3/4 tons :not all were work trucks

[factorystock]

Many people think of 3/4 tons as work horses but the mid-60's saw the beginning of the boom in recreational vehicles.The "Custom Camper" was not introduced until mid-year '65, so in '64 you had to custom order all the options yourself.This '64 C20 has western mirrors and 17" truck tires to handle the load.

[LILRED66]

Here is a good shot of my '66 Chevy C20 Custom Camper. This one was well optioned from the dealer, including 327, 2-speed automatic Powerglide, power brakes, Custom Comfort cab, anodized aluminum grille, chrome front & rear bumpers, chrome bumper guards and custom Deluxe steering wheel & horn ring.

Tony

[jeffspower]

Nice truck! And interesting info. I am surpised that you could get a PG with the camper package. I would think that it would be tough to get one moving when used like the blue one above. I wonder if it required 5.13 gears to get a PG? What gears did yours come with?

[LILRED66]

The factory rear-end was a 4.90:1, per the 1966 Silver Book.

Tony

[special-K]

Good thread.I agree,there were many heavy trucks ordered/bought for the light chore of liesurely hauling a camper for pleasure and these trucks make great survivors.Although newer,I bought a`71 CustomCamper/20 from around York,PA from the original owner.The graphicswere painted to match the body color,71,000 in`88,very clean,well taken care of,not a squeak,and took it to the north rim of the canyon in`89 without a problem.The wood floor was still in good original shape when I sold it....and,no rust.This truck was pampered.
I also bought a`65 C/20 in AZ that had been a camper hauler.It had an auxilary tank,jr.west coasts,big rims/tires,327,HD options.It was an easy resto to a clean all factory truck(red/white top).

[sstchester]

That's a good looking truck, love the red and white paint.

[LILRED66]

Special K:

FYI, per the GM manufacturer's literature, the 327 was not available in these trucks until 1966.

Tony

[jeffspower]

4.90 gears must be a Dana rear? HO52's had 4.10, 4.57 & 5.13 ratios IIRC.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by LILRED66

Special K:

FYI, per the GM manufacturer's literature, the 327 was not available in these trucks until 1966.

Tony

The sales brochure did not list options that became availible during the mid year of production. The 327 became a regular production option in mid-65 for 20 and 30 series.Not in the 10 series. The 327 became an option for all 10-30 series in 1966. Also, the 327 was introduced in medium duty "60" series as an option back in 1962. I have heard rumors that the 327 could be ordered through the (copo) Central Office Production Order before 1966 on all series, but this would be a very specially ordered vehicle.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by LILRED66

The factory rear-end was a 4.90:1, per the 1966 Silver Book.

Tony

The standard axle ratio for 20 series would be 4.57. The optional ratio was 4.11.

[LILRED66]

Neither the factory literature, nor The History of the Chevrolet Trucks books, list the 327 being an engine option in the 10, 20 or 30 Series trucks until 1966.

You are correct about the rear-end ratio, I misquoted my source.

Tony

[factorystock]

All owners of 65's should check thier lower kick panel plate"For economical transportation" . Mid-year and later built trucks will included 327 on the plate, while early production trucks will show engines up to 283.Sales brochures were usually printed in August of the previous year and had no way of showing mid-year changes.