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Chevy Express/GMC Savana

618 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2009 at 12:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, Chevrolet Express Cargo, Chevrolet Sportvan, Chevrolet Chevy Van, Chevrolet Chevy Van Classic, Van

#4 of 618 Re: Removable bench seats by midasgold Nov 22, 1999 (4:15 pm)
Yes, the benches are removable. The carpeting has little flaps (with some really *useless* velcro tabs - see my comment under "Full Size Vans"). Lift the flap, and there's a gap in the padding at that location. There are strong metal L-shaped locking pins with rubberized grips. We just sort of wiggle the locking pin while pulling it out and it (usually) comes right out. Then comes the fun part - getting the benches out of the van - my husband can do it in just a couple of minutes. They make a nice sitting area in our garage - add a coffee table and we'd be all set! Why they don't apply all the marvels of miraculous seat-folding from minivan-land to these full-sized vans is beyond me! We have 6 kids, too! BTW, just curious - why do you like the Savana over the Ford?
#5 of 618 Removable benches by quarterdunn Nov 23, 1999 (4:45 am)
MG, Thanks for taking the time to respond. The answer to the Ford v. GM? Purely looks. My better half thinks -- and I can't disagree -- that the Ford, despite the windows on the sides, still looks like work van no matter what. We like the spiffy look of the GM.
#6 of 618 GM Van Windows by midasgold Nov 23, 1999 (9:33 pm)
Yeah, I agree about the looks. Speaking of windows, the GM's look like one continuous expanse of glass (even though it isn't from the inside), while the Ford's are divided into segments on both the inside *and* the outside - the GM looks neater. Another reason we went with GM over Ford is that our mechanic *hates* Fords (though he admits they're good for his business)... hope no Ford people are reading this.
#7 of 618 Daytime Running Lights by av8dr Dec 15, 1999 (6:03 pm)
I have a 99 Express. Does anyone know how to turn off the daytime running lights? Thanks. Replies to this message: teresabutler (Sep 03, 2005 11:23 am) mikebc780 (Sep 12, 2005 12:11 pm) mikebc780 (Sep 23, 2005 2:45 pm)
#8 of 618 by guitarzan Dec 17, 1999 (10:36 pm)
Av8dr, what does the owner's manual say? Guitarzan Community Leader/Vans Conference
#9 of 618 DRLs by hardesty Dec 18, 1999 (1:07 am)
By federal law, the manufacturer can not provide an off switch for DRLs. If you have automatic headlights, pulling the DRL fuse will probably disable those too. There is a way to make the DRL module think that the headlights are on, but it requires some re-wiring. It is legal for you to disable the DRLs, but not for someone to do it for you (dealer or mechanic).
#10 of 618 GM versus Ford by wvineyard Dec 19, 1999 (5:29 am)
I appreciate the postings here on the GM Savana reliability. My wife and I are looking at new vans now and she really likes the look of the Savana.  We have had both a Ford Aerostar and Econoline 250 and I will not buy another Ford due to the terrible reliability of both. By the way, we also have 6 kids... must be in the water... Replies to this message: fordfan4 (Apr 21, 2005 7:03 pm) claires (Apr 26, 2005 11:43 am)
#11 of 618 wvineyard by midasgold Dec 20, 1999 (3:22 pm)
Glad to be of service. If you'd like to read more of what I've written about our Savana, look under the topics "Full Sized Vans" (#18) and "Minivan vs. Suburban" (#858). Yup, six kids... and with a 12-seater, nobody has to sit next to anyone else.
#12 of 618 DRL's by roadranger Dec 22, 1999 (3:09 am)
The daytime running lights turn off when the parking brake is pressed (even 1 notch) Therefore you can drive with the park brake set 1 notch (this is fine for short distances) or for a permanant "off", just bypass the switch at the park brake.
#13 of 618 Savanna Problems by joker1 Dec 27, 1999 (2:30 am)
We have 37,000 on our 1997 Savanna SLE. We are very dissatisfied with the brakes. Just replaced the front pads for the third time along with the rotors. Rear brakes also replaced. Seems the front pads need replacing every 12,000 miles. GMC failed to stand behind their product when at, 20,000 miles the right front brake pad wore down due to a sticky caliper. The dealer wanted to charge me $40 just to inspect the caliper which was under warranty. I went to a private shop and don't intend to go back to the dealer again. The interior is cheap and as it gets older tends to squeek and rattle alot. The van looks great and is roomy and easy to drive however, the bad experience with the dealer over such a minor problem has caused us to look at Fords before another problem appears. As a note, we tried several GMC & Chevy dealers regarding the caliper problem and all wanted to charge to inspect it. When will GM learn that customer satisfaction should be their first concern. I wish Honda made a large enough vehicle to pull a trailor because I would buy it immediately. For those of you looking...beware!! Replies to this message: alonelydude (Nov 03, 2005 6:17 am) djl_family (Nov 11, 2005 5:59 am)

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