Historical/This I know/60-66 Model Changes

[Q.8]

Author: Don Bunn

Chevrolet's Early V-8 Pickup Era ended after only a five year run, which compares to nine years for the Advanced Design Pickup Era. The only 1959 pickup carried over was the car based El Camino. This was the El Camino's last year until 1964. One of management's key motives for a new truck series was to get improved market coverage. That coverage had mostly to do with
medium- and heavy duty trucks. Historically Chevrolet was always known as a light-duty truck builder and only second as a medium duty producer. In 1955 with the addition of truck V-8 engines Chevrolet's engineers began to build bigger trucks. The only change of note concerning pickups was that the one-ton 4 wheel drive model was dropped, Chevrolet continued to build half- and 3/4-ton 4WD trucks only. Maximum GVWs for the half-ton 4 wheel drive models was increased to 5,200 lbs. from 5,000 lbs.

Model Series designations for 1960 were completely revised. The new system began with a letter prefix. For example, a "C" prefix indicated a conventional cab; a "K" indicated a 4 wheel drive model; a "P" model was forward control; an "L" was a low cab forward; an "S" was a school bus and an "M" was a tandem.

A half-ton pickup was now either a model C1404 or C1434. The "C" designated a conventional cab; the "1" half-ton; the "4" a 6 1/2-foot body and the "04" and "34" were for Stepside or Fleetside body types.

The C/K designation became well known over the years and continued in use through the 1997 model year.









Only the 1960 and 1961 Chevrolet pickups had the front styling shown on this 1961 C10 Fleetside pickup. The only appearance to differentiate between the 1960 and 1961 trucks were that the parking light ovals were open around the spinners in 1961 whereas in the 1960 models this area was entirely closed. The C1434 truck shown is powered by the 283 cubic inch Trademaster V-8 engine. Its transmission is the Powerglide (Photo: Don Bunn)



Chevrolet engineers worked overtime changing the proportions of the new light-duty truck line for more favorable weight distribution and lower overall heights. First of all, they increased the front axle loading by up to eight percent by adding 5.6-inches to the CA dimension (the back of the cab to the center of the rear axle) and by moving the front axle back by 1.88 inches.Wheelbase length for the half-ton was increased by one inch to 115 inches and on the the 3/4-ton by 3 3/4-inches to 127 inches, but the one-ton was decreased by 2 inches to 133 inches.
The half-ton and 3/4-ton cab models utilized a new, drop-center, X-type frame assembly. This construction was necessary to beef up the frame because of the new four-wheel independent suspension system, especially for the front torsion bars. The new frame construction coupled with the new cab styling, which was 3.88-inches lower than the previous cab, reduced overall vehicle height by up to seven inches. This substantial reduction in height provided a lower center of gravity and improved vehicle stability. A second benefit of the reduced height was the lower seat-to-ground dimension, which made the cab entrance and exit easier.



The new cab dimensions resulted in greater driver and passenger comfort. Cab width (hip room) was increased by 5.8 inches; shoulder room by 5.1 inches; interior height by 1.3-inches and legroom by 1.9-inches. For all-around visibility for easier, safer driving Chevrolet engineers offered an extra-large rear window as an option on all pickups. The "dog leg" windshield returned for 1960 except that it was wider and higher. Total glass area was increased 263 square inches. Side door glass and ventipanes were reduced because of the new styling


All 1960 Chevrolet trucks, including mediums and heavy-duties, featured new independent front suspensions with the exception of 4 wheel drive and forward control models. The pickup's front springing was by extra heavy and durable torsion bars while rear springing for half- and 3/4-ton pickups employed coil springs. One-ton pickups retained the use of leaf springs in the rear but with torsion bars in the front



The 1962 Chevrolet pickups featured a new hood and grille style. An optional alternator and directional signals were made standard equipment in all but one series. The pickup line continued to consist of the Corvair, 6 1/2- and 8-foot Fleetsides and Stepsides, the 8-foot Stepside 3/4-ton and the 9 foot Stepside one-ton. Engine options for Series C10 through C30 included the standard 235.5 cubic inch six and the optional 283 cubic inch 160 horsepower V-8.

Major engineering changes for 1963 included replacing the light-duty model's torsion bar front suspension with coil springs and replacing the former standard six cylinder engine family with all new 230 cubic inch and 292 cubic inch sixes. The former 235.5 and 261 cubic inch sixes remained the standard engines for K10 and K20 pickups only. A restyled grille freshened up all pickup's front appearances





The most significant improvement for 1964 was the change from the dogleg windshield to the conventional curved type. It provided easier entrance and exits for driver and passengers and looked much better too. The 230 and 292 six cylinder engines continued as the standard engines for all 2 wheel drives and beginning in 1964 for all 4 wheel drive pickups also. The 235.5 and 261 sixes were dropped. The 283 cubic inch V-8 remained optional for all C/K pickups. The El Camino returned after a four year absence. It was built on the Chevelle's 115-inch wheelbase chassis.

The 1964 models continued through 1966 without any changes worth noting. The Corvair 95 pickups were discontinued after 1964 when the new front engine Chevrolet van replaced the Corvair vans. The El Camino pickups continued as a staple of the Chevrolet line. Chevrolet continued to be America's favorite pickups throughout the years 1960 to 1966. Chevrolet sold 588,320 trucks in 1966, which was its biggest year ever









http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/his..._segment7.html

[K-TEN]

"The only appearance to differentiate between the 1960 and 1961 trucks were that the parking light ovals were open around the spinners in 1961 whereas in the 1960 models this area was entirely closed."
Not entirely true. The grilles were different as well. The word Chevrolet was stamped into the steel grille bar surround in '60 , whereas the Chevrolet "floated" within the Aluminum center grill trim in the '61. Turn signal stalk was different also. I believe that 61 was the first year for the shortbed 4 wheel drive, but I need to check that out further. And I'm sure that the 1961 Shop Manual Supplement has a few other gems as well.

[j.kirn]

Another thing of interest is the 1960 K models were the only year to have the transfercase shifter to the right of the transmission lever

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

To the top for the new fellars on the block.
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[jchav62]

Why did this get "un-sticky'd"??

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Probably had some Elmers glue on her.
Needs some Crazy glue.... Or better yet LOCTITE!
Tee hee..... :-)
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[63redsled]

1963... not stock

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Bump

[justinf4]

I just found 3 factory drilled holes in the top front of my 66' chevy hood. I can tell they are factory cut as the original paint is inside the rims of the holes. I can only imagine the holes are for a hood ornament.. What would this ornament look like and where might I get one?

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Originally Posted by justinf4

I just found 3 factory drilled holes in the top front of my 66' chevy hood. I can tell they are factory cut as the original paint is inside the rims of the holes. I can only imagine the holes are for a hood ornament.. What would this ornament look like and where might I get one?

To my knowledge 62-66 chevys did not come with any hood badges or ornaments.
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[justinf4]

Then what else would these holes be used for? Still doing research on my rig. I also just found the holes for the custom plates on the back of the cab. Some one really did a number with the bondo for a lot of no good reasons. There's not a lot of rust and only a few dents.

[jbgroby]

It simply could be the PO added one and then decided to cover over them.

[justinf4]

Ok.. I finally found a picture of an old 66 tanker truck with a hood ornament. Not sure if this was factory... http://www.colwelloil.com/TRUCKS.htm
I do know that the holes in my hood were drilled prior to factory paint as the paint on the inside of the holes matches the original paint on the truck. Just not exactly sure what they are for...

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Check this out Bud.
Chevrolet Hood Ornaments -
http://www.cadvision.com/blanchas/ho...chevrolet.html

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[rustbucket66]

My 66 has a deluxe steering wheel, but the piece in the center is a bit different. I've seen pics of both on this website. Also, it is my understanding that 66 was the only year of the backup lights on the fleetside models. The Canadian trucks didn't have the bowtie logo in the taillight lenses, I have a set from a US truck, I like the little bowtie. My truck also has the little bowties in between the words of the heater control lens. I've seen ones on this sight with the little bowties, but have never seen a truck up here with them. Maybe another Cdn thing. The original mirror in mine is a flip up type, and has the words DAY and NIGHT embossed right on the lever.Haven't seen that up here either. Anyone know more about this?

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Originally Posted by rustbucket66

My 66 has a deluxe steering wheel, but the piece in the center is a bit different. I've seen pics of both on this website. Also, it is my understanding that 66 was the only year of the backup lights on the fleetside models. The Canadian trucks didn't have the bowtie logo in the taillight lenses, I have a set from a US truck, I like the little bowtie. My truck also has the little bowties in between the words of the heater control lens. I've seen ones on this sight with the little bowties, but have never seen a truck up here with them. Maybe another Cdn thing. The original mirror in mine is a flip up type, and has the words DAY and NIGHT embossed right on the lever.Haven't seen that up here either. Anyone know more about this?

Maybe this will help:
http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/blog/c...ticles/page/2/

1960 - 1966 Canadian Chevrolet & GMC VIN
http://www.oeltd.net/doc/6066gmc/vins/gmc-canada.htm

[jbgroby]

Been a while since this post was added to or updated.

On the early model 60-61 trucks doors there is NO window adjustment hole cut into it. From 62-66 you will find a hole about 1" in diameter just under the dove tail brace like below. The hole is suppose to be there and you use a plastic snap-in plug to fill it.

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

To the Top....
Also from General Motors Corp. (gmheritagecenter.com):
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=327764

1960 - 1966 Canadian Chevrolet & GMC VIN
http://www.oeltd.net/doc/6066gmc/vins/gmc-canada.htm

[1963c-10]

This is a great thread.

[65chevysub]

I've noticed some trucks that have the custom horn ring, are using a Chevy II Nova ring. I have a custom wheel, but it's the truck version. Is there a reason GM used Chevy II rings? I'm just curious

[padresag]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

I've noticed some trucks that have the custom horn ring, are using a Chevy II Nova ring. I have a custom wheel, but it's the truck version. Is there a reason GM used Chevy II rings? I'm just curious

they use the nova as that is what is available and it is fairly close. things get broken over the years and the originals are pretty hard to come by
ron

[cru_zn_29]

What is the difference? I was told they were the same. Just the center cap is different on the 66s.
kenny

[padresag]

Originally Posted by cru_zn_29

What is the difference? I was told they were the same. Just the center cap is different on the 66s.
kenny

you just stated it. so if you were doing a restoration( a proper one) then it wouldn't be right would it?
ron

[cru_zn_29]

I was refering to (Chevy II Nova Ring) as stated by 65chevysub.You have a horn ring and cap makes a Deluxe Wheel.
Kenny

[65chevysub]

The Chevy II ring has a "recessed" cap with the Chevy II logo in it, whereas the Chevy truck has a "raised" plastic piece in the cap that matches the steering wheel. The chrome ring on the trucks is different as well. I can't get any pics to upload so you can see. Sorry.