GMC K10 Panel

[60-66]

Some pictures of what I've been doing the last 5 months . Bought this truck in Feb 2016 , painted in 2020. One of the cleanest rust free trucks I've had. I've had a love for Panel trucks since I was a kid. My brother had a very nice 2wd 1965 Custom Panel.

It started as just freshen up the body because it had several dents so off to a metal guy to , pull , shrink and smooth it out back to its original state. then paint in my favorite GMC Color with attention to how GMC did their firewall and door jamb paint at specific GMC plants. Well , that wasn't good enough. Now the frame came out , cleaned powder coated and every original nut and bolt re plated back to its original location and color. NOS suspension parts , brake cables, speedo cable etc etc just to get it back as new.

GMCs are unique , unlike Chevrolet , each bolt has a head marking for size and length . You start to notice a pattern, especially on the engine , few on the body too. When looking at Chevrolets VS GMC you also notice Chevy might have a black/gray phosphate bolt in that location VS a cad/zink bolt . Something a purist or restoration guy could appreciate. Not many out there , I know , but this one is about preserving history as best I can. This truck was built on the Pontiac Michigan GMC only production line.

Still a ways to go , but you get the idea. As I learn more about this truck , there may need to be a few changes in some details , but I'm getting pretty close.

Anyway , hope you like pictures.

[MusicMan70]

Thank You 60-66 for sharing these fantastic photo details of your Awesome Panel!

I love that color as well and there is so much detail to enjoy.

[roll_the_dice]

Very impressive! Thanks for sharing...can't wait to see more!

[60short]

dang!

There is a whole lot of neat stuff on this thread!

I look forward to seeing it all together, that color with your attention to detail is going to be killer!!

[61K10]

Nice job jon looks great!

[The Rocknrod]

Looks fantastic. Great pics, thanks.

That is one amazing panel! Looking forward to your next post.

[factorystock]

Thanks for sharing photos of your 100% concourse restoration 60-66. It's a treat to see a GMC done exactly the same way it would have been done at a GMC assembly plant. The quality of the work is outstanding, 17.5" wheels and tires really look right at home on this 4x4. Bravo!

[60-66]

Thanks for all the positive comments guys . Lots more done this week. Wiring done , steering column rebuilt and installed, clutch linkage, dash just about done, doors done. Working on gas tank now. Hopefully able to fire it up in a week or two.

[Ol Blue K20]

Looks fantastic, another fine truck for your collection.

[Southcity]

I echo all the comments posted so far about this fine panel, amazing restoration and photos. If I may ask, what are the plans once completed?

[oem4me]

Nice, Jon. So when's your 60-66 restoration guide coming out? Lol.

[factorystock]

GMC's are indeed really unique. There is so much more than just a grill and nameplate change that was standard fare in the 70's and on. Has anybody come up with the actual number of differences? I'm thinking close to a dozen!

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by factorystock

GMC's are indeed really unique. There is so much more than just a grill and nameplate change that was standard fare in the 70's and on. Has anybody come up with the actual number of differences? I'm thinking close to a dozen!

Hmmm, let's see.
...right off the top, there's:
1) grill
2) badges
3) trim
4) hubcaps /also included on 4wd
5) V-6 engine option
6) single hump dash - all years
7) instrumentation
8) interior color choices including floor mat
9) sliding seat tracks in rear (sub)
10) exterior paint colors / two-tone layout / white wheels
11) hood nostrils/ front directional lights
12) rear cab mounts on 3/4 ton
then probably a lot more mechanical bits....
what'd I miss?

[67swb72klb]

Outstanding!!

[DPowers]

VERY nice.
Got part numbers for the radiator hoses?

[1slo64]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Hmmm, let's see.
...right off the top, there's:
1) grill
2) badges
3) trim
4) hubcaps /also included on 4wd
5) V-6 engine option
6) single hump dash - all years
7) instrumentation
8) interior color choices including floor mat
9) sliding seat tracks in rear (sub)
10) exterior paint colors / two-tone layout / white wheels
11) hood nostrils/ front directional lights
12) rear cab mounts on 3/4 ton
then probably a lot more mechanical bits....
what'd I miss?

Tailgate insert

Tail light lenses? I've seen c10s that have the bowtie on them and my GMC had blank ones.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Hmmm, let's see.
...right off the top, there's:
1) grill
2) badges
3) trim
4) hubcaps /also included on 4wd
5) V-6 engine option
6) single hump dash - all years
7) instrumentation
8) interior color choices including floor mat
9) sliding seat tracks in rear (sub)
10) exterior paint colors / two-tone layout / white wheels
11) hood nostrils/ front directional lights
12) rear cab mounts on 3/4 ton
then probably a lot more mechanical bits....
what'd I miss?

Now were talking! Maybe close to 2 dozen now. I'll add carburetors, Strombergs and Carters. Spicer axles with rear leaf springs ( most models-but not all) turn signal switches and printed circuit dash wiring. Upholstry patterns always different both standard and Customs. Bucket seat option for '66.

[VictoriaHardware]

Defrost ducting and kick panel vent controls
Heater controls
Suburban Custom trim

This probably should be it's own thread so as not to hijack the original topic.

[60-66]

Something I noticed when putting the thrift heater back in this truck. The lever control under the dash , the arm is longer on GMC. I have two NOS Chevy thrift heaters , was able to use some parts but not all. The cable/switch is different, wire harness also.

1962-1966 GMC Power Steering equipped front Inner fenders are also unique , they were punched for the PS hoses making the PS hoses also different than Chevy.

First with power steering in this era of truck. 1962 torsion bar PS from GMC only.

All the black metal under the hood , inner fenders etc on GMC specific plants the sheet metal is painted almost a gloss black when new . I have an NOS GMC PS inner fender and its gloss black as compared to anything Chevy.

Radiators , GMC , on some trucks used its own unique taller tank design. On others used the Chevy style. Mainly 1963-1966 models.

Air Cleaners , NO AC Delco units , all "United Air Cleaner" from NOVO Industrial out of Chicago.

Outside rear view mirrors , Re-Trac for West coast style , single arm mirrors and arms painted white instead of body color or Silver in 66.

Hose clamps are another item.

And of course the details of paint on the body door jambs and firewalls of GMC Specific plants

Theres more to come. I dont mind this discussion at all on this thread.

[60-66]

More progress .

[60-66]

So , Ive been waiting to use this instrument cluster for 15 plus years.

[cwcarpenter98]

Dadgum, the attention to detail is astonishing. I hope to one day be able to see this panel in person

[MusicMan70]

Just when you think it can't get any better, he pulls out the NOS Cluster; Amazing!

[karlbenz]

Amazing