’66 Chevy pickup had fresh new look

Mention the year 1966 for Chevrolet and most people think of the Coke bottle-shaped Impala, Chevelle, Corvair and El Camino. In direct contrast, Chevrolet’s light-duty pickup based on a truck frame had boxy, straightedge styling.

The 1966 Chevrolet pickup was the last year for the basic shell that was introduced six years earlier. Styling for 1960 featured a hood that was flat and even in height with the front fenders. The headlights were integrated into the rectangular grille.

Above the grille were “jet pods” or eyebrows that reminded many of what the front of the 1959 Chevrolet automobile looked like. The side of the truck featured a beltline that was flared-out from the eyebrows to the end of the pickup box.

Styling gradually evolved over the years. For 1963 the front eyebrows were replaced with the same flared-out treatment that was located on the sides. Thus, there was a sculptured crease on three sides of the truck. In 1964 the wraparound windshield was replaced with a flush sloping windshield. In essence, the 1966 Chevrolet pickup looked like the 1964 version with only minor variations in trim.

Peter Schultz and Carol Thompson own a 1966 Chevrolet C-10 Fleetside pickup. They found the truck while on vacation in Carlisle, Penn.

The couple loves old pickup trucks. Carol and Peter were almost going to purchase a vintage International pickup, but the ’66 Chevy caught their eye. The truck was in good condition and originally came form Maryland.

Schultz and Thompson plan to restore the modified truck to original condition. They like original trucks and hate to see old trucks modified. Their truck is very close to original. The couple plans to repaint to the original color, both exterior and a fawn tan interior.

The pickup has an original 283 cid V-8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor. This produced 175 hp.
Also original are the three-speed manual shift on the column and the rear diferential.

Carol and Peter said that General Motors has been helpful. GM sent them free information about part and restoration vendors throughout the United States. They enjoy searching information about their truck and collecting literature on the ’66 pickup. But the best thing Peter and Carol love about the old truck is driving it.

For 1966 Chevrolet produced 621,354 commercial vehicles. This included its 10 millionth truck of all time. Peter Schultz and Carol Thompson are proud to be part of that history.