Antique 1960 Chevy Apache 20 Custom Trim 3/4 Ton Step Side Pickup Fully Restored

Only the 1960 and 1961 Chevrolet pickups had the front styling shown on this 1961 C10 Fleetside pickup. The only appearance to differentiate between the 1960 and 1961 trucks were that the parking light ovals were open around the spinners in 1961 whereas in the 1960 models this area was entirely closed. The C1434 truck shown is powered by the 283 cubic inch Trademaster V-8 engine. Its transmission is the Powerglide (Photo: Don Bunn)

GVWs for the half-ton 4 wheel drive models was increased to 5,200 lbs. from 5,000 lbs.

Model Series designations for 1960 were completely revised. The new system began with a letter prefix. For example, "C" prefix indicated a conventional cab; a "K" indicated a 4 wheel drive model; a "P" model was forward control; an "L" was a low cab forward; an "S" was a school bus and an "M" was a tandem.

A half-ton pickup was now either a model C1404 or C1434. The "C" designated a conventional cab; the "1" half-ton; the "4" a 6 1/2-foot body and the "04" and "34" were for Stepside or Fleetside body types.

The C/K designation became well known over the years and continued in use through the 1997 model year.

The Greenwood, E Volunteer Fire Dept. owned this 1963 K2534 3/4-ton Chevrolet Fleetside 4x4 brush fire pickup. It had a 250-gallon water tank and a 300 gpm pump. It was rated for a max payload of 3300 lbs. Its standard engine was the 230 six (Photo: Don Bunn)

The half-ton and 3/4-ton cab models utilized a new, rop-center, -type frame assembly. This construction was necessary to beef up the frame because of the new four-wheel independent suspension system, specially for the front torsion bars. The new frame construction coupled with the new cab styling, hich was 3.88-inches lower than the previous cab, educed overall vehicle height by up to seven inches. This substantial reduction in height provided a lower center of gravity and improved vehicle stability. A second benefit of the reduced height was the lower seat-to-ground dimension, hich made the cab entrance and exit easier.

The new cab dimensions resulted in greater driver and passenger comfort. Cab width (hip room) was increased by 5.8 inches; shoulder room by 5.1 inches; interior height by 1.3-inches and legroom by 1.9-inches. For all-around visibility for easier, afer driving Chevrolet engineers offered an extra-large rear window as an option on all pickups. The "dog leg" windshield returned for 1960 except that it was wider and higher. Total glass area was increased 263 square inches. Side door glass and ventipanes were reduced because of the new styling.

Chevrolet pickups were given a restyled grille for 1964. It's a little difficult to detect in this photo but its top grille bar has the Chevrolet name displayed in black block letters. This grille continued through 1966. One has to distinguish between model years by the location of the model numberplate seen here on the lower section of the front fenders. A 1964 model C1534 half-ton Fleetside pickups is shown. (Photo: AAMA)

All 1960 Chevrolet trucks, ncluding mediums and heavy-duties, eatured new independent front suspensions with the exception of 4 wheel drive and forward control models. The pickup's front springing was by extra heavy and durable torsion bars while rear springing for half- and 3/4-ton pickups employed coil springs. One-ton pickups retained the use of leaf springs in the rear but with torsion bars in the front.