New Member with a 66 C20

[mrnkc130]

Hello everyone,

Just bought a 66 c20 with a 283 and sm420 for my son and I to drive around and work on while we are in the middle of our bigger project (frame off restoration of a 46 2 ton) got tired of having nothing fun to drive while we were working on the 46!!
I had a nice original 65 SWB almost completely original in high school so this body style fit the bill for a fun truck!

So far I've just fixed the gauges, changed brake master, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, water pump and coolant hoses, fluids, etc and got the truck running and driving with antique plates.

We drove it some this past weekend and my son loves riding in the front and having control of the window! (no child locks!!)

Planning on keeping the truck mainly original just with everything working, etc. I'll post some more pictures if it ever stops raining down here in Texas!

[aerotruk63]

Congrats and Welcome.

Odd having two Texas trucks both equipped with the same mirrors. Same dealership?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708606

[mrnkc130]

I got alot of the original paperwork with the truck along with the data plate (or whatever its called)
truck was originally sold in Albuquerque, NM!

[aerotruk63]

Did you find the build sheet behind or under the seat usually caught behind the seat springs?

Interior pics and under the hood are usually required.

[Clyde65]

Welcome neighbor! You will find a lot of great guys and gals eager to help and support you here.

[TJ's Chevy]

Welcome aboard! And Great truck to have for a driver !

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

That looks like a fairly solid and straight truck

[pimpston65]

that truck is a heap!!! just sent it me and i'll deal with all the fun you'll have with it!!!

[my04]

Nice truck, congrats. Looks to be in great condition.

[WOLFMANmike]

nice truck ! and Welcome to the best most Informative chevy truck forum on the innerweb Happy Truckin

[61_FL_Apache]

Welcome!! Great looking truck!!

[RickB_1966]

Welcome to the site

[factorystock]

Welcome, and thanks for posting. Very straight for a 3/4 ton, no doubt this truck had a camper for majority of its life. Tell tale signs of most an ex-recreational 3/4 tons, extra gas tanks, large mirrors, hooks on bed and stabilizer bracket holes on top cowl. These trucks are generally found in above average condition. Curious on your original paint color could it have been dark aqua metallic? ( paint code is located on kick panel tag).

[mrnkc130]

Thanks everyone! I figured it had a camper on it was well , has light hook up on inner bed fender and still has the wood in the bed! Overall its not in bad shape, but was surely used for a long long time, a little worn out in places!

Any one know why they had this coolant hose from the top of the water pump to this gooseneck riser? i replaced the hose and everything seems fine, but ive never seen another with this set up, this is my 1st V8! Only had stovebolts before...

also trying to figure out my wheels, anyone know what these are from? the spare has a 7.5x16 tire and the truck has 9.5r16.5 tires. the wheels all look the same, measures 17.5 inches across the whole wheel on all of them.

[mrnkc130]

more

[mrnkc130]

a few more...

[ImpalaJim]

sweet truck!!

[Irishbleueyes]

Any one know why they had this coolant hose from the top of the water pump to this gooseneck riser? i replaced the hose and everything seems fine, but ive never seen another with this set up, this is my 1st V8! Only had stovebolts before...

Someone added that bypass hose, not necessary on classic small block chevy, its internal. More of a big block thing, those are external. Others may chime in.. Anyway, Welcome!

[mrnkc130]

Cool, that's kinda what I figured but wasn't sure why they would add it if it didn't need it. I think I'll remove it, less stuff to leak!!

Anyone know about these wheels? 16 and 16.5 fit on the same rim? I'd love some skinnier tires and hubcaps!

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Curious on your original paint color could it have been dark aqua metallic? .

The photo of the rear fender tubs answered my own question.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by Irishbleueyes

Any one know why they had this coolant hose from the top of the water pump to this gooseneck riser?

You must have a 327, not a 283.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by mrnkc130

also trying to figure out my wheels, anyone know what these are from? the spare has a 7.5x16 tire and the truck has 9.5r16.5 tires. the wheels all look the same, measures 17.5 inches across the whole wheel on all of them.

This 16.5" are probably off 70's GM pickup or van, the 16" is most likely off and 80's GM pickup or van. Very typical for 60's 3/4 tons that originally had 2 piece wheels not to have the original wheels today. Original hubcaps require original period wheels with clips.

[Captainfab]

I agree that you must have a 327. That thermostat bypass was used on the 327's in HD applications

No you can not mount 16" tires on 16.5 wheels, and 16.5 tires are difficult to find since they are being phased out. I would suggest finding some 16" wheels that you like and get some tires for them. The overall dimension is likely the same because the 16.5's have a shorter bead lip than the 16" wheels

[mrnkc130]

Wow great info guys thanks...I'm gonna look for some numbers, I hope you're right and it's a 327!

I've found 16.5 tires on Amazon from for about $170 a piece. You think a 16 would be better though? Any 8 lug 16" from 67- into the 80's? Might look on Craigslist or a junk yard if that's the case. What tire would look originalish on a 16" wheel? I'd like a taller skinnier tire, it's a beast to turn and I've only gotten it up to about 55mph, it's geared really low, I think 5.11 (I looked at the numbers when I pulled the diff cover and it was the lower geared HO52)

I've seen a lot of 3/4 tons with the 70-80's hubcaps, maybe I'll do that and just paint them more of a 60's color than chrome and gold!?!?

[mrnkc130]

Here is the paint code, truck has for sure been repainted, also they repainted the interior grey unfortunately