How rare is a 68 c10 w/396/TH400?

[70 shorty]

Definitely a nice starting point. That thing looks like it's sank a few inches in the ground. It's trying to go back to dust, don't let it!

[SB_in_SC]

Glad you guys are impressed. Thanks for the offer to save my grass, but I'll get it moved . Before I took these pics, I cleaned the cowl off. It was stacked w/ pine needles, but there didn't appear to be many down in the vents themselves. I hope I don't find any suprises. I'll know more when I pull the motor/tranny. Already talked to a local machine shop about rebuilding the motor.
What mag do you think would want "in the weeds" pics of this project? I'd love a little exposure!

[SB_in_SC]

Oh yeah, the holes in the bumper! Always wondered about that myself. This truck came with the camper package on the option plate. In fact, when my dad bought it, it came with a slide in/truck back camper. The camper may have had some braces or something that slid in those holes. My brother wanted to run the exhaust out those holes at one time. I personally would prefer those old chrome smooth bumpers that came standard, but the step does show up on the option plate. Thanks again for everyone's responses. Y'all have got me stoked about this project ! Still looking for production #'s if someone knoiws a source. I got a book called "Encyc. of American Cars" that tells you how many models with diff. eng/trans combinations were made in a certain year, but has no truck listings.

[CPNE]

Here's some #'s for you from "Chevrolet Pickups 1946-1972" by John Gunnell:

Total 1968 production of pickups and vans C, K and G series is 485123 units. Of that # approx 4% were CST's. Also of that total, 46,483 were fleetside swb pickups.

So following that thru, 4% of 46483 is 1859 SWB Fleetside CST units. How many with BB? Anybodys guess, but a CST did not automatically come with it. If you figure 25% of those CST SWB Fleetsides had the BB installed your truck is indeed rare based upon percentage of total production. It is one of 465 units by my guestimates.

The 68 396 was rated at 325 hp @ 4800 rpm. It has a 10.25:1 compression ratio. Again this info is from same book. That color is Meduim blue poly.

If it were mine, I'd treat it as a stock resto given it's apparent rarity and desireability. Any other treatment would be a crime IMO.

Of course, this is from a guy would would do a stock rebuilt on any vehicle regardless, so take it for what its worth.

I'd like to see a pic of the option sticker.

[krue]

Nice truck you have. Pretty much a perfect start IMHO.

[clay68c10]

Very cool, remonds me of the stuff I used to see in fields when I lived in Wyoming. You have got a keeper for sure!! Mine truck is similar, except for that #'s matching engine thing .... I also have a choke delete, but it is a plain round bezel screw with a plate behind it to block the "choke" word on the gauge cluster. The square GM type is the one I've seen the most. Anyone know more about that...?
Definitely check the cowl and the kick panel vents. It's amazing how much funk can accumulate in there.

[SB_in_SC]

Thanks for the numbers! I have to agree. It would be a crime to do anything but original resto. It was cool from the factory. DaVinci wouldn't like it if someone painted a big smile on the Mona Lisa!
I'm going to attach a pic of the option plate, but its pretty hard to read. You can clearly see where the 396, TH400, PS,PB are listed, but the plate is pretty rough. We used this as our work truck for 25 years.

[SB_in_SC]

Does anyone know if this truck would have come factory with the air cleaner that had the cool decals? The rally flags and the "396-325hp" like you see on Chevelles and Corvettes

[Shane]

Don't be a sissy ... Cut it! Besides, the Moaning Lisa is way overated.

Whatever you decide to do, nice project.

[dtlilly]

You definately have a piece of history there. Spare no expence on the resto, it will be worth it.

[toms68cst]

A 68 short fleet with a BB IS a rare find. My guess is it's a CST going by the trim on the pedals. Only CST's had that in 68 anyway. It also has a chrome front bumper which would be consistant with 68 CST. It should also have blue carpet but it looks like that's long gone. Is it listed as a CST on the glove box?

What does your bench seat look like under that cover? If it's a stock blue 68 CST bench I bet it's a dead ringer for my 68 CST bench seat.

KUDOS FOR KEEPING HER STOCK!

[TsgtE662]

Nice looking truck!!! I too would go with original restore with out modifying it other than updating safety features etc. But that is your choice. Does the radio still work in it?

Try and get the VIN and engine numbers and rear end numbers stampings off it too.

According to the GM Mechanical Manual I have, it shows for '68 Light trucks the 396 as

4 bbl, 310 hp @ 4800 / 400 ft lbs @ 3200 with 9.0:
4.094 Bore x 3.76 Stroke

Engine Codes as:

w/Man = XF
w/Man w/AIR = XE
w/Auto = XH
w/ Auto w/AIR = XG

[John Fabris]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you have "Custom" on the doors, that would mean your truck is a "Custom" and not a "CST". What does it say on the glovebox option list? Does it say Custom chrome equipment or Custom Sport?


You have a very nice truck, one that you would not be able to replace for cheap if you got rid of this truck.

In the "Standard catalog of American Light-Duty truck by Lenzke/Krause" it show that 3% of 1968 trucks got the 396 V8 with 4 barrel carb. Also, 3% of 1968 trucks got the Custom appearance package.

[biglou55]

Look for an options sheet in the underneath part of the seat. some people have found them there. beautiful truck for a complete resto.

[kingparts]

What part of SC are you in?

[Richard Dobson]

I'm in Easley, S.C. near Greenville. Looks like a truck most if no all the board members would like to have as a project. Glad the Bible didn't specifically say anything about coveting your neighbors truck as one of the 10 commandments.

[SB_in_SC]

I'm in Edgefield. About 45 mins from "KP" in Lex. and 2 hrs from Richard in Easley.
The door emblems do say "Custom". I'll try to see if I can tell if the option list says "CST" or not, but its pretty hard to read. Fifth line from the bottom on the left says "custom sumething". I'll look at it tomorrow. Other than the options plate, how can you tell btw "CST" and "Custom"? I'll also take a pic of the seat w/o the cover.
Radio worked when it was parked. Assume it still does.

Thanks again for all the responses! I want to keep this going and I will keep posting pics as I start work. I'll have my motorcycle put back together by the end of the month and will start work on the truck.

[toms68cst]

It might be a little hard to tell if it's a Custom or CST. The "Custom" badges on your doors would really lead me to believe it's a Custom not a CST. Take a picture of your seat. They are different from CST to Custom. A 68 Custom Seat will have have cloth inserts while a CST bench seat will be all heavy vinyl. The CST bench seat will be a little fancier and more padded than a base bench seat. I know it sounds funny but that's the way it was.

[toms68cst]

Here's my CST bench seat.

[SB_in_SC]

Checked the option plate. It says" Chrome front bumper" "Custom trim package" or something. Hard to read.
Took pic of seat. Just plain vinyl.
Checked all the fluids and all seem OK. Oil is full and clean. No milkyness or anything. Removed oil fill and felt rocker arms. Still nice and oily. Brake fluid and power steering fluid both full and clear. Hopeful she'll turn over when I try.

[70c10swb]

if it hasent been run in a while and you plan on keeping the motor, i would put some fresh oil, filter, coolent, and fresh gas

[SB_in_SC]

That's my plans. I'll probably pull the plugs and lube the upper cylinders also before I try to fire it up. I was just happy that it looked so good already. I'll probably allso pull the carb and make sure the float's not stuck and the gaskets not dried out.
Thanks for the advice!
Keep it coming!

[SB_in_SC]

Where do y'all recommend getting replacement parts? LMC, Year One? Right now I know I need a grill and the two back chrome molding pieces on each side. I also need a dash pocket emblem. Thats all so far, but I know the list is fixing to get long! Can't wait to get started!

[dtlilly]

If you want new, take your pick from the list of vendors that help support this great board. They are found at the sites home page on the left. There is actually some good vendors fairly near you (Tim Christian with Christians Classics, GMCPaul, Pickupman etc...)

You also could post a WTB (want to buy) thread on the 67-72 parts board. You could request NOS parts or good driver quality used parts. Some one is sure to have anything your looking for.

[Brainchild]

Rare or not,that is an awesome little truck you have there.To have one that is that complete,and all original is really hard to find.I would put it back stock.It's pretty easy to find one witout an engine trans to bolt a huffer on