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