Titles and reality. 1966 C10

[Robert Haas]

I bought a barn find 1966 C10 from the original owner. He bought the truck in 1965/ He has always referred to it as a 65. The title states it is a 1965. It even has a 1965 Owners manual in the glove box. However the Vin comes back as a 1966. I advertised it originally as a 65 and was called to the carpet by the knowledgeable folks that sent me to research the VIN and sure as heck the VIN confirmed that I was wrong.

The DMV states they have no way of correcting it. How can that be possible?

[jayoldschool]

Things to look for:
- C10 emblem placement
- VIN on door frame vs stamping on driver's frame rail
- SPID sticker in glove box

There are a few more differences between 65s and 66s.

Is this the black truck?

[Clyde65]

If the VIN 5th digit is 6, then it’s a 66

[Robert Haas]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Things to look for:
- C10 emblem placement
- VIN on door frame vs stamping on driver's frame rail
- SPID sticker in glove box

There are a few more differences between 65s and 66s.

Is this the black truck?

Yes sir.

[Lil Loafer]

The emblem on the drivers side is a 66. My thought is that it is a early 66 produced part way through 65 and titled as such for whatever reason.

[The Rocknrod]

I used to be a vehicle verifyer in CA. Find one.

[rickywideglide]

I believe instrument bezel was silver in 66 as well

[oem4me]

E brake set up is new for 66. Take a look at that.
This truck may have been stashed in a barn for a long time, but from what I've seen, it's not quite the untouched "barn find" that gets our blood pumping. The truck has at some point been totally gone over. New paint inside and out, new upholstery, whole new engine, replaced bedwood, etc. My point is, even if a vehicle stays in a single family, that's no guarantee that all records remain intact/accurate and the vehicle itself remains exactly like it was built. Just sayin.

[LostMy65]

The dash color doesn't look right for a 65 or 66

[LostMy65]

Also, does it have backup lights?
I can't quite tell from this pic.

[60-66]

The VIN has to match the frame. I doubt the spid is still there being that the dash was repainted. If its there and frame matches door jamb VIN , ask Yelmer to help you determine when the truck was built , meaning the month of production . With all that's been done to this truck a lot more investigating is needed. If original drivetrain is there , dates on all the castings will help also . If not ?

[jocko]

Is there a SPID? If yes, to me, that clinches it as a 66 (65s didn’t have them). If it doesn’t have a SPID, then it really doesn’t mean anything because it could have been removed during the repaint as pointed out above. With a repaint in its history, fender emblems don’t really matter, fenders get replaced all the time, regardless of what owners say. Bottom line, if VIN is a 66, it’s a 66, and was likely bought very early in the model year and the original DMV lady titled it as a “new” 65 in October or November 65. That is also likely why the original owner thought of it as a 65 - ie that’s when he bought it. Just because he is the original owner, it doesn’t mean that everything he says is gospel. Having said all that, am not surprised DMV said they cannot fix this. It might get fixed in a transaction, but not easily - would likely require the State Police and a new, non-sensical issued VIN, so I’d probably just leave it like it is.

[63burban]

Could simply be a mis-print on the title or more likely the truck was in an accident at one time and repaired with 66 fenders and cowl extensions.

[Clyde65]

New year model cars and trucks were started to be built around August of the year before, factory builds stopped around June of model year.

[sstock]

Originally Posted by 63burban

Could simply be a mis-print on the title or more likely the truck was in an accident at one time and repaired with 66 fenders and cowl extensions.

Ditto, I just recently retitled my 64 GMC from Oregon to Wa, the lady at the Licensing office copied the VIN incorrectly, but I caught it and made her fix it on the spot, plus before surrendering your old out of state titles, make a copy for further authentication.

[b454rat]

Does it have a th350? I thought 66 was the first year for it...

[dtkarst]

Originally Posted by b454rat

Does it have a th350? I thought 66 was the first year for it...

The th350 didn’t come out until 1969 if I’m not mistaken. They are “rumors” I guess is the best way to put it about very very few 66 half tons with a turbo 400 but I haven’t been able to find out a for sure answer on if it was a real option for a half ton pickup. Although I’ve seen info of them in 3/4 ton and up trucks. Almost bought an optioned out 66 that claimed to have the original turbo 400 in it but the guy would never give me any transmission numbers or info or even pictures of it.

[Clyde65]

There was a Hydromatic 400, with weird shift placements

[PGSigns]

I have seen some vehicles in the past that look like they were titled based off the MSO date of manufacture for what ever reason when they were sold. This may be one of them.
Jimmy

[Robert Haas]

Originally Posted by 63burban

Could simply be a mis-print on the title or more likely the truck was in an accident at one time and repaired with 66 fenders and cowl extensions.

Truck has never so much as had a shopping cart roll into it.

I shot this video the first week I had it.
Put it up on my lift and you can see for your self how unblemished this truck is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21BxnsFLXFA&t=69s

[Robert Haas]

Originally Posted by b454rat

Does it have a th350? I thought 66 was the first year for it...

Truck has 3 speed manual column shift

[sstock]

Fantastic condition, do a vid on the inside of the cab and engine/bed too. We love this stuff.
Steve

[GMCNUT]

in many states vehicles got titled as the year sold vs the actual year model. This is most likely a 66 truck titled as a 65 because it was bought in the Fall of 65 when the new 66's hit the lots. Not sure what difference it makes in the first place but if the DMV won't change it, then you'll just have to live with it

[Robert Haas]

Originally Posted by sstock

Fantastic condition, do a vid on the inside of the cab and engine/bed too. We love this stuff.
Steve

Here you go

walk around, engine and start up

closer look

[The Rocknrod]

The reason I said to find a vehicle verifyer is that he can fill out a form stating a VIN correction and the DMV will correct the VIN.
I have done it. I also had a 40 Ford Coupe I owned that needed it done.
Some car dealerships have a guy licensed as such.