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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 39
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Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
So...
I bought my first classic chevy truck. I can go into the romance of how I first saw her on the side of the road and knew she was going to be mine and yadda, yadda, yadda. But for brevity's sake I'm going to get straight to the point. She is titled as a 1969 Chevy. She has a 396 engine in her. She's got a long bed. I'm trying to decode the vin, but the VIN plate and VIN number format doesn't match anything I'm reading online for 67-72 chevy trucks. Here is the VIN: KE134Z111XXX All numbers are actual minus the last three that have been substituted with Xs. I've attached a photo. Here is the site I am trying to use to decode: http://outintheshop.com/vin_decode.html This VIN format doesn't work with ANY of the formats given. The closest would be the 70-71 GMC VIN DECODER, but there is a "1" on my vin that would need to be an "I" (to indicate 1971) according to this site. So now I feel like I'm going crazy. The steering wheel on the truck is a GMC and the door VIN tag says GMC Truck and Coach, not Chevrolet AND General Motors Company as I've seen on here. Did I buy A GMC that's in disguise as a chevy? Everything on the truck is '69 Chevy (c/20 badges, '69 front grill and markers, etc.) Can this VIN be decoded? I love this truck and I'd like to get her restored to her assembly-line-self. But I'm afraid I'll never know what that was! Help! |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 256
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Welcome to the forums and congrats on the new (to you) truck!
I'm no expert, there are others here better than me. Here's a decoder from Paul's... ![]() And here's one for the '70 & '71's; ![]() Kinda looks like it's actually a '71. Good luck with the build! Let's see some pics of that puppy! |
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Anza, CA
Posts: 160
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Yes, it looks like a 71 GMC by that chart. Is it 4x4? The K in the beginning is for 4 wheel drive. Does the VIN on your title match the VIN on the cab tag? The frame should also have the VIN stamped on it on the top web just above the steering box.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
That VIN (and probably the cab) are for a V8 1971 GMC 1500 (1/2 ton) 4x4 with a wideside (fleetside) bed. Assembled at the Fremont, CA plant.
Engine specifics and wheelbase are indeterminate from the VIN. See the decoders linked in my signature below. Does the glovebox door have the option sticker (SPID)? Does the VIN plate match the number on the title?
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 39
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Wow. I knew I came to the right place! Pics of the truck attached.
Thanks so much for all of your help. I have to say that I am a bit relieved because I at least know what my truck is. However I can't also help but feel bad about being duped. Not sure I would have bought it knowing it was a GMC. For me it doesn't have quite the same panache. Not to mention the difference in $ value of a GMC and the same truck from Chevy. The question now becomes should I sell the truck for what I have in to it and buy a chevy or should I restore her to her old GMC self. As far as I can tell its all cosmetic changes like the headlights, grill, tailgate, etc. So, to answer a few questions: 1. Yes it is a 4x4, or was. The front diff has been removed and there is a plate with rivets on the front floor board. 2. The option sticker has been removed some time ago. 3. Titled as a 1969 Chevy but the VIN matches the GMC VIN on the door VIN tag. The 396 engine that I thought it had - I know it is a big block because of the 8 bolts on the head covers. However since I know now that this is a '71 GMC K1500 I believe they only offered a 402 (bored over 396). Is there any way to match the number of the engine to the frame? Any way to identify a 396 from a 402? Thanks for all of your help! |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
At this point you still haven't convinced me the truck was a 4x4.
Again it could very well be a GMC cab on another frame. Its a lot of work to convert a 4x4 to 4x2 and would be apparent to someone who knew what to look for. Probably the first thing to do is see what the frame VIN (partial) reads. My guess is it won't match the titled VIN. You can't rebuild a truck without the SPID especially in this case. The engine were not VIN coded in trucks until 73. So if you engine has a code its a car engine or a later truck engine. To start the ID process on the block you will need to locate and present the engine assembly code on the right front engine deck, forward of the head (if its still there) along with the casting number and date on the rear of the block by the distributor.
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 39
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
I'll check the frame VIN. Can you help me understand where that is? Chknlyps2 mentioned it would be on the "top web above the steering box"?
I've included pics of the plate in the floor. Also the truck has 8 lug wheels, which I believe are specific to 4x4s. Seems silly to put a 4x4 cab on a non 4x4 frame but then go through the trouble of adding 8 lug wheels? |
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#8 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 256
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
I say leave it a Chevy. It most likely got a new cab sometime in it's life, not uncommon these days.
It looks pretty good overall, if your happy with it I say run the wheels off it. |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oakley, Michigan
Posts: 735
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
It was either a 4x4 or a big block truck, or neither originally. It would not have been a big block 4x4. I say, if you like it, just keep it and drive it. As long as you can register it and pass any necessary inspections with mismatched title and vin. What does the vin on the title say? if its different than the cab, then that may be a little bit bigger of an issue. If not, you have a nice GMC that has been made to look like a Chevy. Just as lots of Camaro's are made to look like SS cars, etc. send is a pic of the front suspension also.
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#10 |
Go Pack Go!
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Green Bay
Posts: 2,669
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
8 lug is 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks. 4X4 all had 6 lugs. 4X4 never had a big block.
Partial VIN is stamped on the drivers side frame near the steering box. Take a wire brush or same sandpaper to clean the top rail down to bare metal. |
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#11 |
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![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn
Posts: 3,014
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
8 lug could be had with 2wd (C/20) and 4x4 (k/20) 3/4 tons and 2wd 1-tons. Not all 4x4's were 6-lug, only 1/2 ton were and depending on the year some 2wd 1/2 ton trucks were 6-lug as well.
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'51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com |
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#12 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 256
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 39
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Based on all of the very helpful information you have given me I am inclined to believe that my truck is a (1969?) CHEVY bog block truck, non-4x4 with the cab (and corresponding door VIN tag) from a 1972 GMC K1500. Ive attached pics of the front and rear suspension.
I'm going to check the frame VINs as soon as I have the time to get some elbow grease in there. I'm also going to see about IDing the block based on SS Tim's info. Sorry for the newbie questions, but how (aside from the # of lugs and VIN designation can I tell if it is a 1/2, 3/4, ton or 1 ton? Thanks for all the help!!! |
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Formerly MD and San Diego, now loving life in Arizona
Posts: 1,636
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Drive it and enjoy it.
A 3/4 ton with a 396 would be a good truck to have.
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Alan 2012 Ram 3500 Dually Crew Cab 6.7 Cummins 2014 Palomino Columbus 340RK 5th wheel '69 Chevy C10 396BB |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lincoln City DE
Posts: 1,292
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
so does the frame match
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Stan 67 swb BLU MULE posted via flip-fone |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 39
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Frame # is correct for a '69 Chevy C20 (what the truck is).
-Cab and door tag vin are from a '71 GMC -Title matches the door tag VIN (not the frame VIN) but its titled as a '69 Chevy Truck.
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Slemmy "Annie" - '69 Chevy C10 396 "Louise" - '65 Chevy C10 6 Banger "Victoria" - '65 Mustang Notchback "Haley" - '62 Mercury Comet S-22 |
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#17 |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,431
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
I've seen where trucks have been in crashes, like a rollover, and a new cab was installed. The body shop should have made the paper work right, but sometimes they don't. I am not claiming that your truck went through this process, but things happen during the lifetime of a truck that make finding out the details a little troublesome. I don't personally see that the GMC "actual" manufacturing entity makes your truck worth any less than it being the "prestigious" Chevy vintage. I think that the only major difference besides trim between the two is that one has 4 headlights, and the other has 2. I worked at the Van Nuys Assembly plant for awhile, and I can tell you for sure that I couldn't tell an El Camino from a GMC Sprint, coming down the assembly line. Of course, I was working in an area before the body went on.
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
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#18 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,248
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Quote:
I'm curious about your frame stamp. My 71 only has the year (1), factory (Z) and serial number. Is your different? You mentioned above the C20 was indicated by the stamp. If you pursue a title correction and the entire VIN isn't apparent on that frame, then best of luck explaining to them why/how you're able to fill in the blanks. Maybe they'll listen and understand. Maybe they won't and/or can't do it.
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 39
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Hmmm. Last time I checked the frame VIN was about a year and a half ago. Maybe I am mis-remembering. It may have only been the year code - back. Does that sound right?
I think I may just keep it as is and sell it the way it is titled and be honest with the buyer. Not sure which would be less appealing as a buyer: Having a legally titled '69 Chevy with a GMC VIN, or a title for a '69 Chevy with a VIN issued by the state. Cheers, Erik
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Slemmy "Annie" - '69 Chevy C10 396 "Louise" - '65 Chevy C10 6 Banger "Victoria" - '65 Mustang Notchback "Haley" - '62 Mercury Comet S-22 |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,720
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Every state is different. But in Texas, both titles are supposed to be taken to DMV when combining two vehicles. Then a new title is issued with a brand new state assigned VIN number.
This removes both too the original titles from circulation and provides a combined chassis/body title for the new combination. My ‘64 Corvette has a state reassigned VIN because it had a ‘66 frame swapped in the correct, legal way in the ‘70’s. I would explain what I knew when I was selling it and let the buyer make the decision about whether to proceed or not. Without the frame title I don’t see how you are able to do anything different. But each state is different...
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#21 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Quote:
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"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#22 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,248
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Quote:
__________________
Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lincoln City DE
Posts: 1,292
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Ya , you got a mess there,, I wouldn't buy it [no offense] sounds like a headache....
If the numbers match, title/ vin and door tag ,description dont matter really...
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Stan 67 swb BLU MULE posted via flip-fone |
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#24 | |
All about them K’s
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Location: Land of Entrapment
Posts: 6,393
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
Quote:
If it were me I’d just be honest with who ever is buying it and not worry about the dmv. They already titled it after an inspection. They must not have been too worried about it.
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Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 1,108
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Re: Bought my first classic Chevy truck... I think?
I tried to lighten your original pictures for better reference. I hope this helps.
POP
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