15 ’80s Truck Features That Are No Longer Available
These 15 forgotten features from 1980s trucks remind us that old-school utility, charm, and hands-on control have largely vanished from today’s high-tech pickups.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The trucks of the 1980s were built with simplicity, durability, and a driver-first mindset. Every knob, lever, and handle required direct engagement, forming a bond between machine and operator that newer trucks often lack. While modern trucks have gained luxury and technology, they’ve lost many of the features that once made driving feel real and tactile.
1. Manual Locking Hubs
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Before electronics took over, 4x4 trucks required you to physically get out and twist the hubs to engage the front wheels. It was a rite of passage in bad weather or muddy trails. Drivers had to know their truck, not just press a button.
2. Bench Seats
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One big seat across the front meant three people could ride comfortably — close quarters, sure, but part of the charm. Families, dogs, and coffee mugs all shared the same wide cushion. Most trucks today have separate bucket seats and consoles, trading nostalgia for convenience.
3. Sliding Rear Windows
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A classic ’80s truck move: reach behind you and slide the back window open for a breeze or to talk to someone in the bed. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real-world functional. Now, power rear windows or solid glass have replaced that simple touch.
4. Floor-Mounted Headlight Dimmer Switch
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Drivers used to tap the high beams on and off with the side of their boot. Located on the floor, left of the clutch, it was a no-look operation that felt rugged and intuitive. Today’s stalk-mounted controls just don’t have the same tactile satisfaction.
5. Two-Tone Paint Jobs with Real Trim
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You could spot a Silverado or F-150 from blocks away with its rich dual colors and thick chrome or aluminum trim. These weren’t stickers or vinyl wraps — they were molded, riveted, and proudly stood out. Now, most trucks favor monochrome or blacked-out styles for a “modern” look.
6. Pull-Out Choke Knobs
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On cold mornings, you had to manually adjust the choke to get your carbureted engine started. No sensors, no automatic tuning — just you, your instincts, and the little knob on the dash. Fuel injection has long since made them obsolete.
7. Vent Windows (Wing Windows)
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Tiny triangle-shaped windows in the front doors could be popped open to blast your face with fresh air. They were a lifesaver when the AC was weak or nonexistent. Wind noise aside, many drivers still miss that quick-airflow option.
8. Steel Dashboards
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Hard, unforgiving, and often painted to match the truck’s exterior, these dashboards weren’t about comfort—they were about durability. They didn’t crack, warp, or fade like soft plastic. You just had to watch your knees in a crash.
9. AM Radio with Manual Tuners
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Cranking the dial across static-filled airwaves was a skill, not a frustration. Local stations, talk radio, and whatever music you could catch made every drive an adventure. These radios were often paired with one mono dash speaker and a lot of road noise.
10. Hand Crank Windows
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Manual windows were standard, and you had to lean across the cab to roll down the passenger side. No battery needed, no motors to fail — just a crank and some muscle. For many, it was one less thing that could break.
11. Column Shifters for Manuals
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Yes, some trucks had manual transmissions shifted from the column, not the floor. It was quirky, it was cool, and it was confusing if you weren’t used to it. Nowadays, even automatics have gone to push buttons or dials.
12. Exposed Metal Interiors
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You’d see painted door panels, floor pans, and dashboards with little to no padding. Trucks were tools first, not luxury rides, and the inside reflected that. It felt raw and unfiltered, especially when rattling down a dirt road.
13. Drop-In Bedliners
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These hard plastic liners weren’t molded perfectly, so they’d often rattle or trap water underneath. Still, they were a quick fix to protect your bed from shovels, bricks, or rust. Most modern trucks now come with spray-in liners or composite beds.
14. Sliding Gun Racks in Rear Windows
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Not just for show, these racks were a common sight in rural areas, holding rifles or fishing rods. No alarms, no locks, just glass and brackets. Today, gun racks are hidden, locked, or flat-out illegal in many areas.
15. Manual Locking Gas Caps
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Before central locking systems, your gas cap had its own key, and you had to use it every time. Losing the cap key meant some serious frustration at the pump. Now, it’s either integrated or keyless, removing the ritual altogether.