First major project vehicle!

[Thesiger]

Howdy, I've owned a couple squares before, but this will be my first real project.
I just bought a clean desert 1988 R20 crew cab chevy, nicest one I've ever owned. former Air Base truck, and Dept. of the Interior vehicle
It's got a 6.2 with 96K original miles. TH400, posi rear with 3:73 gears.

NOW THE ISSUES. She's been parked for near 16 years, (allegedly) parked running.
All the other history I know, is that it's primary owner was an older gentleman, (from what I can see, did good on maintenance)
who, when he died his estate was emptied
of vehicles by the individual who I purchased it from. title lost in the estate. I checked out the history
via VIN and she's clean.

After the first owners death, the starter was stolen, and someone pulled the dash apart and messed with the wiring, since it didn't have keys either.
(which has now been fixed)

So my main request of guidance, (besides Lord knows the issues yet to be found) is figuring out these electrical issues and actually getting this thing to have power to were it needs to go to run when the starter gets installed. Thank you!

 

[CountKrunk]

What is the R series? I thought it was C or K

 

[Thesiger]

You are correct, but in 1987 they switched to the V/R designation from the older C/K series and did that until 1991 from what I know.
I know the history but I ain't any good of a mechanic lol

 

[edgephoto]

For a few years, 1988-1991, GM built both Squarebody trucks and the new style trucks. For 1987 they renamed the C and K series to R and V. In 1988 the C and K series was the new style truck and the R and V series was a squarebody. They did this because they had to fulfill the military contract.

 

[bucket]

For a few years, 1988-1991, GM built both Squarebody trucks and the new style trucks. For 1987 they renamed the C and K series to R and V. In 1988 the C and K series was the new style truck and the R and V series was a squarebody. They did this because they had to fulfill the military contract.

I didn't think the military contracts had anything to do with it?

It's my understanding that the new '88 trucks were originally intended to be available for the '87 model year, which is why the model designation changed in '87. It's also my understanding that the squarebody K5, Suburban, crew cab and cab+chassis trucks were originally intended to run a couple more years anyway.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I didn't think the military contracts had anything to do with it?

It's my understanding that the new '88 trucks were originally intended to be available for the '87 model year, which is why the model designation changed in '87. It's also my understanding that the squarebody K5, Suburban, crew cab and cab+chassis trucks were originally intended to run a couple more years anyway.

Yes, to use up the old bodies and chassis. GM did the same thing with the 400/OBS series, when the 800/NBS truck debuted in 99. 1999 model year Burbs were built for a year and a half, and the Escalade, Denali and Tahoe Limited/Z71 were built in 99 and 2000 on the old bodies.

 

[bucket]

Yes, to use up the old bodies and chassis. GM did the same thing with the 400/OBS series, when the 800/NBS truck debuted in 99. 1999 model year Burbs were built for a year and a half, and the Escalade, Denali and Tahoe Limited/Z71 were built in 99 and 2000 on the old bodies.

Yeah and then after the 800 series trucks, it all went to hell in a hand basket. What with the trucks not matching the SUV's and all that.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Yeah and then after the 800 series trucks, it all went to hell in a hand basket. What with the trucks not matching the SUV's and all that.

Yup. Lack of parts interchangeability leads to parts price increase and eventually scarcity.

 

[77Dmax]

What is the R series? I thought it was C or K

In this case R is for really f*ucking long.

 

[CountKrunk]

In this case R is for really f*ucking long.

lol mine is the 4 door longbed as well. Ain't that the truth!

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

In this case R is for really f*ucking long.

Yup and the OBS Crew Cab has a 4" longer wheelbase than the square body one. My truck is 21'+++....made for the wide open spaces, not city driving! But it has AC and we live in Houston, Texas AKA swampland...so we use what is comfortable in the summer!

 

[Thesiger]

This is all great, but any guidance for the original issue?

 

[bucket]

This is all great, but any guidance for the original issue?

With the info given, nobody can help without being there. We don't know what your wiring looks like or what's been messed with. If you look around in the library here, there should be electrical schematics (you will want the ones for "starting and charging" most likely) that you can use to figure out what is supposed to.have power and where. You will need a volt meter or a test light to start.

 

[CountKrunk]

Pick an issue and start diving in. Then come back with specific questions.

That said, id focus first on getting the engine to turn over. So you'll need a starter at minimum.

 

[peats]

Make sure the outer engine block tab for the starter is not broken as it is a weak spot for the 6.2. There are fixes but none are very easy. Also make sure you use the bracket on the back of the starter. You may have to fabricate one if it is missing.