Wade Whelchel's 1966 Chevrolet C-10 Custom Shortbed Fleetside

14 May 2007
# 1943

From Wade :

           This is my 1966 Chevrolet C-10 Custom Shortbed Pickup truck with a short wheelbase and a 283. She has a 3.73 limited slip, west coast mirrors, deluxe heat, 3 on the column. I am her third owner. It is blue and white with custom trim. I have had it since I was 19. The original motor is on stand and I have installed a later model 350 so I can keep cost down and keep driving. This truck is still my baby even though I like the 4 x 4's the best.

           The original 283 engine I removed from truck in 1995. It had 280,000 miles on it and was a very tough motor. I used to drive 60 miles a day to and from work in the truck. I traveled from Western North Carolina to Spartanburg, South Carolina on I-26 and would occasionally let her stretch out on the Interstate to blow some soot out. The top speed would be 87 mph up or down hill. Here's a shot from the rear.

           Then one hot summer day, she had enough and put me on the street. That day was a story by itself. The short version is I walked down the interstate to find a nice person to let me use their phone for a tow truck. Luckily, the closest exit was only about a mile down. The problem was I chose a house behind an old bait store to ask to use the phone. There was a lady that answered the door and it seemed like she hadn't had the best night. I don't know if she had a hangover or I resembled a boyfriend that she could not stand, but after she stepped out on the porch and started firing a pistol over my head, I didn't stick around to consult her on the matter. I was busy running like a squirrel, you know, zigging, zagging, and jumping with no real direction but away from the crazy gun-wielding woman. The end.

           I then put in a 1967 Turbofire 283 out of a 1967 Impala that had 80,000 miles on it. I ran it to 200k and now I have a fresh later model 350 that I am in the process of installing. I can't wait to get her back on the road. Here's a photo of the interior.

           The new motor is basically stock. It has a Quadra-jet with electric choke, HEI ignition and dual exhaust. I prefer longevity.

           The only true upgrade I've done is a fully sync 3 speed Saginaw transmission. I kept the old transmission -- boxed up and labeled.

           Possible future upgrades include power steering, sway bars and maybe even power front disc brakes. I have a 16 month old son. Maybe I'll have it ready for him by the time he is 19.

Wade Whelchel
Bolter # 14805
Spartanburg, South Carolina

           Wade has six Chevy trucks and he is slowly getting them into the Gallery. This is #2. His first is a 1966 Chevrolet K-20. ~~ Editor