4 wheel drive by years

[evan396]

hi my name is evan and I am new to this site. I am looking into restoring an older Chevrolet truck. I would like to restore a 1970-1972 k20 4 wheel drive, but they seem like they are harder to come by up here in Connecticut, one that isn"t all rotted out. I would also consider something in the 60s. I would like to know when Chevrolet began making 4 wheel drives. thanks evan

[erikoj]

I personally owned a 1962 K 10 apache 4x4 had a 235 6 cylinder in it!! It was slow and tough to drive but it all worked

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by evan396

I would like to know when Chevrolet began making 4 wheel drives. thanks evan

Welcome Evan,

I believe 1960 (or right around that time) was when they first started building factory 4 wheel drive trucks. Earlier year GM 4x4's were conversions made by companies like Napco.

From 1960 to 1976, the factory 4x4 GM trucks were only available in 1/2 and 3/4 ton. A factory 1 ton 4x4 "K30" was introduced in 1977.

[special-K]

I believe,without checking,in '57 you could order a Napco conversion through the dealership. Before that,you bought the truck,then took it to the upfitter for the conversion. In '59 GM started producing a 4wd model

[evan396]

Good to know, thanks. I am glad to see there are some members from the new england area. I will let you know what I find and when l start my restoration. I know I will have a lot of questions and this seems like a very informative Chevy truck forum. Thanks again Evan

[54blackhornet]

Welcome Evan ! I lived in Wolcot back in the 80's, loved CT ! This site will provide you a wealth of info on GM 4x4's , good luck on your build.

[erikoj]

The old chevys are hard to find in new england. i bought mine on ebay in california and had it shipped to me ( $1000) It has very little rust, a classic 1972 K10 with original paint . Be patient and one will pop up.

[75gmc454]

1960 was the first K series 4x4's. If you want one to drive a lot, search for a 71 or newer with disc brakes and 205 transfer case.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Welcome Evan ! I lived in Wolcot back in the 80's, loved CT ! This site will provide you a wealth of info on GM 4x4's , good luck on your build.

Just noticed your avatar, you should come to Midland and see the Chaparrals.

[special-K]

1960 was the first year for the C/K designations. All that likely came about to simplify things. In '59 Chevys were identified by the combination of model# and model type. A 1/2t Stepside 4wd was 3154 and a Stepside 2wd was a 3104. A Fleetside 1/2t 4wd was a 3184 and Fleetside 2wd was a 3134. 31 for 1/2 ton.

[1972MarkW]

I have seen in my area a 1959 1/2 3/4 ton 4x4 ,6 cylinder,4- speed,which also had the
PTO option off the transmission.This truck is fully operational with top speed of 45 mph!

"Whether you hear cheering or booing,as long as you still hear
noise,you still got it." Dale Earnhardt

[farmall]

Originally Posted by Z10

Just noticed your avatar should come to Midland and see the Chaparrals.

The Oil Museum is on my list of must do's. I Do have the T shirt already though.


http://petroleummuseumstore.org/store/page26.html


I was thinking about doing my white with blue 1Ton up as a Chaparral shop truck with the T shirt design on the door. Sorry about the off topic.

[srvivor71]

Welcome from New York Evan! I couldn't find any decent 67-72 4x4s anywhere close to home. I ended up finding our 71 GMC K1500 4x4 in Idaho. It was in good shape when I bought it so we flew out and drove it home. Good luck with your search!

[i82much]

It's not easy to find a decent 4x4. I just went through this in Spokane, which is an agricultural area that is fairly dry and it STILL wasn't easy. They built a lot more 2 wheel drive trucks back in the day than they do now.

You are off to a good start by not being too picky about the year. I'd also say consider any configuration (auto vs. manual, 8 vs. 6 cyl, long bed vs. short bed, 3/4 ton vs. 1/2 ton), and concentrate above all on finding a solid truck without a lot of rust. Everything with old vehicles is expensive, but nothing is as expensive to fix properly as rust.

[White70C20]

Another thing to consider is the condition of the truck. Even if the body is in good condition, the steering and suspension could be shot. I used to have a 71 K20. I could move the steering wheel 45 degrees in either direction and the truck was still going straight. Just a thought.

[i82much]

Originally Posted by White70C20

Another thing to consider is the condition of the truck. Even if the body is in good condition, the steering and suspension could be shot. I used to have a 71 K20. I could move the steering wheel 45 degrees in either direction and the truck was still going straight. Just a thought.

So much cheaper than major rust repair though, don't you think?

[evan396]

Thanks for all the replies. I have been looking around on craigslist and ebay. I called on a few on craigslist and they just did not pan out. One was a plow truck that had the plow frame welded to the truck frame and the other was a cab swap with a vin tag swap! ! I found a 66 on ebay - item #360830602698 but I just can't figure out the vin # k1436t123458. This one seems like a challenge. I will keep on looking around and let everybody know what I find. In the mean time I will keep on reading the posts, they are a great source of information. Thanks again Evan

[special-K]

Originally Posted by White70C20

Another thing to consider is the condition of the truck. Even if the body is in good condition, the steering and suspension could be shot. I used to have a 71 K20. I could move the steering wheel 45 degrees in either direction and the truck was still going straight. Just a thought.

Originally Posted by i82much

So much cheaper than major rust repair though, don't you think?

Yes,cheaper and once it's fixed it's good as new for a long long time.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by i82much

So much cheaper than major rust repair though, don't you think?

x2, get a western one and have it shipped in.

4x4's are harder to find since they were only ~10-15% of production any given year. Also they were used more in the snow and salt, and just more attractive for all the 'bubbas' out there to scoop up and run into the ground on salty roads or as mud trucks.

71's and 72's are the most common and most practical as Clint mentioned. They made 2x as many 72 K20's as 70 K20's.