Introduced in 1960 as the successor to the Task Force series, the Chevrolet C/K Series ushered in a new era of styling and ride comfort for Chevy trucks. The new full-size pickup was available in 2WD (C models) and 4WD (K models) versions.
The Chevrolet C/K series was produced in four generations until it was replaced by the Silverado in 1999. At GM locations, the series ran under the designation GMC C/K. Sales of the GMC C/K models ended in 1988 with the introduction of the GMC Sierra.
Chevrolet C/K Series 1st Generation (1960-1966)
With the C/K series came not only a new design but also a new technology. Instead of the previously installed rigid axle at the front, Chevrolet now used an independent front-wheel suspension for its pickups for the first time. The new ladder frame lowered in the middle, also allowed the new Chevrolet pickup to have a lower-seated driver's cab.
These technical innovations gave the full-size pickup almost car-like handling without the feeling of sitting in a high truck. From 1963, the vehicles were fitted with coil springs on the front axles.
With the new series, the manufacturer also changed its naming policy. Instead of the previously used designations 3100, 3200, and 3600, Chevrolet now called its light-duty pickups (Apache) 10 (1/2 ton), 15 (1/2 ton with long chassis), 20 (3/4 ton), and 30 (1-ton truck).
The heavier models (Viking) were given the numbers 40, 50, and 60 while the largest trucks (Spartan) rolled off the production line as 70, 80, and 90. These model designations were retained until 1997. The letter "C" or "K" in front of the digits indicated whether the vehicle was rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
A radiator grille with large letters, a wrap-around windshield, and a gigantic hood gave the Chevy pickup truck its modern design. The models of the first year had body recesses on the bonnet - reminiscent of nostrils - in which the turn signals were housed - a styling element that did not catch on and disappeared again the following year.
For the 1964 model year, the C/K Series was revised, adding a traditional flat-fronted windshield, modern billet grille, flat hood, and air conditioning. The Chevrolet C/K pickups were available as a Fleetside model with smooth side panels or as a Stepside version with flared fenders and the typical side running boards. In the GMC series, these models were called Wideside and Fenderside.
The pickup was available in four body styles: a 2-door Regular Cab, a 2- or 3-door Extended Cab, or a 4-door Crew Cab. In 1967 the 2nd generation of the Chevrolet C/K series appeared.
Engines
The engine selection for the 1st generation of C/K pickups was constantly revised and included a total of eight engines - ranging from a 3.8-liter straight-six with an output of 103 kW to a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 162 kW power.
In 1966, a 4.1-liter straight-six with 114 kW was the last to complete the range of engines for the full-size pickup.
Chevrolet C/K Series 2nd Generation (1967-1972)
In 1967 Chevy's 2nd generation of the C/K series debuted with a new design and improved technology. The new models embodied Chevrolet's concept of offering a pickup that was used both as a workhorse and as a leisure vehicle.
As with the previous models, the various pickups were available with rear-wheel drive "C" and an all-wheel-drive version "K". At GM locations, the identical model series was sold as the 2nd generation GMC C/K series.
The 1967 Chevy C/K pickups featured new, slimmer-looking bodywork that sat lower for easier boarding. On the radiator grille, a crossbar with the Chevrolet logo connected the two headlights. The cab was given a lower silhouette and large, rounded wheel wells completed the look of the new C/K Series pickups.
By 1972 the models had undergone a number of modifications. In 1968 the Chevrolet pickup got new side reflectors on the front and rear fenders, the following year there was a slightly less sloped front end and a new grille, which was revised again in 1970. Finally, in 1971, the Chevrolet radiator grille in the "egg crate" look followed.
The lighter Chevy C pickups of the 10 and 20 series were now equipped with coil springs and trailing arms on the rear axle, which improved driving comfort enormously. The all-wheel-drive K models continued to be equipped with leaf springs on both axles.
On request, however, leaf springs were also available for the light C models, for the 30s models, they were standard. In the GMC variant, leaf springs were installed as standard in all models, coil springs were only available as an option.
From the 1971 model year, all C/K models were fitted with disc brakes (instead of the drum brakes previously used). This gave the Chevy pick up a much better braking effect - even when fully loaded.
The 2nd generation Chevrolet C/K Series light-duty pickups were available in 10 (1/2 ton), 20 (3/4 ton), and 30 (1 ton) models with short or long beds. The 40 to 60 models were medium-duty trucks, while the large trucks went under the 70 and 80 designations.
The models of the C/K series were available in standard, custom comfort, and custom sport versions. The new 1967 Custom Sport Truck package was a trendsetting option that included luxurious, car-like upgrades both inside and out. The package could even be ordered in combination with bucket seats.
From 1971 there was the new equipment package " Cheyenne " (in the GMC models " Sierra "), which included a more elegant interior, thicker upholstery, better insulation, carpets, chrome equipment, and ornaments on the side panels and tailgate.
One of the key changes to the interior of the 2nd generation Chevrolet C/K Series is the transition from a handbrake lever to a pedal parking brake. The previous three-spoke steering wheel with a chrome-plated horn button has been replaced by a more modern two-spoke steering wheel with a plastic horn button.
Chevrolet C/K Longhorn
To mark the 50th anniversary of Chevrolet truck production in 1968, the Chevrolet C/K Longhorn model was presented for the first time. The 3/4-ton C/K Longhorn pickup had a wheelbase of 3,378 mm and was available in Fleetside or Stepside versions, but only with rear-wheel drive. The Longhorn had a 2.59 m long bed on which various camping structures could be mounted.
Engines
A total of eight engine options were available for the 2nd generation C/K pickups. As standard, the Chevrolet C/K series was powered by a 4.1-liter straight-six or a 4.6-liter V8 engine, each combined with a three-speed manual transmission. A 4.8-liter straight-six and a 5.4-liter V8 were available as options, as were a four-speed manual transmission, a Powerglide automatic, and a Turbo-Hydramatic.
In 1968 a 5 liter V8 replaced the previous 4.6 liters and a 228 kW 6.5 liter V8 complemented the C/K series engine offering. Another V8 with a displacement of 5.7 liters and 188 kW followed in 1969. For the 1971 model year, the 6.5 L V8 was revised and increased to 6.6 liters.
The GMC C/K Series models were also offered with the 305 CID and 351 CID V6 engines through 1970.
Chevrolet C/K Series 3rd Generation (1973 – 1987)
In 1973 the third generation of the Chevrolet C/K series was launched, which was colloquially called "box-body" or "square-body" truck. At GMC, on the other hand, the almost identical model officially ran as the "Rounded Line".
The manufacturer began developing this generation back in 1968 with simulated tests on the computer. Various prototypes of the C/K series followed later for real tests. Wind tunnel technology was already used for these vehicles, which was the main feature of the bodies of new SUVs, Blazer and Suburban.
The Chevy pickup’s 3rd generation was presented to the public for the first time in mid-1972. As with the previous first two generations, the models with rear-wheel drive were given the designation "C", while the all-wheel-drive models were given the "K".
The 3rd generation Chevrolet C/K series featured an all-new body design that differed significantly from the typical US pickup truck design of the era. The new body style featured rounded windows and door frames, as well as rounded corners around the cab roof and wheel arches.
Also unique to date were the distinctively curved shoulder lines on the side, which continued on the Chevrolet Fleetside over the tailgate and ended with all-around taillights. Its rectangular front with a fairly low bonnet slope not only made the pickup look taller and wider but also rather boxy. This eventually earned him the nickname “square-/box-body”, which spread like wildfire through various truck magazines and word of mouth.
The wheelbases of 2,985 and 3,340 mm have also grown slightly compared to the previous models. The double cab versions even had an even longer wheelbase at 4,178 mm. The vehicle length ranged from 4,864 to 5,380 mm.
The new design of the series, which was developed after the wind tunnel tests, was primarily intended to improve aerodynamics and fuel consumption. The radio antenna was even integrated into the sloping windshield. With the facelift of 1981, the C/K series could even be improved in terms of aerodynamics by making the design even slimmer and more modern.
Overall, the third edition of the Chevrolet C/K series was offered in two body versions - Fleetside and Stepside. While the Fleetside models come with a more streamlined outer profile of the loading area and internal wheel arches, the Stepside models have visible or external (curved) rear wheel arches. The Fleetside models had an option of steel or wood bed liners.
While the dashboard, the armrests on the doors as well as the steering wheel and shifter were covered with soft-touch materials, the seats were mainly made of velour or vinyl. Individual elements made of higher quality materials such as chrome, aluminum, and polished stainless steel found their way into the higher equipment lines.
In the top version, even sound-absorbing materials were installed, which ensured quieter driving comfort. Up until the 1977 model year, individual elements (in the dashboard and doors) were also decorated with real wood (chestnut wood), which was later replaced with brushed aluminum.
Already at the market launch of the Chevrolet C/K Series Gen.3, the pickups brought two advanced safety features, which were firsts in relation to full-size pickups. On the one hand, there was the standard passenger-side mirror and the folding safety steering column patented by GM.
In 1975, a third safety feature was added (for the 1976 model year) three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. These replaced the previous obsolete lap belts. The other safety features also included the softly padded interior panels, laminated safety glass, a prismatic rear-view mirror (tilting day/night mirror), a new flashing system (with six flashing lights), and a hazard warning flasher system.
The actual payload and towing capacity of the C/K-Series varied depending on the configuration such as engine, transmission, differential ratio, curb weight and drive type. In terms of payload, pickups are generally divided into three weight and registration classes, half-ton (1/2-ton truck = Chevy C10 and K10), three-quarter-ton (3/4-ton truck = Chevy C20 and K20), or one-ton (1/1-ton truck = Chevy C30 and K30).
The Chevrolet C/K series was also accompanied by a special trailer package (Trailering Special package). This included: power steering, a powerful battery and alternator, a 7-pin connection, a high-performance engine oil & transmission oil cooler, and the distributing trailer hitch. The latter ensured improved weight distribution, which gave more control over the trailer.
The year 1987 finally heralded the end of the third-generation Chevrolet C/K series. In the following year, the fourth and at the same time last edition of the C/K pickups - which was given a different designation structure - was brought onto the market. The different weight classes were listed as 1500, 2500, and 3500.
Chevy C30 One-Ton Dually
The 1973 Chevy C30 One-Ton Dually is considered by many to be the first modern heavy-duty pickup truck. This was the first truck in the industry with dual rear tires - also known as "Big Dooley" - and an extended cabin (3+3 crew cab) with space for up to six people.
There was also a bonus cab version, which had a lockable storage space instead of a rear seat bench. You could also order the C30 pickup with an optional camper body (cabin that can be attached). The heavy-duty pickup truck was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that put 155 hp and 345 Nm of torque on the road.
Engines
The third edition of the Chevrolet C/K series was - during its construction period - offered with numerous different engines, including various diesel units. The gasoline engines ranged in displacement from 4.1 to 7.4 liters and delivered between 77 and 180 kW. The diesel engines, on the other hand, had displacements of 5.7 to 6.2 liters and outputs of 92 to 111 kW.
The rear-wheel-drive Chevy trucks were equipped with independent front suspension and coil springs that provided car-like ride and handling. In contrast, the all-wheel-drive models were equipped with a live front axle. Last but not least, both versions got GM's Load Control rear suspension system with an active rear axle and multi-leaf springs.
Chevrolet C/K Series 4th Generation (1988 – 1999)
In April 1987, the manufacturer launched the fourth and last generation of the Chevrolet C/K series (as a 1988 model), the development of which began in 1984. It was the first series based on the GMT line and was produced from 1986 to 1999.
The fourth generation of the Chevrolet C/K series started at a time when pickup trucks were gradually moving from the construction sites to the suburbs. With the new edition, Chevrolet helped accelerate this trend by packing improved aerodynamics, electronics, and materials into its new full-size pickups.
In order to ensure that the new generation also met the high stability requirements of the previous Chevy pickups, they had previously been subjected to extensive tests. The new Chevrolet C/K series featured a narrower cab, flush side windows, and a slimmer front end with integrated headlights. These measures provided improved aerodynamics, which in turn offered less drag and ultimately translated into better fuel economy.
Galvanized steel was used to make the series more corrosion resistant and a fully welded frame with a box section front gave the pickups extra strength and rigidity. Also, all models were now equipped with front independent wheel suspension and ABS for the rear wheels, which improved driving dynamics and safety.
Overall, the civilized handling and new styling of this Chevrolet C/K Series played their part in bringing pickup trucks so close to today's family vehicles.
The relaunch of the C/K series, nicknamed the OBS Chevy (Old Body Style), was based on the then brand new GMT400 platform and was introduced in eight different versions. Fleetside Single Cab, Fleetside Extended Cab, Fleetside Crew Cab (Double Cab), and Stepside Single Cab, each with rear-wheel drive (C models) or four-wheel drive (K models). GMC, which sold almost the same model only under the name Sierra, brought a version with an extended cabin onto the market for the first time.
Another significant change also affected the designations of the individual weight classes: From 10/20/30 to 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 (3/4 ton), and 3500 (1-ton pickup). The Chevy C1500 was particularly popular and quickly became one of the best-selling pickup trucks in America.
With the introduction of the new C/K generation, the "Insta-Trac" system (a 4WD system) also found its way into the all-wheel-drive models. This now allowed switching from 4WD to 2WD (and vice versa) without stopping.
Chevrolet 454 SS
In 1990, Chevy introduced a high-performance variant of the GMT400, the C1500 Super Sport (aka 454SS) in onyx black. It was powered by a 7.4-liter V8 big-block engine with 230 hp and 522 Nm of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission (Turbo Hydra-Matic 400) and a rear axle ratio of 3.73 contributed to the car's performance.
Other 454SS equipment also included a chassis with 32 mm Bilstein gas shock absorbers and a 32 mm anti-roll bar on the front axle, a front carrier with fog lights, special rims, black painted radiator grille, bumpers and mirrors, stickers with the inscription "454SS" on the sides of the loading area and red emblems.
The interior of the SS pickup shone with special soft garnet red fabrics and black trim, as well as high-back sports bucket seats and a center console. The following year the 454SS was given an electronic four-speed automatic transmission (4L80E), 25 horsepower more, and a correspondingly higher torque of 549 Newton meters. The rear axle ratio was lowered to 4.10:1 and a tachometer was added to the dashboard.
The list price of the '90 model was $18,295 plus a $550 delivery fee. Chevrolet had ceased production of the 454SS after the '93 model year. A total of 16,953 units were sold during this period, of which 13,748 units were in the first year of production alone.
Engines
The respective model years of the Chevrolet C/K series (Gen. 4) were partly offered with different engines or performances. Also, not all engines (performance options) were generally available in the individual weight classes. The series was accompanied by an extensive range of engines, ranging from a 4.3-liter V6 (base engine) to a 6.5-liter V8 turbo diesel.
The fourth edition of the Chevy pickup was available with a four- and five-speed manual transmission and a three or four-speed automatic.
The End of the Chevrolet C/K Series
1999 was the last year of production of the GMT400 (Chevrolet C/K Series - Gen. 4 / as 2000 model year) in the USA. The new GMT800 platform, on the other hand, appeared as early as 1998 (as 99 model year), which was known as the Chevrolet Silverado (this time as a standalone model based on the C/K trim line) and GMC Sierra.
Only the robust C3500 HD continued to be produced until the year 2002 due to fleet demand. However, while the GMT400 platform was discontinued in the US, it continued in Brazil. There it continued to serve as the basis for vehicles powered by Chevrolet straight-six engines.
If you have a Chevrolet C or K series truck, chances are it’s going to become a classic one day so you should protect it as much as you can. For your protection needs, you should trust no other than Coverking since they are the official partner of most automotive manufacturers. You can find car covers, seat covers, dash covers, etc. made custom for each and every model Chevy ever built!
Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_C/K
- https://classiccars.fandom.com/wiki/Chevrolet_C/K
- https://planetterror.fandom.com/wiki/Chevrolet_C/K-Series
- https://www.chevrolet.com/new-roads/trucks/1962-chevy-ck-series-truck-legend
- https://www.chevytrucklegends.com/us/en/100-year-history-of-chevy-trucks.html
- https://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/top-5-chevy-pickups-of-all-time-1-1988-ck-pickup/
- https://www.velocityrestorations.com/blog/square-body-swan-song/
- https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/what-is-chevy-c10
- https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/433284
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
