How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

keggers · 06-10-2007, 10:32 PM

I have been collecting these trucks on and off for awhile. I just found a 1968 C20 camper special with a original 454 and four speed manual trans. Does anyone know if this would be classified as a "rare find"? Is there a place to find production numbers on these trucks? Any help would be appreciated.

1969k10stepside · 06-10-2007, 10:34 PM

It would be hard to find one with a original 454 and it would be rare to find one with a original 454 but,that's because it's NOT original!

Longhorn Man · 06-10-2007, 10:40 PM

454s were never installed as a regular production option in the 67 - 72 trucks at all. A 402 was as big as you could get, and that wasn't untill 70. In 68, a 396 was top dog.

eedgell · 06-10-2007, 11:32 PM

The 454cid did not come out untill 1970, I think, and only in big trucks and muscle cars. Funny they did not offer it in the 70-72 line 3/4 tons, or hot rod 1/2 tons like the later SS 454.

keggers · 06-11-2007, 12:07 AM

Thats great info, as I haven't purchased the truck yet! Interesting though because this guy said that his grandfather purchased the truck new in 68 as a camper special with a 454. The truck has only 33k original miles. He does not seem to be too knowledgable about the truck, I suppose he could just see that it is a big block truck and assumes it is a 454 (I mean, I thought I knew a fair amount about these trucks, but I didn't know they didn't offer a 454 until the 70,s). If it is a factory big block truck with a four speed, do you think that truck would be considered rare?

dan42 · 06-11-2007, 12:44 AM

To be honest, you need to ask yourself if rare is what you want, or a big block truck with a four speed. IMO, rare is only good on a nice porterhouse streak.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-11-2007, 04:46 AM

If it's original then it's probably a 396. If it's a 454 it has a replacement engine. If it's a 4x4 it's not original as GM never produced BBCs in 4WDs in this vintage. The 4-speed tranny if original would be an SM465. Very rubust, dependable trans, not very exciting, but sturdy enough for a big block. First is a Granny gear -- you don't need it unless you are starting out pulling a bed full of rocks uphill. Second is where everybody starts off in normal traffic, Third to Fourth goes quick. Ratios are very low, since this Xmsn was designed for work trucks. Fourth is 1:1, no overdrive.
Manual transmissions are pretty common in '67 & '68s, it wasn't until later the manufacturer and the dealers were giving the hard sell on the automatic trannies. That way they could hook you into a never-ending maintenance program. Get you on the lot so they could talk you into a newer truck.
By the way, I'm in Tucson. Oro Valley area.

**special-K** · 06-11-2007, 06:45 AM

`68 was the first year for big blocks in pickups,396.It`s pretty rare to find them being something not previously available.Most people probably felt what had been was enough and why pay more...Most that got a 396 were fancy trucks with alot of options which generally means an auto.The rest would be ordered for grunt in a hauler,wither heavy work or a camper.Camper trucks had it easy.Especially a big block one.You couldn`t hurt it with a little old aluminum box on the back.It sounds like a good truck and would be desireable.Not like a big block shortbed or even a 1/2t.But,there`s plenty of "real truck" guys out here that love a well optioned 8-lugger.

**kwmech** · 06-11-2007, 10:00 AM

The transmission could also be a NP435. Dana 60 rear axle will have 3.54 gears with possibly a power-loc posi

stllookn · 06-11-2007, 10:53 AM

Check the stamped numbers on the front, passenger side, of the block, just below the head, to determine what you have.

keggers · 06-11-2007, 11:53 PM

I really appreciate the info on the truck. I'm still waiting on the guy to send me some better pictures of the truck before I consider it, but from what you guys have told me I think it would be worth the 5K he's asking IF it is an original BBC truck with the original 33k miles. I'll keep you posted on what happens and maybe post some pics on here to get some opinions.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-13-2007, 07:24 AM

Check under the frame. If it's coated with 'colichi', (baked-on reddish mud -- turned ceramic by the desert heat) it's a local rig and that's good. Minimal corrosion. All your rubber parts will be shot from solar radiation, but they're replaceable.

06-10-2007, 10:32 PM	#1
keggers Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 10	How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? I have been collecting these trucks on and off for awhile. I just found a 1968 C20 camper special with a original 454 and four speed manual trans. Does anyone know if this would be classified as a "rare find"? Is there a place to find production numbers on these trucks? Any help would be appreciated.

06-10-2007, 10:34 PM	#2
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? It would be hard to find one with a original 454 and it would be rare to find one with a original 454 but,that's because it's NOT original! Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 06-10-2007 at 10:36 PM.

06-10-2007, 10:40 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? 454s were never installed as a regular production option in the 67 - 72 trucks at all. A 402 was as big as you could get, and that wasn't untill 70. In 68, a 396 was top dog.

06-10-2007, 11:32 PM	#4
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? The 454cid did not come out untill 1970, I think, and only in big trucks and muscle cars. Funny they did not offer it in the 70-72 line 3/4 tons, or hot rod 1/2 tons like the later SS 454. __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

06-11-2007, 12:07 AM	#5
keggers Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 10	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? Thats great info, as I haven't purchased the truck yet! Interesting though because this guy said that his grandfather purchased the truck new in 68 as a camper special with a 454. The truck has only 33k original miles. He does not seem to be too knowledgable about the truck, I suppose he could just see that it is a big block truck and assumes it is a 454 (I mean, I thought I knew a fair amount about these trucks, but I didn't know they didn't offer a 454 until the 70,s). If it is a factory big block truck with a four speed, do you think that truck would be considered rare?

06-11-2007, 12:44 AM	#6
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? To be honest, you need to ask yourself if rare is what you want, or a big block truck with a four speed. IMO, rare is only good on a nice porterhouse streak. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

06-11-2007, 04:46 AM	#7
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,210	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? If it's original then it's probably a 396. If it's a 454 it has a replacement engine. If it's a 4x4 it's not original as GM never produced BBCs in 4WDs in this vintage. The 4-speed tranny if original would be an SM465. Very rubust, dependable trans, not very exciting, but sturdy enough for a big block. First is a Granny gear -- you don't need it unless you are starting out pulling a bed full of rocks uphill. Second is where everybody starts off in normal traffic, Third to Fourth goes quick. Ratios are very low, since this Xmsn was designed for work trucks. Fourth is 1:1, no overdrive. Manual transmissions are pretty common in '67 & '68s, it wasn't until later the manufacturer and the dealers were giving the hard sell on the automatic trannies. That way they could hook you into a never-ending maintenance program. Get you on the lot so they could talk you into a newer truck. By the way, I'm in Tucson. Oro Valley area. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 06-11-2007 at 04:54 AM.

06-11-2007, 06:45 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? `68 was the first year for big blocks in pickups,396.It`s pretty rare to find them being something not previously available.Most people probably felt what had been was enough and why pay more...Most that got a 396 were fancy trucks with alot of options which generally means an auto.The rest would be ordered for grunt in a hauler,wither heavy work or a camper.Camper trucks had it easy.Especially a big block one.You couldn`t hurt it with a little old aluminum box on the back.It sounds like a good truck and would be desireable.Not like a big block shortbed or even a 1/2t.But,there`s plenty of "real truck" guys out here that love a well optioned 8-lugger. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-11-2007, 10:00 AM	#9
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,504	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? The transmission could also be a NP435. Dana 60 rear axle will have 3.54 gears with possibly a power-loc posi

06-11-2007, 10:53 AM	#10
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? Check the stamped numbers on the front, passenger side, of the block, just below the head, to determine what you have. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

06-11-2007, 11:53 PM	#11
keggers Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 10	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? I really appreciate the info on the truck. I'm still waiting on the guy to send me some better pictures of the truck before I consider it, but from what you guys have told me I think it would be worth the 5K he's asking IF it is an original BBC truck with the original 33k miles. I'll keep you posted on what happens and maybe post some pics on here to get some opinions.

06-13-2007, 07:24 AM	#12
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,210	Re: How rare is a 454 4 speed truck? Check under the frame. If it's coated with 'colichi', (baked-on reddish mud -- turned ceramic by the desert heat) it's a local rig and that's good. Minimal corrosion. All your rubber parts will be shot from solar radiation, but they're replaceable. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.



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