Curious about rarity

[Clatterville trolley]

I just recently purchased a 1968 Chevy VIN# CE148S183607. The PO said he had researched it and it was a really low number produced - on the door it has a emblem that says Custom and he indicated that was why it was low production for 68.
It is a lwb fleetside with a wood bed floor. Any ideas about if he was blowing smoke or not?
Thanks, Jay Self

[LockDoc]

-
I think somebody forgot to check the barbeque, I smell smoke...

LockDoc

[71swb4x4]

I agree with Leon. Custom is a mid level trim package, nothing special and a lot were made with that trim package.

[Ol Blue K20]

I was sneaking a smoke in... sorry... it may not be rare but still a nice truck how about posting some pics we never have enough pics

[Bishops Trucks]

Let me open a window, theres a haze in here. I had a 68 K20 with the custom trim package. It's not rare but its a nice package to have. YES, we need pics.

[Clatterville trolley]

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

Let me open a window, theres a haze in here. I had a 68 K20 with the custom trim package. It's not rare but its a nice package to have. YES, we need pics.

I really didn't buy it because of his claim, but just curious to see how truthful he was over-all so I could decide if any of the other things he told me might be bogus as well.
I'll post a photo or two as soon as I get a chance to take a couple. It has power steering and A/C - non working but only missing the compressor . He used it as a daily driver, but managed to blow the TH400 out, so sold it to me.
Jay

[ChevLoRay]

Sitting on the sidelines and watching and/or hearing the hype that folks spew about vehicles is a lot of fun. If you know something to be true, regardless of what it may be...it's no problem to enlighten someone else.

However, some people who don't know but what they see and who haven't see it all, yet, are prone to tell all they know without knowing much at all.

To wit: a guy older than me (I'm 66) once touted a car as having a Moroso engine. Same with the guy who saw a '32 Ford 5-window coupe that had an Edelbrock engine. I get it...it's what they see.

Same with the "Custom" badging. If he's seen the '69-70's with Custom/10 on the fender...what does he think about it? Is a Custom/20 rarer?

It's what we love about our vehicles and it's what separates us from "normal" people. We have to be a little bit crazy to do what we do.

I'm interested in what people will think when they find out that the billet grille in my '96 GMC isn't what GM installed in it. Will my truck become one of rarest GMC's in 50 years?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Sitting on the sidelines and watching and/or hearing the hype that folks spew about vehicles is a lot of fun. If you know something to be true, regardless of what it may be...it's no problem to enlighten someone else.

However, some people who don't know but what they see and who haven't see it all, yet, are prone to tell all they know without knowing much at all.

To wit: a guy older than me (I'm 66) once touted a car as having a Moroso engine. Same with the guy who saw a '32 Ford 5-window coupe that had an Edelbrock engine. I get it...it's what they see.

Same with the "Custom" badging. If he's seen the '69-70's with Custom/10 on the fender...what does he think about it? Is a Custom/20 rarer?

It's what we love about our vehicles and it's what separates us from "normal" people. We have to be a little bit crazy to do what we do.

I'm interested in what people will think when they find out that the billet grille in my '96 GMC isn't what GM installed in it. Will my truck become one of rarest GMC's in 50 years?

The Edelbrock engine is doable. They do produce crate engines, but I know what you are saying.

LockDoc

[71Dually]

Not only is it smoking but its a dense dark black smoke. In fact it's so thick it's stings your your eyes, burns your nose and chokes your lungs. In fact it's only by the earths gravitational pull the only directions you know are up and down. To me mine is rarer than hens teeth and fish feet combined as it's only 1 of 1 that I own but that still doesn't mean it's actually rare. Or that I can accurately market it that way.

According to the "Standard catalog of light duty trucks" GM produced only 6,071 of my 1971 C/30 157" wheelbase chassis cab. Now how many of those were actually Custom Camper, 402 BBC, TH400 automatic, 4.10 open differential, A/C, auxiliary battery, bucket seat, medium lime green with white and tan interior, AM radio and cigarette lighter remains to be documented.

According to the same "catalog" in 1968 there were 206,313 C/10 LB Fleetside's produced but there is no breakdown on base models, "custom" trim levels, engine, trans & option data available.

Here's a link to a post with the catalog information: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=104816

While the truck is not as rare as an AC Shelby Cobra they are still not as readily available as 1998 Honda Accords. While 67-72 trucks are readily available and relatively easy to find with a diligent search they are not seen on the road everyday. I recently took a 350 mile round trip drive thru nearly continuous heavily populated urban areas on the interstate and saw only one 67-72 Chevy Truck puttin' down the asphalt. Our trucks are unique but not yet quite as rare as the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile. I've only seen that super sausage 2 times on the interstate in the last 17 years. However in that same period of time I never did see a Stutz Bearcat.

One thing I did find funny though is that both times I spotted the big rolling wiener it was heading south on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. Even more odd is that both sightings were within 4 miles of each other on the same stretch of freeway but only 17 years apart.

Are our trucks rare? Certain models, options color and drivetrain combinations can make them so. But for a seller to say its rare because of a popular trim level (which the Custom or CST is) may be the result of misinformed knowledge or perhaps trying to pull the wool over a potential buyers eyes for personal gain.

Did you get taken? Not if you paid a reasonable price you were comfortable with. Our trucks are unique, fun to drive and draw lot's of attention and admiration wherever they roam. And that is part of the joy and gratification of owning one of these vehicles. I can tell you I love my truck! Even when see gives me only 6 MPG city.

And lots of other folks admire her too. Everyone who understands classic automobiles and motorcycles that sees her says "wow, thats a nice truck". Then with a smile on my face like a proud father I say "thank you" as they walk around admiring the girl asking questions. Their body language and actions clearly display their admiration and appreciation for the big girl. Even those folks who only stop to ask if I want to sell her show their appreciation for her with their simple single question. I'm sure any one on this board that currently owns or has owned one of these babies will probably tell you the same.

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to a rather unique clique of fellow happy truck folks.

Now we're all eye candy kind of folks so now we just need to see lots and lots pics of your new baby. Then you can pass out the cigars.

Congratulations and welcome aboard Jay.

And please don't forget them Holley and chrome "Cal Custom" specials are pretty rare power plants too but still not quite as rare as the Offenhauser engines.

An Offenhauser "Offy" midget car racing engine - polished for display at the Justice Brothers racing museum in Duarte, California

[71Dually]

The Offenhauser engine was designed and built in the USA beginning production in the 1920's. A naturally aspirated 252CI inline 4 cylinder, dual cam, 4 valve per cylinder example put out 420HP at 6,600RPM with a 15:1 compression ratio. Prior to open wheel racings restriction on unlimited boost, turbocharged versions exceeded 1,000BHP using around 120 in Hg boost. The final design engine using 80 in Hg boost pressure produced 770 BHP at 9,000RPM.

The "Offy" engine from 1934, through the 1970s, dominated American open wheel racing, winning the Indianapolis 500 27 times. The engine was last raced at the Indy 500 in 1982. The engine was also a midget racing staple shortly after the sports inception in 1933 up thru the 1960's.

Now ya know where the Honda Accords may have gotten their technology ideas from.

Sorry but my edit time limit expired so I had to post this information below my original reply.

All apologies for sidetracking the original thread. We now return you to your normally scheduled topic.

[Bishops Trucks]

Since we are talking about rare trucks, How many peoples trucks have that rare "Corvette" option?

[OhioDan]

Does it mean my truck is rare because it's a GMC with a Chevrolet motor?

[tommys72]

Im gonna call mine rare then since its a super and doesnt have tilt or buckets...I can do that right? Haha

[Clatterville trolley]

Thanks for all the replies to this question - sounds like it could be a 'hot button' issue with any type of car or truck!
I don't think I got hurt on the purchase. I didn't pay too much or steal it, just about right for condition probably. I didn't think there was anything 'special' about it as far as rarity, but figured I should check it out just in case - knew that someone here would know and share that info with me freely. Hope at some point there is some of my limited knowledge that I can share to return the favor / pay it forward.
Plan to get some pictures taken later today and will post up here then. Watch this space for further developments
Jay

[tommys72]

He probably didnt know as much as he thought or used it to try and raise the price. I found a 68 swb missing the bed nasty interior with the wrong bucket seats and a non running 327. He wanted 4 grand because...and I quote "the spid was there and it had bucket seats". He didnt say much when I told him the seats werent on the spid, he said I know but they are there now. Been sitting 3 years he said with the pass window down....not such a good deal on that one

[leddzepp]

Don't believe anything a seller ever tells you. The vehicle will "speak for itself" when inspected.

[Molberg]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Sitting on the sidelines and watching and/or hearing the hype that folks spew about vehicles is a lot of fun. If you know something to be true, regardless of what it may be...it's no problem to enlighten someone else.

However, some people who don't know but what they see and who haven't see it all, yet, are prone to tell all they know without knowing much at all.

To wit: a guy older than me (I'm 66) once touted a car as having a Moroso engine. Same with the guy who saw a '32 Ford 5-window coupe that had an Edelbrock engine. I get it...it's what they see.

Same with the "Custom" badging. If he's seen the '69-70's with Custom/10 on the fender...what does he think about it? Is a Custom/20 rarer?

It's what we love about our vehicles and it's what separates us from "normal" people. We have to be a little bit crazy to do what we do.

I'm interested in what people will think when they find out that the billet grille in my '96 GMC isn't what GM installed in it. Will my truck become one of rarest GMC's in 50 years?

Well said...

[Clatterville trolley]

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

Let me open a window, theres a haze in here. I had a 68 K20 with the custom trim package. It's not rare but its a nice package to have. YES, we need pics.

Here are a few of the old girl for you.

[special-K]

Two things come to mind that are rare here. One is finding a blown TH400 and the other is finding an honest seller. I hope,overall,you have a great experience moving forward with this truck. Not too shabby. But,whenever I look at something and the seller makes one questionable claim I walk away,because at that point how do I know what else is honest? None of that matters if the price is right and the truck actually does sell itself. One a project like this one,it doesn't matter what they say. Just look it over and judge the price vs condition and go from there. It's on the pretty trucks a seller wants all the money for that my BS sensors are set to the most sensitive setting

[Clatterville trolley]

Originally Posted by Clatterville trolley

Here are a few of the old girl for you.

Here are a few more - especially showing the ultra rare Swiss engineered and German produced glove box insert! Also another rarity - the custom fuel tank sender attachment. Bet you all want one now!

[Clatterville trolley]

Originally Posted by Clatterville trolley

Here are a few more - especially showing the ultra rare Swiss engineered and German produced glove box insert! Also another rarity - the custom fuel tank sender attachment. Bet you all want one now!

Attachment 1211442

Attachment 1211443

It did come with some new repair panels and other new misc. parts though:







Thanks for looking! And, thanks for all the replies so far. Jay

[Clatterville trolley]

Originally Posted by special-K

Two things come to mind that are rare here. One is finding a blown TH400 and the other is finding an honest seller. I hope,overall,you have a great experience moving forward with this truck. Not too shabby. But, whenever I look at something and the seller makes one questionable claim I walk away, because at that point how do I know what else is honest? None of that matters if the price is right and the truck actually does sell itself. One a project like this one,it doesn't matter what they say. Just look it over and judge the price vs condition and go from there. It's on the pretty trucks a seller wants all the money for that my BS sensors are set to the most sensitive setting

Those thoughts are exactly what had me on edge about what PO said at purchase.
Once weather clears a little more and who ever messed with the thermostat decides to turn it back up so that we aren't a huge deep freeze, I plan to look it over a whole lot closer - will let you know how that comes out . Jay

[Ol Blue K20]

Thanks for the pics, it doesn't look to bad except I started shivering when I saw the ice and snow. I love the glove box (that's the rare option) LOL

[VWNate1]

Rare is a horribly mis used word in sales , Vegas are rare but still don't have any value .

This appears to be a fairly decent truck , the TH400 is a plus even if it's dead .

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Clatterville trolley

I just recently purchased a 1968 Chevy VIN# CE148S183607. The PO said he had researched it and it was a really low number produced - on the door it has a emblem that says Custom and he indicated that was why it was low production for 68.
It is a lwb fleetside with a wood bed floor. Any ideas about if he was blowing smoke or not?
Thanks, Jay Self

Smokin! The BS Meter almost pegged on that one!