Merlin Resurrects this 1978 Chevy Luv Truck from It’s Grave!

  Рет қаралды 78,322

Merlins Old School Garage

Merlins Old School Garage

9 күн бұрын

‪@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage‬ plucked this old Chevy Luv truck out of a field in Montana! Now that it has sat in the desert heat and sun for the last 7 years it has been rat infested and rotten! Merlin is going to fix up one of his all time favorite trucks to drive around like he did in his younger years.
For merchandise visit merlinsoldschoolgarage.com/
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 674
@kevbev1524
@kevbev1524 7 күн бұрын
I wish the Auto manufacturers would bring back the small trucks for the in-between jobs.❤
@jaimesan2609
@jaimesan2609 7 күн бұрын
They are too busy making humongous over complicated pricey trucks that for the most part never see a tablespoon of dirt. It took me a while to find a early Ford Ranger without all the bells and whistles. Other than the lack of cab space, I'll take an older Isuzu, Toyota, Nissan (Datsun), Mazda and maybe and maybe an older Ford Courier.
@eshootziscrs2868
@eshootziscrs2868 7 күн бұрын
Ford makes the ranger and the maverick, Chevy still has the Colorado.
@ShineRunnersGarage
@ShineRunnersGarage 7 күн бұрын
​@@eshootziscrs2868 and they're all bigger than a full sized truck of the 80's and 90's Nothing even slightly small about them. The S10, Ranger, Dakota, etc used to be about half the size of a full sized truck not 1" smaller at max like today
@jamesausbrooks6337
@jamesausbrooks6337 7 күн бұрын
Merlin, I think it's about time to get a lot to put some of your stuff like your cousin Paul. Your getting pretty packed. Lol
@Kevin-ti3rz
@Kevin-ti3rz 7 күн бұрын
My old Taco that my son drives now is smaller than the new one's , is it just bigger is better or more they can charge. You don't need a big truck all the time. But more than 660cc tiny truck
@sparkycushman578
@sparkycushman578 7 күн бұрын
I can't believe I sat there while eating breakfast watching someone maintenanceizing a Chevy Luv. To my surprise I enjoyed every minute! You never cease to amaze.
@user-lf6lm8gx8d
@user-lf6lm8gx8d 7 күн бұрын
Hell yes i was a minitrucker , still am. Its reassuring to know im not the only insane adult playing with toys.
@phatfarmer3248
@phatfarmer3248 7 күн бұрын
My Pops had a black 4x4 LUV with a 6.5' plow back in the 80's. He used to plow out everybody on the street. Up here in NH we can get a lot of snow. The truck never failed in its job. He was like a kid again when he was working that thing. Payment for his services usually involved a pie of some sort.
@Andy_Hinners
@Andy_Hinners 7 күн бұрын
Merlin, you're a magician. That truck has risen from the grave(l).
@dennishall9260
@dennishall9260 7 күн бұрын
I had a Chevy Luv/Isuzu, a Ford Courrier/Mazda, several Datsun 710s... I was a mini trucker!
@tonywastler5944
@tonywastler5944 7 күн бұрын
Merlin your work ethic is amazing. You manage to squeeze lemons into lemonade every week.
@brianhuber4124
@brianhuber4124 7 күн бұрын
That’s a sweet truck! Everything Merlin touches turns to a thing of beauty! Love the channel Merl!
@scottpooler2661
@scottpooler2661 7 күн бұрын
first car I ever bought was a 77 Luv long bed, 2wd, love what you did to this one, not a fan of the wheel choice or the lowering, but it's yours, you can have it how you like, I am a huge fan of saving these old cars
@batmanlives6456
@batmanlives6456 7 күн бұрын
I had one of these as my 1st car… It was 2 years old!!!
@AdventuringwiththeS.G.O.C.C
@AdventuringwiththeS.G.O.C.C 7 күн бұрын
Second best part of my Sundays are a morning with a video from MOSG....#1 of course is church.
@bennys768
@bennys768 Күн бұрын
Building many lowered minis in the 90s, living in Missoula, Mt. Thanks for the memories, Merlin
@ProtoType99468
@ProtoType99468 10 сағат бұрын
used to drive a 1980 Courier about 40 miles to work on dirt roads, had a portable radio for tunes that came free with a Time magazine suscription 😆
@TheCory888
@TheCory888 7 күн бұрын
An old friend had a Chevy Luv, we went everywhere in that truck, hardly ever had an issue, ran like a dream. Nice to see a mini back in action.
@supercharged2414
@supercharged2414 7 күн бұрын
I restored 3 Chevy LUV trucks way back. A 78, an 80, and an 81 4WD. Very reliable trucks.
@rwolffy
@rwolffy 7 күн бұрын
I bought a used 1972 LUV in San Diego 2wd drove it all over the Anza Borego desert! Drove it hard never a problem. Great memories!
@jeffwestbrook2504
@jeffwestbrook2504 7 күн бұрын
I bought a 74 Luv in 79 while stationed in Guam for 3 years in the Navy. Taught my wife how to drive a stick shift in it lol. Always wanted to get a 4x4 one.
@gregmckenney1715
@gregmckenney1715 5 күн бұрын
Blast from the past for me. I had a '76 LUV. Drove that thing over 130 thousand miles all over the place. Thanks for the memories.
@VorlonFrog
@VorlonFrog 7 күн бұрын
The Pott County Legend would be so proud of you guys.
@OldJeepGarage
@OldJeepGarage 7 күн бұрын
The mini truck hoarder of Pott County! 😂
@arnoldflowers-2502
@arnoldflowers-2502 7 күн бұрын
Omg I had that same truck back in 1989 . I luved that truck. The bed tie downs were the best. It climbed hills like a goat.
@richardhoneywell7411
@richardhoneywell7411 7 күн бұрын
The Chevy Luv is a nice time capsule from back then. Thanks for sharing Merlin the Luv looks great..
@thomasbailey8306
@thomasbailey8306 7 күн бұрын
I loved the 4x4 Chevy LUVS ...Always wanted one ..
@jonasjones8828
@jonasjones8828 7 күн бұрын
Gotta luv a Chevy luv.
@alkennedy1124
@alkennedy1124 7 күн бұрын
My first truck at my first wedding was a 1974 Chevy luv stick, it was baby color green lol it lasted about 1 year, and that marriage about 5 years , lol😮thanks BigAl California.
@johnlynch5670
@johnlynch5670 4 күн бұрын
Love this episode Merlin! I had a 72, drove it in high school. Swapped in a 327 right after high school in 76, drove that truck for 14 years with builds from a tunnel ram dual quad to a blower. Lots of fun and honed my skills on it. Thanks for the memories!
@americanrambler4972
@americanrambler4972 6 сағат бұрын
That old LUV is cleaning up nice. Uses a bit of oil, but you’ve got a running truck. These are just cool old pickups. My favorite LUV I the first gen 4x4 short bed in black with the white wagon wheels, raised white letter tires and round tail lights below the tailgate. In black with red interior upholstery. And the shiny front bumper and headlight trim.
@user-sy9mo5yx9x
@user-sy9mo5yx9x 7 күн бұрын
What memories we had a Chevy luv back in the day was a high school driver! And then I bought a 1972 Chevy from my neighbor as my first truck. Wish I still had both today.
@user-yn8ed5dn4i
@user-yn8ed5dn4i 7 күн бұрын
I had a LUV back in 76, it was black, like yours. Brought back lots of memories. I blew that engine up in 79. Got it rebuilt, first date with my wife, married in 83, still together. Great truck.
@hillwilliam
@hillwilliam 7 күн бұрын
My brother-in-law had a 1980 Luv with a diesel. The glow plug went out and he could not get parts to repair it. I once drove a Ford Courier. The roughest riding vehicle I’ve ever been in. Love your videos Merlin.
@neilfromclearwaterfl81
@neilfromclearwaterfl81 7 күн бұрын
A starter button and a resistor or a set of 12 volt glow plugs going straight to 12 volts is how I've been getting past that. Just hold the button and count to ten before releasing it and then turn the key to start. Might have to count to 15 or 20 in colder weather. You don't really need the glow plug timer, etc to make it run. Generic glow plugs are only about $5 each and fairly easy to match up. Best!
@blackrifle556
@blackrifle556 7 күн бұрын
Isuzu diesel parts may still be available at Thermo King dealers as that engine was used by Thermo King for a lot years
@neilfromclearwaterfl81
@neilfromclearwaterfl81 6 күн бұрын
@@blackrifle556 Glow plugs and the Controller for the 2.2L Isuzu Diesel powered Chevy Luv are also available from RockAuto though you may have to upgrade to the 1981 style. The controller starts at about $14 for the one made by Standard Auto Parts and the go up to about $28 for the ACDelco Gold. The Beck/Arnley glow plugs are $6.15 each. However its not VooDoo and even if the exact parts are no longer available its very easy to swap over to an old school manual 12 volt system. Hey even an old cogitator like me can handle it. Best!
@johngraham8865
@johngraham8865 7 күн бұрын
My cousin had a luv with a 350 in it and boy we had a ton of fun in that little truck. I haven't seen one in long time. Brings back great memories.
@mikej3960
@mikej3960 Күн бұрын
I had a Ford courier back in the late 80s and it was the best truck I ever owned. It was painted with house paint with a roller and still the best truck I ever owned
@dezrat
@dezrat 7 күн бұрын
Back in the day after school we would have these little trucks lowered, air cleaner lid flipped, hot-wired, have an hour of cruising in and put back together before Dad got home.
@leetester8612
@leetester8612 7 күн бұрын
Great little truck. Good work. Thanks 🇬🇧
@kodepop
@kodepop 2 күн бұрын
My first truck was an 84 s10 and the Chevy luv has always been my dream first project. I'm super excited to live vicariously with this video, thank you!
@lonhoschar1943
@lonhoschar1943 7 күн бұрын
I remember those old Luv pickups. My Dad bought an old one a gave to my son back around 1989. He had a blast with that old truck. Drove the dickens out of it for 2 or 3 years before graduating to a bit newer S-10. Looks like you got it running pretty good. Nice job, Merlin!!
@jacksonms212
@jacksonms212 7 күн бұрын
One of my dream trucks !!!
@MattMunro74
@MattMunro74 7 күн бұрын
She's gorgeous!!
@rvbjr
@rvbjr 5 күн бұрын
You can't ruin that truck, you made it a lot better! My pride and joy is my garage-kept 1990 Ford Ranger which I bought new. It's a 5-speed standard cab with a 2.9L V6. Every time I drive it I get thumbs up from other car people. I love seeing the older vehicles resurrected from rust and wrecking yards.
@jamesguinn5889
@jamesguinn5889 5 күн бұрын
Looks fantastic Merlin, lowering it was the right call.😊
@007twm
@007twm 2 күн бұрын
Looks great Merlin. We lowered my son's Ford Ranger back in the 80s. He really enjoyed that truck.
@edvela5274
@edvela5274 7 күн бұрын
Sweet truck great job on the mini truck
@taurota1554
@taurota1554 7 күн бұрын
Awesome and outstanding as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
@royhicks1628
@royhicks1628 6 күн бұрын
I had a 77 baby blue Chevy Luv. It was my senior year of High school (78) Lots of memories. I put a am/fm 8 track player in it. I also put wide tires and wheels on the back and a short glass pack muffler. Fun!
@upsdoug
@upsdoug 7 күн бұрын
Great video and the truck looks cool with Centerlines. Always liked that body style best among the minis. Thanks for an interesting watch😎
@richhutch908
@richhutch908 7 күн бұрын
Nice little runabout. I love it.
@BFVgnr
@BFVgnr 7 күн бұрын
I wish I'd have known what I know now, that there would be days when light trucks like these wouldn't be available. I'd have bought so many Luvs, Couriers, D50s, Datsuns, Toyotas, etc. I went to high school with a guy who'd gotten one of the 1970's Chevy aluminum block V8s, and put it in a Luv over a summer. That was the world's most noisy, twitchy, and sketchy shade tree truck, but it was sure fun once the terror faded. Outside of the US, the Luv name lives on, we call it the Colorado.
@NickManCuso59
@NickManCuso59 7 күн бұрын
LUV...Light utility vehicle ! 😁
@chadjohnson2853
@chadjohnson2853 Күн бұрын
Mrs Johnson you are an angel! I have trouble with the amount of stuff I have big dreams for 🛠️🔧🛠️🔧🛠️🔧. Because of my better half 😊. Thank you 🙏 for allowing Mr M.J. To do his thing 😘 !! Dam always comment. Before the end 😢. Beautiful build brother
@user-xf7se4cf2c
@user-xf7se4cf2c 7 күн бұрын
A perfect run around town for parts truck, looks good.
@bomcdaniel8311
@bomcdaniel8311 7 күн бұрын
Mini trucks are awesome! You made that luv look way better! Your an automotive wizard Merlin.
@arjanvogel6444
@arjanvogel6444 7 күн бұрын
Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work Merlin.
@kencornett4768
@kencornett4768 7 күн бұрын
Looks 400% better than it did trucks always look better lower to the ground I like it I like it this is Ken from groveland Florida keep up the good work Marla good work Merlin see you next Sunday we
@tracyweber9308
@tracyweber9308 7 күн бұрын
My brother had a chevy luv diesel. That was an amazing truck. I had a Datsun with a ford v6 and a toyota 4x4 with a diesel and i miss both of them trucks especially the toy diesel
@clintonsmith9931
@clintonsmith9931 7 күн бұрын
Just gave away a 80toy long bed to wrecker. Live where no room to work. Loved the long bed , it wasn’t as rough riding AS A SHORT 76 I HAD BEFORE.
@matthewwoerner7935
@matthewwoerner7935 7 күн бұрын
Nice luv Chevy nice tires with hub it awesome bring old mini truck on road
@erichill5208
@erichill5208 7 күн бұрын
This is what I find interesting about your channel. A big variety of different projects
@ronaldbirdsong8267
@ronaldbirdsong8267 7 күн бұрын
My dad had one and it never let us down
@dannysrigid
@dannysrigid 7 күн бұрын
Had a red '76 4X4 in the mid '80s, looking at a pic of it right now. Was a blast bombing around 2 tracks and sand hills, cheap on gas as a daily driver, all for $300!
@musky629
@musky629 6 күн бұрын
My very first truck was a 1977 Chevy LUV 1.8 in-line 4. Replaced the garbage carburetor with a Weber carb.Rebuilt the Engine witch had 200,000 miles . Crane cam heavy duty valve springs shaved head. Hooker headers, center force clutch, points out of the 289 ford. Stock points would float at 8200 the ford point would go to 8800. 215 HP on AV gas at 6800. Thanks for sharing the Little Utility Vehicle.
@theuglytruth8162
@theuglytruth8162 7 күн бұрын
Magical Merlin, never know what he's gonna pull outta his hat. 😂😂
@michaeltablet8577
@michaeltablet8577 7 күн бұрын
Drove a Luv in high school back in the early 80s. Great truck. This brought back a lot of memories. Thank you very much!
@brianschmidt2747
@brianschmidt2747 7 күн бұрын
I owned a 4x4 1979 little utility vehicle LUV and we did a lot of engine modifications and still wouldn't climb our mountain roads. It was gut less. But it looked great.
@tomster70
@tomster70 7 күн бұрын
Looks like an absolute blast of a beater mini truck! Love it!
@francoisgreeff7836
@francoisgreeff7836 7 күн бұрын
That is my dream truck, we had them here in South Africa as an Isuzu truck with, I think, a 1.8l diesel engine.
@seanmiller140
@seanmiller140 6 күн бұрын
Man, that brings back memories. I worked for the Food & Ag Dept. from 1979 through the 1980’s driving that same year Chevy Luv pickup. It was 4WD, Light Blue, White spoke rims, and had a white eagle on the door. I LUV’ed that truck!
@johneldred1515
@johneldred1515 7 күн бұрын
Merlin little truck 🚛 looking good. Never had one back in the day but i like them now with the gas prices. Wheels made a big difference and lowing in purfice. Enjoy the little girl.
@wadericker4795
@wadericker4795 7 күн бұрын
A school friend of mine had a Red 4x4 Luv. Always thought it was a sharp looking little truck. 💯👍
@grampyguy6389
@grampyguy6389 3 күн бұрын
Merlin, back in the day I had a 77 luv, black, loved it, then later in life started my mobile pressure washing business and had to sell it and I really regretted it but it is what it is, great video.
@tonysavee5138
@tonysavee5138 7 күн бұрын
Sharp Luv right there. I had a 4×4. Loved it
@danielstevens3372
@danielstevens3372 7 күн бұрын
That's a blast from the past we all were trying to make low riders out of whatever we were driving I had a Datsun pickup
@IEchuckie
@IEchuckie 7 күн бұрын
I raised my Datsun up and put big tires on it
@donaldk.macbaird5248
@donaldk.macbaird5248 7 күн бұрын
Lookin good Merlin.
@bobbykoenning5566
@bobbykoenning5566 7 күн бұрын
Merlin, You just caused this old heart of mine to skip a beat. This video brought back flood of memories of my two Luvs.. Both had stepside beds that came from California Stepside Bed Company. My 79 was baby blue 2wd with white wagon wheels. 60 on rear 70 on front. Had a spoiler on the front with fender flares like Mr T custom van had. My 80 was white 4wd slightly lifted with a chrome roll bar inside the stepside bed. I traded a 1970 Olds 442 for both of them. Boy did I ever lose on that deal. Story of my life. I would love to find another Stepside Luv. However my garage is full of project BMW Drift Cars builds at the moment. I have photos of my two Luv's if you would love to see them. I also have a factory Chevrolet Luv Parts Catalog. I retired from a GM Dealership Parts Department after 44 years in the Auto Parts business.
@markphillips9454
@markphillips9454 7 күн бұрын
Great job on the little Luv truck. I watch this channel for the fabrication skills, and I'm always impressed.
@Aphthous
@Aphthous 7 күн бұрын
I’ve got a 1980 4x4 LUV Mikado. It’s hard to come by parts, but it’s a fun toy to drive around and I love the decals painted on the hood and bedside. It screams 80’s nostalgia.
@fixyourmind
@fixyourmind 7 күн бұрын
Merlin, that thing looks amazing. I had same year Luv in 1998 and it was 93% rust. Every time I went around the corner I thought the body was going to collapse. I took it to get a safety inspection and they just laughed at me.
@johnguilfoyle3073
@johnguilfoyle3073 7 күн бұрын
Back in the Late 80s I bought a 1973 F-100. I was sold on that truck because of the AM, one-speaker radio. I knew if it had been owned by a teenager, they would have added an AM/FM Cassette with Stereo speakers and it would likely have been driven much harder.
@Kevin-ti3rz
@Kevin-ti3rz 7 күн бұрын
Centerline wheels look great . I didn't get the Luv truck because the population of Vegas would have gone up too soon . So the El Camino was my truck back in the 80s
@Telephony954
@Telephony954 7 күн бұрын
Shoot, that thing will outlive us all. great job and a kool little ride. now it's gonna need some A/C.
@scottlee1211
@scottlee1211 7 күн бұрын
You showed the little Chevy Luv some love!! Great little pickup!
@michaelcook184
@michaelcook184 7 күн бұрын
Yup had 1 it was yellow good little truck duel points 😊
@stevetuttle5472
@stevetuttle5472 6 күн бұрын
My first LUV was a white 2wd great little truck but wanted a 4wd so got a black 4wd, one of the most capable 4x4’s I’ve ever owned! Thanks for bringing this one back to life!
@MalcolmNorthfield
@MalcolmNorthfield 7 күн бұрын
Fantastic work your doing
@MrDanoman01
@MrDanoman01 4 күн бұрын
Good job Merlin! I drove two models of Toyota HiLux pickups from 78-98. They were indestructible great running trucks!
@bobbyessary-vl4ig
@bobbyessary-vl4ig 7 күн бұрын
Yes I'm a min trucker. And I still have mine. I really need to get mine back on the road. It's a 79 Toyota
@kevinshorter5861
@kevinshorter5861 7 күн бұрын
Looks very sharp too!!
@delialusk1
@delialusk1 7 күн бұрын
Nice 😅 I love it. My buddy used to have a Dotson truck and it went everywhere !!!
@rmbechtold
@rmbechtold 6 күн бұрын
Thanks for that flash back down memory lane. I had an 80 luv for my first truck, fresh off the farm. Drove it all through high school.
@tyberrett
@tyberrett 5 күн бұрын
Great to see a classic back on the road
@jaxj3626
@jaxj3626 7 күн бұрын
I like it,you sure know how pick a classic.
@tracyspencer507
@tracyspencer507 7 күн бұрын
Cool truck, I graduated in 78, so I kinda predated the mini truck era, but appreciated the work. I had a lower 73 stepside with a 454
@rightwingmanscott
@rightwingmanscott 7 күн бұрын
Those little Isuzu's were great little motors. They were installed in a lot of vehicles. Correct me if I am wrong but 1.7 liters and they made one that was 2.0. Had several Luv's and great running little trucks. I had a crawler I was building years , decades, ago and I had an aftermarket step side bed that I put on it. Don't you wish you had all those old cars back again? That bed was one I wish I had kept.
@woodsontr
@woodsontr 7 күн бұрын
You did a great job on that truck! 😀👍
@craigsouthern5089
@craigsouthern5089 7 күн бұрын
Once again a pulled a few rabbits out of your magic hat. Merlin the original OG of fabrication for the home run. Thanks for taking us subscriber's along for the ride. Love the channel. Keep up the great work. ✌️👍🤙🤙😁😎🍀🍀🍀🍀🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🪄🪄🪄🪄.
@bearingking9202
@bearingking9202 7 күн бұрын
Dean is the man glad to call him a friend
@Dave-hf1th
@Dave-hf1th 7 күн бұрын
Lookin good Merlin!
@BuildwithMooney
@BuildwithMooney 7 күн бұрын
Great little Chevy LUV, you always bring it every video Merlin. Thanks for sharing your skills.
@brianc.843
@brianc.843 7 күн бұрын
Awesome! Luv the truck!
@ron486
@ron486 7 күн бұрын
Small trucks that worked. Man it was a great time.
@assocrec
@assocrec 7 күн бұрын
Merlin, you are a magician, you make things look so interesting and at the same time fun! Keep truckin!
@chadlecraft4971
@chadlecraft4971 7 күн бұрын
My first car in high school was a ‘76 silver Chevy Luv. I loved that old truck. Drove it all through high school and few years longer until the rust took over.
I bought the CHEAPEST military trailer at the auction!
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