This 1966 GMC Pickup ticks many of the right boxes for genuine enthusiasts. It is a structurally sound classic with loads of character. It features a drivetrain that should offer its next owner performance to burn, and its dropped stance adds a touch of menace to its overall appearance. The owner has done all of the hard work required to produce something pretty special, but he’s decided that the time is right for it to head to a new owner who can place their stamp on it. Located in Arlington, Washington, you will find this Pickup listed for sale here on Craigslist. When you consider what this classic has to offer, the owner’s price of $20,000 OBO looks pretty competitive. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Matt H for referring this gem to us.
Most people aren’t great fans of what I would refer to as faux-patina and would prefer to see the real thing or nothing at all. This GMC appears to be the real deal, and it is hard not to like it. The Turquoise paint shows enough wear in the right areas to suggest that its patina is genuine, with surface corrosion visible in several locations. It appears that the owner has treated this corrosion and applied a protective coating, so it should retain its current appearance for years to come. The painted surfaces have also accumulated a collection of chips and marks, but these do nothing but add to the Pickup’s aura. The panels are remarkably straight for a vehicle of this type and age, and I can see no evidence of any significant rust issues. The owner has replaced the timber in the bed, and this fresh wood offers a striking contrast to the weathered exterior. The GMC rolls on a set of Detroit Steel 20″ wheels, and when combined with the owner’s decision to slam the Pickup, it looks extremely tough. This is one area of this build where I need to take my hat off to the owner. It would’ve been easy to slam the vehicle to the point where its belly was virtually dragging on the road. It would’ve had a dramatic impact, but it would also have been impractical. The approach taken in this build still provides the visual effect but without sacrificing practicality.
I’ve been waiting to find something about this Pickup that I don’t like, and I don’t think I’ll find it with the interior. Once again, the owner has done a sterling job of combining the old with the new. The dash, painted surfaces, and the wheel, all show significant signs of aging. However, they contrast so nicely with the new houndstooth seatcover, new carpet, and new door trims that I wouldn’t change a thing. The interior appears neat and practical, and the buyer could leave it untouched with no problems. It isn’t loaded with many comfort items, but the Bluetooth stereo would provide entertainment on those longer journeys.
The slammed ride height and 20″ wheels provide a hint that this GMC isn’t 100% original and lifting the hood confirms this. A 383 Pro Street Stroker V8 occupies the engine bay. The owner relocated the fuel tank from its original location to below the bed, and its in-tank pump feeds the fuel to a Holley Sniper fuel injection system. It isn’t clear what sort of power this V8 churns out, but it would make it to the road pretty effectively via a 6-speed Tremec T56 transmission and a Dana 60 rear end. A 4-core aluminum radiator with dual electric fans helps prevent that 383 from going the “full Chernobyl” on warmer days or when it’s working hard. Power steering should take the physical effort from the driving experience, while power front disc brakes should bring proceedings to a safe halt. That’s quite a combination, and while the owner doesn’t provide any specific details on how the Pickup runs or drives, you would have to expect that it would perform both feats pretty well.
I said initially that this 1966 GMC Pickup seemed to have a lot to offer its next owner, and that was no idle claim. It has loads of visual appeal, although treating the exterior to a repaint should not be difficult if the buyer preferred something different. The interior offers some wonderful contrasts, while the drivetrain promises a mouthwatering level of performance. I’ve been sitting here trying to decide what I would change if I were to buy it. Honestly, I can’t see one thing. What about you?
I’m currently sourcing parts for a customers 65 GMC truck to install power steering. Power steering pump brackets and pulleys are rare items on the 305 V6 as not many were equipped. Good looking truck and I’m certain with the 383 it has no problem getting up the hills.
alphasud, we grew up in Dads ’64 1/2 ton GMC p/u, 305/4spd with power steering. My brothers remember Dad saying it used an Oldsmobile unit. No idea if that was the case or not, or if it was a Saginaw? I can’t imagine finding bracketry for the setup, but best of luck to you and wish we could hear about the final outcome!
When Momma says sell it you got to sell it
You ask what I would change? Two small things. Paint the master cylinder as it will soon rust. Take the fuel fill out of the bed. I never understood why people do that. Its the easy way out. Put a door in the fender or tail light. Take a little work and thought, but you don’t have to move your load to fill or worry about spills on your load. Its the same thing when a streetrodder puts a filler neck in the trunk of his rod.
Had a stock 64 C20 Chevy (with a crate 350) and drove it for years. I’m concerned about the strange mods. Don’t like the suspension changes at all. Pass on an otherwise nice truck.
Perfect stance? Slammed to be useless as a truck? Maybe in your world, not in mine.