The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks '60-'66 Chevy/GMC trucks, Panels & Carryalls trending upward

Although I have been an avid fan of the '64-'66 Chevy trucks since 1980, I have noticed the upward trend in the '60-'66 Chevy/GMC trucks, Panels & Carryalls, in the past few years. Trucks, that were once in the hedge-row, and given away, if you could get to them & drag them to safety, are now next to the road with a For Sale sign in the window.

In many cases, a truck that was $500.00-$800.00 a few years ago, is $1,500.00 or more. This trend, I believe, is both good & bad. Good, because higher prices for trucks, projects & parts, typically means the popularity & demand, is rising, amongst the masses. Bad, because acquiring good, quality, redeemable sheet metal parts, is becoming more difficult. With the quality, fit & finish of the aftermarket sheet metal parts, woefully lacking, as compared to their original cousins, sharp-shooting for original items will be more challenging.

Those interested in getting in the game, are still able to find a reasonably priced '60-'66 Chevy/GMC truck, Panel or Carryall. Considering production numbers, the short wheel base trucks, 4x4 trucks and the Panels & Carryalls, tend to command more money, than the substantially higher production numbers of the 2wd & long wheel base trucks. We have found, comparably-equipped '55-'59 & '67-'72, in relatively the same condition, fetch more money, than the '60-'66 trucks. Not a bad thing, since this provides an alternative, at an attainable price. Generally speaking, more & more trucks, Panels & Carryalls of every year, Make & Model, are showing up at shows, cruises, show-n-shines, etc., which is good news for all truck enthusiasts, regardless of your personal taste. The more, sites like Stovebolt, are populated with great people, the more the interest & popularity of trucks, Panels & Carryalls, will continue to rise.

This is true, I've been searching the local craigslist and truck prices are soaring. My buddy just got 11k for a 71 swb with a 4 speed. Usual rust spots patched and some ugly paint also. Slap a small block in and find some chump to cough up some loot. The new trend.

Tony I have noticed the same thing. Everyone is looking for 64-66 chevy trucks these days especially short wides. I meet new people everyday with a intrest. Maybe their grandpaw or dad had one. But everyone likes 66 chevy trucks.

Perhaps the high interest in muscle cars is waning and people are wanting something simpler and cheaper. I have 2 muscle cars of my own, but it seems I get in the panel far more often than the Chevelle or Beaumont, both big block cars. I also have observed more of the younger generation getting involved, often purchasing a truck rather than a car. As to whether or not 60-66 trucks are more popular then other truck series, I have yet to see that here, but I certainly like them.

Go to a car show, with 2,000-3,000 vehicles, and you will see where the popularity of Chevy trucks lie, between '47-'55 1st, '55 2nd-'59, '60-'66 & '67-'72. The pre-'60's & post-'66's, are more popular, than the '60-'66 Chevy trucks, but the popularity is rising.

I'd have to agree with 1953 panel. I see more pre 60's, and more 67's and later.

It's all good though. Maybe it's a regional thing?

Briefly, I am observing the '55-'59 & the '67-'72 GM trucks are more popular, than the '60-'66 GM trucks, but the latter are trending upward in popularity.

Tony,

I hate to say this, but I think we are just showing our aging. It's a natural occurance that as the years advance the cars/trucks we grew up with are becoming antiques. The '67 to '72 body style is also growing at the shows, granted not as fast as the '60 to '66, but in 10 years I'd bet they will be.

When I purchased my '53 back in the 90's I wouldn't have looked twice at one from the 60's - now I own two.

Well, I was born in 1957. The first new trucks I remember were the '60-'66. I love 'em! I don't think there was ever a prettier body shape than '64-'66. I own them all though...from 1941 thru 2000. The thing I distinctly remember though was that when these trucks were brand new...they were falling apart with rust and rattles. My dad worked as a welder and the company he worked for had three of those trucks and I spent many hours in all of them. The oldest one at the time was no older than 7 or 8 years old. There were holes in the floors from rust and the fenders were always flapping in the breeze. I didn't think much about it then, but now as I am trying to bring my '65 back to life, I realize that these trucks rust better than the other years...they are really good at it. I tend to think that this has something to do with their popularity, or lack of it. I don't go to car shows, but the few guys I know like the '60-'66 just like I do, especially the step-sides. I don't see the fleetsides as popular here in Tennessee. Everyone's idea of an old pickup around here has that little stepside bed on it...along with a fishin' pole, maybe one of those little 6-1/2 ounce Cokes, and a "Debbie Cake"or two...with the tailgate chained open for business next to the creek. Jim

Pick up at catalog and it is obvious which era of Chevy trucks are the most popular, amongst the masses. Some companies, i.e., The Filling Station, The Truck Shop & others, list individual parts, along with the application years, in the same catalog. They may have a '55-'59 & a '67-'72, but not part shown or listed for a '60-'66.

Some companies, i.e., LMC Truck, Classic Parts, Brothers, Jim Carter, Bowtie Bits & others, have a catalog, specific to each era...'55-'59, '60-'66 & '67-'72. In most cases, the parts offing for the earlier & later trucks is greater, than that specific for the '60-'66.

Out of curiosity, being a direct-seller, to several of these vendors, I have asked the brand manager or buyer, " Why is this the case?" I been told, that although sales are steadily increasing for '60-'66 truck parts, this era does not match-up favorably with the volume of parts sold for the 55-'59 or the '67-'72 Chevy trucks. You can essentially build a '55-'59 or a '67-'72 from a catalog, since virtually every part is currently being reproduced. Not the case with the '60-'66 era trucks, more notably the '60-'63 Chevy trucks.

Since I have turned my passion for '60-'66 Chevy/GMC trucks, Panels & Suburbans, into my profession, I am glad to see they are gaining ground with their older & younger siblings!

I agree with Jim. The body style of the '64-'66 is beautiful, especially the step-side (I guess I am more than a bit biased!). I used to own a '66 Mustang coupe for the same reason - most beautiful car ever! Rob

I have noticed in increased interest in the 60-66 trucks as well. That will be good in the end, I feel. Higher interest will lead to manufacturers being willing to add parts production to increase profit margins. I think those 60-66 catalogs will slowly get thicker over time. I hope so anyway.

Jay, what you have is probably a better investment than an IRA!
Hmmm, now we all know where the "stash" is at.