Reproducing missing SPID

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 60-66

Keith , Im glad you chimed in here ! Ive offen been told that these 9000 numbers were COPO numbers also , is that really the case or not ?

Completely different subject but one you especially could clear up. A while ago there was a pretty crazy thread about a special 1965 and a half (1966) 327 truck. Owner has claimed it has an L79 with a roller cam. Also on Facebook I ran into another guy that stated " If you had enough money , you could get ANYTHING you wanted back then " He claimed he saw an original 1966 Short Fleetside with a 396. He sited his evidence from "watching and studying Barret Jackson" ( his words) . Others here have claimed something similar " A neighbor told me you could get anything you wanted back then " . . I realize there were some "Skunk Works" or prototype vehicles made. But a vehicle moving down an assembly line or a vehicle outfitted with an L79 in 1966 that was not suppose to ever get an L79 ? I do have a legitimate story from an original owner who worked at the Jainesville plant that followed HIS 1968 L72 Biscayne down the line, as it was being built, where they did add extras , mainly because he was friends with these guys but it wasn't anything extreme like above .This "You could get anything you want back then" statement has grown into its own legend now. Anything was possible ! Hope you can shed some of your expertise on the subject please.

Thank you;

The numerical codes are "SEO" codes. They were never really refered to as "COPO" codes, at least in the truck world, but they kind of do the same thing.

Re: "get anything you want" - well, "yes" and "no". Typically if an item was a "stand alone" item, like a trailer hitch, or a different mirror, you might be able to persuade the guys to stick one on your car. But everybody had to be in on it - meaning - you had to get it past about 8 different inspectors and a bunch of supervisors, so you had to be a pretty charismatic/popular person. If you were an @$$ then there would be some inclined to blow the whistle at any one of a number of checkpoints along the way.

A highly integrated option, like air conditioning or uplevel stereo, would be practically impossible to add without engineering or management intervention, because none of the build documentation would be calling for the right parts and the option and build process are highly synchronized. It is very, very difficult to do this even legitimately with a full team of engineers and launch personnel involved.

I have watched several of my own vehicles get built and followed hundreds (maybe thousands) of special GM vehicles down the line. It never occurred to me to try to add content.

I have a friend who worked for Pontiac in the mid 60's, who likes to tell of building a special 421 cu in engine in the prototype engine build room. He labored for quite a while hand selecting internal components and "blueprinting" the castings. When the big day came he miscounted how many vehicles were ahead of his when hanging the engine on the motor line.

I can imagine him watching in horror as his special engine went into the nondescript station wagon six cars ahead of his beloved GTO.

K

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Notice in my previous post that I did not even mention a roller cam, only the L-79. That said, I recently read about how our government picked through the wreckage of an alien spacecraft that crashed in Roswell, NM in the 50's, and reverse engineered some found items leading to several technological advancements including night vision lenses, and microchips. Perhaps that craft also had a roller cam engine?

It could happen.

[1966 K10]

Was able to stop by and grab the head casting number

3884520 with a date code 11 8 5

is that Nov 8, 65? Most of the lists show it as 283/327 Power Pack head. Ill document the break down when it happens, I am interested to see what the engine really is.

[1966 K10]

Well finally pulled the engine. Casting code looks to be a 64-67 2 bolt 327, 3858180. Heads are still factory gray under the thick oil sludge. Short block is medium blue.

Engine turns over but the damper flops around on the tip of the crank. There is no crank bolt so I guess a press fit? First time working on a early SBC.

[Captainfab]

All '55-'67 small blocks had pressed fit balancers. The end of the cranks were not tapped. However that can be done during a rebuild.

[1966 K10]

I guess this is what killed the balancer.

Havent tried to pull it yet, it feels pretty weird.

[1966 K10]

At least the ol engine compartment cleans up nice.

[jocko]

Great thread, I admire the efforts to make the SPID as close to original as possible - let’s just say that’s refreshing in light of all the new Cheyenne Supers suddenly floating around on Barrett Jackson. Nice to see someone keeping it very original. Having said that, have you considered swapping in a dual res master cylinder? Great safety upgrade and a 67 C10 mc looks right at home - unless doing a 1000 pt resto it might be an option to consider. You can do it without adding a power booster and only bending a few new lines. I mention only because it looks like you just installed a new single pot mc, which of course would be correct, but right now with the engine out is a convenient time to get to the few new lines you’d need very easily.

[60-66]

Block casting 3858180 was only used in 1965-1966 Chevrolet products. The years you listed are Interchange years and not actual production usage. Same with the head numbers , they were only used in 1966 and 1967. What is the suffix on that block ? I see some orange paint designating passenger cars

[1966 K10]

I did consider a dual master but am under a deadline to get this thing moving and stopping on its own. Its no fun trying to push this heavy beast around!

I did hunt down most of the factory power brake parts and seeing that the burb is going back to work on the farm high speed safety is not really something to worry about. Once up at the ranch Ill replace the hard lines and make the final decision at that time

The code from the pad is T0406R

I will see if I can yank that old balancer off later on.

Gotta love them barn doors!!

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by 1966 K10

Well finally pulled the engine. Casting code looks to be a 64-67 2 bolt 327, 3858180. Heads are still factory gray under the thick oil sludge. Short block is medium blue.

Engine turns over but the damper flops around on the tip of the crank. There is no crank bolt so I guess a press fit? First time working on a early SBC.

1964-67 3858180 327 250 low hp to 300 high hp 2 bolt main
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#cdate
"High Power" is the maximum rate HP this block was used for, "Low Power" is the lowest rated horsepower RPO engine the block was used in. "Main Caps" is the number of bolts holding the cap..."
T0406R is a suffix code Tonowanda, 04 June, P??, I'd have to download other years data from the GM Historic website. You can do that.
I only have 1964 cause I dont own any other years right now. There was no P in 64 though.
A picture of the Pad would help.

[1966 K10]

is this the one you are asking for?

[The Rocknrod]

I made errors - there was a "P" in 64, for a six cylinder engine though.
You did say "R", I apologize.
But again and I'm looking at my docs right now - no R for 64. I was attempting to do it from memory previously and at my age it just didn't work out for me. Just downloaded doc for trucks only in 65, 66, 67, but they're info on suffix codes wasn't as good as the they're 64 book. Maybe there is better info on engines in the car books there?
Well this can't be right http://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-cod...s-suffix-6.php
They have suffix code R as a 1962 327 manual trans...

[1966 K10]

The beast lives!

New brakes, rebuilt small block, cleaned out mouse nests, new bulbs, t/s cam, pressure washed inside and out including the seats.

Ready for the road....almost

I used to stock up on NOS parts for the eventual restoration, these days it feels so good to put them on this old truck. Its survived all this time, I think it deserves the best!

[PGSigns]

Looks good. It's always nice to see another one come back to life.
Jimmy

[1966 K10]

Just an update. Been daily driving for the last 2 years and its been a BLAST. Takes on the mud and ice like its not even there even with the pizza cutters. The working heater makes the below freezing temps tolerable but the huge interior takes a while to heat up the rear for the kids. Makes um stronger I say!!


Also picked up a cream puff 46K mile C60 for the heavy work on the ranch. 327, sm420, PS, PB, tach, deluxe heater, 2 speed rear end with PTO dump bed. Handles 3 yards of gravel fine any more is pushing it on the 8* grades around here and dont want to over rev the engine if possible.

[The Rocknrod]

Man that is so nice that your having fun with your truck, great to hear.

[cwcarpenter98]

Both rigs are looking mighty fine. Almost like an advertisement from Chevy back when they were new

[1966 K10]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Both rigs are looking mighty fine. Almost like an advertisement from Chevy back when they were new

Thanks but funny you say that, now I need a blue long bed to make the ad come true!!!

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by 1966 K10

Thanks but funny you say that, now I need a blue long bed to make the ad come true!!!

Oh my gosh I just noticed that.

[1966 K10]

Havent updated in a while, truck is still my main daily and loads of fun! Havent had to do much except maintenance and changing out the gaskets on the leaky 221. It still leaks even with right stuff and new shims WTF!!! Finally had some time to get out the 16in wheels to mount hand me dowm KM2s. Found all my window locks so will be putting them on soon.

Was able to get the booster rebuilt and got some brake tubing and double master since Im driving the kids around everywhere. Only issue keeping me from install is I did not have the connecting rod from the pedal to the bracket. Anyone know what it looks like and measurements?

Even though I love the West Coast mirrors the burb originally came with telescoping mirrors. Not sure if they were dealer or factory install but trying to find a set is pretty difficult. Found 2 sets on ebay in the last4 years but $1200 and $1500 was too much for mirrors and being NOS would stick out like a sore thumb. I have the passenger side pieces but nothing on the driver side. Would be nice to fill the holes with the correct mirrors.