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California Farm Truck! 1970 Chevrolet SWB 4×4

Select upgrades and replacement parts have this 1970 Chevrolet C10 4×4 in “running and driving project” status. The claimed long-time California vehicle now hails from Mays Landing, New Jersey, and can be yours with an acceptable high bid here on eBay. At least four bidders got the party started, exceeding $8500 with about two days to go. The short wheelbase 4×4 combo is highly desirable, and the seller claims it left the factory as such. The four-inch lift and 33-inch tires give this rig a purposeful look. The ubiquitous 350 V8 spins a three-speed manual transmission, and an additional four-speed comes with the sale. The stated 125,298 miles may well be accurate.

A reportedly new bench seat in the non-original but available-in-’70 Highlander plaid should keep seat springs out of your posterior, and new door panels (not installed) will help as well. The “Flowmaster” sticker on the dashboard will impress all your high school friends. Originally three-speed column-shifted, the truck gained a floor shifter at some point. Apologies to anyone riding the center seat when you invade their personal space on those rearward throws. New engine and dashboard wiring harnesses should power lights and accessories as good as new after they are, well, deciphered and connected properly. Time to order a dash pad too; that original is more baked than Snoop-Dogg on a Saturday night.

That bumper could tell some stories as sure as a wild goose never laid a tame egg. The sliding rear window lets in some wind noise but makes it handy to exchange 12 oz cylindrical objects with your ranch hands in the bed, subject to prevailing laws, of course.

Chevy built over 250 million 350 cid (5.7L) engines between 1967 and 2002, according to LinkedIn, and there’s no better choice for cheap power. Aftermarket parts likely added some ponies to this C10’s herd. If you’re wondering, the “C10” (two-wheel-drive) badges and the “K” VIN, was standard some years including 1970, even though 4×4 meant “K” going back to the ’60s, as discussed here on CarGurus. Check out the non-power brakes! That must be fun counteracting the rotational mass of the beefy tires.

A sturdy 12-bolt rear end filled with 3.73 gears should get those 33s moving with acceptable acceleration and highway engine RPM. Did I install that brake line? The “don’t touch any metal” strategy usually occurs after you replaced a line that wouldn’t have rusted through if it hadn’t been in contact with a moisture-holding factory clip. Check out those lift blocks and you realize why a body lift does zero for ground clearance. The benefit is secondary, letting you fit bigger tires. Only tires raise your mechanical bits. Would you continue improving this old Chevy or just keep racking up the miles?

Comments

  1. Davey Boy

    Looking at all the pictures in the description and man this is a nice truck. Worth top dollar. Sure would be nice in my driveway.

    Like 7
  2. B-rian

    I don’t see a power steering pump, and it might just be 4 wheel drum brakes? You better eat your wheaties before you take this one out! Not that I wouldn’t take it if someone bought it for me…

    Like 2
    • Jim Riche’

      Look closely, the PWS pump is below the Alt, just left….enlarge the pic!

      Like 0
  3. John Podwats

    Looks like it’s been in New Jersey too long.

    Like 3
  4. Elroythekid

    Needs drivers side cab mounts by the looks of it, body line doesn’t match tho it does on the passenger side. North Eastern salt is starting to get to it, I’d pass and look farther south at that price. Once it starts like that it’s hard to control. I got my square body out in the desert in California, lots of mechanical work required, but the body is absolutely rust free.

    Like 3
  5. Harvey Harvey Member

    Very nice, shouldn’t a C10 be a 2wheel drive?

    Like 0
  6. Todd Fitch Staff

    Bid to $9100 USD, Reserve Not Met

    Like 0

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