The 1967-72 Chevrolet and GMC trucks were dubbed “Action Line,” though few enthusiasts still use that name for it today. The “Action Line” generation further modernized Chevy and GMC trucks with new styling and comfort options such as coil spring rear suspension. Chevrolet introduced the Cheyenne, and GMC debuted the Sierra trim level.
• 1967:
* 1967 was the first model year of a new six-year truck series and the last year without federally mandated side marker lights. Due to the late implementation of these regulations, the 1967 models were uniquely produced with stamped rectangular holes to accommodate aftermarket marker lights, unlike subsequent years in the series.
* Wing vent handles were carried over from the 1960-66 models. Consequently, the vent glass for the 1967 model year is unique, as GM did not introduce glass with a hole for the wing vent hardware until 1968.
* GM offered both small and large rear window cab options for the 1967 model year.
* The park brake handle, located at the left under the dash, continued to be used, a system that had been in place since 1955.
* The top-of-the-line Chevrolet pickups were referred to as the CST (Custom Sport Truck).
* Doors on the 1967-72 body style were interchangeable, but the 1972 units had a specific modification at the wing vent post.
* With few exceptions, Chevrolet ½ and ¾ tons used rear coil springs, while most GMCs had rear leaf springs (which were an option on Chevrolets).
* The wood bottom stepbed pickup remained available in ½, ¾, and 1-ton sizes with various wheelbases and was the base price pickup. Horizontal side trim was not offered on this body style.
* Wood bed bottoms were still an option on all fleetside pickups and were painted the body color.
• 1968:
* GM introduced vent window glass with a hole to accommodate the wing vent hardware.
* A 50th Anniversary package for Chevrolet trucks featured a distinctive white-gold-white paint scheme.
* The “Longhorn” ¾ ton pickup debuted, featuring a 133-inch wheelbase and a bed extended by 6 inches. All Longhorn models (¾ and 1 ton) had leaf-type rear suspension. Chevrolet Longhorns featured a chrome “Longhorn” emblem, while GMC equivalents (introduced later) displayed a “Custom Camper” emblem.
* The small rear window cab option became exclusive to the C-60 (2-ton) truck and remained so through 1972.
• 1969: The short wheelbase K5 Blazer (Chevrolet) and GMC Jimmy (GMC) both debuted.
• 1969 (Late): The park brake activation changed from a hand lever under the dash to a foot pedal located on the left side of the floor, a position reminiscent of GM light trucks from 1948-55 (1st series).
• 1970:
* The 396 cubic inch big block V8 engine in Chevrolet trucks was enlarged to 402 cubic inches but was still marketed as a “396.”
* The factory-installed AM-FM radio became available in trucks for the first time. It featured a single under-dash speaker and was not a stereo unit.
* The panel truck with double rear doors, a staple since the early 1920s, had its final production year for both Chevrolet and GMC, likely due to the increasing popularity of vans.
* The top-of-the-line Chevrolet pickups continued to be referred to as the CST (Custom Sport Truck).
• 1971:
* Front disc brakes became standard on all light-duty trucks, a significant safety upgrade. This change also resulted in a switch in the wheel bolt pattern for ½-ton trucks from 6 to 5 holes, leading to the use of pre-existing 15-inch wheels from larger GM cars. A small reflective decal was placed on the left corner of the tailgate of ½-ton trucks to advertise this new feature.
* Chevrolet introduced the Cheyenne comfort trim package as their new top-of-the-line offering, featuring a luxurious vinyl interior and wood grain exterior trim. GMC introduced its equivalent, the Sierra trim package.
• 1972:
* Rear air conditioning made its first appearance on the Suburban body style. It was a recirculating unit with its own independent controls.
* The inside rearview mirror began to be attached directly to the windshield.
* Chevrolet introduced a limited-edition promotional pickup called the “Highlander,” available in ½, ¾, and 1-ton models. It lacked distinctive exterior badging, with the “Highlander” name only appearing on the glove box door’s inside ID sheet.
* An even more deluxe interior option for Chevrolet pickups was introduced, the Cheyenne Super, featuring cloth pleated houndstooth pattern seat covers and “Super” emblems.
* GMC’s top-of-the-line model became the Sierra Grande, largely identical to the Chevrolet Cheyenne Super.
* The doors for the 1972 model year had a slight design change at the wing vent post, featuring a ¼-inch dimple and an added horizontal screw for improved durability. Interior door panel hole patterns were also different.
* The rally wheels commonly seen on restored 1971-72 ½-ton trucks are actually from the 1973 and newer models. Full wheel covers were the optional upgrade on deluxe trucks.