brought home a 68 yesterday! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 12:31 AM

i just bought what seems to be a very original 68 lwb. however, it's got 8 lugs, but with trailing arms/coil spring rear. was this possible? please help. i'll try to post pics tomorrow.

dmack91 · 06-05-2011, 12:54 AM

8 lug is the standard 3/4 ton, which only came in long box form. Chevy's came stock with coils/trailing arms and GMC came stock with leafs. Both could be optioned the other way though.

Mine is also a 68 3/4t with coils.

Now, you have to post some pics!

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 01:04 AM

i found some pics on my work computer... let me know what you guys think.

also, i don't think the engine is original. it's blue, and the front pad stamping starts with an MJ, then some numbers. the block casting is 3970010. the trans is an SM465 i think. it's been converted to floor shift.

any help would be appreciated. thanks guys!

Flint70step · 06-05-2011, 01:25 AM

Very cool truck! I dig the 8 lug slots,hang on to those and clean them up a bit.They will set off your truck all nice n shiny

BlackTopMotors · 06-05-2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flint70step

Very cool truck! I dig the 8 lug slots,hang on to those and clean them up a bit.They will set off your truck all nice n shiny

Agree! I don't see those very often, look great!

dhaymaker · 06-05-2011, 01:30 AM

Decent looking truck! The 3970010 is a 350 (and, yes, I know that's kind of generic). I was looking for the MJ code, but it's not in the SBC listing I usually refer to.

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 01:47 AM

yeah, i couldn't find it either. according to what i found, it was used for 350, 327, and 302. but there's no VIN stamped next to the suffix stamp at the front, which implies a lower horserpower application (?) standard stamping format for late sixties is PREFIX, then date code, then suffix stamping. the suffix gives application, ie 327 4 speed with CA A.I.R, but my stamping is just MJ03800 or something like that. i don't recall right now. i think this might be a crate motor, or a swap from an early 70s application. i read somewhere that the 3970010 casting was used through 74. can't figure out why this engine is blue, but doesn't appear to have been repainted recently. no hint of orange anywhere either. any ideas when chevy went to blue paint for small blocks?

thanks again. keep the info coming!!

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 01:48 AM

also, anyone recognize that air cleaner? it doesn't look like a 68.

bobs409 · 06-05-2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rupdog

also, anyone recognize that air cleaner? it doesn't look like a 68.

Looks like the factory air cleaner on my 69 C30 wrecker (350)

Jeffs70 · 06-05-2011, 03:50 AM

great looking truck

Beat68CST · 06-05-2011, 05:03 AM

Man, I gotta say, extremely jealous of them 8 lug Kidney bean wheels...

My step grandpa had a set on his 69 and my grandma always kept stock 16.5's on my my (now) truck.

Sweet right though!

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 06:29 AM

i have another set in the garage that came off my 70, but they're approx 8 inch wide, not 10s.

Sicklajoie · 06-05-2011, 07:49 AM

Great looking C/20!!!

Shyguy · 06-05-2011, 08:34 AM

The L6 250 in my '67 is original and painted blue. The engine looks like never has been painted since new.

The 4 speed transmissions were floor shifters with a granny low.

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shyguy

The L6 250 in my '67 is original and painted blue. The engine looks like never has been painted since new.

The 4 speed transmissions were floor shifters with a granny low.

this was converted to floor shift. someone cut a hole in the hump. it has what appears to be the original column in place, and the "nub" for the column shifter is still there. someone removed the arm and pin.

RCbowtie69 · 06-05-2011, 12:22 PM

Nice truck,

yuccales · 06-05-2011, 12:26 PM

Great find! I also think the wheels look good. Calif. native with orginal plates is getting harder to find. Is the lic. plate frame from the original dealer?

dmack91 · 06-05-2011, 01:22 PM

The air cleaner looks like the one on my 68, but don't know if it was factory (engine is now SB400).

BTW, find a parts truck with a power brake booster and you will be very happy with the results (hour long job, direct bolt-in).

gferris5 · 06-05-2011, 03:01 PM

I have the same seat cover! It is not original, it came from O'reilly's (haha, that is a joke, btw). I actually think it kind of sucks, it always shifts around every time I get in and out of the truck--the pocket is handy though.

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gferris5

I have the same seat cover! It is not original, it came from O'reilly's (haha, that is a joke, btw). I actually think it kind of sucks, it always shifts around every time I get in and out of the truck--the pocket is handy though.

yeah, it does shift around. pocket? where the heck is it?

gferris5 · 06-06-2011, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rupdog

yeah, it does shift around. pocket? where the heck is it?

If yours is like mine, there is that vinyl strip running at the front of the bottom (behind your knees) that whole thing the length of the bench is a pocket. Hope yours has it too!

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmack91

The air cleaner looks like the one on my 68, but don't know if it was factory (engine is now SB400).

BTW, find a parts truck with a power brake booster and you will be very happy with the results (hour long job, direct bolt-in).

yeah, i hate to mod such an original truck, but i'd love to add power brakes and power steering. currently 4 wheel drums, manual brakes. i may go junkyard hunting this coming weekend. LOL

DMACK... can i just add a booster, and leave the same master?

Rupdog · 06-05-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

Great find! I also think the wheels look good. Calif. native with orginal plates is getting harder to find. Is the lic. plate frame from the original dealer?

yes, original frames front and back. i think it was courtesty chevrolet, but i don't remember. i know it was in san jose, ca. i don't think the plates have ever been removed. truck was built in fremont (Z in VIN).

Rob H. · 06-05-2011, 03:22 PM

I'm thinking late 70's is when they went with blue on engines, I know I had a 79 Monte Carlo with a blue small block. Great looking truck whatever is under the hood, and I agree with the others on the slots, I love them on these trucks!

low'n slow · 06-05-2011, 07:02 PM

looks good. What's the chain for?

06-05-2011, 12:31 AM	#1
Rupdog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Riverside, CA 92507 Posts: 129	brought home a 68 yesterday! i just bought what seems to be a very original 68 lwb. however, it's got 8 lugs, but with trailing arms/coil spring rear. was this possible? please help. i'll try to post pics tomorrow.

06-05-2011, 12:54 AM	#2
dmack91 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Redmond, OR Posts: 760	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! 8 lug is the standard 3/4 ton, which only came in long box form. Chevy's came stock with coils/trailing arms and GMC came stock with leafs. Both could be optioned the other way though. Mine is also a 68 3/4t with coils. Now, you have to post some pics! __________________ 68 Chev C20- son has it now 83 K20 - bought from son 70 C20 - in progress

06-05-2011, 01:04 AM	#3
Rupdog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Riverside, CA 92507 Posts: 129	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! i found some pics on my work computer... let me know what you guys think. also, i don't think the engine is original. it's blue, and the front pad stamping starts with an MJ, then some numbers. the block casting is 3970010. the trans is an SM465 i think. it's been converted to floor shift. any help would be appreciated. thanks guys! Attached Images

06-05-2011, 01:25 AM	#4
Flint70step Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lake Travis,Texas Posts: 586	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! Very cool truck! I dig the 8 lug slots,hang on to those and clean them up a bit.They will set off your truck all nice n shiny __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super LWB 350/350 Factory A/C Tilt/Posi White/Med Red/White(on the way) 72 Custom Deluxe Burb(Arizona truck)Nice interior Great patina Project Patina Azul http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=467668 Last edited by Flint70step; 06-05-2011 at 01:25 AM.

06-05-2011, 01:30 AM	#6
dhaymaker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peyton, CO Posts: 448	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! Decent looking truck! The 3970010 is a 350 (and, yes, I know that's kind of generic). I was looking for the MJ code, but it's not in the SBC listing I usually refer to. __________________ don "The DRBMan" 2014 Audi A4 (The Wife's Daily Driver) 2017 HD Ultra (The Cruiser) 2003 HD Fatboy (The Ride) 2001 Chevy Suburban (Another back up!!) For the first time in forever, not a single 67-72 Chevy truck, Blazer, or Suburban on the property! Basically retired and getting the new Motorhome ready for some traveling. Doing a bit of work on the house getting it ready to sell! LOL!!

06-05-2011, 01:47 AM	#7
Rupdog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Riverside, CA 92507 Posts: 129	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! yeah, i couldn't find it either. according to what i found, it was used for 350, 327, and 302. but there's no VIN stamped next to the suffix stamp at the front, which implies a lower horserpower application (?) standard stamping format for late sixties is PREFIX, then date code, then suffix stamping. the suffix gives application, ie 327 4 speed with CA A.I.R, but my stamping is just MJ03800 or something like that. i don't recall right now. i think this might be a crate motor, or a swap from an early 70s application. i read somewhere that the 3970010 casting was used through 74. can't figure out why this engine is blue, but doesn't appear to have been repainted recently. no hint of orange anywhere either. any ideas when chevy went to blue paint for small blocks? thanks again. keep the info coming!!

06-05-2011, 01:48 AM	#8
Rupdog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Riverside, CA 92507 Posts: 129	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! also, anyone recognize that air cleaner? it doesn't look like a 68.

06-05-2011, 03:50 AM	#10
Jeffs70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Valley Springs, Ca Posts: 857	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! great looking truck __________________ My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=442487 My Picture Gallery http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0&ppuser=36004

06-05-2011, 05:03 AM	#11
Beat68CST Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Buckeye Arizona Posts: 470	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! Man, I gotta say, extremely jealous of them 8 lug Kidney bean wheels... My step grandpa had a set on his 69 and my grandma always kept stock 16.5's on my my (now) truck. Sweet right though!

06-05-2011, 06:29 AM	#12
Rupdog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Riverside, CA 92507 Posts: 129	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! i have another set in the garage that came off my 70, but they're approx 8 inch wide, not 10s.

06-05-2011, 07:49 AM	#13
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,498	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! Great looking C/20!!! __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

06-05-2011, 08:34 AM	#14
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! The L6 250 in my '67 is original and painted blue. The engine looks like never has been painted since new. The 4 speed transmissions were floor shifters with a granny low. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

06-05-2011, 12:22 PM	#16
RCbowtie69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 1,877	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! Nice truck, __________________ My Truck: 2.5 drop front, 4 & 5/8 in rear, 350cubic in. been bored .60 over, 700r4 (soon), 3 speed (on tree for now).rims & tires size,15x8 ralleys 5 on 5,P275/60R15. Members I have met: Pickupman, 1972 Super Cheyenne, Stepside,Chis Mc Bride. tsnow67,joel.e,

06-05-2011, 12:26 PM	#17
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,752	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! Great find! I also think the wheels look good. Calif. native with orginal plates is getting harder to find. Is the lic. plate frame from the original dealer?

06-05-2011, 01:22 PM	#18
dmack91 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Redmond, OR Posts: 760	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! The air cleaner looks like the one on my 68, but don't know if it was factory (engine is now SB400). BTW, find a parts truck with a power brake booster and you will be very happy with the results (hour long job, direct bolt-in). __________________ 68 Chev C20- son has it now 83 K20 - bought from son 70 C20 - in progress Last edited by dmack91; 06-05-2011 at 01:23 PM.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-05-2011, 03:01 PM	#19
gferris5 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The land of fruits and nuts Posts: 193	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! I have the same seat cover! It is not original, it came from O'reilly's (haha, that is a joke, btw). I actually think it kind of sucks, it always shifts around every time I get in and out of the truck--the pocket is handy though. __________________ Have mercy, I'm recovering from my 4x4 addiction.

06-05-2011, 03:22 PM	#24
Rob H. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Petersville KY Posts: 673	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! I'm thinking late 70's is when they went with blue on engines, I know I had a 79 Monte Carlo with a blue small block. Great looking truck whatever is under the hood, and I agree with the others on the slots, I love them on these trucks! __________________ Rob 72 C/10 (under reconstruction)(destruction ? LOL) 48 Willys CJ2A 1952 Super "A" Farmall (Grandfather's)

06-05-2011, 07:02 PM	#25
low'n slow Too Dumb To Know Better Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 882	Re: brought home a 68 yesterday! looks good. What's the chain for?

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.