What year or generation C10 is the lightest? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RUSSOM · 08-02-2009, 02:43 PM

I'm looking at buying a truck to build as a hot-rod and I want to make sure I'm not starting off with something heavy. I like the style of the 67-72 trucks the best, 73-87, would be next, fleet or step swb on any, and I've done a lot of searching for accurate info. on what years are the lightest and I haven't been able to come up with anything defenitive.

Does anyone know?

TIA

Robert.

RUSSOM · 08-09-2009, 03:35 PM

Ttt

jay6891 · 08-09-2009, 07:21 PM

Cant speak for everyone else. but my truck seems to get lighter every time I slam the doors. But it leaves little rust colored flakes on the ground also.

knsmodels · 08-09-2009, 10:03 PM

I dont think there is any significant difference in weight between the yrs..(67-72 that is)....lightest I would say SWB fleetside......good luck with your project....

unclewatts · 08-10-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knsmodels

I dont think there is any significant difference in weight between the yrs..(67-72 that is)....lightest I would say SWB fleetside......good luck with your project....

I agree with knsmodels. You could always get a fiberglass front clip and gut out the interior.

Ackattack · 08-10-2009, 02:00 PM

I would think it more depends on the options than the year

such as power steering, power brakes, transmission, and of course driver

RUSSOM · 08-10-2009, 02:40 PM

I've now seen 2 sources with info. that is similar so I'm going to assume it is correct...although it doesn't make sense to me as to why a stepside would be lighter. I have to wonder where is the extra weight in a fleet? I wonder if the bed floor in a fleet is thick steel, or multiple layers of thick steel therefore being much heavier than the wood in a step, and if the floor was removed out of both, which one would actually be lighter? At this point I doubt anyone will have gone to this length, but who knows, a lot of people remove the bed flooring in these trucks and a lot of people race them so maybe the answer does exist.

Here's the info I have:
Official numbers from GM for '69 model

CS10704 -- (C10, 6 cyl, SWB, stepside) = 3447#
CS10904 -- (C10, 6 cyl, LWB, stepside) = 3536#
CE10704 -- (C10, 8 cyl, SWB, stepside) = 3570#
CE10904 -- (C10, 8 cyl, LWB, stepside) = 3643#

CS10734 -- (C10, 6 cyl, SWB, fleetside) = 3527#
CS10934 -- (C10, 6 cyl, LWB, fleetside) = 3631#
CE10734 -- (C10, 8 cyl, SWB, fleetside) = 3651#
CE10934 -- (C10, 8 cyl, LWB, fleetside) = 3743#

Per a 1977 issue of N.A.D.A Used Car Guide:-

1972 Ship Weight
C10 - Pickup Stepside 6/12' ..........................3560
" " FleetSide 6 1/2' ........................3630
" " Stepside 8' ..............................3640
“ “ Fleetside 8' ............................. 3720

C20 - " " Stepside 8' ..............................3940
" " Fleetside 8' ..............................4030
" " Longhorn 8 1/2' .........................3950

The ship weight
is defined as the shipping weight less fuel, coolant and lubricants.
weights per gallon ( lbs per gallon) fuel - 6; oil - 7; water 8.

1968 GM Restoration Guide Curb Weight No Rear Bumper heaviest entry, each class...
C10 SWB 3640 lb CE10734
C10 LWB 3745 lb CE10934
C20 LWB 4133 lb CE20934
C20 Longhorn 4195 lb CE21034
C30 Longhorn 4357 lb CE31034

cdowns · 08-10-2009, 03:41 PM

stepsides are only one layer of metal fleetsides have inner and outer skins on the beds// tailgate alone is alot more weight on a fleet

racers who are smart and in the know go for fleets because of the important extra weight is put where it's needed over the rear wheels then they work on removing weight off the front wheels

RUSSOM · 08-10-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

stepsides are only one layer of metal fleetsides have inner and outer skins on the beds// tailgate alone is alot more weight on a fleet

racers who are smart and in the know go for fleets because of the important extra weight is put where it's needed over the rear wheels then they work on removing weight off the front wheels

Good info.

So with that being said, are you, and other racers of the opinion that maybe a LWB fleet would be even better, not just b/c of the extra wheelbase, but because of the extra weight as well?

'72customdeluxe · 08-10-2009, 05:04 PM

Another good thing about the 67-72's compared to a 73-87 or such is the trailing arms. They are a good drag suspension when setup right. Better than leaf springs

mclairmo · 08-10-2009, 05:49 PM

You need weight over the rear or forget about hooking up. The more weight over the rear, the better. You don't have to go for a long bed just for that reason. You can always add ballast to the rear, move the battery to the rear, move the gas tank to the rear, etc.

sick69 · 08-10-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

stepsides are only one layer of metal fleetsides have inner and outer skins on the beds// tailgate alone is alot more weight on a fleet

racers who are smart and in the know go for fleets because of the important extra weight is put where it's needed over the rear wheels then they work on removing weight off the front wheels

Not to mention the extra space the fleet gives you to move more weight over or behind the axle. Stuff like the fuel tank and battery. Also alot less cutting to put more rubber back there. Doing a mini tub will allow a 16.5"(right at 13" or tread on the ground) wide tire just by cutting the floor to the frame and widening the wheel wells.

The trailing arm suspension is not much different than an aftermarket ladder bar suspension,just alot longer, that guys pay alot of money to put in. Although if your putting massive power down you may need to reinforce them.

Frank

**special-K** · 08-12-2009, 09:24 PM

Trucks weights are all very close.It`s all about horsepower with trucks.If you want light,go with a smaller vehicle.

70k52wd · 08-12-2009, 09:53 PM

I don't race, but I was thinking air flow over the fleet may be better. Maybe use a 67-68.

1968CHEVYC10 · 04-12-2010, 01:52 PM

those numbers sound pretty good, my '68 350 lwb fleetside weighs 3700lbs

*Fitz* · 04-12-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUSSOM

I'm looking at buying a truck to build as a hot-rod and I want to make sure I'm not starting off with something heavy. I like the style of the 67-72 trucks the best, 73-87, would be next, fleet or step swb on any, and I've done a lot of searching for accurate info. on what years are the lightest and I haven't been able to come up with anything defenitive.

Does anyone know?

TIA

Robert.

If the '69 numbers above are correct the 67 C-10 is the lightest
Model Body Body Type Price Weight Total Production
1/2 Ton - Model C - Series 10 - 115 in wheelbase
CS10703 - Chassis & Cab $2,223 2,914 lbs 2,790
CS10734 - Fleetside 6.5 ft. $2,371 3,333 lbs 43,940
CS10704 - Step-Side 6.5 ft. $2,333 3,255 lbs 45,606

1/2 Ton - Model C - Series 10 - 127 in wheelbase
CS10903 - Chassis & Cab - - 39
CS10934 - Fleetside 8 ft. $2,408 3,440 lbs 165,973
CS10904 - Step-Side 8 ft. $2,371 3,345 lbs 19,969
CS10905 - Panel $2,742 3,502 lbs 3,827
CS10906 - Suburban $2,986 3,670 lbs 5,164

BOZO · 04-12-2010, 08:59 PM

Something else to think about if you are gonna build from the ground up, the 3/4 ton frame is .050 thicker than the 1/2 ton frame. The 3/4 ton frame could be used to back half your truck. It is stronger and the weight is where you need it.

'72customdeluxe · 04-12-2010, 09:22 PM

yep, I believe a 3/4 ton has more braces aswell. If you're lucky you could get one with a dana 60, perfect. Just swap out to 5-lug aftermarket axles

08-02-2009, 02:43 PM	#1
RUSSOM Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Posts: 16	What year or generation C10 is the lightest? I'm looking at buying a truck to build as a hot-rod and I want to make sure I'm not starting off with something heavy. I like the style of the 67-72 trucks the best, 73-87, would be next, fleet or step swb on any, and I've done a lot of searching for accurate info. on what years are the lightest and I haven't been able to come up with anything defenitive. Does anyone know? TIA Robert.

08-09-2009, 03:35 PM	#2
RUSSOM Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Posts: 16	Re: What years & bed configuration C10 is the lightest? Ttt

08-09-2009, 07:21 PM	#3
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? Cant speak for everyone else. but my truck seems to get lighter every time I slam the doors. But it leaves little rust colored flakes on the ground also. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

08-09-2009, 10:03 PM	#4
knsmodels I make Models Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bucks, PA Posts: 626	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? I dont think there is any significant difference in weight between the yrs..(67-72 that is)....lightest I would say SWB fleetside......good luck with your project.... __________________ Click to see what I do 1972 LWB K10 350/4 sp 1968 SS Chevelle 396/tremac5spd Last edited by knsmodels; 08-09-2009 at 10:03 PM.

08-10-2009, 02:00 PM	#6
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? I would think it more depends on the options than the year such as power steering, power brakes, transmission, and of course driver __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-10-2009, 02:40 PM	#7
RUSSOM Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Posts: 16	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? I've now seen 2 sources with info. that is similar so I'm going to assume it is correct...although it doesn't make sense to me as to why a stepside would be lighter. I have to wonder where is the extra weight in a fleet? I wonder if the bed floor in a fleet is thick steel, or multiple layers of thick steel therefore being much heavier than the wood in a step, and if the floor was removed out of both, which one would actually be lighter? At this point I doubt anyone will have gone to this length, but who knows, a lot of people remove the bed flooring in these trucks and a lot of people race them so maybe the answer does exist. Here's the info I have: Official numbers from GM for '69 model CS10704 -- (C10, 6 cyl, SWB, stepside) = 3447# CS10904 -- (C10, 6 cyl, LWB, stepside) = 3536# CE10704 -- (C10, 8 cyl, SWB, stepside) = 3570# CE10904 -- (C10, 8 cyl, LWB, stepside) = 3643# CS10734 -- (C10, 6 cyl, SWB, fleetside) = 3527# CS10934 -- (C10, 6 cyl, LWB, fleetside) = 3631# CE10734 -- (C10, 8 cyl, SWB, fleetside) = 3651# CE10934 -- (C10, 8 cyl, LWB, fleetside) = 3743# Per a 1977 issue of N.A.D.A Used Car Guide:- 1972 Ship Weight C10 - Pickup Stepside 6/12' ..........................3560 " " FleetSide 6 1/2' ........................3630 " " Stepside 8' ..............................3640 “ “ Fleetside 8' ............................. 3720 C20 - " " Stepside 8' ..............................3940 " " Fleetside 8' ..............................4030 " " Longhorn 8 1/2' .........................3950 The ship weight is defined as the shipping weight less fuel, coolant and lubricants. weights per gallon ( lbs per gallon) fuel - 6; oil - 7; water 8. 1968 GM Restoration Guide Curb Weight No Rear Bumper heaviest entry, each class... C10 SWB 3640 lb CE10734 C10 LWB 3745 lb CE10934 C20 LWB 4133 lb CE20934 C20 Longhorn 4195 lb CE21034 C30 Longhorn 4357 lb CE31034

08-10-2009, 03:41 PM	#8
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? stepsides are only one layer of metal fleetsides have inner and outer skins on the beds// tailgate alone is alot more weight on a fleet racers who are smart and in the know go for fleets because of the important extra weight is put where it's needed over the rear wheels then they work on removing weight off the front wheels __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 08-10-2009 at 03:45 PM.

08-10-2009, 05:04 PM	#10
'72customdeluxe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tejas Posts: 691	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? Another good thing about the 67-72's compared to a 73-87 or such is the trailing arms. They are a good drag suspension when setup right. Better than leaf springs __________________ '72 cheyenne super step, '05 long bed gmc

08-10-2009, 05:49 PM	#11
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? You need weight over the rear or forget about hooking up. The more weight over the rear, the better. You don't have to go for a long bed just for that reason. You can always add ballast to the rear, move the battery to the rear, move the gas tank to the rear, etc.

08-12-2009, 09:24 PM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? Trucks weights are all very close.It`s all about horsepower with trucks.If you want light,go with a smaller vehicle. __________________ "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 ~

08-12-2009, 09:53 PM	#14
70k52wd Blaze-Air Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,117	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? I don't race, but I was thinking air flow over the fleet may be better. Maybe use a 67-68.

04-12-2010, 01:52 PM	#15
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? those numbers sound pretty good, my '68 350 lwb fleetside weighs 3700lbs __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's

04-12-2010, 08:59 PM	#17
BOZO Old School Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dover,AR Posts: 185	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? Something else to think about if you are gonna build from the ground up, the 3/4 ton frame is .050 thicker than the 1/2 ton frame. The 3/4 ton frame could be used to back half your truck. It is stronger and the weight is where you need it. __________________ #1 Project...69 Chevy swb Fleetside (Dad's truck) #2...1983 El Camino SS (Choo Choo Custom) #3...1974 Datsun truck (4.3L V6/4L60E) #4...1951 Cadillac Limo (1975 Caddy running gear) #5...1938 Dodge M38 3/4 ton Military truck #6...1968 Sportster XLCH trail bike 5 GMC & Chevy parts trucks 68 to 72 Last but not least; My 1978 Harley Davidson Electraglide (trusted & reliable companion for the last 30 years)

04-12-2010, 09:22 PM	#18
'72customdeluxe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tejas Posts: 691	Re: What year or generation C10 is the lightest? yep, I believe a 3/4 ton has more braces aswell. If you're lucky you could get one with a dana 60, perfect. Just swap out to 5-lug aftermarket axles __________________ '72 cheyenne super step, '05 long bed gmc Last edited by '72customdeluxe; 04-12-2010 at 09:22 PM.

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