1967-1972 GMC Pickup Model Differences

1967-1972 Model Differences

GMC 1/2 Ton Pickup Trucks

In 1967 GM started producing the GMC and Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup trucks on the same assembly lines to reduce cost. The light duty GMC trucks were built in the Chevrolet plants, while the medium and heavy duty trucks continued to be produced at GMC Plants. This was, in effect, the end of GMC as a separate small truck division and afterwards there were basically no differences between the two trucks except interior and exterior trim.

The one big visual difference between 1967-1972 GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks was the grill. GM must have decided they got the GMC grill right the first time because, unlike the 1967-1972 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup trucks, which radically changed grill design every 2 years, the GMC kept the same basic look of the grill for all 6 model years, with only subtle changes. Also, all 1967 through 1972 GMC models had dual headlights and parking lights mounted in the grill.

Like the Chevrolet pickup trucks of the same years, the 1967 through 1972 GMC 1/2 pickup trucks can be divided into three groups for identification purposes. These three groups are each comprised of 2 model years. Each 2-year group is similar in appearance and different from the other 2-year groups. However, the differences between these 2-year groups are more subtle than those of their Chevy siblings.

1967 and 1968 -Low angle hood front -Chrome rail attached to hood (if equipped)
1969 and 1970 -Steep angle hood front -Chrome rail attached to grill -Wide fender eyebrows -Grill all chrome
1971 and 1972 -Steep angle hood front -Chrome rail attached to grill -Wide fender eyebrows -Grill has black painted accents
The characteristics that distinguish one year from the other within the 2-year groups are detailed in the following table. The bullets to the left of each photo list the major visual characteristics for that year. The narrative below each model year describes some of the different trim levels and equipment options for that model year. The narratives do not detail all of the numerous trim levels and equipment options that were possible, they only serve to point out the major model differences.

1967 3Small Standard Rear Window 3Low Angle Hood Front 3"GMC" Letters Embossed in Grill 3No Side Markers 3No Top Rail on Grill
The 1967 model came in either short or long wheelbase with a stepside or fleetside box. In the stepside, a wood bed floor is standard. In the fleetside, a steel bed floor is standard and a wood bed floor is optional. Several trim levels are available. The top-of-the-line model has lower bright trim installed at lower body line. Standard engines are a 250 cubic inch 6 cylinder or a 283 cubic inch V8. Optional engines are a 292 cubic inch 6 cylinder or a 327 cubic inch V8. The pickup has a hand operated parking brake and drum brakes front and rear.
1968 3Large Rear Window 3"GMC" Letters on Hood 3Low Angle Hood Front 3Narrow Fender Eyebrows (if equipped) 3No Top Rail on Grill 3Front and Rear Side Markers
The 1968 model is almost identical to the 1967 pickup. The most obvious difference is the addition of side markers front and rear to comply with new traffic safety laws. The small rear window is discontinued. Some models have narrow fender eyebrows and chrome hood trim rail. The standard 283 cubic inch V8 was replaced by a 307 cubic inch V8. The 327 cubic inch V8 was still available, along with the new 396 cubic inch V8. The 1968 model still has a hand operated parking brake and drum brakes front and rear.
1969 3"GMC" Letters on Hood 3Steep Angle Hood Front 3Wide Fender Eyebrows 3Top Rail on Grill
The steep hood front, wide fender eyebrows, and the addition of a top rail on the grill distinguishes the 1969 from the previous year's models. The optional 327 cubic inch V8 was replaced by the 350 cubic inch V8. Upper and lower body trim was an option. The parking brake was changed from hand operated to foot operated but the brakes are still drum front and rear. GMC introduced a Super Custom model with slightly upgraded interior and exterior trim.
1970 3"GMC" Letters on Hood 3Steep Angle Hood Front 3Wide Fender Eyebrows 3Top Rail on Grill
The 1970 model is virtually identical to the 1969 model. The 396 cubic inch V8 was replaced with the 402 cubic inch V8 (called the 400). This is also the first model year to offer an optional tilt steering wheel. The 1970 model still has drum brakes front and rear.
1971 3"GMC" Letters on Hood 3Steep Angle Hood Front 3Wide Fender Eyebrows 3Top Rail on Grill 3Black Painted Accents on Grill
The only visually distinctive feature of the 1971 model is the black painted accents on the grill. 1971 was the first year for front wheel disk brakes.
1972 3"GMC" Letters on Hood 3Steep Angle Hood Front 3Wide Fender Eyebrows 3Top Rail on Grill 3Black Painted Accents on Grill
Viewed from the outside, the only visual differences between the 1971 and 1972 models is the rearview mirror is now glued to the windshield . Internal differences include a new door panel design and the addition of a strengthening screw on the inside of the door below the vent window division bar.