A little insight on a 66 please

[TJT-Rav]

Hi guys, I'm hoping to get some help from some of you seasoned chev pickup veterans. My wife's uncle is doing a big cleanup on the farm, part of this cleanup is his owned since new 66 pickup. I've only glanced at it the few times I've seen it in person, as it wasn't for sale then. So I'm not totally up on exact details until I get to research the numbers. I do know it has 8 lug wheels, which would make it one ton? Manual transmission, not sure what size 6 cyl. Step side box. 2 wheel drive. My question is, what are the common upgrades/fixes on these trucks? If I decide to take the truck as a project, I'm thinking I'd like to keep it as original as possible within reason. Any info/opinions are much appreciated, thanks.

I had some pics emailed to me, it's kinda rough, but fixin' em up is what it's all about.
http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/a...s%2066%20Chev/

[1963c-10]

8 lugs could be a 3/4 ton also...the 6cyl would be a 250 or 292 if it was stock. The most common upgrades that I see are the brakes, go to a dual master at the very least if not to disc brakes. Since most of these trucks came w/single master cylinders. Everything else is pretty much optional. Make sure it starts, stops and steers safely and you'll be just fine. The real info will be on the VIN. Once thats decoded you'll know how it was originally built. The fender badging will also help you determine 3/4-1ton, w/the c20 being 3/4 ton and c30 being 1ton. There is also a big Canadian group here and you may find someone locally to help w/any issues and maybe look at the truck for/with you.

[MisterC]

'66 was the first year for the SPID stickers. If he's owned it since new, he can tell you if he still has it. Check the inside of the glove box door to see if it's there. If so, it will list all of the options and they may help you decide where you want to start and guide you to where you want to end up with it.

[1963c-10]

Also...not uncommon to find build sheets under the seats too.

[MikeS.]

IMO 66 is the best year my favorite anyway.
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[padresag]

what does the tag say on the frt fender. or what is the ser (vin)# drivers side door jamb
does look like a 9' box. if it is an 8' box it is a 3/4t. 9'box it will be a 1t
the 3/4t will also have a 127"w/base whereas the 1t will have 133"w/b
ron

[TJT-Rav]

Thanks for the input guys, I really wanted to know what I was up against. Besides the cosmetic facelift it so desperately needs. I was worried it would possibly need some type of major modifications, to meet safety standards etc. So far you've given me no red flags as far as that's concerned, which is great. I won't be able to get any numbers till the weekend, which will ultimately help in figuring out what it is he's got there. Thanks again for the help so far...
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[oem4me]

There is no reason the truck should perform any worse than it did when it was new in '66 if you get it properly sorted. Sure the drums don't stop as well as modern discs, and you'll wish gas was still $.32 a gallon with that thirsty 292, but hey, it is what it is, right?
I would not burden yourself with major changes until you know what you have. Barring heavy use as a daily work truck, you should be fine for now. Get it going, then improve as you see fit.
Lastly, before sinking a ton of dough into a rebuild, make sure the truck is solid enough rust-wise to support your efforts.

[LostMy65]

I agree with oem4me.

Here, I inserted the pics for you:





.
Also,
welcome to the forums

[TJT-Rav]

Just wanted to give an update, and again thank those of you that tried to help. With little to no info and a few crappy pics lol. I decided to buy the truck, for various reasons. Keep it in the family, help out the uncle financially, my wife and daughter love it, might get rid of my Jeep, etc. A little research tells me it's a 3/4ton, 127", 7500gvw, with a 292 under the hood. He still had it registered and insured, and drove it from time to time. It badly needs a new seat, and the wood in the box is pretty much toast. I drove it roughly 5 miles from the uncles farm to the in laws place, it drives like a Cadillac, I didn't want to get out of it. I'm hoping to get it home in the next few weeks, and can't wait to get my hands dirty tinkering with it. Here comes hours on the forums and who knows how much time/money/bloody knuckles spent. Cheers!

[LostMy65]

Great!

Running, Driving, and Insured is a huge plus.
The wife and kids loving it makes it completely the correct decision.

Congrats
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