. Drove the LUV to work on Tuesday and Wednesday, it drove great! I was the only LUV on the road, although I did see one blue '73 Datsun 620. The front clip on those trucks remind me of a first-gen camaro. I had to take a razor and remove some decals on the bottom of the windshield and remove some scotch tape from the back window (where the PO taped the temp license). I also removed the drivers' side interior sun visor, since I'm 6'2" and the visor would block my windshield view. Sorry, but I didn't think you guys would want to see pics of that. The next projects are to get some "chevy" sideview mirrors. There is only a dinky driver's side LUV mirror that is not cutting it. I also need a bigger interior rear view mirror. The interior door and window handles are too small for my mitts, so I'm going to see about using some later model handles. I also want to have the bench seat and door panels reupolstered and install a tilt steering column to make getting in and out of the LUV a little less of a chore. The dash also needs some work (new gauges and a dash pad). Keep ya all posted. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

04-03-2008, 07:23 AM	#14
67CHIP72 STOLEN Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 1,022	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado I like it. Does it still pass smog o.k.? __________________ In Search Of

04-03-2008, 01:26 PM	#15
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Yep passed smog, worried about the next test in 2 years. Installed new side mirrors and an inside 10" rear-view mirror, what a difference! I don't like the cheapo JCWhitney side view mirrors I bought, but they'll do until I get some cash for some decent mirrors. I'll get some pics up soon, of the mirrors. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

04-03-2008, 05:23 PM	#16
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Luv it!! __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos



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04-03-2008, 09:33 PM	#17
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,127	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado How about a 2.8 or 3.4 multi port 5 speed swap from a 3rd gen Camaro or Firebird?? It would have great power and Fuel economy in that little thing.

04-04-2008, 02:05 AM	#18
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado I wish! In Cali we have to install all of the emissions components that the engine came with and take it to be inspected by the state. I hope someday I'll have the aptitude to install a computer controlled engine. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

04-04-2008, 05:36 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Hey,Dano`s in LUV.I like those little numbers. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-10-2008, 09:59 PM	#20
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado I had a 79 4x4 Luv Mikado some 15 years ago, it was yellow and had the original stripes down the side and hood... loved that truck. Since these have the 4 cylinder Isuzu engine, it should be real easy to fix it to get it to pass smog tests... Then when you have the time and money, find a strong V6 to toss in there for speed and decent gas mileage. __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

05-31-2008, 04:47 AM	#21
pquick Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: jamestown, nd Posts: 60	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado used to have 4x4 luv, rolled it , beat it, sank it in the creek, screwed like a rockstar & raised holy hell in it... and she never up on me....gotta find another...damn i miss that little luv....cool ride...im jealous. Last edited by pquick; 05-31-2008 at 04:49 AM.

06-02-2008, 12:13 PM	#22
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado mine finally died after about 3 weeks of low oil and almost no antifreeze... then I got it fixed and never quite ran right after that __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

06-02-2008, 12:50 PM	#23
Mickey_D Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mormon country Posts: 2,484	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado Dano, something to think about. I know you said you wanted to "Cheveroletize" it, but the Isuzu V-6 from the Impulse used the same bellhousing as the 1.8L that's in there. So did the 1.9L I-4 turbo from the Impulse and Imark. From what I remember, every Isuzu RWD engine and transmission were identical in the bellhousing bolt pattern so they were all interchangeable. That includes the Diesels. Yes, a 2.8L or 4.3L Vortec from an S-10 would be sweet, but that would involve a whole lot of fabricating as far as engine mounts, radiator, wiring, transmission mounts, driveshaft, shifter location, etc. It might make up for the lack of "Chevrolet" by being so much easier to use the Isuzu stuff instead. I know when I had my 79 4X4 (with a 74 2WD body on it) I ended up dropping in a (lightly breathed on) 1.9L I-4 and squeezing enough BHP out of it to howl the tires all the way into 3rd (with a topper on the back) and still get 19-21mpg out of it. And I drove it like I stole it wherever I went... __________________ Darrin 1955 Willys CJ-5 all original and the oldest CJ-5 on the road. 2001 Dodge Neon (wife's car) 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition SOLD 1981 K15 Custom Deluxe 4X4, rusty but trusty wood hauler. SOLD 1993 S-10 4X4 Tahoe SOLD Sign up with the Contact List RIP ESLL

06-11-2008, 01:37 PM	#24
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado I think Mickey has the best course of action... as much as someone may want to alter a truck, it will end up with much more work and many more months or possibly years until it is back on the road again. going from one Isuzu option to another will end up the easiest and best route to go without tearing the truck down and putting the Luv body onto an official Chevy frame/engine/hardware type of thing... __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

06-12-2008, 05:21 PM	#25
Dano69c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Kali Posts: 2,427	Re: New 78 LUV Mikado In California the smog laws are so harsh! Any engine exchange on a vehicle has to be inspected by the appropriate state agency. All engine exchanges must include all sensors and emissions components from the host vehicle. It seems like it is going to be a PITA any way I go, Chevy or Isuzu. I've decided to just drive the truck the way it is, have fun and save on gas. After the engine goes, I will part out the vehicle to anyone who needs LUV parts. Dano __________________ '69 Fleet It ain't yours, if you didn't build it!

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