Just bought a '69. Help me identify what. It has a couple unusual additions

[Mister-B]

This is a '69 long bed, with a newly rebuilt 350 V8. Dual headers and new exhaust/tires. Runs really well. Talked the guy down to $1,600.

There are a couple things on it that are a little unusual. I could use your help uncovering the mystery. First, is the spare gas tank in the bed. Is this a chevy installed part, or aftermarket? Second, what is the "U. 9,000" writing on the side? I've seen this on some other brands of trucks and such, but not on this particular truck. Where do you figure this came from? Does it mean this may have been a commercial truck at some point? Maybe an oil drilling rig truck or something?

Here are a few pictures

[SS Tim]

There was a factory aux tank option. In '69 I don't think there was a factory aux fuel tank. In '70 there was the rear mounted N18. Then in '72 there was the forward mount NL2 with a filler in the bed that look like the cab filler. There were many aftermarket tanks with both bedside or wheelwell fillers that were mounted above (sometimes) but mostly below the bedfloor.

Suspect that the "U9,000" is either the trucks licensed gross weight class. Is it a C20 or C30. These were often posted on the vehicles back in the day.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

There was a factory aux tank option. In '69 I don't think there was a factory aux fuel tank. In '70 there was the rear mounted N18. Then in '72 there was the forward mount NL2 with a filler in the bed that look like the cab filler. There were many aftermarket tanks with both bedside or wheelwell fillers that were mounted above (sometimes) but mostly below the bedfloor.

Suspect that the "U9,000" is either the trucks licensed gross weight class. Is it a C20 or C30. These were often posted on the vehicles back in the day.

I think I fixed the pictures. Please take a look again, and let me know what you think. Thanks
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[SS Tim]

OK I thought my computer just wasn't writing the pictures. Anyway that is an aftermarket tank. The in bed tanks were most often seen in the 67-68 trucks then the underbody became the popular mod.. They were often installed on trucks with campers as this location was outside storage for most campers. Doubt it was a commercial truck as that does look like a typical gross weight rating number. As I said they were common at one time. They were generally painted on by the owner or dealer, sometimes decals were seen. Later the tacky peel and sticks would show up. Over the years the regulations changed and the requirement went away for most private use pickups.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

OK I thought my computer just wasn't writing the pictures. Anyway that is an aftermarket tank. The in bed tanks were most often seen in the 67-68 trucks then the underbody became the popular mod.. They were often installed on trucks with campers as this location was outside storage for most campers. Doubt it was a commercial truck as that does look like a typical gross weight rating number. As I said they were common at one time. They were generally painted on by the owner or dealer, sometimes decals were seen. Later the tacky peel and sticks would show up. Over the years the regulations changed and the requirement went away for most private use pickups.

Ok, thanks. I think I'll get rid of the tank then if it isn't factory. Besides, it has been sitting without a cap on it, so it would take a lot of work to get it to where it would be suitable to hold fuel.

As for the 9,000 number, it is definitely not painted. Must be individual decal letters. I kinda like it, but at the same time I don't know that I like it being so prominent right smack in the center if the door. Think I'll get rid of it when I do body work, and might have it painted smaller on the lower panel to pay homage.
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[Mister-B]

Oh, and by the way it's a C20
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[SS Tim]

Like I said the U 9,000 is probably more of a weight classification and not the actual gross weight of your truck. In fact yours is going to factory max out at 7500 with an "as built" likely lower at 6200 or 7200 (check the door plate).
Putting it back on the truck would be a nice touch as long as you don't have to pay a weight fee for it.
Down along the bottom of the lower bedside molding just behind the cab has always been my prefered location. Some people like them on the fender under the series badge in front of the door.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Suspect that the "U9,000" is either the trucks licensed gross weight class..... These were often posted on the vehicles back in the day.

Probably stood for "Under 9000 pounds" meaning gross weight better not exceed that number 'cause that's what it was licensed for....

Oh and x2 on the tank being aftermarket, not that SS Tim's info needs verification from me.

[70cst]

Interesting thread

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Probably stood for "Under 9000 pounds" meaning gross weight better not exceed that number 'cause that's what it was licensed for....

Oh and x2 on the tank being aftermarket, not that SS Tim's info needs verification from me.

Thanks for the support. Sometimes I get those "WTF did I write" moments. So keep me honest. I try to be able to document anything at least two ways. Can't always but I try. So here are pictures of aftermarket in bed tanks.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by 70cst

Interesting thread

OK my ears perked up. Since you se a LOT of threads, what is new to you if I may ask?

[prostreetC-10]

The dent in the grill below the bowtie on the hood is certainly not factory! It is aftermarket.

[weever82]

Originally Posted by prostreetC-10

The dent in the grill below the bowtie on the hood is certainly not factory! It is aftermarket.

bahaha! I have always wanted to use that smiley and never had a chance until now. lol

Oh... but the bowtie is factory.

Weev-

[GOPAPA]

I remember all the trucks in Washington had to have the weight rate on the trucks and of course the more the weight rating the more the license fees..dont see hardly any of them on road anymore .. I live on the boarder of Oregon /Washington is how I know.

[dan42]

A lot of states had those. I think Iowa and Minnesota had them for a long time. We never had them in California, at least for pickups.