Produced from 1967 to 1972, Chevrolet’s second generation C- and K-series trucks were given a new, more modern look to go along with their new nickname of “Action Line”, and while the previous generation had been designed primarily as work trucks, the new models featured comfort and convenience items to make driving easier and more enjoyable. Built at GM’s Fremont Assembly plant in California, this 1969 Chevrolet CST-20 Custom Camper has been fully restored inside and out. The CST models, which stood for Custom Sport Truck, were the top of the line C-series trucks in terms of trim and featured, lower body side mouldings with woodgrain inserts, woodgrain tailgate panel, chromed front bumper, bright control knobs and pedal trim, chrome rear window trim, wing vent trim, and windshield moulding trim, chrome tail light trim, door operated dome light switches, special insulation, and a bright fuel filler cap, among others. Originally powered by an optional LS8 350ci V8, this C20 is now powered by a GM Goodwrench 350ci V8 crate motor mated to a factory optional Turbo-Hydramatic TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, and has been upgraded with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake, as well as a set of Hedman headers, HEI ignition, chrome air cleaner, aluminum radiator, sperpentine pulley system, and a new battery. Inside the cab, the upholstery has been redone in the original black vinyl, and features factory-ordered air conditioning, as well as power brakes and power steering and although originally ordered with a pushbuttom AM radio, the truck now features a Custom AutoSound AM/FM radio in the dash along with custom kick panel speakers. Originally white and olive green, the two-tone exterior has been restored to original and shows wonderfully and the bed features a rare factory optional wood lined floor. Other factory options also include air conditioning, power brakes, and power steering, along with chrome rear view mirrors, anti-glare interior rearview mirror, and a gauge package consisting of an ammeter and oil pressure gauge, along with an optional chrome rear bumper. Additionally, the Custom Camper nameplate was available as an optional replacement for the standard nameplate on the front fenders and indicated that required chassis options had been ordered to “properly equip it for maximum stress and weight-carrying ability in camper service”. Those options, present on this truck, were options F59, front stabilizer bar, G50, heavy-duty rear springs, G60, auxiliary rear springs, and F51, heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers. Not required for the camper designation but also ordered on this truck was option F60, heavy-duty front springs. The truck rides on a set of nearly new Hankook Dynapro HT 235/70R16 mounted on a set of chrome late-model Chevrolet truck wheels which give the truck a slight but very tasteful resto-mod look. Although not necessarily rare, CST-models are highly desirable today simply because of the attractive options they came with and as the top of the line models, are decidedly less common than their standard trim counterparts. Combined with the other options this truck was ordered with and this truck definitely stands out as a rare truck that has been excellently restored. Overall, this ’69 Custom Camper looks and runs great and is truly a special truck among second generation C-series Chevrolets.
