Chevy Truck Manuals 1960-66
By Woogeroo
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     I started thinking back to when I first got my truck - a '65 C-10 Stepside LWB, and pondering which manuals I needed for my truck. I started finding out about when the changes were made to what and I started noticing how aggravating it was trying to get any straight answers out of the old truck guys (or maybe it was truck guys who were old ...). So, I did some kicking around on the 'Bolt here, the '60-'66 forum on chevytalk.com, and also asked some over on 67-72chevytrucks.com. I then 'scoured' the net and got the information presented here.

      The 1960 truck model year was designed one way and did not see major changes until the 1963 model year. Then in 1964, the windshield and doors were redesigned. In 1965 the colors of the wires in the electrical wiring harness were changed to the recently agreed upon national standard. On the 1966 model year truck, the emergency brake cable system is completely different from the previous five model years. These are a few reasons as to why you might want to get the appropriate manuals for your truck.

     You'll need to know what year model your truck is. If you need help with that, American Classic Truck Parts (as well as others) has a VIN decoder which can help. If you need help finding your VIN, come do a Stovebolt Google -- we have lots on information on VIN's - finding them, figuring them out, etc. Once you've got the year, start below with the column on the left. The column in the right shows which shop manuals that you will need for your year model truck.

      There is also a 1960 - 1966 Chevy Truck Factory Assembly manual. This manual has drawings and diagrams of many areas of the truck and show many details that can be handy when trying to restore or just fix things. The reprint of this manual has handy information, but can be a pain for finding things, as there are no page numbers nor an index for finding exactly what you are looking for. When you find things of interest, we suggest using a sticky note to mark it.

      Another Manual which is year specific is the Factory ACCESSORY Installation Manual.It covers all models for that year, not just trucks. It is very informative in the areas of the Heater and A/C electrical wiring. *

      Also, each year model truck had an Operators Manual for it, detailing what switches do what and other things. The different manuals mentioned above are sometimes available used at swap meets and on-line auction web sites. Or you can get new reprints from many vendors on-line. See our Lots O' Links page for vendors and publications (American Classic Truck Parts also carries shop manuals, owners manuals and factor assembly manuals for these years -- and others). Check our Swap Meet ... if your looking or selling. We have a "literature" section -- and it's free!!

      Although not a manual ... it is a FREEBIE! Call the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020. Ask for a "Restoration Package." They will ask for your VIN. This package is also helpful in decoding your VIN -- without any problems. It includes engineering specs for all the trucks produced in the specific year and a large list of parts suppliers. This also includes engine, transmission, and rear end codes. How's that for "Super Chevrolet service!"

      Each Chevrolet truck shop manual has a small code on the lower right corner of the front page: