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Silverado Survivor: 20k Mile 1978 Chevrolet K30

This 1978 Chevy Silverado pickup is an impressive survivor-grade specimen, with under 20,000 original miles and presenting as being in as-new condition. Bidding has already jumped to over $14,000 with the reserve unmet. The body, interior, and engine bay all look like new, and the seller recounts that the previous owners were an older couple that clearly didn’t log huge annual mileage. Find it here on eBay and located in Oregon.

The details are pretty impressive with this truck, from the condition of the paint to the high-end bed topper to the glistening aftermarket wheels. The tweaks made to the truck were all done quite nicely, right down to the side steps that are period-correct and not sporting much in the way of cosmetic damage despite being stepped on daily. The Chevy is optioned with the eight-foot bed and single rear wheels.

The interior is wonderful, with an untorn bench seat and nicely preserved plastics everywhere you look. All carpeting and glass is original, and the seller claims it still smells new. The truck does not exhibit any odd rattles or other untoward signs of age – the carpets have never been shampooed, they just look like new. The Chevy has been in long-term family ownership until sold by the nephew of the original owner.

Being a Pacific Northwest truck all of its life, the underside remains corrosion-free. The truck is equipped with the 400 V8, four-wheel-drive, heavy-duty three-speed automatic, and was undercoated by Rusty Jones before it left the showroom. While everyone is crowing about short beds, this survivor-grade Silverado makes a compelling argument for considering a long bed Chevy truck in outstanding condition.

Comments

  1. Avatar CapNemo

    Stunning example. An actual usable size bed to boot. I hope he gets the money he wants.

    Like 11
    • Avatar glen

      “usable size bed” says it all, and 4wd, to boot.

      Like 4
  2. Avatar poseur Member

    400/400 4wd time capsule from when trucks were trucks!
    9200 gvw camper or trailer special with HD front/rear springs…nicely optioned.
    should bring around $25k.
    we had an ’80(?) camper special with same color combo that had 10k badges proudly displayed on the b-pillar.
    rode like a log-truck but was seriously HD for the day with PDL, PW, tilt and AC options.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Larry

    Nothing to complain about on this one. Except how much it’s probably going to cost to win the auction. Nice truck.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar chris VanWoert

    Thats NOT a ’78 Steering Wheel…its a “81 or newer….

    Like 0
  5. Avatar geomechs Member

    We sold a couple of these back in the day. Nice trucks but you need to wear a helmet or use a seatbelt (or both). Also a good idea make sure your fillings are anchored down or use lots of polygrip. That leaf sprung front axle is rough. It will bounce the daylights out of you.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar CanuckCarGuy

    That long box really highlights the colour and the ride height…beautiful looking truck. Short bed, long bed, coupe, sedan or wagon…doesn’t matter to me, as long as the proportions and colours are right for the configuration.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar PatM Member

    Does anyone know if the painted wood in the bed is riginal or if it has been repainted?

    Like 1
    • Avatar poseur Member

      good eye, i missed that as i’ve never seen one with anything other than metal of this vintage.
      glove box sticker says it has E81 Wood Floor option so it must be factory

      Like 3
    • Avatar Square Body Freak

      I have a 79 K30 Crew with a factory wood floor. In those years you could pick steel or wood

      Like 0
      • Avatar geomechs Member

        It seems to me that ‘78 was the last year that wood was available.

        Like 1
  8. Avatar David G

    Ad is a little confusing. “Lived in Oregon for most of it’s whole life”. Guess that could mean more than half of it’s 41 years? Bought and rust proofed in Wisconsin. Has been repainted, and has a ton of spot welds in driver’s door jamb below data plate. Door strikers are not painted body color from the factory, either. Two options missing for the most part, a tilt wheel and 454 engine (which is available in the K-30 trucks). Truck is absolutely stunning, and should easily go for 25k or higher.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Tony L

      Almost true. GM did not offer a 454 in the K series until 1981.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar Comet

    The wood bed is a bit strange. I was told they provided better footing for livestock. Nice truck.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Jim Turner

    I have one of these-same color-same year. Mine does not have those spot welds below data plate. Whoever painted on it was good. Nice truck.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Bob

    Damn nice truck! I had a 78 2wd short bed, but always longed for the 4wd. If I was in the market, I would buy it and bring it back to Wisconsin!

    Like 0

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