C20 Short Short Wheelbase - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dirtyshoprags · 01-05-2012, 09:41 AM

I ran into this guy at a gas station yesterday. He had a 66 C20, but it was sort of odd looking. I noticed how short the wheel base was so I started talking to him about it. I told him I had seen his truck around before and at first I thought he chopped it himself but he told me that it was a model that Chevy didn't make a lot of, and there are very few left around today. There couldn't have been much more than three feet between the front and rear wheels but it had all 3/4 ton suspension components on it. No bed, he said they came from the factory with no bed.

Anyway, just thought I would share that with everyone, thought it was sort of interesting. Has anyone else seen one of these oddities? Have one of these?

1963c-10 · 01-05-2012, 09:45 AM

Anyway you can get a pic of it?

dirtyshoprags · 01-05-2012, 09:50 AM

Nope, I didn't get a pic of it. I didn't have my phone with me. If I see it around again I will get a pic of it though.

**Clyde65** · 01-05-2012, 11:16 AM

Cab and Chassis, you could order just about any wheel base on those.

A.T. RockDriller · 01-05-2012, 02:47 PM

Was that a typo....or what.
Not much more than three feet between front and rear wheels...?
40" wheel base..?

Help me....

dirtyshoprags · 01-05-2012, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.T. RockDriller

Was that a typo....or what.
Not much more than three feet between front and rear wheels...?
40" wheel base..?

Help me....

Nope, it wasn't a typo. I meant about three feet from the back of the front tire to the front of the rear tire. The rear tires were up real close to the back of the cab.

**Clyde65** · 01-05-2012, 02:49 PM

Haha, I missed that! That would be a very short truck!

71swb4x4 · 01-05-2012, 02:54 PM

Three feet between the wheels would be more like a 56" wheel base assuming he is really saying 36" between the tires. 36" between them, plus the 15 or so inches on each wheel/tire to get to the center.
Either way it's still short.

chevyrestoguy · 01-05-2012, 03:05 PM

It could have possibly been a old military bobtail. They were used for towing aircraft around the flightline, and also used by the Ground Support guys to tow around the heavy support equipment. For years, we've had late model Fords and Dodges out here at work. They have diesel engines, and with the super-short wheelbase, they can turn on a dime.

A.T. RockDriller · 01-05-2012, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

It could have possibly been a old military bobtail. They were used for towing aircraft around the flightline, and also used by the Ground Support guys to tow around the heavy support equipment. For years, we've had late model Fords and Dodges out here at work. They have diesel engines, and with the super-short wheelbase, they can turn on a dime.

That's a good point...like a "Prime Mover " or airport " Tug "...
Baggage handling department...
I've seen a few ultra short tractor applications.....Might be a bit scarey driving one of them at hi-way speed.
Love to see some pictures.

markeb01 · 01-05-2012, 03:42 PM

I've seen quite a few home made versions of these shorties over the years in local wrecking yards. They could get in and out of spaces that a longer truck just couldn't handle.

**62 Longbed** · 01-05-2012, 05:28 PM

I was thinking the same thing a "tug" ...

When my brother was in the Military they had alot of the Dodge Trucks like this with a Turbo Cummins Diesel and Bobbed ... I think they would be fun ..

dirtyshoprags · 01-05-2012, 05:47 PM

It could possibly have been a military tug. It looked like it had original paint, but it wasn't the standard military OD green. It was an interesting looking truck no less.

A.T. RockDriller · 01-05-2012, 08:13 PM

I'd love to see it...
Keep yer camera handy.

**aerotruk63** · 01-05-2012, 08:34 PM

Looked in my 63 Truck Data Book, no 3/4 tons under 127" wheelbase. Maybe if you had the right RPO or requested a COPO.

dirtyshoprags · 01-06-2012, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Looked in my 63 Truck Data Book, no 3/4 tons under 127" wheelbase. Maybe if you had the right RPO or requested a COPO.

What is RPO and COPO?

1963c-10 · 01-06-2012, 11:14 AM

Or had the right money.....

1963c-10 · 01-06-2012, 11:17 AM

RPO = Regular production order COPO= Customer option purchasing order

oem4me · 01-06-2012, 02:47 PM

RPO - stands for Regular Production Option, as in a standard option anybody could select for their vehicle.
COPO - stands for Central Office Production Order, as in a special order from inside GM for something other than standard available options.

1963c-10 · 01-06-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oem4me

RPO - stands for Regular Production Option, as in a standard option anybody could select for their vehicle.
COPO - stands for Central Office Production Order, as in a special order from inside GM for something other than standard available options.

Thanks...knew I was close on the definition, but wasnt quite sure.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 01-06-2012, 03:26 PM

Maybe it was used to pull the stairs out to airplanes before we had terminals...

Str8axle · 01-07-2012, 09:40 AM

Sounds like a "tug" to me too. Some of the marinas around here use bobbed trucks for moving boats around their storage lots. One local marina had (up until a few years ago) a 58/59 Viking series cab+chassis that was bobbed for moving their ancient "Travel Lift" boat lift. The marina had purchased the truck new, and it never was registered or left the marina. Never got around to getting pix of it.

Rich 5150 69 · 01-07-2012, 10:16 AM

Our plant had several odd tugs with real short wheelbase for moving trailers when i first started there they were all Inter Harvestors.

oem4me · 01-13-2012, 01:10 PM

Member 1963c-10 dug up a photo of a similar rig

Iron-Butt · 01-13-2012, 01:17 PM

That is short.

01-05-2012, 09:41 AM	#1
dirtyshoprags Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 22	C20 Short Short Wheelbase I ran into this guy at a gas station yesterday. He had a 66 C20, but it was sort of odd looking. I noticed how short the wheel base was so I started talking to him about it. I told him I had seen his truck around before and at first I thought he chopped it himself but he told me that it was a model that Chevy didn't make a lot of, and there are very few left around today. There couldn't have been much more than three feet between the front and rear wheels but it had all 3/4 ton suspension components on it. No bed, he said they came from the factory with no bed. Anyway, just thought I would share that with everyone, thought it was sort of interesting. Has anyone else seen one of these oddities? Have one of these?

01-05-2012, 09:45 AM	#2
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Anyway you can get a pic of it? __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer

01-05-2012, 09:50 AM	#3
dirtyshoprags Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 22	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Nope, I didn't get a pic of it. I didn't have my phone with me. If I see it around again I will get a pic of it though.

01-05-2012, 11:16 AM	#4
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Cab and Chassis, you could order just about any wheel base on those. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

01-05-2012, 02:47 PM	#5
A.T. RockDriller Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Orient, Oregon Posts: 722	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Was that a typo....or what. Not much more than three feet between front and rear wheels...? 40" wheel base..? Help me.... __________________ Les Hunter '59 3803 someday to be 3853 '63 GMC K1000...351E, TH400 Daily '66 GMC 4000...351C, 5&2

01-05-2012, 02:49 PM	#7
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Haha, I missed that! That would be a very short truck! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

01-05-2012, 02:54 PM	#8
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Three feet between the wheels would be more like a 56" wheel base assuming he is really saying 36" between the tires. 36" between them, plus the 15 or so inches on each wheel/tire to get to the center. Either way it's still short. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-05-2012, 03:05 PM	#9
chevyrestoguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: apple valley, ca Posts: 2,670	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase It could have possibly been a old military bobtail. They were used for towing aircraft around the flightline, and also used by the Ground Support guys to tow around the heavy support equipment. For years, we've had late model Fords and Dodges out here at work. They have diesel engines, and with the super-short wheelbase, they can turn on a dime. __________________ Check out my latest endeavor: https://roundsixpod.com My build threads: '55 Chevy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=247512 '64 C-20: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=446527

01-05-2012, 03:42 PM	#11
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase I've seen quite a few home made versions of these shorties over the years in local wrecking yards. They could get in and out of spaces that a longer truck just couldn't handle.

01-05-2012, 05:28 PM	#12
62 Longbed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gresham , Oregon Posts: 588	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase I was thinking the same thing a "tug" ... When my brother was in the Military they had alot of the Dodge Trucks like this with a Turbo Cummins Diesel and Bobbed ... I think they would be fun ..

01-05-2012, 05:47 PM	#13
dirtyshoprags Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 22	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase It could possibly have been a military tug. It looked like it had original paint, but it wasn't the standard military OD green. It was an interesting looking truck no less.

01-05-2012, 08:13 PM	#14
A.T. RockDriller Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Orient, Oregon Posts: 722	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase I'd love to see it... Keep yer camera handy. __________________ Les Hunter '59 3803 someday to be 3853 '63 GMC K1000...351E, TH400 Daily '66 GMC 4000...351C, 5&2

01-05-2012, 08:34 PM	#15
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Looked in my 63 Truck Data Book, no 3/4 tons under 127" wheelbase. Maybe if you had the right RPO or requested a COPO.

01-06-2012, 11:14 AM	#17
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Or had the right money..... __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer

01-06-2012, 11:17 AM	#18
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase RPO = Regular production order COPO= Customer option purchasing order __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer



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01-06-2012, 02:47 PM	#19
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase RPO - stands for Regular Production Option, as in a standard option anybody could select for their vehicle. COPO - stands for Central Office Production Order, as in a special order from inside GM for something other than standard available options.

01-06-2012, 03:26 PM	#21
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Maybe it was used to pull the stairs out to airplanes before we had terminals... __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

01-07-2012, 09:40 AM	#22
Str8axle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Jersey Posts: 234	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Sounds like a "tug" to me too. Some of the marinas around here use bobbed trucks for moving boats around their storage lots. One local marina had (up until a few years ago) a 58/59 Viking series cab+chassis that was bobbed for moving their ancient "Travel Lift" boat lift. The marina had purchased the truck new, and it never was registered or left the marina. Never got around to getting pix of it. __________________ _____________________________________________ Ray All my life, I've been told I'm a "Bad Influence"

01-07-2012, 10:16 AM	#23
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Our plant had several odd tugs with real short wheelbase for moving trailers when i first started there they were all Inter Harvestors. __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

01-13-2012, 01:10 PM	#24
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase Member 1963c-10 dug up a photo of a similar rig Attached Images Last edited by oem4me; 01-13-2012 at 01:15 PM.

01-13-2012, 01:17 PM	#25
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	Re: C20 Short Short Wheelbase That is short. __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.

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