1968 Chevrolet C20 Long Bed Pickup

The Chevrolet C-20 designation can be confusing at times, with the C-10, C-20, C-30, and then the line of K designations to throw in as well.  The difference between C & K is the C is 2-wheel drive, and K is 4-wheel drive.  The numerical designation denotes weight maximum.  10 is 1/2 ton, 20 is 3/4 ton, and 30 is 1 ton.  Now that we got that out of the way…let's get to today's offering!  

For consignment, a 1968 Chevy C20 Long Bed pickup truck with a well done job on the engine build which was completed before our consignor's purchase.  This is pure Americana with patina to tell a story, and new bits to assure comfort and confidence.  “I'm for sale by the side of the road, going nowhere” is the lyric to a David Wilcox song, (Rusty Old American Dream), and for a long time, these old Chevy trucks were just that; work trucks that were used and tossed aside.  Now, they're highly desirable classics and this is one we're proud to represent.

Exterior
“Distressed” gold paint is sandwiched between a white-topped cab, lower panel, and white wheels wrapped by newer tires.  It presents a dramatic vision of a life-well-lived….decades of faithful service.  A utility bumper is out back, and the license plate sits to the left with requisite light.  A tow hitch protrudes beyond the bumper.  Trailer mirrors occupy both sides.  Modern front headlights fill an otherwise stock-appearing fascia and grille.  A rubber mat covers the oak paneling in the long bed which appears to be in good condition and the consignor states that it is “new”.  The bed walls show some authentic patina…just the way we like it!

Interior
The inside has some recent upgrades including the gold hound's tooth bench with white vinyl sides and center insert.  The gold carpet and white door cards also appear in new condition.  The steering wheel, dash and door panels are clean and gold and, without the external patina, hint at what this truck might have looked like before it went to work.  A/C controls are there but the unit has been removed.  An AM radio provides an audible addition of nostalgia.  Gauges are in good working order.  The brown dash pad looks fresh.

Drivetrain
The rebuilt and period-correct 396ci V8 sports an aluminum intake and 4-barrel Edelbrock carb.  That should be good for about 300+ horsepower and without the restraints of smog equipment, plenty of “get up and go”.  A round filter element is capped by the metal Edelbrock lid and appropriate “396” decal.  The 3-speed TH400 automatic transmission funnels back to a Dana 60 rear with 3.73 gears.  When it's time to “whoa your horses” power drum brakes all around do the trick.

Undercarriage
Headers guide the exhaust under the car where it meets straight dual pipes, connected in the center with an H-pipe.  The pipes then meet Flowmaster mufflers which send tailpipes to each side of the bottom-mounted spare tire.    The bed had come off at some point so rust-proofing on the frame could be applied and it appears to have done its job.  Some of the wood bed is visible from underneath and looks very good.  The underside is driver-quality with only rare occurrences of minor surface rust which is mainly contained to the independent coil sprung front and 3 link and coil spring rear suspension.

Drivability
The decision not to resto-mod this truck is validated by the driving experience.  It's nice when classic cars, (or trucks), give you a “time warp” feeling…like you suddenly entered a time machine back to 1968.  That's the case here with the utilitarian feel inside this truck.  Meanwhile, the big, honkin' 396 cuber ignites into action and makes skinny tires feel even skinnier!  Just stay in the primary 2-barrels at first so the lightweight back end doesn't let loose…and all's well.  Good power and acceleration…which will suit this truck on cruise night…or if you end up hauling hay and pumpkins on your ranchette.  Sitting high is empowering…and the power drums elicit confidence when it's time to come to a stop.  All functions were operating as they should during my tenure behind the wheel with the exception of the aforementioned AC being removed.

Old Chevy trucks like this might bring back memories from when you were a kid riding in one of these early models.  Or you might just love the classic lines and the way they look.  As the market dictates, you're not alone!  If you're considering a C10 or a K-series, take a look at this C20 because it has a lot going for it…classic looks, some recent upgrades, and a big ol' rat under the hood!

CE248Z174251

C-Chevrolet Truck 4x2
E-V8
2-3/4 Ton
4-Pickup With Bed
8-1968
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
174251-Sequential Unit Number

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