Why the ’67 to ’72 “Action Line” Rules the Classic-Truck Scene
Ask any truck forum which C10 years deserve the most love and you’ll hear the same answer: 1967 through 1972. Chevrolet called this second-generation C/K series the Action Line, while GMC offered nearly identical twins. Crisp body lines, a smoother coil-spring ride, and endless trim options make these pickups the sweet spot between vintage charm and modern drivability, exactly the kind of canvas Fesler parts are built for.
Year-by-Year Evolution (Key Differences Explained)
- 1967 debuted with no side-marker lamps and a car-like coil-spring rear suspension. These minimalist first-year trucks are coveted by purists.
- 1968 added federally mandated side-markers and an optional 327 ci V8. The ultra-rare 50th-Anniversary gold and white paint scheme is the big score.
- 1969 introduced the bold “egg crate” grille, the Buddy Bucket seat option, and the first factory in-dash tachometer.
- 1970 made the 350 ci small-block standard and launched the Custom Sport Truck (CST) trim with wood-grain dash inserts; GMC answered with the Super Custom.
- 1971 changed the game by making front disc brakes standard and unveiling the upscale Cheyenne package.
- 1972 wrapped up the Action Line with better cab insulation, a beefier front sway bar, and the highest horsepower ratings of the run. Many owners consider it the most refined C10 ever built.
Chevy vs. GMC — Same Skeleton, Different Personality
Under the skin, Chevy and GMC share frames, beds, and cabs. GMCs often came with beefier leaf springs and more upscale badging. If the dream is a Cheyenne Super short-bed, chase a Chevy. If rarity is the goal, the GMC Sierra Grande badge will turn more heads at cruise night.
Five Hidden Gems Most Buyers Overlook
- Buddy Bucket seats (’69-’72) — factory 40 / 20 / 40 buckets that fit modern consoles perfectly.
- Custom Camper package — heavier springs and a three-core radiator, ideal for towing your restomod.
- Factory tach and vacuum gauges — plug-and-play into any ’67-’72 dash for instant muscle-car vibes.
- Kelsey-Hayes disc-brake rally wheels — original to ’71-’72 but bolt straight onto earlier models.
- 292 ci inline-six — smooth, torquey, and now a trending turbo platform that keeps the hood badge honest.
Modern Upgrades That Respect the Classic Look
- Fesler Flush-Mount Glass eliminates bulky rubber gaskets while maintaining OE dimensions.
- Fesler Door Panels are CAD-modeled fiberglass with billet trim and stealth speaker mounts — zero guesswork fit.
- Hidden HVAC systems, paired with Fesler billet vents, tame Phoenix summers in style.
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LED headlamps in stock buckets cut current draw without losing the vintage face.
- Billet door handles and arm rest
What These Trucks Cost Today (Market snapshot: May 2025)
Driver-quality long-beds built between 1967 and 1970 typically trade hands for 12 000 to 25 000 USD. Highly optioned 1971-1972 Cheyenne Super short-beds sit comfortably in the 35 000 to 60 000 USD range. Full resto mods — think LS power, big brakes, coil-overs, and a cartful of Fesler upgrades — regularly crest 80 000 USD at auction.
Every once in a while the stars align. A Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace listing pops up where the seller has not noticed how much these trucks have appreciated. Scoring one takes impeccable timing, a dash of luck, and the willingness to drop everything for the right road trip, but the unicorn deals are still out there.
No matter the price, inspect cab mounts for rust, verify the VIN against the glove-box SPID label, and look for frame kinks behind the cab, especially on trucks that were lowered the wrong way.
Finish Your Action Line Build the Fesler Way
From a patina’d 1968 shop truck to a concours-level 1972 showpiece, the right parts separate “nice pickup” from “how did you do that?” Fesler USA engineers flush-mount glass, billet trim, and custom interiors that honor GM heritage while catapulting fit and finish into modern territory. Browse the Parts & Upgrades section at shopFesler.com and see how we can help your C10 or GMC stand out on the boulevard or at the Barrett-Jackson block.
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