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Fresh Outta The Barn: 1986 Chevrolet C10 Silverado

For many people, the attraction of treating a dusty and dirty barn find to a thorough clean can be an attractive proposition. That would seem to be the case with this 1986 Chevrolet Silverado Long Bed. Below the dust and dirt hides a pickup that appears to be in respectable condition. So, if a bit of good old-fashioned cleaning sounds like fun to you, then you will find the Pickup located in Dawsonville, Georgia, and listed for sale here on craigslist. The owner is asking $9,000 for this classic. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H for spotting this beauty for us.

It isn’t clear how long the Silverado Long Bed had been sitting in the barn, but I suspect that it might not have been that long. The layer of dust that is covering the vehicle isn’t that heavy. Delving below the dust, the Midnight Blue/Light Blue Metallic paint combination appears to be in relatively decent condition. I suspect that a wash and polish might have the Pickup presenting well. There is no rust present in the vehicle, with the cab corners, bed, and tailgate, all looking clean. The Chevy is fitted with tinted glass, and I can’t spot any problems with that. It would appear that the same is true of the trim and chrome.

Under the hood of the C-10 is a V8, and I think it might be the 305ci version. If so, it would produce 165hp and a respectable 240 ft/lbs of torque. This is backed by an automatic transmission, while the Pickup also features power steering and power brakes. It seems that the owner hasn’t done a lot to the vehicle mechanically since it came out of storage. However, he has dropped in a new battery, and the Chevy kicked straight back into life. It is said to run nicely, but it will need a thorough check before it is considered roadworthy. The only thing that worries me is the significant coolant stain that is visible on the radiator. It may be the result of nothing more than a longterm minor leak, but I would want to get to the bottom of it. Otherwise, a thorough clean should make a world of difference to the presentation of the engine bay.

The “break out the cleaning products” theme continues inside the Silverado. The owner describes the interior condition as perfect, and it seems that he might not be too far off the mark. It is dirty, there’s no denying that. Below that dirt is trim and upholstery that seems to be in good condition. There is no significant wear on the carpet, the upholstery on the seats and door trims look good, and there are no cracks or splits in the dash or pad. A deep clean might not make it perfect, but it will almost certainly leave the interior looking extremely presentable. There are no aftermarket additions, but there are a few excellent comfort features. The air conditioning is said to blow ice-cold, while cruise and an AM/FM radio should help to make life pleasant on the road.

There is something quite therapeutic about cleaning a dirty vehicle, and the result of hours of hard labor can be extremely rewarding. That is what this Silverado would seem to be offering its next owner. If you wander out today in search of a 1986 Chevrolet Silverado Long Bed, you will struggle to find anything respectable for under $15,000. This one is well below that sort of figure, and it would seem to need little more than some elbow grease to have it presenting well. If it hasn’t been sitting for years, its mechanical needs could also be minimal. That has to make it a Pickup that is worth a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    Looks like a decent pickup for the price; all it needs is a good detailing in and out. I’ve never cared for those running boards, though; they spoil the clean lines of an otherwise nice looking truck and to me they look cheap. I miss the days when two-tone trucks like this one were popular, unlike todays pickups where it seems everybody and his mother has a black, gray, bronze, or white one. Clean vintage pickups are bringing good money these days and I can see prices continuing to climb. If you’ve always wanted a vintage pickup, this could fit the bill. Maybe you can get the seller down a bit on price with a little luck, too.

    Like 4
    • HoA Howard A Member

      Yeah, like maybe $5 grand down. I know, it just makes mine look better, and I think the staff posts these pickups to give me a boost, and I’ll say it everytime one of these comes up, I wouldn’t pay more than a couple grand for one. By the looks of it, this truck like this will need everything, I just got done with all that. Carb, water pump, PS pump, fuel pump and starter,( don’t forget the shims),,oh, and a heater fan, all well worthwhile repairs, it’s totally dependable again, and AZ had all the parts, but you’ll get to know the counter person by their 1st name.

      Like 3
  2. Avatar Steve R

    It’s nice, but pricey for fresh out of the barn low option long bed that probably has a 305.

    Steve R

    Like 3
  3. Avatar angliagt Member

    I actually saw a fairly new Chevy pickup in a
    two-tone red/white combo.Looked good.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Paolo

    My 1993 Chevy K1500 Silverado is really just a newer version of this one (except mine is a 4×4) I even have the same running boards! Because mine is higher off the ground running boards are necessary to climb up inside though I’m thinking about replacing them with newer ones.
    This one has only 90,000 miles and looks rust and damage free. If you buy it just do all the usual maintenance things and clean it up. If you take care of it and don’t abuse it or pile up lots of miles it will last you forever. You won’t need to replace it. It might be a little high at $9,000 but think about it for a second. What are new full sized trucks selling for? A whole lot of money. What do truck buyers complain about the most, besides the price? They complain about all of the extra stuff manufacturers are cramming into new trucks that the buyers say they don’t want. A new 2020 Chevy Silverado starts at $34K.
    New trucks are nice and all “gee-whiz” but if all you need and want is a regular pickup truck this one fits the bill nicely and with a little style.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Matt

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/264881588834

    This is my 86 long bed with a 6.2 Detroit diesel with only 74,000 actual miles fresh out of the garage its been in since the late 2000s its in ebay decided to sell it I think its a little nicer then this one

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Bob Mck

    If I needed another truck, I would try to negotiate a deal.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Poncho

    Already on a U-Haul car trailer, so someone is flipping it. I have an 87 4X4 short-bed 350 auto w/overdrive in the same colors as this one. The 350 and auto w/overdrive made a big difference in gas mileage.

    Like 1

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