Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

It's been awhile coming, but another truck has joined the herd. For the record, I've never been inclined to name any of my vehicles, past or present, but this one just isn't content to sit back and go unnoticed ..not at all, in fact, it's LOUD! No, I don't mean noisy, it's that you just can't miss this thing!
It's been on the road about a month now, and never before have I had so many comments or thumbs up from strangers, neighbors, and people of all kinds ..even non-car people! The RED paint and TALL tires just seem to grab everyone's attention.
The truck is a 1966 Custom Camper showing little over 60k miles, and wearing 95% original paint. 327, TH 400. Mostly unrestored original condition. It has a few little love wounds here and there, and just a couple of add-ons it didn't have when it left the line. Overall a great user truck that I plan to have some fun with. Hey, maybe even sporting a vintage camper!
The BIG 19.5 wheels were acquired by a previous owner, and though they are not what was on it when new, they are correct factory optional wheels. I must admit that when I first saw them, I thought they looked silly big. Now I've gotten used to them and love the look. Kinda goes with the red paint.:metal:
Anyway, here's Big Red.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

big red is both beauty and the beast.
love to see more when you get a chance...

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

That's a cool truck, I've never seen wheels like that. The name certainly fits!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Very nice. I agree, the wheels fit it perfectly.
Where the heck do you find all these nice trucks?

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Very nice, eye-popping truck....congrats!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

I am just in awe that trucks like this are out there still !!! That is awesome. You have a couple of very special trucks there!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Very very nice !!!!!!!!!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Wow that is awesome!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Man that's beautiful!!!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Holy Moses that is a great looking truck! I love the wheels! Can't wait to see more pics!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

I can see why big red get attention She's a beaut!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Great looking truck!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Man that is sweet! Love the tall tires!!! Especially when they are a factory option! How about some pictures of the 327????? :chevy:

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Two big thumbs up!!!! :metal::metal: Now lets see under the hood and the interior! :chevy:

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Beautiful Truck, GC66..

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Yes that's a truck any one would be proud to own. The wheels really set it off. Hope to see more pictures.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

WOW ! Truck never looked better Bruce . Have you let the Wife drive that one yet ??

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Sweet better pics of wheels & tires

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Yeah how bout a nice side view ... Good looking rig for sure.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Bruce, sooo who did you hold up at gun point for this awesome truck....we need more pics...!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Wow, killer truck Bruce. I would also like to see more pics. I love the wheels and have never seen them before, how cool. 2 Thumbs up!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Sweet truck.
Is that a factory clock on the dash?

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Gulp!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Wow!!! You have to post more pics please. That is so cool

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Very nice!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

I am convinced that you own, or have access to a time machine... Amazing truck! And, we'll need more pics!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Great looking truck !

The 'donk' wheels look perfect !!!



;)

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Super Awesome with the 19.5's!

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Certainly a very nice truck :thumbs:

I'm anxious to see more of it.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Thanks for all the nice comments fellas. I'll put up some more pics for ya'll.

Seems everybody had to have a pickup back in the mid 60's. Lucky for us, they are still in relatively good supply. Be patient and act fast is about all I can say.

The motor compartment has suffered cosmetically. My guess is that it was OVERmaintained. Old school degreasers just killed paint.
The interior faired ok. No holes in the mat, a couple small spots on the seat, and a little paint wear here and there. I think the clock, tach, and hazard switch were added by the second owner. Despite it's value, I kinda wish the dash top clock hadn't made it. Oh well, everybody else likes it.
Cardboard tank cover behind the seat is still there and in pretty good shape. This is one of my personal "green flag" indicators of an unmolested find. I didn't get a photo of that.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Ha! Well, truth is I'm lucky she let's ME drive it! Really, she loves the truck! - Long story short .. I would not own this truck had my wife not fallen for it and insisted that I "stop being so practical" and "just give the man what he wants" for it. She grew up hunting and fishing and learned to drive in a 4X4 Blazer, so the big truck thing does it for her. Yes, it's kinda her truck.
The pic with our cat in it is before clean-up and while the truck was "dressed down" for registration purposes. The next pic shows Marie with a big smile after a whole day of cleaning.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Side shots.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Last ones

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

again, one beautiful truck.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Beautiful 'ol truck.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

One of the top trucks on the forum for sure, Bruce. And a Custom Camper to boot! Too cool! Great work on sprucing it up. Makes me wonder why more folks don't dig stock trucks and C20s.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Good looking truck.
Can I see a side view picture and interior picture, Thanks.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Great find oem4me....another great truck and very nicely optioned.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

I can only echo what everyone else on here has stated. That is truly a thing of beauty and I'm glad it found the perfect home in your stable.

Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper
 

Nice truck! The 19.5" wheels are a very nice touch that sets it apart from the half tons even more.

EDIT: Also, if that's what you call a "user truck" I want first call on all your "beaters"!