Owner: Ed Snyder
My truck is a 1966 GMC three quarter ton pickup with a short Fleetside bed. This truck came to me with the original factory build sheet showing a build date of 6-6-66, and factory equipped with the optional 351 cubic inch V-6, turbo 400 transmission, power steering, power brakes, 4.10 locking rear end, heavy duty springs, and custom cab. It was originally a two-tone truck, green and white, but I had it repainted a 1973 Cadillac color, Sage Metallic. It has just over 50,000 actual miles on it. I've owned it for about 5 years. I bought it from a neighbor who had bought it at the estate sale of the original owners about a year before. It was in great shape - no rust and no dents.
About a year ago, I finished a complete restoration of this truck which took me about 18 months. The running gear (engine, transmission, rear end) was in excellent condition, due to the low mileage. The paint, however, was badly oxidized. It now has far more paint, and far better quality paint (Sikkens) than it left the factory with. Although the truck is stock mechanically, I took the opportunity during the restoration to perform some comfort and cosmetic upgrades, such as: carpet with heat-resistant sound-deadening mat underneath it, carpeted door bottoms and kick panels, new seat padding and upholstery with inflatable lumbar supports, tachometer and clock, electric fuel pump, chrome plated valve covers, Thermo-dyne coated exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust, interior tailgate latches with cables to replace the original chains, spray-on Armacoat bedliner, and hitch receiver built into the original step bumper.
I've taken it to many car and truck shows since the restoration was completed. It's won trophies or plaques at nearly every show, including second in class at the West Coast Truckin' Nationals in Paso Robles, California in March, 2000.
During the restoration process, I acquired catalogs from about a dozen of the largest Chevy/GMC restoration parts suppliers across the country. I tried ordering parts from most of them, just to see how they compared in price, service, and parts availability. Although I had a couple of bad experiences, such as my credit card being charged right away, but waiting several months for the part after being told it was in stock, most of my experiences were good. I must say, though, that my experience with ordering from Jim Carter was unsurpassed - great customer service, quick shipment, and quality parts!
Ed Snyder
Editors note:
I learned that GM didn't build any short bed 3/4 ton pickups. When I asked Ed about his truck being a short wheel base 3/4 ton, he sent me the following e-mail. Nice truck Ed.
Steve
.... This truck is definitely a three quarter ton short bed. It came from the factory as a long bed (127" wheelbase). I shortened the frame 12" behind the cab and cut another 8" off the tail end. The wheelbase is now 115", and a short bed bolted on perfectly when I was done. I don't know if anyone else has ever done this, but it draws a lot of attention at the car and truck shows it's been in.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ed Snyder
NEWS FLASH!
On December 6, 2012 we received notice that this special 1966 GMC has a new owner. Clyde McKaba will now be its caretaker. He also has a 1961 GMC Suburban 4x4. How unusual. Clyde can be contacted at: cmckaba@centurylink.net
