1966 4x4 C20 K2546

[Mr Big]

Looking at an 1966 4x4 C20 Model K2546, This truck was born a Chassis Cab GOV. vehicle.

Wondering how much trouble it is to keep one of these (ORIGINAL 4X4) beasts on the road?

Are there 4x4 parts that are unobtainium or parts that wear and are difficult to repair/replace?

I'm a mechanic by trade and am already keeping several classics up.

Thanks for any advice/help you can offer. Glen

[RANDY COX]

Hey MR. Big sounds like you have a good candidate, not sure what kind of shape it's in but as for parts some parts can hard to come by but I'm sure you can find whatever your looking for on here. And that you already keep older classics going this truck shouldn't be no problems...Do you have any pictures of the Beast...

[jonzcustomshop]

I had issues with rear brake drums. I had seen a price of $150 each, not sure if they are even still available.

[Mr Big]

I've been keeping my 66c20 3/4 going for the last 16 years and have owned several other 65-72 Chevy Pick-ups, but never a 4x4 this old.

This truck is rough in spots and I've yet to determine the mechanics.

What about that funny looking front axle with the enclosed cv joints?

Looks like a Dana. Glen

[Captainfab]

The front differential should be a closed knuckle Dana 44. As far as I know you should be able to get parts for it but it has also been several years since I have looked into it.

You should also be able to find parts for the T221 transfer case if needed but I can not say for certain.

If this truck has the Eaton HO52/72 rear diff, I do know that parts for those are getting harder to come by and spendy when you do find them.

If you want to keep the truck all original, it may be costly. If you are more concerned with making it nice to drive, upgrading to later model components is relatively easy.

['63GENIII]

They are a complete pain in the neck to keep running / driving. Ship it out to me and I'll take the head ache off of your hands!

All kidding aside, the guys have given you some great advice already. The 221s can be a little tough to find the hard parts like gears, shafts and case parts but the bearings and seals can be found pretty easily. They also DO NOT like to be run low on oil so keep an eye on it. The Dana 44 front is a decent unit and while the CVs / outer axle joints are tougher to get into, once they are serviced properly, are fairly reliable.
If you can get it for a decent price and its easily put back on the road, I'd go for it again in a heartbeat. Either way, ahhemm... Pictures!!!

[Mr Big]

Thanks for the replies/advice.

The Good, (from the VIN it was sold new as a chassis cab, apparently one of approximately 400 or so for 1966. No idea as to its original use or bed type other than to say it was a 127 in wheelbase. The truck left the factory 505 green which was used by The State of TN and some local utilities during the
60's. It has a fabricated front bumper with a hefty looking PTO winch which also lends itself to the Government/Utility theory. The floors, fenders, rockers and bed are solid.

The Bad...the original 292 that sat in front of the 4sp has been swapped for an unknown small block Chevy. My 16yr old son thinks it would make a neat High School driver and a good father son project. Though I have several other projects for the boys to work on, I tend to agree.

The Ugly...There's door rust/damage and the truck has been modified a bit. The worst being the cheesy sunroof. Yes it can be fixed with a cab swap or roof panel, but it’s there and I HATE it.
I mentioned the truck left Saint Louis as a chassis cab…at some point someone decide that bed they had laying out back would be easier to fit and look better if the chassis was 115.
So it's now a half-breed, short bed, step-side C20. Who knows why?
It looks to be structurally sound, so this part isn't too bad.

I can pick the truck up for around 2k.
I’m thinking just get it going-make it safe. Let my son drive it to High School as we round up parts to make it better. Not like he's going to hurt it.
How's that sound, am I insane, advice? Glen

[Mr Big]

Pictures from owner...


I'll get some better ones this week when we talk with the owner again in person.

[Captainfab]

Has the original frame been shortened, or has the frame been changed? If the frame has been changed, be aware of possible titling/licensing issues if a VIN inspection is required.

[Mr Big]

It's been shortened/plated with C-channel. Just behind the cab.

The axles, springs, trans, transfer case, etc. all look like factory 66 units.

The truck is currently titled and tagged. I wish they'd left it long (127) and just found the right bed.

I don't believe this truck would warrant putting the frame back to factory spec.

[jdl71]

As much as I like factory 4x4's, especially 3/4tons, and I know they are not plentiful, I personally would pass on this one unless you can get him down quite a bit. The sunroof is a big deal for me also, a lot of trouble to get rid of. Add the hacked up frame and other issues and I'd just keep looking. Just my .02

On the other hand, if it's between this and dropping 2k on a Civic, Cavalier, etc for him to drive it's a no brainier. However I get the impression that is not the case.

[Mr Big]

Originally Posted by jdl71

As much as I like factory 4x4's, especially 3/4tons, and I know they are not plentiful, I personally would pass on this one unless you can get him down quite a bit. The sunroof is a big deal for me also, a lot of trouble to get rid of. Add the hacked up frame and other issues and I'd just keep looking. Just my .02

On the other hand, if it's between this and dropping 2k on a Civic, Cavalier, etc for him to drive it's a no brainier. However I get the impression that is not the case.

That's good real world advice, but...

If it's easy to get going and keep going (see original question) might be a cheap beater for school. He's a new driver and this will challenge him and require effort to drive. Wouldn't want him to get soft. And he thinks he'd like the challenge (rolling health spa). Might make for some fun memories.

Maybe he could drive it till it pukes, then part out the rest. There are some good parts...bed, running gear, front clip, winch, some parts may be useful on my 66.
Still thinking this through, not sold yet.

[jdl71]

I should have been clearer. Given the choice, I was voting for the truck not the cars.

['63GENIII]

Id roll that in a heartbeat when I was 16! Better yet, you've been around the block with these trucks already and your boy probably has way more energy (and time) than you do. Lay out the job of getting the truck right and let the young man learn the needed skills to take care of it. Too many kids these days are handed an OBDII car and never learn the fundamentals of basic auto maintenance or even how the cars that they drive every day work. I think it would be a great Father - Son project. My 10 year old son has already laid claim to the Red Truck mostly because he helped me build it (when he wasn't playing Minecraft).
I'd say go for it. You know what you're looking at. If you can get it for less, even better. Never know, your son might love the sunroof. Lol!

[Mr Big]

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

Id roll that in a heartbeat when I was 16! Better yet, you've been around the block with these trucks already and your boy probably has way more energy (and time) than you do. Lay out the job of getting the truck right and let the young man learn the needed skills to take care of it. Too many kids these days are handed an OBDII car and never learn the fundamentals of basic auto maintenance or even how the cars that they drive every day work. I think it would be a great Father - Son project. My 10 year old son has already laid claim to the Red Truck mostly because he helped me build it (when he wasn't playing Minecraft).
I'd say go for it. You know what you're looking at. If you can get it for less, even better. Never know, your son might love the sunroof. Lol!

As you guessed, he's actually ok with the sunroof. Of course I hate it. The route you describe is kind of what I had in mind. My son is already "handy" with his hands and I'd like him to continue that. If it's his he will be more likely to dig in.

I have a couple of other vehicles, but they're either too valuable (for a new driver) or too new to really get "good" wrenching experience with.

Still not sold, but Saturday I hope to get a good long look at the truck.
Glen

[Mr Big]

Originally Posted by jdl71

I should have been clearer. Given the choice, I was voting for the truck not the cars.

I was following you, definitely not going the buzz bomb route till maybe college.