Bullnose?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
If I remember correctly, the 2011 vote was the fourth or fifth time we tried to give a name to our generation of trucks. Bullnose wasn't necessarily my choice either, but I supported it then and support it now because it was the name the majority of folks agreed on. That in itself was a major accomplishment. Remember, bullnose means things other than the nose of the animal. It also refers to a rounded finshed end of a product, especially tile, that when held upright really does look like the front of our trucks. It certainly fits as much as dentside or bumpside fit on the two previous generations. And it sounds tougher.
One of the reasons for naming our generation was the general sense that these very good and capable trucks were being ignored or denigrated by owners of other versions. It was our way of highlighting what is good about our trucks, and adding a touch of personality that was overlooked. It really doesn't matter all that much what we call them, but giving them an identity does matter. Please keep that in mind.
One of the reasons for naming our generation was the general sense that these very good and capable trucks were being ignored or denigrated by owners of other versions. It was our way of highlighting what is good about our trucks, and adding a touch of personality that was overlooked. It really doesn't matter all that much what we call them, but giving them an identity does matter. Please keep that in mind.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Originally Posted by ri_truck_guy
One of the reasons for naming our generation was the general sense that these very good and capable trucks were being ignored or denigrated by owners of other versions. It was our way of highlighting what is good about our trucks, and adding a touch of personality that was overlooked. It really doesn't matter all that much what we call them, but giving them an identity does matter. Please keep that in mind.
I would also like to add that many people lump the 1980 - 1986 trucks in with the 1987 - 1991 and the 1992 - 1996 models, and the name "Bullnose" was a way to set 1980 -1986 models apart. And here is why:
Although it is basically the same body style, the 1980 - 1986 version was the FIRST and original incarnation of this very popular body style that lasted for sixteen years. The most noticeable change to the untrained eye is that the front (or nose) changed between the three year groups. And the 1980 -1986 models indeed resemble a bull from the front. If you look at a bull's head, the eyes are slanted back towards the head and the nose is pushed forward. These trucks have the headlights slanted back towards the cab and the grille is pushed forward.
They are totally different under the hood too, as these were the very last of the carbureted models, and the only models of the three year groups that has squared-off fender openings. These trucks never really got the respect they deserved, and I agree with ri_truck_guy in that I think these models are ignored way too much. I really like the name "Bullnose", and apparently most others did too, as it was voted on and won by a HUGE margin.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Suburbs
You are way too nice calling the 88 a Bricknose...I usually refer to them as Snubnoses (personally think they are extremely ugly). But I would still rather drive one than ANY Chevy!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
LOL, I think they're ugly too. So ugly, you have to approach them from the rear, to prevent losing your lunch. Best thing to do with an 87-91, is swap the nose for a 92-96 style, or backdate them with a nose from 80-86 along with a bed swap to keep it from having mismatched wheel arches.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Thank you sir. I was just trying to put our earlier discussions into context. I tried to give you some love for all your amplifying info, but the rep gods wouldn't let me...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 11
From: Wausau, WI
So true. They are coming around though. Just about every time I take mine out, someone comments on how they like it or reminisce on the one they had, wishing they kept it.
I have seen some really nice ones around here lately. There's one in particular, not sure on the exact year, but it looks like brand new. I'm talking showroom condition.
I have seen some really nice ones around here lately. There's one in particular, not sure on the exact year, but it looks like brand new. I'm talking showroom condition.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
The ugly comments are aimed at the 87-91 models. Compared to either the 80-86 or 92-96/97, they are uglier than sin. It's like designer got 99% done, and then left the front view for a preschooler to draw.......
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Lexington
So true. They are coming around though. Just about every time I take mine out, someone comments on how they like it or reminisce on the one they had, wishing they kept it.
I have seen some really nice ones around here lately. There's one in particular, not sure on the exact year, but it looks like brand new. I'm talking showroom condition.
I have seen some really nice ones around here lately. There's one in particular, not sure on the exact year, but it looks like brand new. I'm talking showroom condition.
And yes, I also get a lot of reminiscing looks as I drive mine about town.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I think that these trucks will do nothing but increase in popularity, with guys around my age, early 30's, start reaching an age where they can appreciate and afford to fix-up a truck like their dad's when they were growing-up. I know that's why I bought mine, because that's what I grew-up riding around in with my Dad. I grew-up thinking that was what a truck was supposed to be, it was the toughest truck in town, my dad could beat up your dad thing.
And yes, I also get a lot of reminiscing looks as I drive mine about town.
And yes, I also get a lot of reminiscing looks as I drive mine about town.
I get plenty of looks when driving around in the 74, purchased by dad in 74.
On the other hand, my daughter loves driving my 80, as it not only reminds her of the 86SC her grandpa drove, but also reminds her of the truck I drove when she was younger, seeing as it's the same one.... Her grandpa died several years ago, but that 86 is still around. He was the last to drive it, though. As soon as she can afford to do it, we are going to restore that one to running order, since her uncle told her she could have it.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Wallace, Idaho
I get a lot of people ask me what year the flareside is, a lot of people really enjoy looking at that truck for some reason. I always get compliments on it, and once in a while ill get the random offer to buy it. I always say, dont plan on selling it, unless you have a lot of money. They usually just chuckle and then continue to ask me about it. Most people enjoy how original it is, and how good of shape its in, I even get comments on how the paint isn't perfect, but thats how you know its original, and never been wrecked.
Its hard to find nice old trucks these days, i feel privileged to own one, hopefully some day ill conjure up the coin to have her repainted, but for now, im pretty happy with it.
You also cant ask for much better performance and fuel economy out of a rig, sure my diesel stomps it in both of those categories, but for its age, the dang thing runs like a top.
Its hard to find nice old trucks these days, i feel privileged to own one, hopefully some day ill conjure up the coin to have her repainted, but for now, im pretty happy with it.
You also cant ask for much better performance and fuel economy out of a rig, sure my diesel stomps it in both of those categories, but for its age, the dang thing runs like a top.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 5
From: Almost Heaven
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