1989 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado Sportside 4x4
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The fourth generation of the C/K series, produced from 1988 to 2002, marked a significant evolution in General Motors' full-size truck lineup, internally known as the GMT400 platform. This generation introduced a more aerodynamic design, improved comfort, and interior ergonomics, as well as a range of new engine options, including the Vortec engines. It also featured enhanced safety technology such as anti-lock braking systems and improved ride quality with revised suspension components.
The GMT400 trucks were assembled across multiple locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and they represented a major branding shift: GMC adopted the Sierra nameplate, while Chevrolet transitioned to the Silverado nameplate, retiring the C/K nomenclature. The trucks, often referred to as "OBS" (Old Body Style), overlapped in production with both their predecessor and successor, the GMT800, which began in 1999.
This 1989 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado half-ton pickup is a Sportside (stepside) 4x4 model with the Z71 Off-Road Chassis Package, and it is a work truck, through and through. The durability of these K1500 trucks makes them sought after even after they’ve racked up 100,000 (and even 200,000) miles.
Highlights
Finished in black paint over tan interior
Powered by a 5.7-liter OHV, fuel-injected, 16-valve V8 rated at 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque
Four-speed automatic transmission
Z71 Off-Road Chassis Package option included:
Skid plates plates for the engine, front axle, and transfer case
Heavy-duty Bilstein shock absorbers
4x4 "Shift-On-The-Fly Instra-Trac" system 4x4 with black dice shift lever
Diamond plate tailgate and side rail coverings
Service in September 2024 included:
A/C compressor replaced
A/C hose/line replaced
A/C cycling/pressure switch replaced
A/C refrigerant recharged
New tires
New wiper blades
The chassis number (1GCDK14KXKZ276147) decodes as:
1 – USA
G – General Motors
C – Chevrolet
D – 5001-6000 GVW
K – Four-wheel drive
1 – Half-ton pickup
4 – Two-door cab
K – 350 cu-in V8 with TBI (fuel injection)
X – Check digit
K – 1989 model year
Z – Fremont, California, assembly plant
276147 – Sequential production number
Features
Four-wheel-drive, two-door, half-ton pickup truck
6.5 foot cargo box
Front tow hooks
Nerf bar sidesteps
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Rear suspension: Leaf springs to support the live rear axle
Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes
Tilt wheel
Cruise control
Power windows
Power locks
Vinyl bench seat
Pioneer Premier AM/FM stereo radio with XM radio capability
Dash instrumentation:
85 mph speedometer and odometer
Coolant temperature
Oil pressure
Fuel level
Amps
Wheelbase: 117.5 inches
Length: 194 inches
Height: 73.8 inches
Width: 76.8 inches
Weight: 4,553 pounds
Known Imperfections
According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1989 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado Sportside “hit an animal” on 29 February 1991
CARFAX states “Potential Odometer Rollover” on 20 January 2015, and mileage is inconsistent with previous reports
Odometer no longer works
Paint chips, missing and bubbling paint, scratches, and fading
V in Silverado badge on tailgate is missing
Z71 Off Road stickers are faded/missing
Passenger side of seat is torn
Headliner is torn in multiple places
Rust hole near Nerf bar sidestep on passenger side
Bed is worn, consistent with decades of use as a work truck
Included
Lockable aluminum diamond plate toolbox
Spare tire
Toolbox
Owner’s manual
Ownership History
According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1989 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado Sportside has had at least six owners (CARFAX documentation begins with a Damage Report on 29 February 1991). The first recorded owner registered the truck in Willet, New York. It was sold to a resident of Rockledge, Florida, on 25 October 2002 with a reported 197,977 miles. The Chevrolet changed hands four more times: 15 October 2014 in Cocoa, Florida; 19 November 2004 in Melbourne, Florida; 6 July 2021 in Miami, Florida; and 20 September 2024 in Conyers, Georgia, where it currently resides. The consignor says the truck “runs and shifts well” and would make “an excellent daily driver or candidate for restoration.”