What is it? C20 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Benzdoctor · 01-07-2010, 10:12 PM

This is my first post on this site. I think this site is the best thing since sliced bread. I just bought this truck this past weekend. Here is the story behind it. The guy who bought this truck new in 1971 gave it to his grandson about 3 or 4 years ago. The kid sold it to a buddy of his for 200 bucks. The kid who paid 200 for it gave it back the the grandson. These two arn't very smart, they sanded the pait off the truck and disconected the fuel tanks and other stupid stuff. The way I found it is that a guy my dad works with is the grandson's step dad. The grandson needed money so I got it cheep. What I do know is that it is a factory big block A/C 3/4 ton truck with 3 gas tanks. I was told its a Cheyenne but Im not sure now after seeing it. I am also not sure what engine is in it. I thought after 1970 Chevy started using the 402BB. But the glove box says 396BB. Is this because it has a January build date, and they used what was left? The glove box also states it is a Custom Sport Truck. I thought that after 1970 they did away with CST? I tried to take pictures but it didn't come out so I will list the opitions on the glove box door. I would like to find out just what all this thing is.

LEFT SIDE:

MODEL #CE20934
1B85AB BELT MOLDING
1F51AC FRT & REAR SHOCK AB
1G50AE HEAVY REAR SPRING
1L47AG 396 CU IN V-8 ENGIN
1N33BG COMFORTILT STEERING
1RP5AC 875 X 165 X 6 TIRES
1U63AF AM PUSHBUTTON RADIO
1Z84BZ CUSTOM SPORT TRUCK
1621AE SADDLE VINYL CUSTOM

RIGHT SIDE:

1A11AA TINTED GLASS
1C60CF 4-SEASON AIR CONDIT
1F59AA FRONT STABILIZER
1G60AB AUXILIARY SPRING
1M49AJ TURBO HYDRA-MATIC
1N40AG POWER STEERING
1RP6AC 875 X 165 X 8 TIRES
1Z53AC AMETER-OIL-TEMP GA
1464AA YELLOW/WHITE/L

I am assumeing that the reason the tires are listed twice is that its been up graded to 8 lug? I am also guessing that the helper springs under it are factory, the aux spring? The truck has 81,789 miles on it. The truck is very straight and solid. I have only found one spot on the bottom front R fender thats through. I spent the afternoon cleaning out the garage so I could get around it. I have not had time to go through the bed or cab. I want to paint it back to the factory yellow and white. Im going to keep it mostly stock with a few changes.
The other truck in the pics is my 1971 c10. Its mostly all orignal with just over 100K on it. Its very base with only a couple options. I will be getting rid of that one sometime due to lack of space to keep all my toys.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
Joe

**leddzepp** · 01-07-2010, 10:31 PM

3/4 ton trucks are 8 lug from the factory. The SPID reads 396 cause that's what the guy typing them that day put on it.... if it is a 71, it has the 402 (which is a 396 punched 030 over)

**special-K** · 01-07-2010, 10:44 PM

The second tire listing is the optional spare.It says Custom Sport Truck,but it`s a Cheyenne.It says 396,but it`s a 402.That`s typical for`71.

soulman67 · 01-07-2010, 10:47 PM

it came with two wheel sizes. 16.5x6 on the front 16.5x8 on the back. you could get them ordered that why back then.

Benzdoctor · 01-07-2010, 10:54 PM

Great! Thanks! Glad to see it is what I thought it was.

Longhorn Man · 01-07-2010, 11:10 PM

its interesting that it has the Eaton rear in a big block truck with no optional gear listing. Big block/auto c/20 trucks supposedly got the dana with 3.54 gearing.

71swb4x4 · 01-07-2010, 11:17 PM

That is one sweet truck!! I love that yellow too. What are your plans?

**leddzepp** · 01-07-2010, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

its interesting that it has the Eaton rear in a big block truck with no optional gear listing. Big block/auto c/20 trucks supposedly got the dana with 3.54 gearing.

I noticed that too....I thought the Eaton was only used up until 70, and the Dana 60 was used in 71-72?

Benzdoctor · 01-07-2010, 11:26 PM

71swb4x4 - Going mostly stock. Would like to add a tach dash and wood bed. Maybe a set of '02 HD wheels. Although the hubcaps are growing on me.

I have no Idea on the rear. The production date is 1/71 would that have anything to do with it?

Benzdoctor · 01-07-2010, 11:29 PM

Which rear is better?

**leddzepp** · 01-07-2010, 11:31 PM

I have heard the Eaton is stronger (although I have never seen a dana 60 break) but they are very hard to find parts for.

Benzdoctor · 01-07-2010, 11:38 PM

Hmm... never heard anything bad about a dana either. parts as far as seals and such or parts like gears are hard to find? Thought about changing the ratio to a more highway friendly ratio, as I would like to drive it alot, and going with an overdrive trans. I dont do much pulling, and that BB has pleanty of torque.

Longhorn Man · 01-07-2010, 11:39 PM

the eaton was used plenty till the end of 72.
Danas had weak axle shafts.

**leddzepp** · 01-07-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

the eaton was used plenty till the end of 72.
Danas had weak axle shafts.

Thanks for the clarification on the Eatons. I have had several CJ rock crawlers with dana 60 rear ends and no problems with the axle shafts. In fact, they are a very popular swap with Jeep dudes. The AMC 20 (used from 76-86) has to have the weakest axle shafts ever built...I have seen plenty of those break, and have broke a couple myself.

**leddzepp** · 01-07-2010, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benzdoctor

Hmm... never heard anything bad about a dana either. parts as far as seals and such or parts like gears are hard to find? Thought about changing the ratio to a more highway friendly ratio, as I would like to drive it alot, and going with an overdrive trans. I dont do much pulling, and that BB has pleanty of torque.

I think both seals and gears are hard to find, IIRC.

**jerry moss** · 01-08-2010, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

the eaton was used plenty till the end of 72.
Danas had weak axle shafts.

dana 60s under full size trucks with big tires are a broken axle waiting to happen. i used to sell a local kid about one a month-69 K/20 with 38.5s and a 4 speed with a pumped small block-every winter when he was playing in the mud. 60 shafts aren't much bigger than a 1/2 ton 12 bolt shaft but can be upgraded with stronger shafts through the aftermarket.

by the way, looks like a nice project you have there. keep the progress pics coming.

deek114 · 01-08-2010, 03:08 AM

Hey Buddy,

I just wanted to say welcome to the forum. Oh, hey you need to post some pics of that big 72 4wd you used to have.

Lugnut64052 · 01-08-2010, 12:55 PM

Looks like a great base for nice fixer-upper. Welcome to the board & keep us updated on your progress.

Hottrucks · 01-08-2010, 01:03 PM

I want it!!!

thats what I would like to find to start my next build

71veronica · 01-08-2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I have heard the Eaton is stronger (although I have never seen a dana 60 break) but they are very hard to find parts for.

i broke my dana 60 (10 bolt) out of my 1971 gmc. to many burn outs.i just replaced it with a 14 bolt

**leddzepp** · 01-08-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71veronica

i broke my dana 60 (10 bolt) out of my 1971 gmc. to many burn outs.i just replaced it with a 14 bolt

I broke an AMC 20 doing the same thing

But I have never had a 60 break, even in a rockcrawler. But then again, a CJ-5 weighs a lot less than a full size truck and I never ran anything over 33" for tires.

dwaite72lnghrn · 01-08-2010, 05:09 PM

I think the 6 and 8 with the tires refers to the ply rating. The G60 aux spring is the long leaf spring between the frame and the coil spring mount on the H052 axle tubes. More parts are becoming available from NAPA for these trucks like vacuum boosters and rear seals.

Benzdoctor · 01-08-2010, 07:33 PM

Here are the trucks Ive owned. The first is a 72 4x4 short bed step side with a 350 and 4spd, 35x12.50 bfg's, 1 ton axles and custom springs. The second one I bought is the yellow 71 c10 307 th350, 95% orignal/stock. The third is a 72 Cheyenne Super. I still have the 71, but did not have room at the time to keep either of the other two, due to moving and such. The blue one was beat, not a straight pannel on it. The Super was rusted out.

71veronica · 02-17-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I broke an AMC 20 doing the same thing

But I have never had a 60 break, even in a rockcrawler. But then again, a CJ-5 weighs a lot less than a full size truck and I never ran anything over 33" for tires.

yeah a factory c-20.

capev86 · 02-17-2010, 06:10 PM

if the HO52 has the 4.10 gear.....extremely likely due to the big block.....all you need is an overdrive trans to make it a highway driver. a 4l80 or better an allison 5 or 6 speed would be awesome in that truck. if you have a more conservative budget, you can build up a 200-4r or 700-r4 to handle a mild big block no problem. heck, if you geta used one in good condition it will last a long time provided you run good fluid (synthetic atf) and don't beat on it.

01-07-2010, 10:12 PM	#1
Benzdoctor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mahomet Il Posts: 6	What is it? C20 This is my first post on this site. I think this site is the best thing since sliced bread. I just bought this truck this past weekend. Here is the story behind it. The guy who bought this truck new in 1971 gave it to his grandson about 3 or 4 years ago. The kid sold it to a buddy of his for 200 bucks. The kid who paid 200 for it gave it back the the grandson. These two arn't very smart, they sanded the pait off the truck and disconected the fuel tanks and other stupid stuff. The way I found it is that a guy my dad works with is the grandson's step dad. The grandson needed money so I got it cheep. What I do know is that it is a factory big block A/C 3/4 ton truck with 3 gas tanks. I was told its a Cheyenne but Im not sure now after seeing it. I am also not sure what engine is in it. I thought after 1970 Chevy started using the 402BB. But the glove box says 396BB. Is this because it has a January build date, and they used what was left? The glove box also states it is a Custom Sport Truck. I thought that after 1970 they did away with CST? I tried to take pictures but it didn't come out so I will list the opitions on the glove box door. I would like to find out just what all this thing is. LEFT SIDE: MODEL #CE20934 1B85AB BELT MOLDING 1F51AC FRT & REAR SHOCK AB 1G50AE HEAVY REAR SPRING 1L47AG 396 CU IN V-8 ENGIN 1N33BG COMFORTILT STEERING 1RP5AC 875 X 165 X 6 TIRES 1U63AF AM PUSHBUTTON RADIO 1Z84BZ CUSTOM SPORT TRUCK 1621AE SADDLE VINYL CUSTOM RIGHT SIDE: 1A11AA TINTED GLASS 1C60CF 4-SEASON AIR CONDIT 1F59AA FRONT STABILIZER 1G60AB AUXILIARY SPRING 1M49AJ TURBO HYDRA-MATIC 1N40AG POWER STEERING 1RP6AC 875 X 165 X 8 TIRES 1Z53AC AMETER-OIL-TEMP GA 1464AA YELLOW/WHITE/L I am assumeing that the reason the tires are listed twice is that its been up graded to 8 lug? I am also guessing that the helper springs under it are factory, the aux spring? The truck has 81,789 miles on it. The truck is very straight and solid. I have only found one spot on the bottom front R fender thats through. I spent the afternoon cleaning out the garage so I could get around it. I have not had time to go through the bed or cab. I want to paint it back to the factory yellow and white. Im going to keep it mostly stock with a few changes. The other truck in the pics is my 1971 c10. Its mostly all orignal with just over 100K on it. Its very base with only a couple options. I will be getting rid of that one sometime due to lack of space to keep all my toys. Any help would be great. Thanks. Joe Attached Images __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wern't for Fords our tools would rust. 1971 C10 1971 C20 1953 Buick Special 1980 Harley Davidison FXE 1988 Mercedes Benz 300CE

01-07-2010, 10:31 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,033	Re: What is it? C20 3/4 ton trucks are 8 lug from the factory. The SPID reads 396 cause that's what the guy typing them that day put on it.... if it is a 71, it has the 402 (which is a 396 punched 030 over) __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

01-07-2010, 10:44 PM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What is it? C20 The second tire listing is the optional spare.It says Custom Sport Truck,but it`s a Cheyenne.It says 396,but it`s a 402.That`s typical for`71. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-07-2010, 10:47 PM	#4
soulman67 Randy churchill Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pearsall, Tx Posts: 356	Re: What is it? C20 it came with two wheel sizes. 16.5x6 on the front 16.5x8 on the back. you could get them ordered that why back then. __________________ 1983 GMC K2500 6.2 diesel 4" lift on 35x12.50 tires 2008 GMC 2500HD 6.6 diesel 3" lift on 315 75 16X10 2003 Jeep Rubicon 4.5" short arm lift 1985 Jeep CJ7 30k in parts and still adding up

01-07-2010, 10:54 PM	#5
Benzdoctor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mahomet Il Posts: 6	Re: What is it? C20 Great! Thanks! Glad to see it is what I thought it was. __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wern't for Fords our tools would rust. 1971 C10 1971 C20 1953 Buick Special 1980 Harley Davidison FXE 1988 Mercedes Benz 300CE

01-07-2010, 11:10 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: What is it? C20 its interesting that it has the Eaton rear in a big block truck with no optional gear listing. Big block/auto c/20 trucks supposedly got the dana with 3.54 gearing.

01-07-2010, 11:17 PM	#7
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: What is it? C20 That is one sweet truck!! I love that yellow too. What are your plans? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-07-2010, 11:26 PM	#9
Benzdoctor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mahomet Il Posts: 6	Re: What is it? C20 71swb4x4 - Going mostly stock. Would like to add a tach dash and wood bed. Maybe a set of '02 HD wheels. Although the hubcaps are growing on me. I have no Idea on the rear. The production date is 1/71 would that have anything to do with it? __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wern't for Fords our tools would rust. 1971 C10 1971 C20 1953 Buick Special 1980 Harley Davidison FXE 1988 Mercedes Benz 300CE

01-07-2010, 11:29 PM	#10
Benzdoctor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mahomet Il Posts: 6	Re: What is it? C20 Which rear is better? __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wern't for Fords our tools would rust. 1971 C10 1971 C20 1953 Buick Special 1980 Harley Davidison FXE 1988 Mercedes Benz 300CE

01-07-2010, 11:31 PM	#11
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,033	Re: What is it? C20 I have heard the Eaton is stronger (although I have never seen a dana 60 break) but they are very hard to find parts for. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

01-07-2010, 11:38 PM	#12
Benzdoctor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mahomet Il Posts: 6	Re: What is it? C20 Hmm... never heard anything bad about a dana either. parts as far as seals and such or parts like gears are hard to find? Thought about changing the ratio to a more highway friendly ratio, as I would like to drive it alot, and going with an overdrive trans. I dont do much pulling, and that BB has pleanty of torque. __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wern't for Fords our tools would rust. 1971 C10 1971 C20 1953 Buick Special 1980 Harley Davidison FXE 1988 Mercedes Benz 300CE

01-07-2010, 11:39 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: What is it? C20 the eaton was used plenty till the end of 72. Danas had weak axle shafts.

01-08-2010, 03:08 AM	#17
deek114 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: decatur, IL. Posts: 162	Re: What is it? C20 Hey Buddy, I just wanted to say welcome to the forum. Oh, hey you need to post some pics of that big 72 4wd you used to have.

01-08-2010, 12:55 PM	#18
Lugnut64052 Middle-aged Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 753	Re: What is it? C20 Looks like a great base for nice fixer-upper. Welcome to the board & keep us updated on your progress. __________________ Bret Check out the site's Truck Tech FAQ. Be a site supporter. My more-or-less pathetic build thread. Board members I've met: ------------------------------ Longhorn Man Dieselwrencher jholley big mike71

01-08-2010, 01:03 PM	#19
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: What is it? C20 I want it!!! thats what I would like to find to start my next build __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html



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01-08-2010, 05:09 PM	#22
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Re: What is it? C20 I think the 6 and 8 with the tires refers to the ply rating. The G60 aux spring is the long leaf spring between the frame and the coil spring mount on the H052 axle tubes. More parts are becoming available from NAPA for these trucks like vacuum boosters and rear seals. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

01-08-2010, 07:33 PM	#23
Benzdoctor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mahomet Il Posts: 6	Re: What is it? C20 Here are the trucks Ive owned. The first is a 72 4x4 short bed step side with a 350 and 4spd, 35x12.50 bfg's, 1 ton axles and custom springs. The second one I bought is the yellow 71 c10 307 th350, 95% orignal/stock. The third is a 72 Cheyenne Super. I still have the 71, but did not have room at the time to keep either of the other two, due to moving and such. The blue one was beat, not a straight pannel on it. The Super was rusted out. Attached Images __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wern't for Fords our tools would rust. 1971 C10 1971 C20 1953 Buick Special 1980 Harley Davidison FXE 1988 Mercedes Benz 300CE

02-17-2010, 06:10 PM	#25
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: What is it? C20 if the HO52 has the 4.10 gear.....extremely likely due to the big block.....all you need is an overdrive trans to make it a highway driver. a 4l80 or better an allison 5 or 6 speed would be awesome in that truck. if you have a more conservative budget, you can build up a 200-4r or 700-r4 to handle a mild big block no problem. heck, if you geta used one in good condition it will last a long time provided you run good fluid (synthetic atf) and don't beat on it.

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