68 C10 w/ no marker lights?

[dutchmanz]

OK, I've searched the board and havent got a clear answer. Did ALL 1968 Chevy trucks have the marker lights in the fenders and bed? I just got a 68 short bed Chevy 4x4. Everybody that sees it says it's a 67 cause it doesn't have the markers but the VIN says 68 and it was the big back window. Of course the VIN also says it's a 2wd. The truck is rough and all looks factory, right down to the V8, manual trans and NP205 (i think) Any way, if anyone can answer that please help. I'll ry to take some pics just to show off my new junk.

[too much stuff]

The clear answer is the 68s had marker lights and big back windows. I don't think you could get the 205 in 68, but i could be wrong on that.
Post up some pics, sounds like a cool truck and welcome. Eric

[BP68]

If it shows to be 2wd but is a 4x4 it could be multiple trucks put together, or maybe had a cab swap. As far as I know 67's were the only trucks that came factory with no side markers. But I could be wrong.

My 68 project truck is a 71 swb frame, 72 factory air cab, 68 doors, bed, and grille panel, new 67 fenders from lmc (no lights) filled the lights in the bed also, lmc cowl hood, and 89 suburban 350/700R4.

I will be titling it off the 68 vin and paper work I got with the original truck I started with.

[peterpan]

ya the maker lights were added in 68 to meet federal regulations all 68's would have them and i don't think the 205 was available in 68

i would say your truck is made from more than one truck

[brian26]

'67 pieces on a '68 truck. Or a cab swap.

Or like said above, a "coat of many colors".

[HuggerCST]

The "correct" answer is that all 68s had marker lights, but very few people know what GM really did in those days. I believe that they used what was on the shelf at the time. I've seen many trucks that looked original with the "wrong" parts. I have a truck that's titled as a '67 (numbers match) with marker lights.

[Duncan and son]

Originally Posted by HuggerCST

The "correct" answer is that all 68s had marker lights, but very few people know what GM really did in those days. I believe that they used what was on the shelf at the time. I've seen many trucks that looked original with the "wrong" parts. I have a truck that's titled as a '67 (numbers match) with marker lights.

Hey Wynne, you are right. One thing that is absolutely, etch in stone for sure with General Motors is that nothing is for sure. Paul

[powerbench]

sorry to heist this thread, my gmc has markers but no wiring to them( all 4 have no holes) and it's a 68 ...i thought the fronts were operational and the backs were dummies

[Jacfourteen]

Originally Posted by powerbench

sorry to heist this thread, my gmc has markers but no wiring to them( all 4 have no holes) and it's a 68 ...i thought the fronts were operational and the backs were dummies

It was optional for them to have lights My 68 doesn't have lights either, just reflectors.

[dutchmanz]

WOW, you guys rock! Thanks for the posts and all the info. I suspected the cab has been swapped. The paint is peeling and there are a few colors under it. It's ugly but I love it already. Is there a VIN stamped on the frame anywhere? From the codes on the block I could have a 327 or a 350, of course the year makes the difference. I guess I have a truck made the way somebody wanted it. I'll try to take some pics today to post.

[El Jay]

There may, or may not, be a partial VIN stamped on the top of the left frame rail near the steering box. It could be hard to see because they didn't get stamped real deep.

[michael bustamante]

look at the front fenders from inside the engine compartment, if the fenders had marker lights in them at one time you'll see the housing in the fenders and whatever they did to fill in the marker holes

[67/72junkie]

67 has no serial # on the frame.data plate ,spid and engine for 67 had serial # 68 up will also have serial # on the side and top of frame rail just about even with center of the drivers door .will also have last 7 or 8 digits of serial # on top of frame rail right beside steering column rag joint. probably 67 and someone used 68 data plate and title or 68 cab to rebuild.

[rusty baker]

Don't count on the VIN info. It says mine has a v8, but I met the original owner and he says it's always had the 250 6cyl.

[CE20934]

Originally Posted by 67/72junkie

67 has no serial # on the frame.data plate ,spid and engine for 67 had serial # 68 up will also have serial # on the side and top of frame rail just about even with center of the drivers door .will also have last 7 or 8 digits of serial # on top of frame rail right beside steering column rag joint. probably 67 and someone used 68 data plate and title or 68 cab to rebuild.

My '67 has a partial VIN on the left frame rail near the control arm.

On topic, it also has rear marker lights only. I'm almost positive the bed has been swapped though.

[67chevy1series]

ok heres your clear answers either t hey took it apart slapeda 67 front clip and bed or it is a 67 custom big window with a 68 vin plate

[jborders]

Like was stated earlier in 1968 it became federal law that all vehicles must have side marker lights OR reflectors front and rear. So in 68 it had to at least have had the reflectors. As far as which were lighted or not not sure how gm did that. In 1970 the law was changed to say that all vehicles had to have lights AND reflectors front and rear.

[HotRod C/10]

Great info guys!

[nac46]

Realize that this is an old thread but, came across it recently while researching availability of inside rear view mirrors for these trucks. Here's some additional info: As to mirrors, they were not standard until 1970 but, were normally ordered as part of an upgrade package from the base. As an example, my 68 had a glued on mirror to the windshield and no mounting holes in the header panel. To "put it right" I replaced the cracked windshield and drilled holes between the sunshades to mount the inside mirror as per the 68 body assembly manual. This led me to research the side marker lights. While marker lights (actually reflectors) were present in 68, they were not standard as "lit" until mid 69. Thus determining your year and build plate sometimes isn't enough. For most of us to pass state inspection we must (in VA) have the inside mirror and at least the reflectors for 68-69. Certainly after 70 and until now both the inside rear view mirror and "lit" side marker lights must be present. Hope this helps in some small way.

[brawley]

Originally Posted by nac46

Realize that this is an old thread but, came across it recently while researching availability of inside rear view mirrors for these trucks. Here's some additional info: As to mirrors, they were not standard until 1970 but, were normally ordered as part of an upgrade package from the base. As an example, my 68 had a glued on mirror to the windshield and no mounting holes in the header panel. To "put it right" I replaced the cracked windshield and drilled holes between the sunshades to mount the inside mirror as per the 68 body assembly manual. This led me to research the side marker lights. While marker lights (actually reflectors) were present in 68, they were not standard as "lit" until mid 69. Thus determining your year and build plate sometimes isn't enough. For most of us to pass state inspection we must (in VA) have the inside mirror and at least the reflectors for 68-69. Certainly after 70 and until now both the inside rear view mirror and "lit" side marker lights must be present. Hope this helps in some small way.

my 68' has the rearview glued to the windshield also, from factory. this was supposedly not done until 71'.

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by nac46

Realize that this is an old thread but, came across it recently while researching availability of inside rear view mirrors for these trucks. Here's some additional info: As to mirrors, they were not standard until 1970 but, were normally ordered as part of an upgrade package from the base. As an example, my 68 had a glued on mirror to the windshield and no mounting holes in the header panel. To "put it right" I replaced the cracked windshield and drilled holes between the sunshades to mount the inside mirror as per the 68 body assembly manual. This led me to research the side marker lights. While marker lights (actually reflectors) were present in 68, they were not standard as "lit" until mid 69. Thus determining your year and build plate sometimes isn't enough. For most of us to pass state inspection we must (in VA) have the inside mirror and at least the reflectors for 68-69. Certainly after 70 and until now both the inside rear view mirror and "lit" side marker lights must be present. Hope this helps in some small way.

That sums it up pretty well...

Originally Posted by brawley

my 68' has the rearview glued to the windshield also, from factory. this was supposedly not done until 71'.

72 was the first year for the mirror on the windshield. All others, if equipped, were between the visors mounted to the roof.

[i love my c-10]

My 68 had markers on the corners but removed by PO. However I have an original cab with the rear view mirror on the cab ceiling and a foot e-brake not the hand brake. I often wonder if GM even kept up with this stuff.

[Tinkermc]

68's had no marker lamps on the sides they did however have reflectors front and rear.

[19673ontree]

I saw a 67 one time that had side park lights and it was listed on the spid as an option ,,,