'69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 07:54 AM

I had inadvertently posted this question in the project section, so I am re-posting here. I have a low mileage 1969 C20 leaf spring C20 with a 396/4bbl and three on the tree. I have been searching all week to find another one. I know the 3 speed would have been the standard trans regardless of power, but I can't find any other survivors?

yuccales · 08-03-2018, 08:04 AM

That is one cool truck!

**old51sedan** · 08-03-2018, 09:11 AM

Nice truck. The color looks like it may have once been a State of Michigan truck. I had a 1954 chevy sedan delivery that color and the paint code said SPECIAL on the vin tag in big letters. Is the SPID sheet still on the inside of the glove box door?

VWNate1 · 08-03-2018, 09:24 AM

Nice rig ! .

Mi. you say ? where's the rust ?

.

No matter how rare a thing you may have, there are more somewhere that you don't know about .

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWNate1

Nice rig ! .

Mi. you say ? where's the rust ?

.

No matter how rare a thing you may have, there are more somewhere that you don't know about .

I'm sure there are others, but I haven't been able to find one anywhere. Lots of 6 cylinders, 307's and 350's - but I can't find any 396's?

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old51sedan

Nice truck. The color looks like it may have once been a State of Michigan truck. I had a 1954 chevy sedan delivery that color and the paint code said SPECIAL on the vin tag in big letters. Is the SPID sheet still on the inside of the glove box door?

It's there, and it just says: 4516AA ORANGE

68Gold/white · 08-03-2018, 10:24 AM

Not to sound negative...396 engines in these pickups are pretty uncommon. Standard 3 speed trans, column shift would be way less common than just the 396 engine...

Keep this thread alive, maybe you'll find another...!

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

Not to sound negative...396 engines in these pickups are pretty uncommon. Standard 3 speed trans, column shift would be way less common than just the 396 engine...

Keep this thread alive, maybe you'll find another...!

Yes - 396’s are very common. I meant I see lots of other engine combo’s with a manual column shift, but I cannot find a single image/post/video of a current truck optioned like this anywhere on the internet.

mingoman · 08-03-2018, 11:16 AM

Beautiful truck and the 396 3 speed only adds to the awesomeness factor!

**Boog** · 08-03-2018, 11:51 AM

I have probably only seen one of those in all my years. I do think a member here has one though i cannot remember his username. Yours appears to be in real good shape for michigan.

cypressbog · 08-03-2018, 12:39 PM

The truck looks nice for what it is and probably used for. The number built like this can never be known, but the 3 speed makes it distinctive from all the granny low 4 speeds and automatics out there. Rare is a term people may use, but it must be remembered that rare doesn't translate to desirable or increased value. It might be my computer screen, but 516 orange should be more of the hugger orange which has more red in it. This color almost looks like it has tangerine in it.

weim55 · 08-03-2018, 02:20 PM

Wow, that's quite a unicorn! In 35 years of being around these trucks enmass i've never seen a big block three speed stick combo. I'd be very surprised if you run into another. Colorado DOT used trucks that same color orange in those days so that's the first thing I thought of when I laid eyes on yours. Tell us a little more, what other options does it have? Maybe a pic of the glovebox sticker. Know any history on it??

Enjoy the old girl!

Steve weim55 Colorado

VWNate1 · 08-03-2018, 10:27 AM

Agreed it's not a common rig .

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 02:18 PM

It’s T1113Y. There is no letter after the Y, I have examined it very closely

oneperfectrun · 08-03-2018, 07:58 PM

Nice truck! Cool and looks great! I can’t remember ever seeing a 3/4 ton truck with a 3 on the tree in any make. All I’ve ever seen were automatics or floor shift 4 speeds.

s10mk · 08-03-2018, 08:20 PM

It may not be a Cheyenne Super or a short bed CST, but I think its just as cool. That's really interesting that someone would splurge on the 396 and yet decide to keep the 3 on the tree. Really speaks to a day gone by at GM when you could select individual options to fit your specific needs.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 08-03-2018, 09:08 PM

Sweet truck. I love the color. I had a factory bench seat exactly like that, same Gray Fawn color and pattern in my '68 C/10 Stepside. [Also 516 Orange.]

**Steeveedee** · 08-03-2018, 10:55 PM

That really is a cool truck. I can see where having a four speed with compound low isn't necessary with a big block, so 3-speed makes more sense to me, really.

Is that the stock steering wheel, with no apparent cracks?

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

That really is a cool truck. I can see where having a four speed with compound low isn't necessary with a big block, so 3-speed makes more sense to me, really.

Is that the stock steering wheel, with no apparent cracks?

Me too. And yes, zero wear and no cracks on this mint original wheel 🤓

**Joesjunk** · 08-03-2018, 11:29 PM

It’s been good talking with you Kevin, and the truck is awesome!

FabricatorKevin · 08-04-2018, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Is that the stock steering wheel, with no apparent cracks?

This's the main reason for the condition of the truck

FabricatorKevin · 08-03-2018, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

I had a factory bench seat exactly like that, same Gray Fawn color and pattern

Thank you! Mine is black though.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 08-04-2018, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FabricatorKevin

Thank you! Mine is black though.

With the shine on it, it looks grey, especially against the seatbelts, wheel, dash and door panels, which do look black.

35boulder · 08-04-2018, 11:37 AM

Nice looking truck. I'm guessing 2nd gear is a beast!

FabricatorKevin · 08-04-2018, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35boulder

Nice looking truck. I'm guessing 2nd gear is a beast!

The motor has enough torque to ride around in 3rd gear. The gearing of the 3 speed and the motor combo is great. Lots of fun to drive.

08-03-2018, 07:54 AM	#1
FabricatorKevin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Clinton Township, MI Posts: 34	'69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree I had inadvertently posted this question in the project section, so I am re-posting here. I have a low mileage 1969 C20 leaf spring C20 with a 396/4bbl and three on the tree. I have been searching all week to find another one. I know the 3 speed would have been the standard trans regardless of power, but I can't find any other survivors? Attached Images Last edited by FabricatorKevin; 08-03-2018 at 07:55 AM. Reason: spelling

08-03-2018, 08:04 AM	#2
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,786	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree That is one cool truck!

08-03-2018, 09:11 AM	#3
old51sedan Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Williamston, Mi Posts: 886	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Nice truck. The color looks like it may have once been a State of Michigan truck. I had a 1954 chevy sedan delivery that color and the paint code said SPECIAL on the vin tag in big letters. Is the SPID sheet still on the inside of the glove box door?

08-03-2018, 09:24 AM	#4
VWNate1 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: So. Cali. Posts: 2,670	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Nice rig ! . Mi. you say ? where's the rust ? . No matter how rare a thing you may have, there are more somewhere that you don't know about . __________________ -Nate Geezer '49 3100 235 W/ Muncie SM420 SOLD '69 C/10 shortbed sidemount survivor 250 L6 W/ 350TH

08-03-2018, 10:24 AM	#7
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,436	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Not to sound negative...396 engines in these pickups are pretty uncommon. Standard 3 speed trans, column shift would be way less common than just the 396 engine... Keep this thread alive, maybe you'll find another...!

08-03-2018, 11:16 AM	#9
mingoman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miss Co Arkansas Posts: 679	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Beautiful truck and the 396 3 speed only adds to the awesomeness factor! __________________ 76/77/78 Cheyenne 1997 K3500 454 soon to be 496

08-03-2018, 11:51 AM	#10
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,567	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree I have probably only seen one of those in all my years. I do think a member here has one though i cannot remember his username. Yours appears to be in real good shape for michigan. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

08-03-2018, 12:39 PM	#11
cypressbog Go Pack Go! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Green Bay Posts: 2,669	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree The truck looks nice for what it is and probably used for. The number built like this can never be known, but the 3 speed makes it distinctive from all the granny low 4 speeds and automatics out there. Rare is a term people may use, but it must be remembered that rare doesn't translate to desirable or increased value. It might be my computer screen, but 516 orange should be more of the hugger orange which has more red in it. This color almost looks like it has tangerine in it.

08-03-2018, 02:20 PM	#12
weim55 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Larkspur, Colorado Posts: 916	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Wow, that's quite a unicorn! In 35 years of being around these trucks enmass i've never seen a big block three speed stick combo. I'd be very surprised if you run into another. Colorado DOT used trucks that same color orange in those days so that's the first thing I thought of when I laid eyes on yours. Tell us a little more, what other options does it have? Maybe a pic of the glovebox sticker. Know any history on it?? Enjoy the old girl! Steve weim55 Colorado

08-03-2018, 10:27 AM	#13
VWNate1 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: So. Cali. Posts: 2,670	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Agreed it's not a common rig . __________________ -Nate Geezer '49 3100 235 W/ Muncie SM420 SOLD '69 C/10 shortbed sidemount survivor 250 L6 W/ 350TH

08-03-2018, 02:18 PM	#14
FabricatorKevin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Clinton Township, MI Posts: 34	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree It’s T1113Y. There is no letter after the Y, I have examined it very closely

08-03-2018, 07:58 PM	#15
oneperfectrun Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Fulton, MS Posts: 87	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Nice truck! Cool and looks great! I can’t remember ever seeing a 3/4 ton truck with a 3 on the tree in any make. All I’ve ever seen were automatics or floor shift 4 speeds.

08-03-2018, 08:20 PM	#16
s10mk Registered User Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: herminie, pa Posts: 313	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree It may not be a Cheyenne Super or a short bed CST, but I think its just as cool. That's really interesting that someone would splurge on the 396 and yet decide to keep the 3 on the tree. Really speaks to a day gone by at GM when you could select individual options to fit your specific needs. __________________ 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 2006 Buick Lacrosse 1987 Chevrolet V10 1972 Chevrolet c20 350/350 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne ls3 swapped

08-03-2018, 09:08 PM	#17
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,562	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Sweet truck. I love the color. I had a factory bench seat exactly like that, same Gray Fawn color and pattern in my '68 C/10 Stepside. [Also 516 Orange.] __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

08-03-2018, 10:55 PM	#18
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,783	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree That really is a cool truck. I can see where having a four speed with compound low isn't necessary with a big block, so 3-speed makes more sense to me, really. Is that the stock steering wheel, with no apparent cracks? __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA



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08-03-2018, 11:29 PM	#20
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,715	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree It’s been good talking with you Kevin, and the truck is awesome! __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

08-04-2018, 11:37 AM	#24
35boulder Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 1,387	Re: '69 C20 with 396 and 3 on the tree Nice looking truck. I'm guessing 2nd gear is a beast!

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