1969 Chevrolet C20

Sportsman500 · August 20, 2008

Hello. I Have picked up a 69 chevy C20. Would the frame and body be the same size as a 1/2 ton. I would like to make it a 1/2 ton.

Another Idea is to purchase a newer truck and use the frame and steeing, etc. Which way to go?

Zembonez · August 20, 2008

Hello. I Have picked up a 69 chevy C20. Would the frame and body be the same size as a 1/2 ton. I would like to make it a 1/2 ton.
Another Idea is to purchase a newer truck and use the frame and steeing, etc. Which way to go?

The trucks are the same size. All the C20 has is a little heavier duty suspension, rear axle, etc. Pretty much the same truck otherwise. I bet the frame is even the same or very similar.

dietz4ibanez · August 20, 2008

Looks like a good project truck!

Sportsman500 · August 20, 2008

I Read on the net, that the frames are the same from 1967 to 1986. Is this true.

That would make things alot easier.

Chevanater2500hd : It looks not to bad the bottom of the cab does have rust,

But most of the truck is there.

dietz4ibanez · August 20, 2008

I had a truck at one time that I was going to fix up but it was a lot newer... It was a 84 with the 305 in it and I think that it was in worse condition. But I learned that it was worse that what I could handle once I found the rusted out holes in the floor... I could have repaired it but it would have been a lot of work!

67Cowboy · August 27, 2008

_ Why in the world would anyone ever want to devalue their truck by downsizing to smaller/ weaker chassis components ???

_ And no 67 through 91 are not all the same: 67-72 is a different frame from 73-79, and in 79 they started using the NAZI metric system, although most of the components are the same and will interchange some of the parts like brake lines are metric. 73-80 are basically the same; then again in 81 more parts changed like the front clip and chassis components , while the frame stayed basically the same till 87. Then it 88 they lightened the truck by 750 lbs. and the C10 1/2ton body style changed drastically while C20 3/4ton and 1ton stayed the same until 91.

You could change the 69' 3/4ton to 1/2ton if you find a donor truck just unbolt the cross members and rear axel and roll them in place. Since 69 was the last full year for hub brakes I'm sure you will want to upgrade to the 1970 and later disc brake style front end.

_ There are a lot of very expensive Chassis Kits like SSBC (STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE CORP.) But in my humble opinion you have a far more valuable truck in the original C20 just the way it is.

_ My '67 is a C20 and I'm currently putting a '74 C20 front end under it simply for the disc brakes and some what more readily available and cheaper parts, otherwise it would stay all original, but the parts I'm changing are all bolt in so I haven't hurt my truck and can put it back original if I want.

_ As far as converting your truck the 71-72 1/2 spindles may just bolt right up to your 69 3/4ton, if my memory serves me right 71-72 1/2 were the only ones in that series that used the same ball joints as the older pre 1970 3/4ton , but check the books at your local parts house or salvage yard to be sure.

_There is a little more info you'll need if you choose any other year as a donor.

this board is great fo info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/index.php also search for Jim Carter's website and do some reading there you'll learn a lot about one of the most popular truck styles ever built. I have a '67 C20 , '69 K10 Suburban and '69 C2500 Custom Camper I truly love these trucks, ever since I saw the first load come in to the dealership in '67, they were so smooth and handsome and different from our '62 and '64, it's something I'll never forget !!! Keep us posted on your build !

Zembonez · August 27, 2008

_ Why in the world would anyone ever want to devalue their truck by downsizing to smaller/ weaker chassis components ???

I love the 67-72 Chevy trucks. Half tons rode a lot better in the 67-72 days and many more performance accessories are available for the C10. (suspension, wheels, brakes, etc.) If he's just building a street rod truck out of it I can see why the half ton might be a better possibility.

BUT

A lot of work is ahead to change everything over... along with a lot of parts. I guess it depends on how far he plans to tear it down for the rebuild.

EDIT: Welcome to the site, by the way, 67 Cowboy.

pennzoil29 · August 27, 2008

Sportsman500 · August 28, 2008

Thank-you for all the information. I Am Not a pro mechanic and will take the truck in for different things, mechanical and body work. I Did end up picking-up a anoher truck.

The truck is a 1970 G.M.C 1/2 ton. The truck is in better shape and i will use this truck instead, for the rebuild.It came with a inline 6 cylinder three in the tree. I Will use the,

350 and the automatic trans for the G.M.C. from the other truck.

Thanks again for all the infomation. I Hope to put pics up during the build, Which may not start until after christmas and may take a couple of years.

Sportsman500======>