1966

What an excellent example of how General Motors saves tooling cost in pickup production. Not cars! Over one million ½ ton hub caps were produced in these three years. Their tooling for Chevy and GMC was almost the same. ONLY the small red logo in the center was added with a different stamping. Another example:  New Truck buyer’s wants are...

It’s the mid 1960’s and pickups continue to emerge from being only workers on farms or for businesses. With more disposable family income, American’s were showing an interest in extras that had been more-related to the family car. Truck manufacturers noted this trend as options (installed at the factory) and accessories (installed by the dealers) were selling better than ever...

1955 Second Series-66 Chevy Truck Model I.D. We hope the following information on Axle, Transmission and Model identification will help many of you with your questions. Accuracy was a concern as we compiled this information. Because GM made so many scheduled as well as unscheduled changes, there is much discussion about these changes. The following is used by permission from...

  Chevrolet linkage-type power steering is now available optionally on Series C10, 20, 30 models. This was formerly a dealer installed item. The equipment consists of a hydraulic pump, power cylinder, control valve, relay rod and hoses. The power cylinder is mounted to the side of the engine and is connected to the control valve through the hoses. The control...

  The rear fleetside fenders on the 1955 through 1966 are usually considered the same. The reproductions on both metal and fiberglass are listed in catalogs and related advertisements are shown as being identical on the right and identical on the left. Not true! GM modified this last year fender of the 1955-66 series with a stamped indention in 1966...

  To keep vehicles base price low, GM made many items dealer accessories. If the buyer required extras, the dealer was the installer. This created less complications on the assembly line when they were special ordered and added more income for dealerships. One exception is 1966. That year, the US Dept. of Transportation made it a requirement that all cars...

  With increased prosperity in the USA during the 1960's the demand for more extras on cars and trucks was high. Manufacturers followed this trend with additional features, at least on their top of the line models. GMC followed this movement even though their product was mostly for work related duties. While sharing much sheet metal with Chevrolet, they certainly...

  To keep production costs down during the 1960-66 Chevrolet truck series, GM made very few changes on their ½, ¾, and 1 ton. Only the more skilled truck enthusiast can correctly identify each year in this series. Keep this following data close at hand when you evaluate these years. 1960 Dual headlights. The sheet metal part of this hood...

  Though at first, a new person in the GM truck hobby might think all 1960-66 Chevrolet cab trim (only on the deluxe models) is the same. In reality no less than three changes occurred during this seven year body style. During 1960 (maybe into early 1961) the optional stainless cab side trim on the Chevrolet truck was designed to...

With the introduction of the new Cameo in 1955, GM added their most deluxe features as standard equipment. This "Boulevard Pickup" was to stand out above all others. For the person wanting his 1966 Chevrolet pickup restored to exact originality, authentic data is difficult to find. Most General Motors books from that year have been discarded and aftermarket books are...

  The seats on this 1962 GMC Suburban are pure factory original. Their shape is designed for only the Suburban body. They allow for access to the rear seat. Horizontal white vinyl in the back rest is characteristic of many GM vehicles during this era. It was an extra touch that added a little more flair to the deluxe models.

Curved Windshield The large one-piece laminated safety plate glass windshield has an area of approximately 1116 square inches. Electric Windshield Wipers Provide constant wiping action regardless of engine load or accelerator position. Wipers have 13-inch blades and a wiping speed of 110 strokes per minute. Two-speed wipers, including a push-button-operated windshield washer, are standard. Wiper arms and the metal portions...

  The two distinct styles of hoods during this seven year series (1960-1961 and 1962-1966) were each the same for Chevrolet and GMC except for one slight difference. The spot welded insert across the front (5" x 82") is a different stamping for Chevrolet than for GMC. This created a changed appearance with less expense! Because of this different insert...

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.