1969 C20, CST. 396, 21,000 mile documented Survivor

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Unless it is a Custom Camper, it probably came with 15" wheels, and something like a G78 or H78/15 tire. Do you have the SPID on the inside of the glove box door? It may tell you what the original equipment tires and wheels were. In my experience, tires like that were in 4wd trucks back then, but some differences can obviously exist.

Any guess as to why the SPID does not disclose tire & wheel info? My guess is since its not listed truck probably came with the standard wheel/tire/hubcap, whatever that was. Correct me if wrong but doesn't the SPID just show optional equipment? Again Mopar guy here!~

[Steeveedee]

Yup, 15" were standard. Though mine doesn't list the 16.5", so I suspect that Custom Camper (or maybe Longhorn?) caused that option to be installed.

[Dmoore]

Ok, Now I am confused.

[Steeveedee]

Somewhere I've seen a chart that a dealer uses that establishes what equipment comes with each option, but I can't find it now.

Anyone else have a copy?

[FirstOwner69]

There are several things in this thread I'd like to comment on. Most of you may know I am the only owner of my '69 CST/20 (early Dec., 1968 Fremont production, VIN CE249Z833099). Yes, I'm that old!

A lot of info is contained in the GM Heritage Center vehicle Information Kits here. https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-...tion-kits.html However, things change during a production year as is the case for 1969s. The 1969 truck info kit is a midyear edition (April 1, 1969). It may answer many of your questions.

Sometime during 1969 I noticed many '69 CSTs had standard equipment that mine seemed to be missing. Things not on my truck that seemed to be missing included deluxe lighted side markers, a cargo light, headliner, chrome front bumper and rear-view mirror. I called Chevrolet and was told all but the bumper and mirror were added to the CST package a couple weeks after my truck was built. It turned out the dealer had swapped the chrome bumper for another buyer's painted version , so they replaced the painted bumper on my truck with the correct chrome version. I believe, at least on 3/4 ton trucks, the inside mirror remained an option for a while. These additional CST items are included as standard in the info kit dated April 1969. The VIN of the truck in question seems to indicate it was made shortly after mine. Does it have these items other than the cargo light which was frequently added by the owner?

The info kit references numerous tire sizes as available. Mine came standard with 8.75-16.5. 9.50-16.5 tires seemed to be the most common on 2WD trucks. No 15" tires were offered for 3/4-ton trucks.

On my truck the wheels were painted white. The hubcaps appear to be the chromed stainless version and are listed as an option on the SPID. The wheel color may have varied depending on the type of tire ordered.

No AM/FM radio was offered in 1969. An easy addon by owner. Best if it's a correct GM radio.

The truck in this thread should have a CST emblem (pic attached) on the glovebox door and CST/20 emblems on the fenders?

[Dmoore]

Thanks for chiming in Firstowner. I am leaving the shop presently and will log back on from home office in a couple hours to answer YOUR questions. Sounds like you have great info being an original owner. Hard to beat straight from the horses mouth! Dave

[Dmoore]

Jim I sent you a PM

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Dmoore

Any guess as to why the SPID does not disclose tire & wheel info? My guess is since its not listed truck probably came with the standard wheel/tire/hubcap, whatever that was. Correct me if wrong but doesn't the SPID just show optional equipment? Again Mopar guy here!~

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Yup, 15" were standard. Though mine doesn't list the 16.5", so I suspect that Custom Camper (or maybe Longhorn?) caused that option to be installed.

Never seen a 3/4 with 15 inchers . I've only seen aftermarket 8 lug 15 inch wheels .

[Dmoore]

Yes Mark I believe Jim has put that theory to rest. Thank you for commenting...Dave

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Dmoore

Checkout the original T3 headlights. Got wood yet???

I got two trucks with those lights . They put out an awesome yellow lite

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Dmoore

Yes Mark I believe Jim has put that theory to rest. Thank you for commenting...Dave

Yeah, my bad. Sorry.

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I got two trucks with those lights . They put out an awesome yellow lite

The GTO guys go Gaga over them!

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Yeah, my bad. Sorry.

No problem Steve!

[factorystock]

When we read the fine print on GM literature, things change. Photo of white '69 cst 20 with white wheels is from this literature dated 2-69. 1-69 photo of a brand new '69 shows argent silver wheels, IMO, built in the last months of '68, more evidence of argent silver wheels on early 69's. Both photos show correct standard mirror for '69.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by Dmoore

need to look at the build date on my truck.

70's have a build date decal inside driver side door, not sure if '69's have the same decal.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by factorystock

70's have a build date decal inside driver side door, not sure if '69's have the same decal.

They did not.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by Dmoore

Jim I sent you a PM

Did not receive.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Both photos show correct standard mirror for '69.

Lew Williams is where mine was shipped to. Thanks for the pic.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by Dmoore

The GTO guys go Gaga over them!

So do we Corvette guys. Too many bugs at night to drive at night anyway. Have these on my truck too.

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by factorystock

When we read the fine print on GM literature, things change. Photo of white '69 cst 20 with white wheels is from this literature dated 2-69. 1-69 photo of a brand new '69 shows argent silver wheels, IMO, built in the last months of '68, more evidence of argent silver wheels on early 69's. Both photos show correct standard mirror for '69.

I will make it a point to get the scheduled build date when truck is back at my shop. Thank you for that info and those photos. Great stuff! I myself like the argent silver with those correct S/S hubcaps. Shout out to Joe in Mo who will be restoring a set for us! Dave

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Did not receive.

Check your PM Jim👍

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

So do we Corvette guys. Too many bugs at night to drive at night anyway. Have these on my truck too.

Roger that on the bugs Jim😀👍

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by factorystock

70's have a build date decal inside driver side door, not sure if '69's have the same decal.

I remember seeing 2 S/S tags in driver door jamb. One was about GVWR & the other I'm not sure.

[Dmoore]

Originally Posted by factorystock

When we read the fine print on GM literature, things change. Photo of white '69 cst 20 with white wheels is from this literature dated 2-69. 1-69 photo of a brand new '69 shows argent silver wheels, IMO, built in the last months of '68, more evidence of argent silver wheels on early 69's. Both photos show correct standard mirror for '69.

Ok, on that white truck I noticed the side marker light fixture is different than the ones in my CST. That looks to be a simple "rectangle" where as mine is split in 2 sections. Is mine an upgraded item? Dave

[jocko]

The tags are the VIN and GVWR - they are on the body. The blue sticker with build date is physically on the door - but as Jim mentioned, his 69 did not have one so yours may not either.