1968 "Early Model"

[67sss]

Learn something new everyday, at least that's what I'm told at my age. I've had quite a few of the 67-72 trucks in my day, not bragging just saying. Sunday I'm going to look at a truck described to me by the owner, as a 1968 2 wheel drive 3/4ton v-8 automatic "Early Model" truck. Pictures are not available yet.

My guess is MAYBE this is a 67 truck that was purchased in 68. Anyone else have any ideas? It'll be Sunday before I see this "Early Model"

Thanks for the input.

[jocko]

no such animal that I'm aware, but I'd be interested to hear what the seller thinks it is when you find out. maybe he just means "early in the model year"?? i find the vast majority of sellers out there, even if they've owned it for 40 years, don't know half the correct details of their own truck. and that's very understandable - back then it was just a another new truck - folks didn't drool over the trim levels (like I tend to on occasion... ) and you never used to hear "can you send me a pic of the SPID please?"

[Jason Banks]

This is gonna turn out to be another frankenstein truck. 67 cab with pop rivet 68 vin tag... side markers in the front but not the rear.... etc...

Post the VIN number when you get it. Check the build date thread to see how early it is.

[LockDoc]

-
The only '68 early/late difference I have seen being in the locksmith trade is that some of the early 68's did not have an accessory position on the ignition switch and they used the small head Qctagon keys like the '67's. That changed sometime in early '68. My Silver '68 CST/Custom Camper was that way.

LockDoc

[toms68cst]

Or it will open up the ol' '68 white face vs silver face question.

[Bob B.]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

This is gonna turn out to be another frankenstein truck. 67 cab with pop rivet 68 vin tag... side markers in the front but not the rear.... etc...

Post the VIN number when you get it. Check the build date thread to see how early it is.

So that is what those trucks are! Always wondered, thanks for clearing that up.

[Jason Banks]

Despite my previous negativity, I'm gonna jump in to add I have a 1968 Fremont Built 10/28/67 that has 1967 arm rests, and I think the knobs on the dash are like the 1967 if there was a difference.

[72c20customcamper]

My truck has no accessory position on the switch but has the larger retainer cup . Took me a while to get the key tumbler out . My doors have inner brackets at the door handle and use 68 handles but has tear drop access holes not round also has the 67 armrests . Mine is late 67 or early 68 build

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by toms68cst

Or it will open up the ol' '68 white face vs silver face question.

Me thinks so.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

This is gonna turn out to be another frankenstein truck. 67 cab with pop rivet 68 vin tag... side markers in the front but not the rear.... etc...

Post the VIN number when you get it. Check the build date thread to see how early it is.

Don’t forget the ‘68 small back window cab that only a few trucks escaped with in ‘68… seen that one advertised a few times too.

[pjmoreland]

I believe early '68s may have come with a '67-style folding-back bench seat.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I believe early '68s may have come with a '67-style folding-back bench seat.

I pretty sure all 68 trucks had folding seats both of my 68s do.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I pretty sure all 68 trucks had folding seats both of my 68s do.

The original seat was no longer in my late-built '68. I had assumed that the elimination of the tilting seat was part of the other safety regulation-driven changes for '68, such as side markers. I see that I was wrong.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

The original seat was no longer in my late-built '68. I had assumed that the elimination of the tilting seat was part of the other safety regulation-driven changes for '68, such as side markers. I see that I was wrong.

I’m still learning about these trucks too.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I believe early '68s may have come with a '67-style folding-back bench seat.

Mine did. Comparing PJ's VIN to mine, -8Z123919, we're about 30,000 units apart. Mine's earlier.
My Stepside did have the smaller octogon key, originally. In 405,000 daily driver miles, I've been thru a bunch of keys. Then new locksets in 2005. The rectangles are easier to find, and easier to turn, so I have that style.
My Dash Knobs are all black ''Standard'' type, not the DeLuxe with a steel center that's the only aftermarket replacement. The all-black knobs on my '67 K/10 Suburban are slightly smaller in diameter that my '68s' -- and also kinda mushroom-shaped compared to the flatter T cross section of the '68 knobs. '67 Door Handles and Window Cranks are slimmer. The '68 I have always had the wider '68- later handles.
The Ignition Switch I have now has an ACC position at 11 O'clock but with no ACC terminal in the pigtail, it does nothing.
But without pictures ...

White Noses Rule

[67sss]

Well the best thing to do is always go look at a truck when you get a lead. Unfortunately this gentleman has a bit more sentimental value to the truck than I'd be willing to pay. I told him I'd pay $500 for it and he thought it was worth way more. He's was asking $2000 firm when I asked the price. I was unable to find anything really special on his "early model" truck. Pics will show the truck isn't in even driving/starting condition. Nice gas jug hanging on the grill, he had a 1 amp battery charger(whatever) on the battery. I thought when I opened the hood I saw a cruise control module. Not, it's a 60's style mini air compressor for his air horn, which he says doesn't go with the truck. SPID sheet wasn't legible. On a positive note, he HAS the original window sticker from the dealership on the cost of the truck. His Dad bought the truck new. If anyone would be willing to pay somewhere close to his asking price, you could bring a trailer and get this truck from him. PM me for info. I'd be the go between because this gentleman isn't ready to deal with many people looking at his truck.

sorry about pics being sideways. working on it.

[Grumpy old man]

You better RUN back and buy that truck ! V8/ auto / gauges it looks pretty clean .

[68bowtie]

Not to be insulting, but $500 is an insulting offer for that. $2k is a good price.

Looks like a regular 1968 to me.

[Warrens69GMC]

For 2k, it would be at my house tonight.

[Grumpy old man]

I'd be willing to bet someones already sending you a PM about buying it

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

$2k is a good price.

I would say it is a great price. That baby should have a 327 and a turbo 400!

[67sss]

it might seem like a "clean truck", however it would rain inside the cab just as much as the outside. I guess I'm outta touch with value of these trucks. I see people offering this/that/ and everything in between for prices of $5000-$15000 for some daily drivers. Asking price is far different from sold price. Sounds like I better go back(RUN) and get me a truck..

Thanks for the input, appreciate it.

[68bowtie]

The roof rust is certainly a different animal…

[Jason Banks]

I'm pretty sure in 2019 I offered someone $2500 for a truck in similar(or worse) condition. He turned it down, I bought something else and he called me later saying he'd take it and I told him too late.

[tutone]

Roof rust is a pita to fix.
Camper topper looks great.
Truck is worth the sum of its parts if not running.
Around here, the truck will fetch that quickly and most likely have tons more rust.