Researching your trucks past. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

powell72 · 10-21-2005, 11:38 PM

Have any of you guys researched the history of your truck? I am thinking about doing it with my current truck but don't know where to start. I cannot reach the last owner, which would be the easiest way to start. I am fairly sure my truck was purchased new from Burt Chevrolet in Englewood Colorado. I don't know if they would have any info for me if I called though. Any ideas or thoughts or would I be wasting my time?

68haywagon · 10-21-2005, 11:44 PM

I haven't dug to far, but I from the protect-o-plate booklet my truck was first purchased on Feb. 29, 1968 at Rohrer Chevy in Camden, NJ. The dealership has since closed. I stopped there.

Mike

**Palf70Step** · 10-22-2005, 07:52 AM

Mine was pretty easy until last month. I got my truck from the original owner's son. He had much of the paperwork and stuff still stored at his place and was slowing digging it out for me. Unfortunately, his entire house was submerged under water thanks to the b---h Katrina.

mrein3 · 10-22-2005, 09:46 AM

My truck came from Wyoming. Somebody out there put a 1970 2wd ("C" vin number) cab on a 1971 chassis ("K" vin number on the frame). When I brought it here to MN, the state where nothing is allowed, of course the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) crapped in their collective pants. Since I bought it from a friend who still lives in WY, he asked their DMV for a history of both VIN numbers. He sent me an envelope FULL of photocopies of WY titles. Some of the names on the titles had "deceased" written in red pen on them. I gave a copy of that pile to the DMV here and they seemed satisfied.

Now I have a truck that is legally titled here in MN and a nice little history of who owned various parts of the truck.

So to make a long story short, try your DMV.

LUV2XCLR8 · 10-22-2005, 09:55 AM

Not the same kind of research, but ........

GM Restoration Packets,

USA - 1 800 222 1020 (FREE)

Canada - 1 888 467 6853 ($)

All you need is the VIN #

**raggedjim** · 10-22-2005, 10:07 AM

I called the DMV in my state and requested previous owner information, cost me $6.00 and they sent me photocopies of the backs of the titles back to where it came from Tennessee. Then I called Tennessee and had the same thing done (they charged $15.00)

The titles had the names blacked out (but I could still read everyone of them!

Some time on the internet and soon I had talked to everyone of them except the original owner, who had died, but I did talk to his son .

Everyone of them had great stories about the blazer and asked if I wanted to sell it back (except the guy I bought it from)

I would start with your DMV, they aren't so bad...

Roger

powell72 · 10-22-2005, 03:51 PM

Thanks for the input guys, I already have the resto packet, (thanks for the suggestion LUV) I'll give the DMV a call.

Geezer · 10-22-2005, 04:40 PM

Yepper! My neighbor bought the truck new, used it mainly on the ranch for about 20 years, sold it to his son who used it mainly on the ranch for the next 5 years then parked it. Then I bought it this summer….

bucket · 10-22-2005, 09:20 PM

what does the US provided resto packet contain? wasn't there a fire at GM that destroyed most of our documentation?

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 10-22-2005, 10:59 PM

My truck has always been used on a farm, so there's not much history to it, other than that it was bought new at Joe's Chevrolet that closed in the late 70's-early 80's. Now "Dave Moore Ford" is on the very same property as the old Chevy dealership.

72 CustomCamper · 10-23-2005, 01:17 AM

Mine was real easy. I'm the second owner, my uncle was the first. I've known my truck since it was bought new...

Chuck

Chevy Chef · 10-23-2005, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucket

what does the US provided resto packet contain? wasn't there a fire at GM that destroyed most of our documentation?

I did a Google search about them and found this...

Quote:

The restoration package they send includes complete engineering specifications for your year truck, and also a very long list of parts vendors for classic Chevys.

hgs_notes · 10-23-2005, 08:53 AM

I don't have the original owner info, My grandpa bought it around 1973 from the chevy dealer in Little Falls, MN. Around 1976 my dad bought it from him. Then in 1983 I kind of took it over (I was 15) and then owned it in 1985. My son will most likely get it around 2012 - 2014, depending on his level of responsibility. If I don't think he will take care of it or improve it, it will wait until he does or until the next generation comes.

HG

86swb · 10-23-2005, 10:25 AM

On my '70 Suburban, my Step Dad bought it new in '70 from Jim Sullivan Chevy in Salina, Kansas. Now I have it. There is my history on mine. I am the second owner.

RyanG · 02-23-2006, 09:13 PM

just a quick question. What does SWB and LWB mean?

**Palf70Step** · 02-23-2006, 09:16 PM

SWB - Short wheel base
LWB - Long wheel base

TraderJon · 02-23-2006, 09:30 PM

Check www.americanclassic.com ,,,,,,,,,,type in vin no.& it'll tell you paint codes,plant built etc.
TraderJon

Pop's72 · 02-23-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraderJon

Check www.americanclassic.com ,,,,,,,,,,type in vin no.& it'll tell you paint codes,plant built etc.
TraderJon

Says mine is a 1964....

.

JAKES 68GMC · 02-23-2006, 10:42 PM

Mine was easy too. The guy I bought it from bought it from a guy who bought it from him, an the guy we bought it from bought it from a guy who worked for a paper company.

Pretty simple, at least simple enough for me.

Longhorn Man · 02-23-2006, 10:50 PM

Calling the DMV will probably not work these days due to privacy laws, but it is worth a shot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraderJon

Check www.americanclassic.com ,,,,,,,,,,type in vin no.& it'll tell you paint codes,plant built etc.
TraderJon

Most likely that link will be all wrong. I have only seen a couple on the web that are acurate for our trucks... the one I always refer people to is right here on this site. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/Chevyear.html And it won't tell you the paint code or any other options.

TraderJon · 02-23-2006, 11:00 PM

Yeah i tried my vin again at Americanclassic,,it aint right,,,i'll try the link you gave.
Thanks
TraderJon

rwgregory · 02-24-2006, 03:51 AM

I am the 3rd owner of both of my trucks. My '65 was bought new in Seattle,
WA. by a medical center and was sold to a man in Snohomish, WA. in 1983. I
bought it from him in 1990, threw a rod in it on the drive to San Diego and towed it home from Vancouver, WA. and still own it. My '67 was bought new
at Dave Pressley GMC here in San Diego. It was used to tote a large cabover
camper it's entire life until last January when it was traded to a landscaper for
a landscaping job. He sold the camper to someone else and sold the truck to
me in March of last year.

RicksTrucks · 02-24-2006, 08:57 AM

I am the second owner of my 69 SWB. Bought it from the widow of the original owner back in the mid 80's. He had ordered it new the way he wanted it: 307, A/C, PS.

DJ72CHEVY · 02-24-2006, 09:57 AM

I don't know how many owners there before me, but, there is a small tag on the dash that has Exxon Co. with a radio #.

TruckinDaddy · 02-24-2006, 01:03 PM

Mine was really easy, too. Grandpa bought it Sept 30 1968 in Rockdale, TX. I am the second owner.

One thing I learned from the title though, it took my grandparents almost 7 1/2 years to pay it off. My mom told me that the 70's were a bad time to farm around here b/c of a serious drought.

10-21-2005, 11:38 PM	#1
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Researching your trucks past. Have any of you guys researched the history of your truck? I am thinking about doing it with my current truck but don't know where to start. I cannot reach the last owner, which would be the easiest way to start. I am fairly sure my truck was purchased new from Burt Chevrolet in Englewood Colorado. I don't know if they would have any info for me if I called though. Any ideas or thoughts or would I be wasting my time? __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 10-21-2005 at 11:39 PM.

10-21-2005, 11:44 PM	#2
68haywagon I'm watching you! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 1,822	Re: Researching your trucks past. I haven't dug to far, but I from the protect-o-plate booklet my truck was first purchased on Feb. 29, 1968 at Rohrer Chevy in Camden, NJ. The dealership has since closed. I stopped there. Mike __________________ 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 4WD 1993 Chevrolet C-1500 W/T - Blue - 4.3L V-6, 4 speed auto - Dad's (RIP) 1992 Chevrolet S10 - LS swap project 1968 Chevrolet C-10 longbed fleetside - sold

10-22-2005, 07:52 AM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,761	Re: Researching your trucks past. Mine was pretty easy until last month. I got my truck from the original owner's son. He had much of the paperwork and stuff still stored at his place and was slowing digging it out for me. Unfortunately, his entire house was submerged under water thanks to the b---h Katrina. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

10-22-2005, 09:46 AM	#4
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: Researching your trucks past. My truck came from Wyoming. Somebody out there put a 1970 2wd ("C" vin number) cab on a 1971 chassis ("K" vin number on the frame). When I brought it here to MN, the state where nothing is allowed, of course the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) crapped in their collective pants. Since I bought it from a friend who still lives in WY, he asked their DMV for a history of both VIN numbers. He sent me an envelope FULL of photocopies of WY titles. Some of the names on the titles had "deceased" written in red pen on them. I gave a copy of that pile to the DMV here and they seemed satisfied. Now I have a truck that is legally titled here in MN and a nice little history of who owned various parts of the truck. So to make a long story short, try your DMV. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

10-22-2005, 09:55 AM	#5
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Re: Researching your trucks past. Not the same kind of research, but ........ GM Restoration Packets, USA - 1 800 222 1020 (FREE) Canada - 1 888 467 6853 ($) All you need is the VIN # __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 10-22-2005 at 09:55 AM.

10-22-2005, 10:07 AM	#6
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,453	Re: Researching your trucks past. I called the DMV in my state and requested previous owner information, cost me $6.00 and they sent me photocopies of the backs of the titles back to where it came from Tennessee. Then I called Tennessee and had the same thing done (they charged $15.00) The titles had the names blacked out (but I could still read everyone of them! Some time on the internet and soon I had talked to everyone of them except the original owner, who had died, but I did talk to his son . Everyone of them had great stories about the blazer and asked if I wanted to sell it back (except the guy I bought it from) I would start with your DMV, they aren't so bad... Roger __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

10-22-2005, 03:51 PM	#7
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Researching your trucks past. Thanks for the input guys, I already have the resto packet, (thanks for the suggestion LUV) I'll give the DMV a call. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

10-22-2005, 04:40 PM	#8
Geezer Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Spring Branch Texas Posts: 177	Re: Researching your trucks past. Yepper! My neighbor bought the truck new, used it mainly on the ranch for about 20 years, sold it to his son who used it mainly on the ranch for the next 5 years then parked it. Then I bought it this summer….

10-22-2005, 09:20 PM	#9
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	Re: Researching your trucks past. what does the US provided resto packet contain? wasn't there a fire at GM that destroyed most of our documentation?

10-22-2005, 10:59 PM	#10
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Re: Researching your trucks past. My truck has always been used on a farm, so there's not much history to it, other than that it was bought new at Joe's Chevrolet that closed in the late 70's-early 80's. Now "Dave Moore Ford" is on the very same property as the old Chevy dealership. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

10-23-2005, 01:17 AM	#11
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Re: Researching your trucks past. Mine was real easy. I'm the second owner, my uncle was the first. I've known my truck since it was bought new... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

10-23-2005, 08:53 AM	#13
hgs_notes GEARHEAD Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 6,122	Re: Researching your trucks past. I don't have the original owner info, My grandpa bought it around 1973 from the chevy dealer in Little Falls, MN. Around 1976 my dad bought it from him. Then in 1983 I kind of took it over (I was 15) and then owned it in 1985. My son will most likely get it around 2012 - 2014, depending on his level of responsibility. If I don't think he will take care of it or improve it, it will wait until he does or until the next generation comes. HG __________________ If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 Long Fleet C/10 72 Jimmy 4x4 (Junkyard Jimmy) HG's Plow Truck '78 K35 Dually Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff

10-23-2005, 10:25 AM	#14
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	Re: Researching your trucks past. On my '70 Suburban, my Step Dad bought it new in '70 from Jim Sullivan Chevy in Salina, Kansas. Now I have it. There is my history on mine. I am the second owner. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS

02-23-2006, 09:13 PM	#15
RyanG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 180	Re: Researching your trucks past. just a quick question. What does SWB and LWB mean?

02-23-2006, 09:16 PM	#16
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,761	Re: Researching your trucks past. SWB - Short wheel base LWB - Long wheel base __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!



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02-23-2006, 09:30 PM	#17
TraderJon Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: League City,Texas Posts: 66	Re: Researching your trucks past. Check www.americanclassic.com ,,,,,,,,,,type in vin no.& it'll tell you paint codes,plant built etc. TraderJon

02-23-2006, 10:42 PM	#19
JAKES 68GMC Aluminum slot wheels rule... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,212	Re: Researching your trucks past. Mine was easy too. The guy I bought it from bought it from a guy who bought it from him, an the guy we bought it from bought it from a guy who worked for a paper company. Pretty simple, at least simple enough for me.

02-23-2006, 11:00 PM	#21
TraderJon Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: League City,Texas Posts: 66	Re: Researching your trucks past. Yeah i tried my vin again at Americanclassic,,it aint right,,,i'll try the link you gave. Thanks TraderJon

02-24-2006, 03:51 AM	#22
rwgregory Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chula Vista, California Posts: 495	Re: Researching your trucks past. I am the 3rd owner of both of my trucks. My '65 was bought new in Seattle, WA. by a medical center and was sold to a man in Snohomish, WA. in 1983. I bought it from him in 1990, threw a rod in it on the drive to San Diego and towed it home from Vancouver, WA. and still own it. My '67 was bought new at Dave Pressley GMC here in San Diego. It was used to tote a large cabover camper it's entire life until last January when it was traded to a landscaper for a landscaping job. He sold the camper to someone else and sold the truck to me in March of last year. __________________ rwgregory 67 GMC 2500 ,2w/d wide box 305 V-6, 4-speed

02-24-2006, 08:57 AM	#23
RicksTrucks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Claremore, OK 74017 Posts: 2,640	Re: Researching your trucks past. I am the second owner of my 69 SWB. Bought it from the widow of the original owner back in the mid 80's. He had ordered it new the way he wanted it: 307, A/C, PS. __________________ 68 Short Stepside C-10 69 SWB C-10 70 Flatbed C-20 70 LWB C-20 BB402 70 LWB C-10 CST 70 LWB C-10 CST 71 Short Stepside Cheyenne C-10 72 LWB C-10 72 Blazer 4x4 4spd 95 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

02-24-2006, 09:57 AM	#24
DJ72CHEVY Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Brenham, Texas Posts: 79	Re: Researching your trucks past. I don't know how many owners there before me, but, there is a small tag on the dash that has Exxon Co. with a radio #.

02-24-2006, 01:03 PM	#25
TruckinDaddy What's that funky smell? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 610	Re: Researching your trucks past. Mine was really easy, too. Grandpa bought it Sept 30 1968 in Rockdale, TX. I am the second owner. One thing I learned from the title though, it took my grandparents almost 7 1/2 years to pay it off. My mom told me that the 70's were a bad time to farm around here b/c of a serious drought. __________________ Mike S 68 C10 Long Step (Pretending to be a Long Fleetside) Grandpa's Farm Truck 3 on the tree, 307, No power brakes or steering Factory Options - HD rear spring and Ammeter/Oil Gauges My truck blog My Car Domain page

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