Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oem4me · 12-29-2013, 05:17 AM

It's been awhile coming, but another truck has joined the herd. For the record, I've never been inclined to name any of my vehicles, past or present, but this one just isn't content to sit back and go unnoticed ..not at all, in fact, it's LOUD! No, I don't mean noisy, it's that you just can't miss this thing!
It's been on the road about a month now, and never before have I had so many comments or thumbs up from strangers, neighbors, and people of all kinds ..even non-car people! The RED paint and TALL tires just seem to grab everyone's attention.
The truck is a 1966 Custom Camper showing little over 60k miles, and wearing 95% original paint. 327, TH 400. Mostly unrestored original condition. It has a few little love wounds here and there, and just a couple of add-ons it didn't have when it left the line. Overall a great user truck that I plan to have some fun with. Hey, maybe even sporting a vintage camper!
The BIG 19.5 wheels were acquired by a previous owner, and though they are not what was on it when new, they are correct factory optional wheels. I must admit that when I first saw them, I thought they looked silly big. Now I've gotten used to them and love the look. Kinda goes with the red paint.

Anyway, here's Big Red.

darkhorse970 · 12-29-2013, 08:49 AM

That's a cool truck, I've never seen wheels like that. The name certainly fits!

63 & 64 Bowties · 12-29-2013, 09:03 AM

Very nice. I agree, the wheels fit it perfectly.
Where the heck do you find all these nice trucks?

tjabv2 · 12-29-2013, 09:08 AM

Very nice, eye-popping truck....congrats!

**rideblue00** · 12-29-2013, 09:21 AM

I am just in awe that trucks like this are out there still !!! That is awesome. You have a couple of very special trucks there!

**yelmer** · 12-29-2013, 10:08 AM

Very very nice !!!!!!!!!

19GMC66 · 12-29-2013, 10:56 AM

Wow that is awesome!

68panelman · 12-29-2013, 11:06 AM

Man that's beautiful!!!

XLCOR_65 · 12-29-2013, 11:36 AM

Holy Moses that is a great looking truck! I love the wheels! Can't wait to see more pics!

K5 Addiction · 12-29-2013, 11:39 AM

I can see why big red get attention She's a beaut!

72BlckButy · 12-29-2013, 11:54 AM

Great looking truck!

TJ's Chevy · 12-29-2013, 12:21 PM

Man that is sweet! Love the tall tires!!! Especially when they are a factory option! How about some pictures of the 327?????

C/10 King · 12-29-2013, 12:46 PM

Two big thumbs up!!!!

Now lets see under the hood and the interior!

oem4me · 12-30-2013, 02:36 AM

Thanks for all the nice comments fellas. I'll put up some more pics for ya'll.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

Very nice.
Where the heck do you find all these nice trucks?

Seems everybody had to have a pickup back in the mid 60's. Lucky for us, they are still in relatively good supply. Be patient and act fast is about all I can say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

Man that is sweet! Love the tall tires!!! Especially when they are a factory option! How about some pictures of the 327?????

Quote:

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Two big thumbs up!!!!

Now lets see under the hood and the interior!

The motor compartment has suffered cosmetically. My guess is that it was OVERmaintained. Old school degreasers just killed paint.
The interior faired ok. No holes in the mat, a couple small spots on the seat, and a little paint wear here and there. I think the clock, tach, and hazard switch were added by the second owner. Despite it's value, I kinda wish the dash top clock hadn't made it. Oh well, everybody else likes it.
Cardboard tank cover behind the seat is still there and in pretty good shape. This is one of my personal "green flag" indicators of an unmolested find. I didn't get a photo of that.

gulfcoast66 · 12-29-2013, 12:53 PM

Beautiful Truck, GC66..

cru_zn_29 · 12-29-2013, 12:57 PM

Yes that's a truck any one would be proud to own. The wheels really set it off. Hope to see more pictures.

**60-66** · 12-29-2013, 01:01 PM

WOW ! Truck never looked better Bruce . Have you let the Wife drive that one yet ??

oem4me · 12-30-2013, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60-66

WOW ! Truck never looked better Bruce . Have you let the Wife drive that one yet ??

Ha! Well, truth is I'm lucky she let's ME drive it! Really, she loves the truck! - Long story short .. I would not own this truck had my wife not fallen for it and insisted that I "stop being so practical" and "just give the man what he wants" for it. She grew up hunting and fishing and learned to drive in a 4X4 Blazer, so the big truck thing does it for her. Yes, it's kinda her truck.
The pic with our cat in it is before clean-up and while the truck was "dressed down" for registration purposes. The next pic shows Marie with a big smile after a whole day of cleaning.

perro13 · 12-29-2013, 01:02 PM

Sweet better pics of wheels & tires

CG · 12-29-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perro13

Sweet better pics of wheels & tires

Yeah how bout a nice side view ... Good looking rig for sure.

Rich 5150 69 · 12-29-2013, 01:15 PM

Bruce, sooo who did you hold up at gun point for this awesome truck....we need more pics...!

oem4me · 12-30-2013, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perro13

Sweet better pics of wheels & tires

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Yeah how bout a nice side view.

Side shots.

oem4me · 12-30-2013, 04:03 AM

Last ones

LT1 Burb · 12-29-2013, 01:17 PM

Wow, killer truck Bruce. I would also like to see more pics. I love the wheels and have never seen them before, how cool. 2 Thumbs up!

Bomp · 12-29-2013, 01:17 PM

Sweet truck.
Is that a factory clock on the dash?

12-29-2013, 05:17 AM	#1
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper It's been awhile coming, but another truck has joined the herd. For the record, I've never been inclined to name any of my vehicles, past or present, but this one just isn't content to sit back and go unnoticed ..not at all, in fact, it's LOUD! No, I don't mean noisy, it's that you just can't miss this thing! It's been on the road about a month now, and never before have I had so many comments or thumbs up from strangers, neighbors, and people of all kinds ..even non-car people! The RED paint and TALL tires just seem to grab everyone's attention. The truck is a 1966 Custom Camper showing little over 60k miles, and wearing 95% original paint. 327, TH 400. Mostly unrestored original condition. It has a few little love wounds here and there, and just a couple of add-ons it didn't have when it left the line. Overall a great user truck that I plan to have some fun with. Hey, maybe even sporting a vintage camper! The BIG 19.5 wheels were acquired by a previous owner, and though they are not what was on it when new, they are correct factory optional wheels. I must admit that when I first saw them, I thought they looked silly big. Now I've gotten used to them and love the look. Kinda goes with the red paint. Anyway, here's Big Red. Attached Images Last edited by oem4me; 12-30-2013 at 02:42 PM.

12-29-2013, 08:49 AM	#2
darkhorse970 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Monroe, LA Posts: 2,104	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper That's a cool truck, I've never seen wheels like that. The name certainly fits! __________________ Keith SOLD - 1963 C10 Short Fleet 350/700R4 4/6 drop 1967 GMC Super Custom - Short Fleet COPO concept w/427 BBC T-400 w/Doug Nash overdrive 4/6 Drop, Buddy Buckets, etc... Frame Off (In Progress) I call it "Vulgar Display of Power" 1980 Silverado Original paint 49k Original miles 4/6 drop Check out my build thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6209941

12-29-2013, 09:03 AM	#3
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Very nice. I agree, the wheels fit it perfectly. Where the heck do you find all these nice trucks? __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

12-29-2013, 09:08 AM	#4
tjabv2 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Catasauqua, PA Posts: 77	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Very nice, eye-popping truck....congrats!

12-29-2013, 09:21 AM	#5
rideblue00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Lambertville, MI Posts: 1,866	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper I am just in awe that trucks like this are out there still !!! That is awesome. You have a couple of very special trucks there!

12-29-2013, 10:08 AM	#6
yelmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: greeley colorado Posts: 1,360	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Very very nice !!!!!!!!!

12-29-2013, 10:56 AM	#7
19GMC66 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: AZ Posts: 146	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Wow that is awesome!

12-29-2013, 11:06 AM	#8
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,456	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Man that's beautiful!!!

12-29-2013, 11:36 AM	#9
XLCOR_65 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SW MO Posts: 116	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Holy Moses that is a great looking truck! I love the wheels! Can't wait to see more pics! __________________ 1965 C10 LWB SBW, 292, SM420 1963 Chevy II SS 1951 Chevy Business Coupe Gasser 1949 Willys Overland

12-29-2013, 11:39 AM	#10
K5 Addiction Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 404	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper I can see why big red get attention She's a beaut!

12-29-2013, 11:54 AM	#11
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Great looking truck! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-29-2013, 12:21 PM	#12
TJ's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 10,384	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Man that is sweet! Love the tall tires!!! Especially when they are a factory option! How about some pictures of the 327????? __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw

12-29-2013, 12:46 PM	#13
C/10 King Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: A****er, CA Posts: 5,594	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Two big thumbs up!!!! Now lets see under the hood and the interior! __________________ C/10 Rene 1966 Short Fleet "The Hag" 1967 CST Short Fleet "Dark Poly" 1971 Short Fleet 1970 Jimmy Custom 2 WD "Golden Ticket" 1972 Blazer 2 WD "Retro Blaze"

12-29-2013, 12:53 PM	#15
gulfcoast66 64-66 CHEVY JUNKIE Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cypress ,Texas Posts: 1,516	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Beautiful Truck, GC66.. __________________ 1966 C-10 Fleetside LWB, 350 Lt1 4l60-E 2008 Silverado Crew Cab, 4.8 4l60-E 1998 GMC Yukon 4x4 L-31 Vortec, 4l60-E 2017 GMC Serra 4x4 5.3 Vortec, 4l60-E Do It In A Chevrolet

12-29-2013, 12:57 PM	#16
cru_zn_29 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Joshua Tree Ca. Posts: 719	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Yes that's a truck any one would be proud to own. The wheels really set it off. Hope to see more pictures.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-29-2013, 01:01 PM	#17
60-66 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3,329	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper WOW ! Truck never looked better Bruce . Have you let the Wife drive that one yet ?? __________________ IS IT an EATON or Chevrolet rear axle https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=843778 The hubcap thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702839 WANTED : 1963-1966 6 Cylinder Fan Shroud WANTED :1964-1966 PANEL TRUCK

12-29-2013, 01:02 PM	#19
perro13 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stockton CA Posts: 2,364	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Sweet better pics of wheels & tires

12-29-2013, 01:15 PM	#21
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Bruce, sooo who did you hold up at gun point for this awesome truck....we need more pics...! __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

12-30-2013, 04:03 AM	#23
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Last ones Attached Images

12-29-2013, 01:17 PM	#24
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Wow, killer truck Bruce. I would also like to see more pics. I love the wheels and have never seen them before, how cool. 2 Thumbs up!

12-29-2013, 01:17 PM	#25
Bomp Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: . Posts: 3,104	Re: Meet Big Red - 1966 Custom Camper Sweet truck. Is that a factory clock on the dash?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.