1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

How many of you still own a 1965 or '66 Chevy Custom Camper?

I looked up how old these went back and 1965 seems to be the first year it was available. The '65s had a one-year-only variation of the fender badging, with the Chevy bowtie on the left and "Custom CAMPER" (the words being stacked) on the right.

For '66, the fender badges were changed to what was also used on the '67-'68 Custom Campers representing the first two years of the next generation, with the Chevy bowtie on top and "Custom Camper" on the bottom against a red inlay.

~Ben

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Hello Ben - not many people have a Custom Camper but I have one I added to the projects and builds thread so check that out when you have time. Sodly created a special sub-forum group here
Custom Camper Club-- Own a 65-66 Custom Camper? Join us at: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/g...hp?groupid=117

I am creating a group on Facebook for these cool trucks too. The background on the 66 emblem is Black - not Red - and the background on the 65 emblem is Dark Blue. These are special and very overlooked / under-appreciated trucks, but I see their day coming when they will soar in popularity and be sought after

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

That link you provided needs to be fixed.

~Ben

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

This is the link for my Custom Camper Club that I created some years ago: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...hp?groupid=117

I think it also shows up under my profile.

If you do a search on this forum you can find more info about the 65-66 Custom Campers. I still have my blue '66. Member Yelmer has also restored one to like-new condition. There are a few other members with who own them as well.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

I joined. Thank you!

~Ben

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Don't have a C.C. but a big fan, just joined. Having trouble figuring out how to post photos to your club page. Just photos or discussion also?

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

I used to be able to post photos but I got locked out a long time ago. I don't know if the page really has any functionality anymore unless someone else takes it over somehow.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Maybe we should add on to an existing thread https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...custom+campers or start a new, '65-'66 Custom Camper thread. We would have to add links to the thread of the great Custom Campers from all the members who may are may not be still contributing on the forum anymore. Leaning toward a new definitive thread with more strict requirements, only genuine '65-'66 C.C. with emblems any photos of them and or factory literature associated with them or the thread takes the risk of being watered down C 10's with custom built homemade camper bodies.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Camper Special article from Hagerty, FYI:

https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-pr...debcb4f6cdc2e5

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

This ad sums it up

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

that ever-elusive 65 bbw 283/4-spd custom camper with original paint is still eluding me...
have found quite a few over the years, and have been looking for years as well, custom campers are my favorites by far, and not sure why, I guess it's just the idea that I'm gonna go get away from the busy life for a weekend, ha. Not that I couldn't do that in a plain ol C20, but yes, the "idea" of custom camping, that's the life for me :)
Here's some of the needles in haystacks I've stumbled across over the years but not pulled the trigger (still have my 72 custom camper to keep me busy though)... But I came REAL closse on the bbw turquoise one - it was rough and a 6. Also close on the burgundy, it was probably the best one I've found and still had its original 283/4-spd, just no bbw.. Can't be too picky. If I ever get a little more room or thin the herd, I'll start looking seriously again.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

and a little more for the 65 fans

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Thanks for posting Jocko! Really like the maroon ( rare one year only color) and the heavily bleached turquoise '65 C.C.'s, both have original 16" 2 piece wheels and caps that give them that distinctive look. IMO, once they loose their original wheels and caps, the charm is lost.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

The one that started it all. This one was ordered with several additional extra cost options that were not included in the basic package. We can only wonder if it still exists and in what condition. Technically, a regular C 20 could have been ordered with all of the same options separately, but bundling all of them into a package at a lower price was a convenient way to sell to the camping public. The key was to order the extra cost options in addition to the C.C. package to be the ultimate camper hauler.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

So are you saying that was the very first CC produced? Interesting that it was registered with a ‘non commercial’ California plate. That meant it was technically a motor home and not a truck, so legally the camper could never be taken off. Also strange that front tires were 6 ply, but rears were 8 ply. Pretty much eliminated the option of rotating your tires. Wonder what the spare was?

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

That's what the magazine article said and we can assume it to be true. The package was made available at mid year into the model run, which would put it right around March '65 for the first units to roll off the assembly line.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Would running the vin tell you if you have a CC? I was told that mine is by the previous owner and it has most of the options except the badge - I was told this was changed to a "normal" 65 one when the truck was repainted in the '80s - front stabilizer bar and the windshield washers.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

No, you would need the original build sheet since '65's did not come with glove box SPID decals. However if was built with all options included in the package, it could technically be one. The package did not include powertrain (specific optional engines, transmissions or rear axle ratios) or power steering or power brakes those all needed to be additionally ordered, IMO, the biggest downfall of the package.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Agree, 65's are tricky as the last year before SPIDs became a thing - that build sheet is like gold in any 65 and earlier truck if you're lucky enough to have it still :)

You could indeed order all the requisite equipment separately that you needed to be able to "select" the Z81 RPO - but if you didn't actually select Z81 RPO when you ordered, well, you had a like-equipped C20, but not a Custom Camper.

If I'm not mistaken, selecting Z81 was a very minor additional fee and, in essence, really only gave the buyer the Custom Camper emblem on the cowl (because he'd have already paid for all the underlying required equipment - or it may be the case that selecting Z81 just added all that equipment automatically - but I'm not aware of any bundle savings to be had by selecting Z81 - just the very minor extra cost for the emblem).

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Thank you both! Now that I have added sway bars the only thing missing is the fender emblem. I need to replace the ones on it from the 80's anyway; so I will look for a Custom Camper version to complete the package!

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Jocko, the '65-'66 Z 81 was a deluxe package that included comfort and convenience items, heavy duty suspension items, larger mirrors plus exterior bright work items. The package was not available with a base model C_20's. '67-'72 Custom Camper package was an entirely different story, basically a nameplate and heavy duty suspension, the bare minimum and was available on base model C 20's.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

This this pickup a C 20?

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Thanks factorystock - I am tracking the difference in package definitions between the eras, I think what I was trying to ask, but worded poorly, was whether or not the custom camper package price was indeed a reduced price compared to ordering the required/included items separately? Thanks again for the reply. I'm getting rusty on my 65-66 stuff, been tinkering in that newer fangled 67-72 stuff for so long now :)

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Yes, there was a price reduction ordering the package vs. ordering each item separately. The'65-'66 C.C. package came with many more items than the '67-'72 package. One pet peeve was the lack of power train requirements. IMO, Chevy should have followed Ford's mandatory big 6 or large V8 and 4.10 ratio for 3/4 ton C.C.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

True, especially the 292 six for those who like six-cylinder power.

~Ben

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Thanks factorystock!

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

No! How did I miss that they were only C20s?? That's not awful as - DANG - those fender badges are EXPENSIVE! I found a pair that is worse than the C10 badges on the truck from the '80's and they want like $700 for them!

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Right, here is a link to one of those. We could use an update from murdoc https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...+custom+camper

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Thanks for sharing the link. Fascinating truck! I missed the original posting back in the day. Yes, would be great to see an update.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Yeah, what ever happened to that truck, Murdoc? You still here?

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Time to get technical. The Z 81 gets you about 12 separate options in one package. Too bad Chevy didn't offer bucket seats (buddy bucket type) and the NP 435 close ratio (behind the 327 or 292 only) in '66, GMC had them as options in '66.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Great restoration candidates!

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Here is the official 1967 explanation:

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

GMC had it in '66, Chevy was late to the party, introduced in '67 Chevys. Also known as the "camper 4 spd."

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Custom Camper video. Most people don't race campers, kind of odd. But, performance is fair game. Ford used the 352 V8, 2bbl carb with 4.10 gears on leaf springs no front stabilizer bar, Chevy used a 4 bbl 327 with 4.57 gears on coils with front stabilizer bar.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2t9fI7CYWs

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

I almost bough this rare bird last time it was up for sale, but timing wasn't right - and unfortunately it still isn't, I'm in the middle of a move - so I hope someone rescues this one - nice old original 65 custom camper that just needs a little TLC (and still has its awesome 17" locking ring wheels). Worth every penny in my book, wish I had room!!!

65 CC 283/4-spd

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

I agree, rare to see a clean, straight, original paint '65 3/4 ton with original wheels and caps, even rarer with the Custom Camper option in the rare one year only Maroon. Incorrect steering wheel and seat upholstery are easy fixes, luckily the mods stopped there. Possibly a build sheet still under the seat? Assume 4.57 standard axle, but, may have the optional 4.11. Full restore candidate or leave as is? Paint may probably buff out, but does have some imperfections to body that would need more attention.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

I would definitely want to restore this one, too rare and a beauty in that maroon.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

Maroon for '65 is actually a metallic color, code is 542 for the tutone.

Re: 1965-66 Chevy Custom Camper?
 

yep, hard to be color combo