RARE!!!! Info Appreciated - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Choat_Stepper · 10-25-2013, 08:45 AM

Here is my 1970 GMC stepper that I had previously spoke about. We bought this truck 13 years ago. It is a barn find from an older gentleman down the road from me. The story we got was that there were only 7 of these trucks made. They were built for a phone company I believe. A tree had landed on the passenger side and got the cab and door pretty bad. It was still drivable so it became ours. It is equipped with:
Bucket Seats
Factory Tach
4 Speed w/ Granny low
396 BB
no power steering or brakes. Here is the SPID from the glove box. It shows as a half ton. Not sure of why or how it became this way. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Just wanted to share with you all knowing it would be appreciated. Also here are a couple pics of my dad's 4x4. Thanks and have a great day.

srvivor71 · 10-25-2013, 09:17 AM

Can't help you with any information but I LOVE the options list on that SPID! And its a SWB stepside too! That's an awesome foundation to build on.

PanelDeland · 10-25-2013, 09:20 AM

These trucks were built in the era of COPO (Central Office Production Order).Don't think Yenko Camaro,COPO was originally for companies to buy vehicles equipped for specific purposes or in specific ways to suit the way they were to be used.Most likely,this is the case with the 7 trucks.The COPO could be anything from a color not offered by GM to the BB,and other options.At that time an order form let you go down a list of available options and pick which you wanted on your vehicle.I would assume this was the case for this truck.A company chose the BB,Buckets,and tach.Some were ordered to suit the temperament of the guy ordering.Maybe he was a hot rodder.

68gmsee · 10-25-2013, 09:39 AM

^ agree. And, if it was not a factory option but was available elsewhere, the dealer would install the option themselves.

I wouldn't say this truck has any rare options but definitely a rare find with the options it has. Most trucks these days have been stripped and/or changed around to the point where there are very few completely original trucks out there.

**RenoKeene** · 10-25-2013, 11:37 AM

It appears that it is an 8 lug which would be a 3/4 ton? Also power brakes are listed on the spid, is the booster missing?

Choat_Stepper · 10-25-2013, 11:54 AM

Yes you are correct RenoKeene. I apologize. It's been MANY years since I actually drove the truck. I just remembered that the comfort options were lacking. �� I hav another pic of parts in the bed and you can see the booster laying there.

**RenoKeene** · 10-25-2013, 12:51 PM

Very cool eitherway.

**chiefcfd** · 10-25-2013, 06:34 PM

So what are your plans for the truck?

**jocko** · 10-25-2013, 07:00 PM

Interesting truck choat. Am curious, do your VINs match? Cab does not appear to ever have been medium blue. And 3/4 ton axles/frame? SPID is for a 1/2 ton - and as I decode it, it really doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Has a "4" in what would normally be the year digit(??) Not sure there were any 3/4 ton swb truck from the factory, this would be a very interesting request of the factory, but perhaps makes sense if it was one of 7 ordered for the phone company.

Couple things I'd want to check:
- VINs match (SPID/Cab/Frame)
- Frame - any evidence of frame shortening (look for welds around the center section, vertical or a Z cut). Look on the inside.

I am somewhat guessing there may have been a cab swap(?) Is it possible it's a glovebox door swap(?) If it is indeed a 115" wb 3/4 ton though (in spite of the SPID), that's a pretty uncommon truck.

No matter what, it's pretty darn cool!

zeldman · 10-25-2013, 07:38 PM

I am not all that knowing, and my wife will back that up,, but here goes...

VIN number decoded.... as much as I can recall.
C is for 2WD,
E is for 8 cylinder,
1 is for 3900 GVW,
04 is for 1970,71 step side.
- The dash mark (-) means it is not a special New York, Maryland or Pennsylvania designation...what ever that means.
Z is for Fremont assembly plant
Z is for 1970 model year
68062 is the vehicle number

So the 3/4 ton front and rear are the mystery here, doesnt seem like they were there from the factory, or there was a glove box door swap/cab swap. Since you said a tree fell on the right side and I dont see any noticable damage in the picture I am guessing the cab has been changed. Still looks like a solid truck to start a build. The cab is in a LOT better shape than mine.

**special-K** · 10-25-2013, 07:49 PM

The 3/4t stuff is all swapped. That's obvious. COPO,mojo,gojo,Oh No,it doesn't matter. Options are listed on the SPID or it isn't factory

Choat_Stepper · 10-25-2013, 07:54 PM

Hey guys the cab has been swapped. We done that. It's a rust free California AC cab. We still have factory cab with the damage. All is original to our knowledge. No shortened frame or glovebox swap. That being why the story is the only solution we could ever track down. This truck will most likely be sold due to buying the 1/2 ton '72 stepper. Thanks for all the info. The vin has all matched up since the day we received it other than the axles. Bucket seats are still there, actually recovered and ready to go back in. I will honestly say we've always had the same questions you fellas have.

67ChevyRedneck · 10-25-2013, 09:53 PM

GM Never built a short bed 3/4 ton. Not for anybody. All were Longbeds, longhorns, or whatever the heck they called those special 9' stepsides... Look at the frame, is it a "skinny" 1/2 ton frame, or the thicker 3/4 ton frame?

I'm also confused by your pics, one is a 2wd stepside with 8 lug axles and the other is a 4x4? fleetside with 6 lug wheels.

As far as rarity, we'll never know. All of GMC's records from back then were lost in a fire.

Choat_Stepper · 10-25-2013, 10:26 PM

Redneck I stated in my post that the 4x4 is my fathers. Just sharing the pics. As far as the stepside goes I was just sharing and asking a question. I'm not sure myself what it's story is. Just know there are no visible alterati

Choat_Stepper · 10-25-2013, 10:28 PM

Alterations that we can see. Maybe somebody swapped axles in the 70's or 80's. Who knows. Just not sure why anyone would do that either.

**too much stuff** · 10-26-2013, 12:00 PM

Just curious here, it shows 115" wheelbase but has max-traction axle. Wasn't that a 3/4 or one ton thing? Neat truck regardless...

**special-K** · 10-26-2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Just curious here, it shows 115" wheelbase but has max-traction axle. Wasn't that a 3/4 or one ton thing? Neat truck regardless...

It's a GMC. Could have had a Dana 60,but not listed on the SPID. It may have been a Max-Traction in the Dana 44s,too. In my '3/4t with Dana 60 it's a Power-Lok

Vintage Windmills · 10-31-2013, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

It's a GMC. Could have had a Dana 60,but not listed on the SPID. It may have been a Max-Traction in the Dana 44s,too. In my '3/4t with Dana 60 it's a Power-Lok

I didn't think one could get a Dana 60 in a half ton. The three GMC 1/2 tons I've got here all have D44's but being 67 GMC's, there are no SPIDS.

**special-K** · 11-01-2013, 08:43 AM

Yes,a Dana 60 6-lug was offered in GMC 1500s. It wasn't full-floating,either. They are rare,but they are out there. And I want a coil spring one BAD!! (5x more rare,yet)

Bigdav160 · 11-01-2013, 09:29 AM

I've worked for a utility before. We would scavenge parts from other "out of service" vehicles when needed.

I don't believe that 1/2 ton truck came with 8 lug axles.

10-25-2013, 08:45 AM	#1
Choat_Stepper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Grand Rivers, Ky Posts: 17	RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Here is my 1970 GMC stepper that I had previously spoke about. We bought this truck 13 years ago. It is a barn find from an older gentleman down the road from me. The story we got was that there were only 7 of these trucks made. They were built for a phone company I believe. A tree had landed on the passenger side and got the cab and door pretty bad. It was still drivable so it became ours. It is equipped with: Bucket Seats Factory Tach 4 Speed w/ Granny low 396 BB no power steering or brakes. Here is the SPID from the glove box. It shows as a half ton. Not sure of why or how it became this way. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Just wanted to share with you all knowing it would be appreciated. Also here are a couple pics of my dad's 4x4. Thanks and have a great day. Attached Images

10-25-2013, 09:17 AM	#2
srvivor71 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sullivan County, NY Posts: 455	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Can't help you with any information but I LOVE the options list on that SPID! And its a SWB stepside too! That's an awesome foundation to build on.

10-25-2013, 09:20 AM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated These trucks were built in the era of COPO (Central Office Production Order).Don't think Yenko Camaro,COPO was originally for companies to buy vehicles equipped for specific purposes or in specific ways to suit the way they were to be used.Most likely,this is the case with the 7 trucks.The COPO could be anything from a color not offered by GM to the BB,and other options.At that time an order form let you go down a list of available options and pick which you wanted on your vehicle.I would assume this was the case for this truck.A company chose the BB,Buckets,and tach.Some were ordered to suit the temperament of the guy ordering.Maybe he was a hot rodder. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-25-2013, 09:39 AM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated ^ agree. And, if it was not a factory option but was available elsewhere, the dealer would install the option themselves. I wouldn't say this truck has any rare options but definitely a rare find with the options it has. Most trucks these days have been stripped and/or changed around to the point where there are very few completely original trucks out there. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

10-25-2013, 11:37 AM	#5
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,028	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated It appears that it is an 8 lug which would be a 3/4 ton? Also power brakes are listed on the spid, is the booster missing? __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

10-25-2013, 11:54 AM	#6
Choat_Stepper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Grand Rivers, Ky Posts: 17	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Yes you are correct RenoKeene. I apologize. It's been MANY years since I actually drove the truck. I just remembered that the comfort options were lacking. �� I hav another pic of parts in the bed and you can see the booster laying there.

10-25-2013, 12:51 PM	#7
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,028	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Very cool eitherway. __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

10-25-2013, 06:34 PM	#8
chiefcfd Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Cadiz, Ky Posts: 512	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated So what are your plans for the truck? __________________ 1972 Chevy LWB Roadster 1999 Chevy Silverado 2wd 2015 Chevy High Country 4x4 Crew Cab

10-25-2013, 07:00 PM	#9
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,976	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Interesting truck choat. Am curious, do your VINs match? Cab does not appear to ever have been medium blue. And 3/4 ton axles/frame? SPID is for a 1/2 ton - and as I decode it, it really doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Has a "4" in what would normally be the year digit(??) Not sure there were any 3/4 ton swb truck from the factory, this would be a very interesting request of the factory, but perhaps makes sense if it was one of 7 ordered for the phone company. Couple things I'd want to check: - VINs match (SPID/Cab/Frame) - Frame - any evidence of frame shortening (look for welds around the center section, vertical or a Z cut). Look on the inside. I am somewhat guessing there may have been a cab swap(?) Is it possible it's a glovebox door swap(?) If it is indeed a 115" wb 3/4 ton though (in spite of the SPID), that's a pretty uncommon truck. No matter what, it's pretty darn cool!

10-25-2013, 07:38 PM	#10
zeldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Rt 66 Gallup, NM Posts: 527	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated I am not all that knowing, and my wife will back that up,, but here goes... VIN number decoded.... as much as I can recall. C is for 2WD, E is for 8 cylinder, 1 is for 3900 GVW, 04 is for 1970,71 step side. - The dash mark (-) means it is not a special New York, Maryland or Pennsylvania designation...what ever that means. Z is for Fremont assembly plant Z is for 1970 model year 68062 is the vehicle number So the 3/4 ton front and rear are the mystery here, doesnt seem like they were there from the factory, or there was a glove box door swap/cab swap. Since you said a tree fell on the right side and I dont see any noticable damage in the picture I am guessing the cab has been changed. Still looks like a solid truck to start a build. The cab is in a LOT better shape than mine. __________________ 2005 GMC K2500HD D/A 1993 GMC K1500 2011 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Subaru Outback 1970 C-10 2WD, SWB stepside, 292, TH350, PS, more rust than anything. God is my pilot.

10-25-2013, 07:49 PM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated The 3/4t stuff is all swapped. That's obvious. COPO,mojo,gojo,Oh No,it doesn't matter. Options are listed on the SPID or it isn't factory __________________ "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 ~

10-25-2013, 07:54 PM	#12
Choat_Stepper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Grand Rivers, Ky Posts: 17	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Hey guys the cab has been swapped. We done that. It's a rust free California AC cab. We still have factory cab with the damage. All is original to our knowledge. No shortened frame or glovebox swap. That being why the story is the only solution we could ever track down. This truck will most likely be sold due to buying the 1/2 ton '72 stepper. Thanks for all the info. The vin has all matched up since the day we received it other than the axles. Bucket seats are still there, actually recovered and ready to go back in. I will honestly say we've always had the same questions you fellas have.

10-25-2013, 09:53 PM	#13
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated GM Never built a short bed 3/4 ton. Not for anybody. All were Longbeds, longhorns, or whatever the heck they called those special 9' stepsides... Look at the frame, is it a "skinny" 1/2 ton frame, or the thicker 3/4 ton frame? I'm also confused by your pics, one is a 2wd stepside with 8 lug axles and the other is a 4x4? fleetside with 6 lug wheels. As far as rarity, we'll never know. All of GMC's records from back then were lost in a fire. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

10-25-2013, 10:26 PM	#14
Choat_Stepper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Grand Rivers, Ky Posts: 17	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Redneck I stated in my post that the 4x4 is my fathers. Just sharing the pics. As far as the stepside goes I was just sharing and asking a question. I'm not sure myself what it's story is. Just know there are no visible alterati

10-25-2013, 10:28 PM	#15
Choat_Stepper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Grand Rivers, Ky Posts: 17	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Alterations that we can see. Maybe somebody swapped axles in the 70's or 80's. Who knows. Just not sure why anyone would do that either.



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10-26-2013, 12:00 PM	#16
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,765	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Just curious here, it shows 115" wheelbase but has max-traction axle. Wasn't that a 3/4 or one ton thing? Neat truck regardless... __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

11-01-2013, 08:43 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated Yes,a Dana 60 6-lug was offered in GMC 1500s. It wasn't full-floating,either. They are rare,but they are out there. And I want a coil spring one BAD!! (5x more rare,yet) __________________ "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 ~

11-01-2013, 09:29 AM	#20
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: RARE!!!! Info Appreciated I've worked for a utility before. We would scavenge parts from other "out of service" vehicles when needed. I don't believe that 1/2 ton truck came with 8 lug axles. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

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