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12-11-2010, 08:23 PM | #1 |
Vintage 4x4s
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Why did they only make these 6 years?
? Seems kind of strange when you consider the other runs of trucks, especially the successors, which were made for 16 years!! Why were these trucks only ran until 1972? Did they have to cheapen them up? Was the body style unpopular at the time? Is a better question: why didn't the other body styles get redesigned sooner?
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
12-11-2010, 08:41 PM | #2 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
why was the 60-66 truck only 7 years?
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12-11-2010, 08:58 PM | #3 | |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
I think it would be cool if GM would remake the body style in a modern chassie and drivetrain, kinda like the other retro look designs but hold true'er to the body style. of course lots of rod buffs would probably hate the idea.
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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12-11-2010, 08:59 PM | #4 |
2WD Jimmy
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
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12-11-2010, 09:02 PM | #5 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
the car companies used to change styles because people got excited and bought new models. I think the smog laws of the early 70's along with the fuel crises prevented a major model change for several years. people didnt like cars during that time, and they especially didnt like trucks.
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12-11-2010, 09:13 PM | #6 |
Vintage 4x4s
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Maybe the management at GM? Maybe the emphasis on new designs and developments died out internally in the late 70's and early 80's? Seems like a different culture when you think of the '69 changes, only 2 years into the body style.
I agree, we'll probably never know unless we get a GM management insiders opinion.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
12-11-2010, 09:24 PM | #7 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
You don't know what you got till it's gone!
I remember a gent in 1977 who had a 71 0r 72 short step chevy 4X4, it was already an attention getting classic. Similarly a blue and white sierra grand or something, the dude was always getting offers on it. These trucks were an instant classic just like the muscle cars were from the moment they stopped making them. A crucial part of the male ego is driving the latest, best and most expensive. Why buy new if you can drive a six year old truck that looks just like a new one, hence constant model changes.
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12-11-2010, 09:32 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
Chevy has been using older styling cues on the trucks for a while now. Specifically the 67-70 years. And you're right.. they do look cool. J.
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1972 Custom Deluxe Highlander C20 1971 Javelin SST New Project 1971 Demon 340 1969 SS El Camino 1968 SS RS 396 Camaro 1967 Barracuda Formula S 1965 140/4sp Corvair Monza Convertible Sorry, but I don't do Fords. Last edited by JCD; 12-11-2010 at 09:33 PM. |
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12-11-2010, 09:33 PM | #9 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
because back then most people were jack a$$ and didnt understand that these were the best trucks that gm would make ,and they would soon get sick of seeing the same design with minor changes and plus gm had a 6 year plan they have always done that that si how you can predict when the new body style will end for instance the new ones will end in 2013 then 2019 then 2025 ....... i wonder if 2019 they will mke it look like a 69 considering that that is 50th annv for 69
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12-11-2010, 09:45 PM | #10 | |
Vintage 4x4s
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
1960-1966 (7 years) 1967-1972 (6 years) 1973-1987 (15 years) 1988-1998 (11-12 years) 1999-2006 (7-8 years)
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
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12-11-2010, 10:09 PM | #11 |
Special Order
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
41-46
47-55 55-59 60-66 67-72 It all seems fairly consistent.You can't go by what happened after '72.That hadn't happened yet. Skip a couple generations and you have the same thing. 99-02 03-07 07-present
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"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 ~ |
12-11-2010, 10:17 PM | #12 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
thank you special k
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12-11-2010, 10:36 PM | #13 | |
Vintage 4x4s
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
Not trying to be too picky but I don't think most would call the '03 change a new body style- more of a facelift only.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
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12-12-2010, 01:47 AM | #14 | |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
Actually what i ment was an exact body reproduction, including nice thick sheetmetal. then say a different steering colum with an air bag, that kinda stuff ect..
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's Last edited by swamp rat; 12-12-2010 at 01:50 AM. |
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12-12-2010, 03:41 AM | #15 |
Big Red - Now its a SWB!
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
When dodge changed its front end in 94, I thought it was a 67-72 knock off with the step up from the fender to the hood.
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68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's |
12-12-2010, 04:12 AM | #16 | |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
*Sigh* Michael Last edited by C. M. Wolf; 12-12-2010 at 04:13 AM. |
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12-12-2010, 08:07 AM | #17 |
laying low
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
With the cost of design, developing, tooling and the like it makes since the manufacturers use a design for several years as they have most always done with only slight changes made each year such as grille, trim, etc. As pointed out above.
GM, like Chrysler has used some styling cues from earlier models that were popular with the buyers. Retro styles if you will. Chrysler with the PT Cruiser and GM with the HHR, Ford with the 'stang, etc. Many say the 2000 Chevy truck HD front end resembles the 67-68 look. They are in business to sell vehicles, and lots of them. They will try their best to design and build what the buying public wants. Don't expect GM to build another 67 truck. But they will use whatever design hints they can to draw buyers in. Was the 67-72 truck the best looking, best designed Chevy truck ever? Well, we all think so or we wouldn't have one would we...
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
12-12-2010, 12:11 PM | #18 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
GM must have lost a lot of money with the '69 Camaro.
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12-12-2010, 02:12 PM | #19 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Dodge trucks were pretty much the same basic truck for a number of years, and brought out a new body in '72. Until then, they were still using solid front axles....GM had been working on a replacement for the 67-72's, as they normally did, for several years. Ford replaced their design for '73, too. The industry pretty well knows what's up with the other mfr's and retools to keep up with the Joneses.
As for the auto industry, the fall of each year, for many years, saw the introduction of the new cars. It was a rite of passage to be the first one on your block with the latest style. Sure, there was some carry-over of basic skeletons from one year to the next among manufacturers, ala '55-57 GM; 57-59 FoMoCo; '57-60 Mopar. Trucks were more utilitarian and not as prone to facial re-do's. My dad told of seeing new models being driven with canvas covers that hid everything but the windshield and what was necessary to drive 'em.....down the highways...pre-WWII. For me, '65 was the epitome of new cars, with Pontiac getting the nod for the most changed from the previous year. Still like 'em.
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12-12-2010, 02:31 PM | #20 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
I've got a lot of opinions on this one, such that I'm not sure I can adequately express them...
- But - I'll take a shot. First of all, keep in mind that the goal would have been to have a new truck EVERY year! In other words, stretching out the model run was not necessarily an indication that things were going great - probably the contrary. Consider the old "G Van", which ran from 1970 until 1996. More a sign of neglect than an indication that it was a really stellar vehicle (...which it wasn't). Recall that the passenger cars of the day were almost totally redesigned every year. Compare a 55 to a 56 to a 57 to a 58 to a 59 to a 60 to a 61 to a 62 to a 63 to a 64 to a 65 Chevy....I think you get the idea. The problem was that, during that time period, trucks were the "red headed stepchild" of the Chevrolet brand. Trucks were "pedestrian", work vehicles, and would not become popular as general "personal use" vehicles until years later. As a result, Truck got the short end of the stick in both workload (design personnel) and capital expenditures. Shortly before I joined General Motors, (I joined in 1979) the Truck group was unceremoniously "kicked out" of the Chevy headquarters building at the GM Tech Center, scattered to rent office space wherever we could find it from multiple different job shops located throughout southeast Michigan. I think that is a picture of the Chevrolet mentality towards trucks at the time. (It wasn't until we all moved to the Truck Product Center in Pontiac in the mid 1990s that we all became "co-located" once again). In fact, we used to actually host events at the GM Desert Proving Ground called "the Happening" - semi legitimate "boondoggles" held specifically with the intent of familiarizing GM upper management with truck offerings and capabilities. One year we hosted a truck "rodeo", complete with truck pulls, a barrel race, a contest backing a steerable hay wagon - all using current GM truck offerings. (We had a couple professional pullers and monster trucks, too). (Having a stash of Suburbans in the fleet, for them to pull their boat/snowmobile trailers with, certainly didn't hurt, either ) It wasn't until later that pickups and sport/utility truck "wagons" began to exceed passenger cars in popularity. I'm convinced it's not really as a result of anything we had done, but we were simply in the right place at the right time. Cars were getting smaller, and front wheel drive, and if a person needed to pull a trailer or wanted full frame/front engine V8 configuration then a a truck was the logical choice. Bottom line is trucks got the short end of the stick, compared to passenger cars, until the GMT800 and GMT900 eras. By this time, truck was the dominant force within GM, both in terms of profit and political clout, a position which lasted until the most recent crash in 2008. Secondly, the mid and late 70's were the formative years of all kinds of automotive legislation and regulation. Emissions testing, barrier testing and passenger safety considerations greatly slowed the design/release process, causing product development cycles to go longer and the model changeovers to be pushed out. We used to do a new vehicle every year; now it takes several years just to do a new grille! I think that's part of the reason you see such long product cycles for the '73-87 C/K programs, both as the truck group tried to adjust to the increased outside pressures, and also as we covered for our passenger car bretheren while they tried to sort it out all. In summary, I guess I'm saying that the length of the model run is no indication of (a) the model's popularity with the general public, or (b) the model's popularity with GM management. There are lots of internal and external factors, both controlled and uncontrolled, which affect the product lifecycle. These days I think the desired product cycle for any vehicle is going to be 3 to 5 years. Never again will we ever see new product every year, like we used to. My $.03 - K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ Last edited by Keith Seymore; 12-12-2010 at 02:45 PM. |
12-12-2010, 04:44 PM | #21 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
i think that , that is why i am digusted with the square bodies ,the government had to much say with what went and what didnt and gm had to just bite their tounge and deal withit
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12-12-2010, 04:45 PM | #22 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
WOW, Mr Seymore you always amaze me with your GM stories an insight, thank you for your contribution to this site!!
I think you hit the nail on the head, alot of different factors we the result and you mentioned some that we would have never equated. And I agree with an earlier post, these 67-72 chevy trucks were the best designs to date.....instant classic. |
12-12-2010, 04:47 PM | #23 | |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Quote:
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12-12-2010, 06:54 PM | #24 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
6 to 7 years was pretty much the norm for changing pickup designs for GM ( like special-K noted) except for the 73 thru 87 era. I guessing the ecomomy was so bad in 1980, fuel crisis, high inflation and high unemployment ( Chrysler got their first bailout ), GM put there major full size pickup restyle change on hold. They choose to spend their resources during this era on their new compact S-10 pickups. GM probably didn't have cash for both truck lines. They went the cheaper route in 1981 and warmed over the front end and made mechancial changes to make the trucks more fuel efficient.
Last edited by factorystock; 12-12-2010 at 07:40 PM. |
12-12-2010, 07:27 PM | #25 |
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Re: Why did they only make these 6 years?
Salesmen and sales departments live on change and inovation. New designs (most of the time) spur more sales. Nobody wants to be seen with outdated stuff. It's just human nature. If all the cars and trucks kept the same design, there would be no reason for some people to buy new ones.
Look around as you drive around town. You can immediately spot an older design compared to the new ones. It works on everything but it really is noticeable in cars and trucks since we drive them every day. |
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