1970 c20 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bcfishon · 02-07-2019, 10:10 PM

Going to look at a rig this weekend and the fellow is stating it's a factory c20 4x4. I have seen a few other people selling these c branded rigs as 4x4 and always figured they were cab swaps ,is there such a thing?

**jocko** · 02-07-2019, 10:18 PM

Fender badging is irrelevant and most sellers don't even know what a "K" is. If you don't want a conversion or cab swap, ask the seller what the VIN first digit is before you waste a trip. If K, it's originally a factory K20 (i.e. 3/4 ton 4x4), if a C, it's been converted.

Vintage Windmills · 02-07-2019, 10:40 PM

The base trim level 1969 and 1970 K20's had "C/20" fender badges on them. Chevrolet did not make a "K/20" fender badge. I guess they figured the production numbers weren't high enough to bother. That decision leads to confusion to this day.

bcfishon · 02-07-2019, 10:50 PM

So it could be factory fendered a c series but the VIN will prove the k series no matter the year (67-72) or fender badge.
Thanks I learned something today.

**jocko** · 02-07-2019, 11:02 PM

correct - here is an example of a factory base trim 70 K20, note the badge as Jud points out and the leading character of the VIN on the SPID. Also note the the Model number on the SPID, it will also begin with a K.
The VIN of the truck you're going to look at should begin with KE240... and the Model # should be KE20934.

Also, if the truck happens to be a CST trim level truck (PRO Z84 on the SPID), rather than the base trim, it will have a CST/20 emblem in place of the C/20 on the fender - and if it is ordered as a Custom Camper (RPO Z81), it will have a CustomCamper/20 emblem on the fender, regardless of the trim level (i.e. it could be a base or CST trim level) - but the VIN and Model # will still start with a K if it's a factory 4x4. Always cross check the metal cab tag VIN with the SPID VIN, assuming the SPID is still present. Frame VIN will not include the leading characters - but it will include the last 6 plus a few before that - so that is one way to determine if the frame is original to the truck - it will have the same last 6 digits as the VIN. If it's a "C" for the first character of the VIN, it's likely a cab swap and the frame VIN won't match. Good luck!

Vintage Windmills · 02-07-2019, 11:03 PM

Correct. To be safe, check the VIN on the VIN plate (by driver door jamb), SPID (glovebox label), and title to make sure they all match. There is also a partial VIN on the frame rail in the engine bay by the steering shaft but they're sometimes hard to find.

**special-K** · 02-07-2019, 11:46 PM

Doesn't apply to any but the '72s, but in case you are still looking after seeing this one (and for general knowledge) a '72 Chevy K/20 will have a VIN that starts C then K and the GMC will start T then K. They added a prefix digit to I.D. between Chevy and GMC

bcfishon · 02-07-2019, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Doesn't apply to any but the '72s, but in case you are still looking after seeing this one (and for general knowledge) a '72 Chevy K/20 will have a VIN that starts C then K and the GMC will start T then K. They added a prefix digit to I.D. between Chevy and GMC

Just when I thought I had it down! This one is the king of confusion. Some great info thanks again people.

**special-K** · 02-08-2019, 06:51 AM

All Blazers were K/5s and they all had the same emblem that said so. but there were 2wd K/5s as well. That's confusing

bcfishon · 02-08-2019, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

All Blazers were K/5s and they all had the same emblem that said so. but there were 2wd K/5s as well. That's confusing

Ok so I have this 1972 blazer sitting around the VIN is cke###f######
It has. 5 lug front and rear and leafs in the back,I assumed it was a k5 converted to 2 wheel drive,am I mistaken?

**jocko** · 02-08-2019, 07:31 PM

You're not mistaken. I believe Tim was just saying that even 2WD Blazers got the K5 nameplate on the fender in years they were offered. VIN would still show whether originally a 2WD or 4WD.
C or CC (72 only) is 2WD, K or CK (72 only) is 4WD.

**special-K** · 02-08-2019, 08:28 PM

The VIN on a 2wd Blazer would start with C, but from my experience they were all called K/5, 2wd and 4wd. I never heard the 2wds back in the day referred to as C/5s, But mostly people just say Blazer. I don't because that leaves out Jimmys

02-07-2019, 10:10 PM	#1
bcfishon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: canby,oregon Posts: 356	1970 c20 4x4? Going to look at a rig this weekend and the fellow is stating it's a factory c20 4x4. I have seen a few other people selling these c branded rigs as 4x4 and always figured they were cab swaps ,is there such a thing?

02-07-2019, 10:18 PM	#2
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? Fender badging is irrelevant and most sellers don't even know what a "K" is. If you don't want a conversion or cab swap, ask the seller what the VIN first digit is before you waste a trip. If K, it's originally a factory K20 (i.e. 3/4 ton 4x4), if a C, it's been converted.

02-07-2019, 10:40 PM	#3
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? The base trim level 1969 and 1970 K20's had "C/20" fender badges on them. Chevrolet did not make a "K/20" fender badge. I guess they figured the production numbers weren't high enough to bother. That decision leads to confusion to this day. __________________ 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

02-07-2019, 10:50 PM	#4
bcfishon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: canby,oregon Posts: 356	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? So it could be factory fendered a c series but the VIN will prove the k series no matter the year (67-72) or fender badge. Thanks I learned something today.

02-07-2019, 11:02 PM	#5
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? correct - here is an example of a factory base trim 70 K20, note the badge as Jud points out and the leading character of the VIN on the SPID. Also note the the Model number on the SPID, it will also begin with a K. The VIN of the truck you're going to look at should begin with KE240... and the Model # should be KE20934. Also, if the truck happens to be a CST trim level truck (PRO Z84 on the SPID), rather than the base trim, it will have a CST/20 emblem in place of the C/20 on the fender - and if it is ordered as a Custom Camper (RPO Z81), it will have a CustomCamper/20 emblem on the fender, regardless of the trim level (i.e. it could be a base or CST trim level) - but the VIN and Model # will still start with a K if it's a factory 4x4. Always cross check the metal cab tag VIN with the SPID VIN, assuming the SPID is still present. Frame VIN will not include the leading characters - but it will include the last 6 plus a few before that - so that is one way to determine if the frame is original to the truck - it will have the same last 6 digits as the VIN. If it's a "C" for the first character of the VIN, it's likely a cab swap and the frame VIN won't match. Good luck! Attached Images Last edited by jocko; 02-07-2019 at 11:12 PM.

02-07-2019, 11:03 PM	#6
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? Correct. To be safe, check the VIN on the VIN plate (by driver door jamb), SPID (glovebox label), and title to make sure they all match. There is also a partial VIN on the frame rail in the engine bay by the steering shaft but they're sometimes hard to find. __________________ 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

02-07-2019, 11:46 PM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? Doesn't apply to any but the '72s, but in case you are still looking after seeing this one (and for general knowledge) a '72 Chevy K/20 will have a VIN that starts C then K and the GMC will start T then K. They added a prefix digit to I.D. between Chevy and GMC __________________ "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 ~

02-08-2019, 06:51 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? All Blazers were K/5s and they all had the same emblem that said so. but there were 2wd K/5s as well. That's confusing __________________ "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 ~

02-08-2019, 07:31 PM	#11
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? You're not mistaken. I believe Tim was just saying that even 2WD Blazers got the K5 nameplate on the fender in years they were offered. VIN would still show whether originally a 2WD or 4WD. C or CC (72 only) is 2WD, K or CK (72 only) is 4WD.

02-08-2019, 08:28 PM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 1970 c20 4x4? The VIN on a 2wd Blazer would start with C, but from my experience they were all called K/5, 2wd and 4wd. I never heard the 2wds back in the day referred to as C/5s, But mostly people just say Blazer. I don't because that leaves out Jimmys __________________ "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 ~



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