1966 Chevrolet Truck C-30 Pick-up review from North America

When I purchased this truck in 1985, it required a major brake overhaul.

Replaced ball joints, idler arm, and tie rod ends.

I experienced an electrical fire under the hood, that was caused by a damaged wire running from the positive battery terminal to the horn relay. I had to replace the entire engine wiring harness, horn relay, and voltage regulator. It only cost $80.00 to repair, but had to replace the alternator a few months later.

A brake hose failed when going down a long hill with a load. I was able to downshift and apply the emergency brake to stop it.

The left front wheel fell off one time while driving it, but it was my own fault. A few days earlier I had the wheel off to adjust the brakes, and was distracted. I forgot to tighten the lug nuts.

Engine blew at around 320,000. Found another 250 and was back on the road in three days. The total cost was slightly over $500.00.

The Muncie four speed transmission wore out at 340,000. Had some trouble locating another one, but found one in three weeks for $100.00.

Rust out finally forced this beast into retirement.

I purchased "Rusty", a 1966 C-30 in October 1985, for $300.00. It ran like a bear, and had 226,000 miles on it. I was starting a landscaping business, and needed a good heavy duty truck.

In the 14 years that I owned it, several things went wrong, but it was inexpensive and easy to repair.

It was not very comfortable on long trips, but it was a lot of fun to drive.

This truck was not very fast. It was really screaming at 70 mph. I rarely went any faster than 60 mph.

"Rusty" was a real head turner, most people had a look of disgust on their faces.

It won last place at a large car show in 1991. It was a real honor. In 1995, at the same show it won third place in it's class. There were only three vehicles present.

This truck could go anywhere. It never got stuck in mud or snow.

These trucks are very tough. Once it was hit in the rear end by a 1985 Buick. The Buick was totaled, and "Rusty" had no damage.

It sat outside for 4 1/2 years without being used, and took only 20 minutes to get it running.

When I purchased this C-30 for $300.00, I thought it would last a few years at best. Boy, was I wrong! It lasted 14 years, before it fell apart. I ended up selling it as a running parts truck for $275.00 in 1999. This was my very first truck, and sold me on them. I purchased a 1966 C-10 when I retired old "Rusty" in 1994.