Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 04:49 PM

Just picked up a SWB 4x4. It's titled as a 1972 C10, but I believe it's a '71 because of the rearview mirror location (ceiling) and door panels (vinyl, not molded plastic). This truck hasn't been lifted and I know it's been 4x4 for at least 25 years (so if someone converted it, it was a long time ago). The truck came with a box of trim that came off it during its recent paint job, and there are well-worn Cheyenne 10 badges.

My question is: Did Chevy make a C10 4x4, or were there K-series Cheyennes? Everything I'm finding indicates that C-series = 2wd, K-series = 4x4, but I thought the Cheyenne package was only a C-series thing. Am I mistaken somewhere, or could this be a really old conversion?

Photo attached just for kicks.

lha1992 · 12-10-2013, 04:57 PM

All trucks whether be Cheyenne or custom or bare bones were either classified as C= 2WD or K=4WD. So it could be a c10 or c20 an it will be 2wd. Just as k10 or k20 it will be 4wd.

Probably back when the truck was new or newer someone decided to make it into a 4wd conversion. Maybe look for the VIN on the frame an see if it matches the one on the door jamb plate. Do the find match with the title and what's on the truck? Could've had a cab swap an they swapped the plates too.

teeitup · 12-10-2013, 04:59 PM

Cheyenne10 could of been a 1/2 ton 4x4, whats your first letter on vin number, it should be K. The only place that says K is on vin plate. Someone probably did a cab swap if the mirror is mounted on the cab.

flyingtim01 · 12-10-2013, 05:04 PM

Check the VIN for sure, but the reason why its titled as a C10 might just be as simple as that's what the fender badge says. My '71 is technically a K20, but the fender badge says C/20. I don't believe the K badges started until at least '73.

**Ol Blue K20** · 12-10-2013, 05:07 PM

Lets see the Vin and pics of where the mirror is mounted I believe the mirror mount on a 71 is raised. Might be a 72 with earlier mirror installed

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 05:14 PM

This all makes sense. Didn't know about the badges all being C-series until '73, and I guess I was mistaken on the K-series Cheyenne designation. I can't remember the VIN off the top of my head - will have to look tonight. I know the cab VIN matches the title.

Where's the VIN on the frame? Will have to see if it matches the cab.

The mirror is mounted to the ceiling just above the windshield with the stock '71 mount, as opposed to glued to the windshield like later GM products. The other clue is the door panels. Not sure Chevy changed much beyond that anyway from 71-72, so if it is a cab change, someone effectively made it a '71!

**Stocker** · 12-10-2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeydurango

Didn't know about the badges all being C-series until '73

That's correct as to pickups, but if I'm not mistaken, Blazers wore K5 badges prior to '73. Welcome to the board, BTW. Nice-looking truck!

**Ol Blue K20** · 12-10-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

That's correct as to pickups, but if I'm not mistaken, Blazers wore K5 badges prior to '73. Welcome to the board, BTW. Nice-looking truck!

Just to expand on Stockers statement K5 badges were used on the 2wd blazer as well..

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Nice-looking truck!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

K5 badges were used on the 2wd blazer as well..

Now that's not confusing... good job GM! I wonder why.

I've given this truck the closest inspection I'm qualified to do - now it's off to the shop to get the pros' opinions. Lucky for me they're only two blocks away. If they like what they see, we might be headed for an LS swap, make this thing into a sweet daily driver... sorry, carb purists!

**JJorgensen52** · 12-10-2013, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeydurango

I know the cab VIN matches the title.

Where's the VIN on the frame? Will have to see if it matches the cab.

On the doors, does it have the little screw through the inside panel right below the vent window? That's '72 only. Door panels and mirrors are easy enough to change - my '72 has a roof mounted mirror because the glued on one kept falling off!

As for the frame VIN, it's behind the steering gear box, though it's often tough or impossible to read.

Does the VIN start with C or K? My '69 is titled with the model as "CST10", but the VIN on the title (matches the cab) starts with K. I purchased it from the original owner so I know it is correct.

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 05:49 PM

I'll check the vent window screw, good info! Thanks for the VIN location, I'll check it - assuming, as you indicated, it's not obscured/obliterated by 40+ years of use. Honestly can't remember the VIN 100%, but I want to say it actually begins with "CKE". Will look tonight.

**Ol Blue K20** · 12-10-2013, 05:53 PM

CKE would make it a 4wd truck

Keith Seymore · 12-10-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingtim01

Check the VIN for sure, but the reason why its titled as a C10 might just be as simple as that's what the fender badge says. My '71 is technically a K20, but the fender badge says C/20. I don't believe the K badges started until at least '73.

Probably this.

Around here the ladies at the Secretary of State don't know much about cars. For example, my '65 GTO is titled as a '65 Lemans. I imagine that's pretty universal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeydurango

Now that's not confusing... good job GM! I wonder why.

Because.....Marketing! Marketing can put whatever they want on the side of the truck without regard to reality. Whatever they think sounds "cool" is close enough. That's why trucks can go from C20 to C200 to C2500 mysteriously from one model year to the next.

K

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

CKE would make it a 4wd truck

In which case, what's it considered, C-series or K-series? It doesn't really matter - the truck is sweet, the 4x4 works fine (had to drive it home over Wolf Creek Pass in whiteout conditions) - but I'm just curious what the designations designated. Did Chevy make a model with a VIN that started with C and had factory 4x4? Or if the VIN begins with C, does that mean 4x4 must be an aftermarket conversion?

**Ol Blue K20** · 12-10-2013, 06:37 PM

My Vin starts out CKE24S and this is how I think it works (I've read some conflicting stuff) C= Chevrolet K= 4x4 E= V8 2= 3/4 ton 4= pick up (cab w/bed) S= St. Louis

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 06:41 PM

Okay, so perhaps 2wd C10 VINs begin with "CC" - Chevrolet, 2wd, so on. That makes sense. Thanks!

463 · 12-10-2013, 06:48 PM

For 1972 trucks http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/che...v/bilder/9.jpg
For 1971 trucks http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/che.../bilder/10.jpg

teeitup · 12-10-2013, 06:50 PM

it does get confusing, my 67 4x4 starts with KS, I was thinking about that when I said 4x4's started with K, brain fart or getting old can't remember

463 · 12-10-2013, 07:00 PM

1971 KS=4x4 6cyl truck and a KE= 8cyl truck same in 1972.
The CS =6cyl truck and a CE=6cyl truck from 1/2 to 1 ton from what I see from looking at the GM Vehicle Information Kits http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...tion-kits.html

The series of GM trucks 10-20-30 trucks equate to 1/2 ton-3/4 ton and a 1 ton.
K= 4x4 the S is a 6cyl the E= 8cyd .
C= 2 wheel rear drive with the S is a 6cyl the E= 8cyd .

Carl Spangler · 12-10-2013, 09:11 PM

Congrats on the VERY nice truck!

Here's the spec sheet for the 72: http://www.oldride.com/library/1972_chevrolet_c10.html

**JJorgensen52** · 12-10-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeydurango

Okay, so perhaps 2wd C10 VINs begin with "CC" - Chevrolet, 2wd, so on. That makes sense. Thanks!

According to this: http://www.gmcpauls.com/67-72_chevy.htm only 1972 VINs have the brand designation prefix . Which I will believe, I just verified it - my '69 starts with K (4x4), and my '72 is TC (GMC 2wd)

**Ol Blue K20** · 12-10-2013, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJorgensen52

According to this: http://www.gmcpauls.com/67-72_chevy.htm only 1972 VINs have the brand designation prefix . Which I will believe, I just verified it - my '69 starts with K (4x4), and my '72 is TC (GMC 2wd)

This is good info, I've was a little confused before...

joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 11:06 PM

Thanks for the link! That's super-interesting - because my VIN breaks down as a Chevy, 4x4, V8, 1/2 ton (all correct), 1972 MY, and Baltimore-made. Which is curious, because the cab-mounted VIN indicates '72, but the door panels, mirror location, and absence of door panel screws under the vent windows indicate '71.

It's a mystery! Who knows what's happened to this truck in the last 40 years!

bruceman1968 · 12-10-2013, 11:09 PM

Vin Decoder
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Frame partial VIN
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joeydurango · 12-10-2013, 11:22 PM

That decoder is easier to use - but my results are the same. At least it's consistent!

12-10-2013, 04:49 PM	#1
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Just picked up a SWB 4x4. It's titled as a 1972 C10, but I believe it's a '71 because of the rearview mirror location (ceiling) and door panels (vinyl, not molded plastic). This truck hasn't been lifted and I know it's been 4x4 for at least 25 years (so if someone converted it, it was a long time ago). The truck came with a box of trim that came off it during its recent paint job, and there are well-worn Cheyenne 10 badges. My question is: Did Chevy make a C10 4x4, or were there K-series Cheyennes? Everything I'm finding indicates that C-series = 2wd, K-series = 4x4, but I thought the Cheyenne package was only a C-series thing. Am I mistaken somewhere, or could this be a really old conversion? Photo attached just for kicks. Attached Images

12-10-2013, 04:57 PM	#2
lha1992 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 504	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? All trucks whether be Cheyenne or custom or bare bones were either classified as C= 2WD or K=4WD. So it could be a c10 or c20 an it will be 2wd. Just as k10 or k20 it will be 4wd. Probably back when the truck was new or newer someone decided to make it into a 4wd conversion. Maybe look for the VIN on the frame an see if it matches the one on the door jamb plate. Do the find match with the title and what's on the truck? Could've had a cab swap an they swapped the plates too.

12-10-2013, 04:59 PM	#3
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Cheyenne10 could of been a 1/2 ton 4x4, whats your first letter on vin number, it should be K. The only place that says K is on vin plate. Someone probably did a cab swap if the mirror is mounted on the cab. __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure" Last edited by teeitup; 12-10-2013 at 05:06 PM.

12-10-2013, 05:04 PM	#4
flyingtim01 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Clinton, CT Posts: 101	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Check the VIN for sure, but the reason why its titled as a C10 might just be as simple as that's what the fender badge says. My '71 is technically a K20, but the fender badge says C/20. I don't believe the K badges started until at least '73. __________________ 1971 Chevy K20 350/SM465/NP205

12-10-2013, 05:07 PM	#5
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Lets see the Vin and pics of where the mirror is mounted I believe the mirror mount on a 71 is raised. Might be a 72 with earlier mirror installed __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

12-10-2013, 05:14 PM	#6
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? This all makes sense. Didn't know about the badges all being C-series until '73, and I guess I was mistaken on the K-series Cheyenne designation. I can't remember the VIN off the top of my head - will have to look tonight. I know the cab VIN matches the title. Where's the VIN on the frame? Will have to see if it matches the cab. The mirror is mounted to the ceiling just above the windshield with the stock '71 mount, as opposed to glued to the windshield like later GM products. The other clue is the door panels. Not sure Chevy changed much beyond that anyway from 71-72, so if it is a cab change, someone effectively made it a '71!

12-10-2013, 05:49 PM	#11
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? I'll check the vent window screw, good info! Thanks for the VIN location, I'll check it - assuming, as you indicated, it's not obscured/obliterated by 40+ years of use. Honestly can't remember the VIN 100%, but I want to say it actually begins with "CKE". Will look tonight.

12-10-2013, 05:53 PM	#12
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? CKE would make it a 4wd truck __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

12-10-2013, 06:37 PM	#15
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? My Vin starts out CKE24S and this is how I think it works (I've read some conflicting stuff) C= Chevrolet K= 4x4 E= V8 2= 3/4 ton 4= pick up (cab w/bed) S= St. Louis __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

12-10-2013, 06:41 PM	#16
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Okay, so perhaps 2wd C10 VINs begin with "CC" - Chevrolet, 2wd, so on. That makes sense. Thanks!

12-10-2013, 06:48 PM	#17
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? For 1972 trucks http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/che...v/bilder/9.jpg For 1971 trucks http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/che.../bilder/10.jpg __________________ Trueman

12-10-2013, 06:50 PM	#18
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? it does get confusing, my 67 4x4 starts with KS, I was thinking about that when I said 4x4's started with K, brain fart or getting old can't remember __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

12-10-2013, 07:00 PM	#19
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? 1971 KS=4x4 6cyl truck and a KE= 8cyl truck same in 1972. The CS =6cyl truck and a CE=6cyl truck from 1/2 to 1 ton from what I see from looking at the GM Vehicle Information Kits http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...tion-kits.html The series of GM trucks 10-20-30 trucks equate to 1/2 ton-3/4 ton and a 1 ton. K= 4x4 the S is a 6cyl the E= 8cyd . C= 2 wheel rear drive with the S is a 6cyl the E= 8cyd . __________________ Trueman Last edited by 463; 12-10-2013 at 07:08 PM.

12-10-2013, 09:11 PM	#20
Carl Spangler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Central Coast Ca. Posts: 429	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Congrats on the VERY nice truck! Here's the spec sheet for the 72: http://www.oldride.com/library/1972_chevrolet_c10.html

12-10-2013, 11:06 PM	#23
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Thanks for the link! That's super-interesting - because my VIN breaks down as a Chevy, 4x4, V8, 1/2 ton (all correct), 1972 MY, and Baltimore-made. Which is curious, because the cab-mounted VIN indicates '72, but the door panels, mirror location, and absence of door panel screws under the vent windows indicate '71. It's a mystery! Who knows what's happened to this truck in the last 40 years!



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12-10-2013, 11:09 PM	#24
bruceman1968 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,549	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? Vin Decoder Frame partial VIN __________________ CHEVY/GMC VIN DECODERS

12-10-2013, 11:22 PM	#25
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Did Chevy make a C-series 4x4? That decoder is easier to use - but my results are the same. At least it's consistent!

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