Part numbers for older GMC truck

Question

I recently bought a 1982 GMC K1500 4x4 that I'm looking to restore. The truck body is in great shape but some of the mechanicals need work. I want to make it a daily driver, not a show truck.

I'm confused as to where to find part numbers for various parts. I've worked mostly on BMW cars before. Whenever I needed a part for a BMW, I would go to realoem.com, find the diagram and see the part number. Then I would order the part from any number of online retailers like ECS Tuning, FCP Euro, etc. Is there something similar to realoem for GM vehicles?

To make this more specific, I need a new coolant overflow tank. The current one has been replaced with a milk jug which I don't like very much.

I'm also interested in knowing whether GM produces a particular part. I always prefer to get OEM parts over aftermarket so I'd like to know if, for example, they still make that overflow tank. Other than calling the dealership, is there a good way to know?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Google is your friend, and there are lots of pictures. A vehicle that popular will have lots of aftermarket options - especially on a part that fails often (that's how they make their money - they provide parts they know they can sell.)

Dorman is an awesome supplier with many many parts of this nature. They aren't the only game in town, but they are an awesome starting point.

Is this what you need??

Dorman Chevy/GMC coolant tank

ON EDIT:

Okay, maybe not that. But google "1982 GMC K1500 coolant reservoir", click on IMAGES, and find one or more that visually matches. eBay yielded this:

NOS Chevy GM coolant tank - 1981-87

It claims it's NOS GM, so if that's it, there ya go. I think you'd pay about a third for an aftermarket. Original may not even be available. Certainly seems difficult to locate, even for me - and I "restore" a lot of vehicles. [Actually it's just that all my fleet is old and decrepit...]

Here's one if you venture into "restoration" sources - maybe this is it?

Brothers 81-84 Chevy/GMC Overflow Tank

I can't find good parts diagrams that yield a Delco OEM part number. The problem is your truck is pre-internet, so none of that is digital unless somebody makes an effort.

A dealer still might be the best source, if you catch a parts counter guy in a reasonably good mood (go after lunch, not just before). He might have to get out microfiche, which they sometimes can't be bothered to do. I would think by now this has all been made digital at a dealer level. In any case, get the printout with the GM part number, and then apologize and balk at this price - which will Shirley be eye-watering, if it's not discontinued.

Good luck, happy hunting!

Answer 2

I'm not familiar with GMC stuff, but when I have been looking for parts for my own older cars (Triumph and Land Rover), I've found three useful sources:

OEM parts books - these can often be found on eBay, and are what the dealers and parts shops would have used before computerized systems, literally a book full of diagrams with part numbers.

Owners clubs/forums - there's always someone who knows every part number off by heart, or so it seems! There's usually also the practical guy who says "they don't make that part any more, but I used one off an X which fitted fine"

Supplier websites - the aftermarket suppliers will usually have lists of the parts they sell and what they fit, especially if you can find one that specialises in those trucks.

Answer 3

Per the official GM parts catalog, the coolant reservoir is 14067282. GM has discontinued the part. Your best bet is to try you-pull part yards or car-part.com