1968 GMC LWB Pickup Identification

[trailhead]

Hey guys,

I'm going a little crazy between the parts guys around my town and the ones on-line. I'm the second owner of a 1968 GMC pickup with a 327 and TH400. It's a non-AC truck and overall it's really original.

The problems are with identifying it for parts at the local parts house and on-line. The local Napa doesn't believe me when I tell them it has a 327 4V in it. Hell, they can't even find the 327 on their lists. One other odd thing about this motor is that it doesn't have a screw-on type oil filter, it has a cartridge filter and housing with a long bolt up the middle.

The other issue is that I need to replace some lower body trim parts. You know, the ones that are about 2-1/2 inches wide and go around the lower cab and bed. The problem is that these have a red stripe on them, not black or woodgrain. I'll go through the work of repainting them if possible, I just want to get them on the truck so it doesnt look as ugly.

One last thing is the hubcaps. I have never seen them before. The truck has 15 inch wheels and full sized wheel covers instead of the ones that just cover the center of the wheel. They have 5 fake lug nuts around the outer edge of the cover. I forgot to take a pic last night but I'll get it tonight and post it tomorrow. The pic I'm posting this time doesn't show the wheels. I recently picked up these rallys and will run them instead of the stock wheels.

The last thing that is a little surprising to me is that everything I'm reading says it has side marker lights. As you can see by the pic it has the lenses but when you stick your head in to take a look, there are no lights, wiring, anything. I'm not sure what to think on this one because the electrical schematic shows them but it appears they are noted as used on the 3500 only.

So, getting to the point, has anyone run into this before? I'm beginning to think the truck is an early '68 probably built in 1967.

Thanks for any opinions and assistance,

trailhead

[Longhorn Man]

a 68 DID in fact have a 327 as an optional engine, and the oil filter you described is original too.
your trim is avalible hrough any of the vendors, however, I don't think the red is original... never seen/heard of that one.
your lug nut hub caps, if the center piece is rel small, and the 'dome' is )or was) black, then they are the original type. (and quite rare I might add since it is a GMC)
side marker lights were optional in 68 and 69, except on cab chassis trucks, which the lights (and clearance lights on the roof) were required by federal DOT regulation.

[trailhead]

Thanks for the response Longhorn Man. Here are a few more pics including one of the hubcaps that were on the truck. This thing was a mess when I bought it as you can tell. I bought this thing in June 2006 and you can see the issue with the tires. But believe it or not they are still holding air to this day!

I'm not sure what to think about the red-striped trim. Not calling you a liar or anything like that so don't get me wrong please. It really looks like it was original factory paint because of a slightly fuzzy edge to the paint line.

I'm trying to find some sort of guide for the 68 GMC to see what options might have been available. One thing that was nice is that the build sheets were still in the seat so I can get some option information from them. Unfortunately the Vehicle Information sticker that is supposed to be in the glove box is not there.

Another oddity I found is the gas cap, though this could easily be an aftermarket thing (check the middle pic). The grip part in the center is red if you look through all of the dirt. The last sort of strange part is the mirrors. I've seen them before on a 68 Van but it appears that most of the trucks I've seen have a small mirror similar to a passenger car.

Thanks again Longhorn Man, and anyone else who can provide a little insight!!

trailhead

[CPNE]

Red accent on the trim is original. its a GMC thing. i have a 67 GMC fender here on the east coast with the same red-accent trim

[trailhead]

A few more pics

trailhead

[CPNE]

Mirrors are correct, your spid should list a Jr west Coast style mirror

Gas cap is not OE

[Longhorn Man]

CPNE... thanks. I have never seen nor heard of the red stripe.

[54blackhornet]

Hey guy's I have a 68 GMC 1500 lwb, bought from the original owner and it has no spid at all, I was told bt someone on the site that was normal for GMC's ? ..........Thanks Longhorn for all your input ! you have helped me a lot

[Rob H.]

I''ve got a 67 Chevy with the 327 four barrel and TH400 also, parts stores will drive you nuts trying to find parts for it, they don't seem to realize it was an option. You've got a nice looking truck, I do remember the red stripe from when I was a kid and a neighbor had a GMC, wish I knew what ever became of that truck!

[SOON2BLAZE]

I had a 68 GMC motor cabover motorhome with the red stripe trim. too bad it was trashed, I'd used it.

[eagleuh1]

I had to order tranny filter and carb parts for for my 68 C20 327 TH400 by going with 69 Parts at auto zone. Hope that helps some. Jim

[Rob H.]

I had to do the same with my tranny filter at Advance

[Airman]

Oh, thank God! I've been goin' nuts trying to get the right parts for my '68 GMC. BTW it's all original and has the red in the trim.

[hugger6933]

My 68 GMC had blnks in the marker lamps as well. By the did you know a mid to late 80's van has a flush marker lamp that fits the hole really well and look great. If you see some in a junk yrd get them and try them. I have a set for both my trucks and love them. Jim

[Rob H.]

I found out the filter is differant in 67 back than 68 up. I think there is an adapter available to put the newer style in our older 400's.