Your favorite thing about a 60-66? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TwoFiftyShifter · 12-09-2009, 12:45 AM

What is your favorite thing that a '60-'66 truck has that other generations of trucks don't? It can be something cosmetic, some piece of equipment, something about the interior..... What are your favorite subleties and things about this generation?
I have more experince with 55-59 and 73-87 trucks, and am finding some things I like about this generation.... and mine's not even on the road yet! If I could pick one this it would be the lines down the center of the hood...

Bazooka · 12-09-2009, 12:47 AM

I love the whole truck hard to pick anything specific.

62gmc910 · 12-09-2009, 12:51 AM

They were light years ahead of the competition. The all steel interior, the look

jonzcustomshop · 12-09-2009, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazooka

i love the whole truck hard to pick anything specific. :d

x2!

TheDark1 · 12-09-2009, 01:15 AM

Two things for me. The first is that it's the first years where every option could be put on from the newer trucks. You get the older rounded bodies that everyone likes and all the creature comforts of power steering and brakes, easy V-8 installation, etc. They are just too easy to upgrade with stock parts. Second is that my dad had one when I was kid and I remember that little 327 seemed like a rocket to a 7 year old.

63deluxfleet · 12-09-2009, 01:38 AM

Well for some reason i just love the way the tailights on a fleetside look. Its a timeless design that perfectly complements the style of the truck. Another thing that i absolutley love is the side trim on the chevy. It is so cool looking with a two tone paint scheme. also, i love the way the wrap around windshield on my truck looks.

Vernski · 12-09-2009, 02:19 AM

These trucks have allot of appeal to a wide spectrum of people thru many generations. The one thing that sticks with me is the 2nd gear whine I fell in love with when I first rode in my Dad's truck years ago. Only Chev or GMC have that sound in the 4 speed grany trany. Those who know it understand that I'm talking about the sound it makes under load and otherwise. If I hear that whine I don't have to see the truck to know it's a Chev-GMC anyway you get the idea.
Thanks for letting me ramble on.---Vernski

66GMC-Canuck · 12-09-2009, 04:19 AM

I love the roof line of my 66 GMC and the front fenders and hood I always get a kick out of how they look so retro rod. And so easy to work on the engine the hood opens wide and the fenders are low so you can really get in there.

I have done a lot of comfort upgrades to my truck so I think its class all the way. Would not trade it for a new truck.

**ChiefRocka** · 12-09-2009, 06:59 AM

I was just gonna say that when reading the title. I too like the roof-line, where it steps up, then hangs out the back a tad....Classic...

And, in my case the knee-knocker pillars...again Classic

63sbssbbw · 12-09-2009, 08:26 AM

I like everything about them
But the best part is when I open the hood(from the outside,not the inside) and I can find the battery, air cleaner, ignition, etc.
Unlike new vehicles,I just cringe when my sister says "can you look at my car" 'cause that's what I usually do ..... open hood.... LOOK....close hood.. LOL

*lakeroadster* · 12-09-2009, 08:29 AM

Character. The 60-66's have it in spades.

- As has already been said the roof line is unique with the built in visors front and rear.

- Then there is the belt line that runs down the side and across the front.

- Those funky angle topped doors

- The muscle truck look of the hood with it's nose in the wind

- And the mix of the old step side beds on the "new" 60's design.

Character

1. distinctive qualities: the set of qualities that make something distinctive,
2. positive qualities: qualities that make something interesting or attractive

.

duallyjams · 12-09-2009, 09:14 AM

Whats not to love ?

BR3W CITY · 12-09-2009, 09:57 AM

I love the trailing arm rear (i know its not specific to us, but its a big +), the oldschool chain link tailgate restraints, and the fact that you can fit just about any engine/trans/turbo/etc under the hood.

65gmc930 · 12-09-2009, 10:54 AM

These trucks are so awsome, how could you decide a favorite thing

*CWT* · 12-09-2009, 11:08 AM

My vote is for the roof lines also. Really all the body lines on these trucks was really cool. The back of the roof reminds me of a 61 Biscayne kinda. They are very cool designed trucks. I like the later trucks but you look at one compared to these and they are just plain.

**Clyde65** · 12-09-2009, 11:54 AM

I have had mine for over 20 years, I bought it cuz it was cheap transportation, I even more fond for it cuz it rarely let me down. The the most important reason is cuz my ex-wife hated it, so it grew on me even more.

Seriously, I think I have always liked these is because they were not real popular, you know 55-57 everyone thought they we so cool! then 47-54 were real popular, but not our trucks....till now that is.

**DPowers** · 12-09-2009, 12:00 PM

I just like how they look. Like a truck.
Plus that is what I learned to drive on- '64 GMC

daverod · 12-09-2009, 12:09 PM

When I open the hood I can see the engine.

And if I need to work on it I can.

MacAttack · 12-09-2009, 12:19 PM

Yep - the engine compartment room is fantastic, but for me - I like the fact that it's a real truck. Not like the vehicles they refer to as "trucks" currently. I enjoy the fact that when I throw a hammer carelessly into the bed I'm more concerned about the hammer than the truck.

Also - driving a truck with a dash board that can easily take your life in a wreck makes me a more careful motorist.

Mac.

62 short step · 12-09-2009, 12:40 PM

I love the 60-61 hood, but I like mine more because its a 4x4.

**slepysal** · 12-09-2009, 02:35 PM

That you don't see one around every cornner

onequickchevy · 12-09-2009, 03:43 PM

Me ? I like my wrap around windshield!

bubba327 · 12-09-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Character. The 60-66's have it in spades.

- As has already been said the roof line is unique with the built in visors front and rear.

- Then there is the belt line that runs down the side and across the front.

- Those funky angle topped doors

- The muscle truck look of the hood with it's nose in the wind

- And the mix of the old step side beds on the "new" 60's design.

Character

1. distinctive qualities: the set of qualities that make something distinctive,
2. positive qualities: qualities that make something interesting or attractive

.

Character Pretty much says it all.

Yup --Character is it.

jchav62 · 12-09-2009, 04:54 PM

My favorite things about 60-66's are...

That there are two in our driveway...

markeb01 · 12-09-2009, 06:31 PM

I was a kid during the golden age of model cars in the late 50’s - early 60’s. My first 3 in 1 kit was a 59 Impala convertible. When the Trophy Series Ford kits came along I built them all – 32 roadster and coupe, 40 coupe, 39/40 sedan, double T kit, Ala Kart, etc. In these instructions were drawings of all the other kits, including the first truck models I’d ever seen.

I’d had toy trucks, but these were the first 1/25 kits I’d ever seen. The Chevys looked wild and stylish with the roof line, jet pod hood and a box full of tacky customizing accessories. I never had one of the models, but thought they were really special like the boat kits.

The father of a friend that lived across the street bought a brand new long fleetside in 1962. Here's a rather grainy picture of it a few years later after he added a camper.

We thought the headlights looked goofy and commented he should have bought a short bed stepside. He agreed they were more popular, but thought the long bed looked better balanced, plus it was his work truck. By the late 60’s, these trucks were cheap enough young guys could afford them. With a 283 or 327, it was easy to slap in a 4 speed. It seemed like every cool truck had a set of slot mags and Mickey Thompsons. All it took was a Hurst shifter and a black naugahyde seat cover to create an instant hot rod. With no weight in the back a guy could burn rubber around every corner, and the farm type girls liked guys with trucks.

So in summary – the styling of the roof line and original hood, and the legacy of popularity when these were "late model" trucks.

12-09-2009, 12:45 AM	#1
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Your favorite thing about a 60-66? What is your favorite thing that a '60-'66 truck has that other generations of trucks don't? It can be something cosmetic, some piece of equipment, something about the interior..... What are your favorite subleties and things about this generation? I have more experince with 55-59 and 73-87 trucks, and am finding some things I like about this generation.... and mine's not even on the road yet! If I could pick one this it would be the lines down the center of the hood... __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

12-09-2009, 12:47 AM	#2
Bazooka Keepin it old school Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 672	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I love the whole truck hard to pick anything specific.

12-09-2009, 12:51 AM	#3
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? They were light years ahead of the competition. The all steel interior, the look __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck)

12-09-2009, 01:15 AM	#5
TheDark1 Intentionally Left Blank Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Broussard, LA Posts: 355	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? Two things for me. The first is that it's the first years where every option could be put on from the newer trucks. You get the older rounded bodies that everyone likes and all the creature comforts of power steering and brakes, easy V-8 installation, etc. They are just too easy to upgrade with stock parts. Second is that my dad had one when I was kid and I remember that little 327 seemed like a rocket to a 7 year old. __________________ 1965 C-10 Short Fleet 468/TKO 5-Speed 2004 2500HD Crew 496/Ally Blacked Out (SOLD!!) 1997 Formula WS6 2004 Jeep Wrangler (Sold) 2013 Jeep Wrangler (Sold) 2017 Jeep Wrangler (Blacked Out on 35's) 2011 GMC D-Max Dually Denali 3500HD (Sold) 2015 GMC D-Max Dually Denali 3500HD (Sold) 2018 GMC D-Max Dually Denali 3500HD (Sold) 2020 D-Max Dually Denali on 33x12.50's 1979 GMC Short Bed Step-Side 4x4 350/350 Low Miles

12-09-2009, 01:38 AM	#6
63deluxfleet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: dinuba, ca Posts: 623	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? Well for some reason i just love the way the tailights on a fleetside look. Its a timeless design that perfectly complements the style of the truck. Another thing that i absolutley love is the side trim on the chevy. It is so cool looking with a two tone paint scheme. also, i love the way the wrap around windshield on my truck looks. __________________ A girl phoned me the other day and said... Come on over, there's nobody home. I went over. Nobody was home. -Rodney Dangerfield .......THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS..... Last edited by 63deluxfleet; 12-09-2009 at 01:39 AM.

12-09-2009, 02:19 AM	#7
Vernski Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rathdrum, Idaho Posts: 1,135	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? These trucks have allot of appeal to a wide spectrum of people thru many generations. The one thing that sticks with me is the 2nd gear whine I fell in love with when I first rode in my Dad's truck years ago. Only Chev or GMC have that sound in the 4 speed grany trany. Those who know it understand that I'm talking about the sound it makes under load and otherwise. If I hear that whine I don't have to see the truck to know it's a Chev-GMC anyway you get the idea. Thanks for letting me ramble on.---Vernski

12-09-2009, 04:19 AM	#8
66GMC-Canuck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Canada Posts: 85	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I love the roof line of my 66 GMC and the front fenders and hood I always get a kick out of how they look so retro rod. And so easy to work on the engine the hood opens wide and the fenders are low so you can really get in there. I have done a lot of comfort upgrades to my truck so I think its class all the way. Would not trade it for a new truck. __________________ 66 GMC 1500 Series LWB

12-09-2009, 06:59 AM	#9
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I was just gonna say that when reading the title. I too like the roof-line, where it steps up, then hangs out the back a tad....Classic... And, in my case the knee-knocker pillars...again Classic __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!" Last edited by ChiefRocka; 12-09-2009 at 07:00 AM.

12-09-2009, 08:26 AM	#10
63sbssbbw UCA63 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lloydminster AB Can. Posts: 1,637	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I like everything about them But the best part is when I open the hood(from the outside,not the inside) and I can find the battery, air cleaner, ignition, etc. Unlike new vehicles,I just cringe when my sister says "can you look at my car" 'cause that's what I usually do ..... open hood.... LOOK....close hood.. LOL __________________ member#7816 "63 sb ss bbw 350\350 12 bolt rear Pwr Fr Disc PS tilt '61 GMC in progress '63 GMC to use for parts '90 Chevy Ext cab sbfs 5.7l (current d d)

12-09-2009, 08:29 AM	#11
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? Character. The 60-66's have it in spades. - As has already been said the roof line is unique with the built in visors front and rear. - Then there is the belt line that runs down the side and across the front. - Those funky angle topped doors - The muscle truck look of the hood with it's nose in the wind - And the mix of the old step side beds on the "new" 60's design. Character 1. distinctive qualities: the set of qualities that make something distinctive, 2. positive qualities: qualities that make something interesting or attractive .

12-09-2009, 09:14 AM	#12
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? Whats not to love ? __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

12-09-2009, 09:57 AM	#13
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I love the trailing arm rear (i know its not specific to us, but its a big +), the oldschool chain link tailgate restraints, and the fact that you can fit just about any engine/trans/turbo/etc under the hood. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

12-09-2009, 10:54 AM	#14
65gmc930 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: cremona alberta canada Posts: 63	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? These trucks are so awsome, how could you decide a favorite thing __________________ 65 gmc 930 292 4speed 700-18 duals 39k all original 65 chevy 10 long fleet parts truck 63 gmc 950 camperized bus 350 4spd 2spd axle 64 gmc 950 spare bus 53 gmc 1ton dual bus 79 gmc c20 short course offroad race truck 355 th400(www.wheel2wheel.ca)

12-09-2009, 11:08 AM	#15
CWT Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: ARAB,ALABAMA Posts: 157	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? My vote is for the roof lines also. Really all the body lines on these trucks was really cool. The back of the roof reminds me of a 61 Biscayne kinda. They are very cool designed trucks. I like the later trucks but you look at one compared to these and they are just plain.

12-09-2009, 11:54 AM	#16
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I have had mine for over 20 years, I bought it cuz it was cheap transportation, I even more fond for it cuz it rarely let me down. The the most important reason is cuz my ex-wife hated it, so it grew on me even more. Seriously, I think I have always liked these is because they were not real popular, you know 55-57 everyone thought they we so cool! then 47-54 were real popular, but not our trucks....till now that is. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*



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12-09-2009, 12:00 PM	#17
DPowers One foot in front of the other Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Parrottsville, TN Posts: 5,442	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I just like how they look. Like a truck. Plus that is what I learned to drive on- '64 GMC

12-09-2009, 12:09 PM	#18
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? When I open the hood I can see the engine. And if I need to work on it I can. __________________ Daverods 64 C10 Daily driver 292 3 speed "Driver" Daverods 66 Build C10 Bags 350/350(On Hold) Daverods 52 Build 3100 S10 chassis,Bags, 350/700r4 "Click it" Last edited by daverod; 12-09-2009 at 12:10 PM.

12-09-2009, 12:19 PM	#19
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? Yep - the engine compartment room is fantastic, but for me - I like the fact that it's a real truck. Not like the vehicles they refer to as "trucks" currently. I enjoy the fact that when I throw a hammer carelessly into the bed I'm more concerned about the hammer than the truck. Also - driving a truck with a dash board that can easily take your life in a wreck makes me a more careful motorist. Mac. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

12-09-2009, 12:40 PM	#20
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I love the 60-61 hood, but I like mine more because its a 4x4. Attached Images __________________ www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com 1965 c-10 86 chevy c/k 20

12-09-2009, 02:35 PM	#21
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? That you don't see one around every cornner __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

12-09-2009, 03:43 PM	#22
onequickchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marianna, Florida Posts: 339	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? Me ? I like my wrap around windshield!

12-09-2009, 04:54 PM	#24
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? My favorite things about 60-66's are... That there are two in our driveway... Attached Images __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

12-09-2009, 06:31 PM	#25
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Your favorite thing about a 60-66? I was a kid during the golden age of model cars in the late 50’s - early 60’s. My first 3 in 1 kit was a 59 Impala convertible. When the Trophy Series Ford kits came along I built them all – 32 roadster and coupe, 40 coupe, 39/40 sedan, double T kit, Ala Kart, etc. In these instructions were drawings of all the other kits, including the first truck models I’d ever seen. I’d had toy trucks, but these were the first 1/25 kits I’d ever seen. The Chevys looked wild and stylish with the roof line, jet pod hood and a box full of tacky customizing accessories. I never had one of the models, but thought they were really special like the boat kits. The father of a friend that lived across the street bought a brand new long fleetside in 1962. Here's a rather grainy picture of it a few years later after he added a camper. We thought the headlights looked goofy and commented he should have bought a short bed stepside. He agreed they were more popular, but thought the long bed looked better balanced, plus it was his work truck. By the late 60’s, these trucks were cheap enough young guys could afford them. With a 283 or 327, it was easy to slap in a 4 speed. It seemed like every cool truck had a set of slot mags and Mickey Thompsons. All it took was a Hurst shifter and a black naugahyde seat cover to create an instant hot rod. With no weight in the back a guy could burn rubber around every corner, and the farm type girls liked guys with trucks. So in summary – the styling of the roof line and original hood, and the legacy of popularity when these were "late model" trucks.

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